Ride from Siliguri via Kalimpong to Sikkim and Darjeeling 

Biking Sikkim is a rewarding experience. The ride starts out in the plains of Bengal then gradually climbs into Kalimpong. From there it is back down again and across Tista bridge to Sikkim. Here the mountain riding begins with Mount Kanchenjunga massif dominating the views for entire journey. The hardest climb is on the final day to Darjeeling.

Sikkim Biking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Siliguri

The tour starts in the bustling Bengali city of Siliguri. We’ll meet in the evening for a local meal and an introduction to the tour.

Day 2 | Koch Bihar | 69km

We start our first day of riding with a transfer out of the busy city of Siliguri. We follow the busy main highway out in the countryside to a point where a smaller back road leads off towards Bangladesh.

This is the real starting point of the tour! After setting up we head off south through a landscape of rice and jute fields. At one point in the ride you'll see a fence off to the right - this is the Bangladesh border. We plan to ride 69km flat kilometers today. There are a few busy sections near some of the towns but in general this will be a pleasant ride. Before reaching Koch Bihar will will board our support vehicles to drive into the crazy traffic of this busy little city. Koch Bihar was once the seat of colonial power in the region and the stunning palace here in a reminder of the city's former glory.

Day 3 | Chalsa | 73km

We transfer out of town before starting the ride and once on the bike we are again on beautiful back roads through farming community and small towns. Today we enter tea territory which will be your constant companion through the journey. Chalsa is another small that sees few visitors but our hotel up on the hill comes with a pool and nice gardens - perfect for the first day of rest tomorrow.

Day 4 | Lava | up to 60km

It's time to take on the Himalaya. After a few days of seeing the imposing mountains in the distance, today is your chance to ride high up in the clean mountain area - quite a contrast from the humid lowlands of the last few days. Starting at an elevation of 200m we will finish the day at 2000m - the highest overnight stop of the tour. We start off with a gentle ride along laneways through a tea plantation. From about the 20km mark it is climbing for the remainder of the day - take you time as we have all day! Following a beautiful valley uphill the road eventually bends away from the river and seemingly climbs up the side of the mountain. The plan for the day is to allow everyone to ride as far as they like and then transfer up to Lava once they've had enough riding. This means that the

stronger riders can have a crack at completing the ride and those that want to relax can travel straight up to the hotel in Lava. Lava is a small mountain town, again with few visitors but with crisp clean

mountain air.

Day 5 | Kalimpong | 37km

After the hard work of yesterday, today is a relatively easy day that tends downhill. But this is the mountains and we start the day with a small climb out of town. There are plenty of stops along this

route so we will take our time to enjoy the views, temples and villages. Kalimpong is a busy market town so the ride in might be a test for some riders to stay on their unicycles. But you can be happy to reach here with a rest day coming tomorrow.

Day 6 | Kalimpong

You have a whole day to relax in town. Check out the busting market, take a hike or visit one of the town's many market gardens.

Day 7 | Kaluk | 79km

What goes up must come down. Today's ride is one of extremes. Starting in Kalimpong we will descend 800m down into the valley of the Teesta River. The Teesta marks the border into Sikkim,

and while only a state of India we must go through an immigration post and have our passports stamped - one for those who like to collect unusual stamps in their passports. The road then follows

the Rongpo River before climbing up a huge incline. For this section we will jump into the support vehicles and drive up to the town of Sombarey. The afternoon ride starts here - a 36km ride on a little used poorly surfaced road. The road goes something like his...10km up, 6km down, 10km up, 10km down! It is spectacular and despite being hard work, you'll never forget riding here. Being the largest town on this road Kaluk is not that big but it does have a comfortable hotel and a great view of the Himalaya.

Day 8 | Pelling | 35km

After the challenges of yesterday you might think that today will be easy, but think that jsut because it is only 35km that you'll find it easy. The road is not well made and yes, there is a big to climb up! The last 15km rise nearly 700m so you'll be happy to reach Pelling and your next rest day.

Day 9 | Darjeeling | up to 69km

Your final ride is a cracker and fittingly full of big downs and ups. Departing from Pelling a small incline brings us to the top of a 20km downhill that is the last downhill of the ride so enjoy it! From here we ride a beautiful road along the Rongpo River that dips and weaves along the banks of the river. Crossing out of Sikkim and back into Darjeeling (another stamp for the passport) comes the biggest and steepest climb of them all. The 18km from the Rongpo River to Darjeeling climbs nearly 1800m with some sections

of the road climbing at inclines over 20% gradient! We will ride until we can ride no more and then climb into the support vehicles and sit back to relax while the jeeps struggle their way up to Darjeeling. Tonight we celebrate the end of an amazing journey. Having done it by unicycle makes it more than amazing.

Day 10

The tour ends today so you are free to head on home or stay on for a few days to enjoy Darjeeling.

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