Mountain Biking in Sikkim

Boasting the unsurpassed opulence of nature, Sikkim is one of the most attractive and intact regions around the country. This north eastern state renders an unsurpassed opportunity to the travelers to get drenched into nature's exquisiteness. The soaring high mountains invite tourists in its snow-covered peaks, gushing streams, lush Rhododendron trees verdant slopes and shimmering orchids. In addition to this, the hilltop monasteries allow travelers to explore the vivacious culture of the region. Sikkim also offers the breathtaking views of imposing Kanchenjunga Peak. Sikkim is no less an empyrean when it comes to adventure. One of the most preferred and enthralling adventure activity to carry out here is mountain biking.

This 09 Nights and 10 Days itinerary takes the tourists to a comprehensive mountain biking tour to Sikkim. The tour takes the adventurers to spellbinding places such as Gangtok, Martam, Temi, Ravangla, Tashiding, Yuksam, Pemayangtse and Darjeeling. This tour is ideal option to explore virgin beauty of Sikkim in a thrilling way.

Day 01: Bagdogra - Gangtok (134 kms/4 hrs approx)

On arrival at Bagdogra airport, meet our tour executive and drive towards Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Stop at Rangpo (Border of Sikkim & Darjeeling) for check up the documents/Passport & visa. On arrival at Gangtok, check in at your already booked hotel. Later in the evening, ride your bike nearby your hotel and get acclimatise. An overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

Day 02: Gangtok - Martam Village (35 kms/1363 mts)

In the morning after breakfast, meet our guide and after briefing start your biking trip to Martam Village via Rani Khola & Rumtek Monastery. En-route, visit the Rumtek Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery in the Eastern Himalaya. It is the seat of the Kagyu-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism founded in the 11th century. Enjoy an overnight stay in the Martam village.

Day 03: Martam- Temi (34 kms/1448mts)

After breakfast in the morning, we will take a ride to Temi. It is a downhill ride till Sirwani Bridge. Temi is synonymous with Tea Garden, which is the sole tea estate in Sikkim. Temi Tea Garden sprawls on a moderate hill slope along the highway, covering an area of 435 acres. This garden also touches the bottom of the renowned Tendong Hill in West Sikkim district. Temi Tea Garden has made its mark in the International tea markets. The Garden produces the finest quality of tea, which is famous for its taste combined with fragrant aroma. After exploring the garden, return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Temi Tea Garden - Ravangla (28 kms/2040mts)

In the morning, one can visit the Temi Tea Garden for seeing how tea is made out of leaves. Later, start your biking tour to Ravangla. It's relaxing journey through Damthang. On the way, one can explore the Ravalang monastery. As per records, the monastery was constructed post the pilgrimage of the fourth Chogyal. After his return, the Karmapa performed the blessing. The grains that he threw from the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet (the main seat of Karmapa) fell on the ground of Ralang and were witnessed by devotees. As such, it became the site for the Ralang Monastery. Reconstruction work was carried out in this monastery by the government between the periods of 1975 -81. This old Ralang Monastery is one of the most significant and blessed monasteries in Sikkim following the Kagyupa custom. Enjoy an overnight stay in guest house.

Day 05: Ravangla - Tashiding (40 kms/1470mts)

After breakfast in the morning, we will start our ride towards Tashiding. Today, we will take a moderate ride that goes downward to Legship. Enjoy a night stay in the guest house.

Day 06: Tashiding - Yuksam (32 kms)

In the morning, we will visit the Tashiding monastery, which is one of the most famed monasteries of the state and is situated around 40 km away from Ravangla. It was constructed in the year 1716. The annual festival of 'Bumchu' is celebrated in this monastery. On this festival, there is a custom of opening the barrel filled with holy water. The level of water seen at the opening of the barrel is an indication of the kind of year that will follow. An overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Yuksam - Pemayangtse (45 kms/2085mts)

Today, after breakfast in the morning, we will start our ride towards Pemayangtse. It is a steady ascending ride to Pemayangtse that will take you to a vertical descent into Rimbi Valley. While going, you can visit the holy Khichepheri Lake that is well surrounded with picturesque gorge, thick forest, murmuring waterfalls and farm land. An overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 08: Pemayangtse - Darjeeling (110 kms)

After breakfast in the morning, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. Thereafter, we will drive towards Darjeeling (Hill Queen of west Bengal). On arrival, check in at the hotel to enjoy an overnight stay.

Day 09: Darjeeling - Tiger Hill

Today early in the morning, we will drive to Tiger Hill to for an extraordinary experience of the first rays of the sun bathing the Himalayas. On return back to the hotel, we will visit the Ghoom Monastery. Built in 1875, this monastery follows the Gelugpa sect and houses one of the largest statue of the Maitreya Buddha-"the future Buddha". Thereafter, enjoy delicious breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast, we will drive to Darjeeling Railway Station (10 mins) and take the joyride on the famous heritage toy train till Ghoom. On arrival at Ghoom Railway station, we will transfer you to your vehicle and visit the Himalayan Zoo, which houses the Himalayan fauna like the Red Panda, black bear, yaks, tigers, snow leopard etc. in their ordinary environment, and the neighbouring Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - a premier training centre for mountaineers and a museum detailing the ascent of the Mt. Everest by Tenzing Sherpa & Sir Edmund Hillary and numerous other expeditions. Also, we will visit Tibetan Self Help Centre, a centre of training young people in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms. The sales emporium is open to visitors to pick up souvenirs. Later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.