2023 Sikkim. India without the crowds

Description

We have been riding motorcycles in India for 16 years. First, of course, it was Ladakh, which is beautiful, but already overrun by motorcyclists. Mountains are in all our offers, we love the combination of snowy peaks and motorbikes, but it is also a place where we want some peace and solitude. Even when traveling in a group. So we moved from India to Pakistan. However, we remembered that there is a tiny state in India, a former Buddhist kingdom that has wonderful mountains, interesting history and culture.

Few know Sikkim. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, is associated by many. but mainly with Nepal. The peak lies on the border of Nepal and India, but Indians do not issue permits to climb this mountain. Sikkim is adjacent to China, popular Nepal and slightly overrated, definitely overpriced Bhutan. And it seems to us a healthy compromise of nature, culture and adventure. So there will be the highest mountains in the world in a snowy and green version, there will be hanging bridges, rice fields, Buddhist monasteries, tea terraces and lots of winding Himalayan roads.

India is said to be loved or hated. We are taking you to an India that you can love. This is not an event for people who would like to “go crazy” on motorcycles. This is a easy trip for people who are curious about the world, a different culture, and want to face stereotypes. All without the rush and nervous atmosphere accompanying some motorcycle trips.

We are taking 10 people to this tour. And we solemnly confirm that it will take place, regardless of the number of participants. You can buy tickets now.

About

2490 EUR, 4x4 passanger - 1980 EUR 05.11.2023-15.11.2023 Start/finish: Bagdogra/Bagdogra Difficulty: 4/10 Price includes:
  • accomodation
  • 2 meals a day
  • NP entrances
  • support vehicle
  • 2 guides
  • all permits
  • rent of Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 ccm or lower bike (on demand)
  • mechanic assistance
  • letter of invitation and visa support
Price does not include:
  • air ticket
  • alc
  • fuel
  • visa
  • lunch (3-5 USD)

Gallery

Day 1 | Meeting in Siliguri

We all meet at the hotel in Siliguri, the destination city 10 km from Bagdogra airport. Bagdogra is very well connected by air with Mumbai, Calcutta and New Delhi, where planes from Europe arrive.

Day 2 | Siliguri - Kalimpong

On this day we will get acquainted with motorcycles, left-hand traffic and off-road capabilities of the Himalayans. We will pass through many villages, along roads far from tourist trails. In the afternoon we will reach Kalimpong, an important city on the route connecting India and Tibet. If we are lucky, that day we will see Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.

 

Day 3 | Kalimpong - Gangtog

After breakfast, we will leave West Bengal and enter Skkim. Our destination will be Gangtok, the capital of this state. The road will lead through the hills covered with monsoon forests. After adventure with Indian bureaucracy, we will cross the state line and reach Gangtok. In the evening, chillout and get acquainted with the evening life of the the capital.

Day 4 | Hunting Kanjenjunga

It’s time to get used to the altitude – we are in the Himalayas! We will ride towards China to Lake Tsomgo. It lies at an altitude of 3753 meters above sea level. From there, we will take the cable car up even higher. All this to see the highest mountain of India from the best perspective. Return to the same hotel in Gangtok

Day 5 | Gangtok - Dzongu

This time we will go towards Nepal. The Dzongu Valley is the last place inhabited by the Lepcha people, the oldest tribe inhabiting Sikkim. And besides – Kanchenjunga National Park, waterfalls, rivers, etc… Overnight in a farm in rice fields.

Day 6 | Dzongu - Lachung

Our destination will be Lachung, a small town at the end of the Indian world. Until 70 years ago, it was a busy trading point between Tibet and Sikkim. The Chinese, however, closed the borders and Lachung joined the places referred to as the end of the world.

Day 7 | Lachung - Zero Point - Gangtok

If you can’t remember the local name of Yumesamdong, you will definitely remember Zero Point. This is really the end of the world and the highest point of our journey. 4700 meters can already make headache. From there, a long descent to the capital awaits us. We will spend the evening with a glass of whiskey from the local distillery. We’ll check what good the British left here.

Day 8 | Gangtok - Biksthang

We leave Gangtok towards West Sikkim. In Ravangla we will stop for lunch at the famous Buddha Park Monastery. Biksthang is a sleepy village on the edge of the mountains, a nice evening with dinner and a bonfire in the shadow of the Himalayas awaits us.

Day 9 | Biksthang - Yuksom

Western Sikkim is rarely visited by tourists and we are sure to cause quite a sensation in villages away from the main roads. Our destination is Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim. There are a lot of monuments here, although we are afraid that you will get tired of Buddhist monasteries.

Day 10 | Yuksom - Darjeeling

Time to say goodbye to Sikkim. Darjeeling has become fashionable among Brits residing in Calcutta due to its “Scottish” weather. We will also get acquainted with the misty hills of India.

Day 11 | Darjeeling

Day off, city tour, visit to the museum of Tenzing Norgay, the first conqueror of Everest. A ride on the narrow-gauge railway and other attractions.

Day 12 | Darjeeling - Siliguri

Farewell to the Himalayas and descent to the Bengal plains. It will stop being warm, it will start to get hot.