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The feel of freedom in your spirit, wings in your wheels and the ardent desire to feel the beauty of the charming Himalayas of Sikkim – is what you need to embark upon the most adventurous cycling trip. Catch the breezy whispers of the pines and rhododendrons churning out enigmatic vibes from the crevices and faults amidst the mountain lands. Watch the clear skies dazzle your eyes as they get reflected on the snow atop the mighty peaks. Pedal furiously or at leisure. Stop at all unearthly and wondrous places. Sit in peace till your heart feels satiated. Make your pulse race, adrenalin flow, spirits soar and ambitions skyrocket as you whizz past the lofty mountain ranges. Make the melody of the mountains sing a rugged song. Watch the terraced fields waving at you reflecting the green of the enthusiasm in your heart. Make Sikkim Cycling Tour the best ever cycling tour of your life. catch the fun in the best manner possible with us while we take care of all exigencies, and you can therefore breathe free and enjoy.
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Arrive in the city and settle into your accommodations. Take some time to rest after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead. Meet your tour guide or cycling group for an introduction to the upcoming journey. The team will assist in bike setup, ensure the gears are in top condition, and provide an overview of the tour, including safety measures and terrain challenges. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Eastern Himalayas, with lush green hillsides and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The sight of Kanchenjunga on a clear day will inspire you for the rest of the days of your Sikkim cycling trip.
The high altitude at 1,650 meters or 5,410 feet will require acclimatization. Key featured activities of the day would be rest, light sightseeing, bike preparation and briefing. Accommodation would be a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in Gangtok of your choice.
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Spend the day exploring Gangtok to adapt to the altitude and enjoy its charming attractions. Start your ride early to catch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Take a joyful short tea break before heading downhill.
Later you can visit the MG Marg, a pedestrian-friendly street perfect for a leisurely walk and shopping. Then ride towards the Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery offering stunning views of Gangtok. After exploring the 200-year-old monastery, famous for its Tibetan architecture and spiritual significance and enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains, ride uphill to Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Optionally, take a short ride around Gangtok and savour traditional Sikkimese dishes like momos, thukpa or phagshapa, and interact with locals to learn more about their culture and traditions. You can also cycle uphill to Hanuman Tok, a peaceful Hindu temple maintained by the Indian Army or ride downhill to visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, an important centre for Tibetan studies. End Day 2 by relaxing in the evening and preparing for the upcoming mountain trails. Enjoy Gangtok’s nightlife at a local café or pub.
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Start early in the morning to enjoy the fresh mountain air and avoid traffic. Cycle through winding mountain roads with stunning views of the Teesta River valley. At about 8 km away make a brief stop to admire the panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding hills. It is an ideal spot for a short break and photography. From there you go for a downhill ride to the Rani Khola river bridge, surrounded by lush greenery. Here, after a short rest start the gradual uphill climb to Rumtek. Arrive at the Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim and a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the monastery’s stunning architecture, golden stupas, and peaceful courtyards. Enjoy a traditional Sikkimese or Tibetan meal at a local café near the monastery. Overnight stay at Rumtek.
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On Day 4, the cycling journey continues from Rumtek to Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim’s only tea estate, known for its rolling green plantations and stunning Himalayan views. This route is a mix of thrilling descents, challenging climbs and picturesque landscapes.
After an early breakfast, descend through winding roads, passing small villages and dense forests. While you enjoy breathtaking views of the Teesta River Valley, stop for refreshments in Sang, a peaceful village along the route. Cycle through forested trails to reach Legship, a small town on the banks of the Rangeet River. Optionally visit the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site and take a lunch break at a local eatery.
The last stretch of Day 4 involves a gradual ascent through scenic mountain roads. Pass through small settlements and cardamom plantations before reaching Temi Tea Garden. Explore the lush tea plantations, walk through the tea gardens, and learn about tea processing. Enjoy a fresh cup of Temi organic tea at the estate café; you deserve it after all the cycling.
Relax and take in the spectacular views of rolling tea fields against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. Overnight stay at a homestay, guesthouse or hotel near Temi Tea Garden and time for a traditional Sikkimese dinner.
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Begin Day 5 with a stunning sunrise over the tea plantations. Enjoy a cup of fresh Temi organic tea before starting the day’s ride. Depart from Temi Tea Garden at around 8:00 am and start with a gentle descent through winding roads surrounded by tea estates and cardamom plantations. Ride happily past charming villages with traditional Sikkimese houses. Stop at Damthang 15 km from Temi, a small mountain village with beautiful valley views. Refresh with some local snacks or tea at a roadside café. Final Ascent to Ravangla involving approximately 15 km from Damthang is a gradual uphill climb with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Pass through forests of rhododendrons and oak trees, especially scenic in spring and keep an eye out for exotic birds, as Ravangla is a hotspot for birdwatching. Arrive in Ravangla at around 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Check into a guesthouse or hotel in Ravangla. Rest and have lunch at a local restaurant, trying dishes like thukpa or phagshapa.
Explore Ravangla in the afternoon. Visit the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal), home to a giant 130-foot Buddha statue with mesmerizing mountain views. Explore Ralang Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Relax at a café or take a stroll through the peaceful town.
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On Day 6, the cycling journey takes you from Ravangla to Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim. This route features steep ascents, thrilling descents, lush forests, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, making it a challenging yet rewarding ride. Begin the descent from Ravangla towards Legship, passing through dense forests and small villages. After a thrilling downhill ride takes you to Legship, a small riverside town. Stop at Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and relax with tea/snacks at a roadside café.
A gradual uphill climb leads to Tashiding, home to one of Sikkim’s most sacred monasteries. Visit the Tashiding Monastery, a peaceful spiritual site with stunning views. The last section involves moderate climbs through scenic forest trails. Arrive in Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim, surrounded by towering peaks at around 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Check into a guesthouse and enjoy a late lunch. In the evening, visit the Coronation Throne, where Sikkim’s first king was crowned. Also, explore the Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim.
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Day 7 is a well-deserved rest day in Yuksom, the historic first capital of Sikkim. This day is perfect for exploring ancient monasteries, serene lakes and short nature walks, offering a blend of culture, history, and breathtaking views.
Visit Dubdi Monastery and come back to Yuksom town for a delicious breakfast of momos, Tibetan bread and butter tea. In the afternoon, visit Kathok Monastery, another beautiful and less-visited monastery in Yuksom. Enjoy spectacular views of Kanchenjunga from the monastery premises. In the evening, stroll around the quaint town and interact with locals, relax at a café with mountain views or visit shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.
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On Day 8, the journey continues from Yuksom to Pelling, a beautiful hill town known for its stunning Kanchenjunga views, ancient monasteries and waterfalls. The route is a mix of gradual ascents, thrilling descents, and forested trails, making it an enjoyable ride for cyclists.
Enjoy an early breakfast and begin the ride with a gentle descent from Yuksom, passing through pine and oak forests. Ride to Khecheopalri Lake through about 25 km of a mix of downhill and flat roads leads to the sacred lake, known as the Wishing Lake. Stop for a short nature walk around the lake and soak in the peaceful atmosphere with tea and snacks at a local café.
Begin a gradual climb through small villages and dense forests, with occasional glimpses of Kanchenjunga and arrive in Pelling by early afternoon. Check-in and lunch at about 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
In the afternoon, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Explore the Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of Sikkim’s second capital with panoramic valley views and optionally stop at Sangacholing Monastery for a short hike and sunset views. End the day with a quiet dinner and overnight stay in Pelling.
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Start your ride from Pelling early in the morning. You will be cycling through a mix of uphill and downhill terrain, so make sure to pace yourself. The route will take you through picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and charming villages. You will pass through areas like Sang and Kaluk before reaching Hee. Be prepared for a few steep sections, as the terrain is quite hilly. Distance is approx. 38 km with 4 to 6 hours of cycling, depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Stay in a local guesthouse or a homestay to experience the warmth of Sikkimese hospitality. The villagers in Hee are welcoming, and staying in a homestay can give you an immersive experience. Enjoy a peaceful evening in Hee, savouring local food and the tranquillity of this remote village. This is a great spot to relax after a day of cycling through the beautiful West Sikkim region.
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Start early in the morning for your ride from Hee to Kalimpong. The road will take you through scenic rural landscapes, with some parts offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, tea gardens and terraced fields. Your route will be a mix of gentle climbs and descents as you cycle through villages like Lava, and you may pass through areas known for their scenic views. The ride is longer, so be prepared for a day of cycling through varying terrain and potentially busy roads as you approach Kalimpong.
Once you arrive in Kalimpong, explore the charming town that blends Himalayan and colonial influences. Kalimpong is known for its beautiful flower nurseries, so take time to wander through some of them to see the vibrant blooms, including orchids, gladiolas, and other Himalayan flowers. As you cross from West Sikkim into the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, do notice a change in the region’s culture and architecture as you approach Kalimpong. Stay at a hotel or homestay in Kalimpong. There are several cozy accommodations offering views of the surrounding landscapes.
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After a long cycling journey, taking a day to relax and explore Kalimpong will be a great way to unwind. After breakfast at your hotel or a local café explore Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery located on Durpin Dara Hill that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, Kanchenjunga, and the town of Kalimpong itself. It is a peaceful spot to start your day with some meditation or reflection. Visit Durpin Dara Viewpoint. The views of the Teesta River, the hills and the distant snow-capped peaks are breathtaking.
Later, take a stroll through the local market where you can buy local handicrafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs. You’ll find items like Tibetan carpets, wooden artifacts and traditional jewellery. Try a local restaurant or café to enjoy some of the town’s specialties. You could try thukpa or noodle soup), shaphalay or fried meat pies or churpi or fermented cheese. Dello Hill is a scenic area just outside of Kalimpong known for its clean air and beautiful landscapes. You can go for a short hike or just relax while enjoying the view. Visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, located on the way to Dello.
Head to one of the local cafés with a rooftop view to enjoy a cup of local tea while you watch the sunset. Kalimpong offers excellent views, especially from places like Morgan House, where you can also appreciate the colonial architecture. If you are interested, check if there are any local performances or cultural programs happening in the evening. Kalimpong occasionally hosts traditional dance and music performances that offer a glimpse into the local culture. Overnight stay at Kalimpong.
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After breakfast, prepare for your journey to Bagdogra. The distance from Kalimpong to Bagdogra is approximately 70 to 80 km, and it takes around 2 to 3 hours by car. The trip leaders will make arrangements for transfer to the to the Bagdogra Airport. If your schedule allows and you’re traveling by road, you can visit the nearby Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located about 10-12 km from Bagdogra and is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, although the detour might require extra time. Your journey from Kalimpong to Bagdogra will be a scenic and peaceful one, offering one last glimpse of the beautiful landscapes of Sikkim and North Bengal. Whether you are heading back home or continuing your travels, this will be a relaxing end to your days of cycling adventure, till you return for more excitement some other time.
Best part is you can customise your itinerary as per your requirement, duration of trip and your energy levels. You can also ask for detours or cut your trip short. At any time you can prolong your stay at any of the above destinations if time permits and you can further explore the beauty of the place till you are satisfied. So prepare yourself to embark upon the most outstanding cycling trip of your life through some ethereal Himalayan landscapes.
