Mountain Biking in India
Overview
The trek to Maenam peak (3200m) has been included to offer a change in the program and also because Maenam offers a truly a fascinating and awesome view of the Sikkimese Himalayas.This is one of our less challenging Mountain bike itineraries; you don't have to be an expert mountain biker to join this tour. However it is still a very interesting tour that gives you not only a chance to ride your bike in the Himalayas but also to experience Sikkimese culture and Tibetan Buddhism.
The best time to experience Sikkim by mountain bike would be March-May and October- December.
Trip Facts
- Trip length: 15 Days
- Grade: Easy
- Starts in: Gangtok
- Ends in: Bagdogra
- Group size: Maximum 12
- Accommodation: Hotel and camping
- Transportation: Mountain bike, back-up jeep
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Altitude maximum: 3200m
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Gangtok
Day 02 - Gangtok to Ranka - Martam [Bike] Dist : 29 km
Day 03 - Martam to Siriwani [Bike] Dist : 30 km
Day 04 - Siriwani to Temi [Bike] Dist : 27km
Day 05 - Temi to Rabongla [Bike] Dist : 26 km
Day 06 - Rabongla to Maenam [Trek] Dist : 14 km
Day 07 - Maenam to Borong [Trek] Dist : 12 km
Day 08 - Borong to Tashiding [Bike] Dist : 39 km
Day 09 - Tashiding to Yuksom [Bike] Dist : 32 km
Day 10 - Yuksom to Kheocheplari [Bike] Dist : 25 km
Day 11 - Kheocheplari to Pemayangtse [Bike] Dist : 33 km
Day 12 - Pemayangtse/Pelling [Rest Day]
Day 13 - Pemayangtse to Rinchenpong [Bike] Dist : 45 km
Day 14 - Rinchenpong to Jorethang [Bike] Dist : 33 km
Day 15 - Jorethang to Bagdogra [Drive] Dist : 95 km
Detail Itinerary
DAY 01 ARRIVE GANGTOK
Meet, assist and transfer from Bagdogra airport or from the Nepal border and drive 4 hrs through the beautiful Teesta valley to Gangtok. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 02 GANGTOK TO RANKA - MARTAM (BIKE) DIST: 29 KM
The first day of Biking will start with a slight downhill route to a mountain stream and then level before a gradual climb through Rumtek and then to Martam (1525m). Overnight in the Martam Village Resort is an experience of the typical Sikkimese countryside with modern amenities.
DAY 03 MARTAM TO SIRIWANI (BIKE) DIST: 30 KM
The trail goes through stretches of terraced paddy fields and after a downhill ride we camp along Teesta River at Siriwani. Overnight tents.
DAY 04 SIRIWANI TO TEMI (BIKE) DIST: 27 KM
The route for this day is uphill all the way to Temi (1675m) which is the only tea garden in Sikkim here we get a chance to ride in the beautiful tea gardens. Overnight in lodge/tent near the tea garden.
DAY 05 TEMI TO RABONGLA (BIKE) DIST: 26 KM
A gradual climb up to Damthang (2133m) and level and gradual downhill drive to Rabongla (1981m) a small picturesque town of South Sikkim. Overnight in lodges/tents.
DAY 06 RABONGLA TO MAENAM (TREK) DIST: 14 KM
Trek through the dense forest-an experience of the wilderness, as there is no human settlements en-route. The view from Maenam Peak (3200m) is the most spectacular and comprehensive that one gets of the Sikkimese Himalayas. Overnight in tents.
DAY 07 MAENAM TO BORONG (TREK) DIST: 12 KM
The return from Maenam is fairly easy downhill walk to Borong (1830m). Overnight in tents in the village.
DAY 08 BORONG TO TASHIDING (BIKE) DIST: 39 KM
A level route through Ralang where you can visit the monasteries and a gradual climb to Ravongla. From there it is downhill to the Rangit Valley followed by a 13 kilometre climb to Tashiding. Overnight in tents/Siniolchu Guest House.
DAY 09 TASHIDING TO YUKSOM (BIKE) DIST: 32 KM
A levelled ride through the cardamom fields and some breathtaking views it reaches Yuksom, the trekking base for all treks to Kanchenjunga. Overnight in tents/lodges.
DAY 10 YUKSOM TO KHEOCHEPLARI (BIKE) DIST: 25 KM
A distinctive area in the Sikkim geography, slight down hill ride and a steep climb on the second half of the route. Lepcha community settlements and rich forested and traditional ambience.
DAY 11 KHEOCHEPLARI TO PEMAYANGTSE (BIKE) DIST: 33 KM
A steep down hill ride and en-route several water falls and fresh mountain streams the hard ride is rewarding. Pelling command spectacular views of the great Himalayas. Overnight in tents/Lodges.
DAY 12 PEMAYANGTSE/PELLING (REST DAY)
The rest day helps you to recharge for the rest of the journey and also to visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, Walk leisurely to Sangachoeling monastery and the old palace ruins of Rabdentse. Overnight at Lodges/tents.
DAY 13 PEMAYANGTSE TO RINCHENPONG (BIKE) DIST: 45 KM
Descend to Dentam and a gradual climb ending with a down hill or rather straight ride to Rinchenpong. Overnight at Rinchenpong Village Resort.
DAY 14 RINCHENPONG TO JORETHANG (BIKE) DIST: 33 KM
A downhill ride amongst the ancient villages and countryside of the western Sikkim and downhill ride to reach Jorethang. Overnight in lodges.
DAY 15 JORETHANG TO BAGDOGRA (DRIVE) DIST: 95 KM
A 4 hr drive to Bagdogra Airport to catch the return flight to your next destination from Bagdogra Airport.