Description
Before the migration of the Tibetans, the Lepcha’s were among the first settlers in Sikkim. However in the 17th century the struggle between the followers of “Yellow Hats” and “Red Hats” in Tibet forced the later to seek refuge in Sikkim where they attained the status of aristocracy and gradually dominated the state. However in 1973 the growing agitation against the monarchy led to the administrations collapse and the Indian troops stepped in, which was followed by political arm wrestling. Then in 1975 Sikkim become the 22nd state of India.
Sikkim state being a part of the inner mountain ranges of Himalayas is hilly, having varied elevation from 300 meters to 8686 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 meters. With over 454 types of Orchid, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds, red pandas, snow leopards and other mammals in Sikkim is indeed a nature’s paradise.
We also have an opportunity to visit Darjeeling – The queen of the hills. Situated at an altitude of 2134 meters, Darjeeling has been a popular hill station ever since the British Raj days established it as a rest and recreation center for their troops over a hundred and fifty years ago. Blessed with a cool climate, it has, perhaps, the most stunning view of the Kangchendzonga range. With about 1, 00,000 inhabitants, it has a mixed population of various races and religions living in perfect harmony. This is vividly reflected at the shrine atop observatory Hill where Hindus and Buddhists pray together. Gorkhas, Tibetans, Lepchas and migrants from the plains have made Darjeeling their home. Though Gorkhali, Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken, almost everyone understands English.
Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Arrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel.
PM : Allocation of Motorcycles and introduction to the Team.
EVE : Welcome Dinner at a Typical Nepali Restaurant.
Overnight at the Hotel Manaslu or Similar.
Day 02: Ride Kathmandu / Chitwan (156 kms / 6 Hours)
After breakfast set out from Kathmandu and proceed south and exit the ring road at Kalanki. Then head southwest till Muglin (110 Kms) for a lunch break. Then travel south to Narayanghat for 38 kilometers and turn east towards Saurah.
Upon arrival check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel The Royal Park OR Similar.
Day 03: Ride Chitwan / Dharan (385 kms/ 7-8 Hrs )
AM : 1 hour serene boat ride on the Rapti River. If lucky one can see the endangered fish eating Gharial Crocodiles.
Later commence on a long day’s journey Ride from Chitwan to Dharan traveling through the southern plains of Nepal. At Ithari, turn left and travel through forested trail to Dharan (19 kms).
(Note : This is the terai belt and in summer is it hot and humid)
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Nirvana Country Club OR Similar
Day 04 : Ride Dharan to Kakarbhitta to Kalimpong (119 Kms / 2 ½ Hrs).
After breakfast, ride back to Ithari for 19 kms and then once again turn eastwards and ride 100 kms (2 hours) to Kakarbhitta Complete Nepali Immigration and Customs and then ride to the Indian Border. Complete Immigration and Border formalities and then ride to Kalimpong (94 kms / 3 ½ Hours).
After setting off from Kakarbhitta and the Pani Tanki border, the city of Siliguri is reached in 45 minutes. We cut through the bustling city and heavy traffic and honking of horns and then at Sevok Mode divert towards Kalimpong.
At Teesta, we cross the bridge and hear 26 kilometers through winding roads and beautiful countryside to arrive at the outskirts (2 kms) of Kalimpong Town and check into the Holumba Haven, a family run boutique Hotel amidst garden settings.
EVE : One is free to walk around the garden looking at all the exotioc species of flowers and Cactus.
Overnight at the Hotel Holumba Haven.
Day 05 : Ride Kalimpong to Gangtok – 1600m via Rumtek (115 Km / 3 hours)
After breakfast, one can visit another nursery (if interested) and the continue ride towards Teesta bridge. A kilometer before the bridge turn right towards Gangtok and a 75 kilometer ride on the scenic mountain highway brings us to Sikkim’s famous Rumtek monastery.
After the sightseeing tour, continue to the main highway and then turn left towards Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Tatang OR Similar
Day 06: Gangtok excursion to Tsangu lake – 3753m (approx. 80 Km) +
After breakfast, set out for Tsangu Lake – one of the most beautiful Lakes of Sikkim and drive / ride on a winding highways for about 40 kilometers. After spending some serene moments at the Changu Lake, return toi Gangtok.
PM : Drive down to the Dodrul Chorten and the Namgyan Institute of Tibetology – a Tibetan museum in Gangtok.
After the tour return to MG Marg and walk through the small but quaint town of Gangtok. (Note : There are lots of small restaurants along the road)
Overnight at the Hotel Tatang OR Similar
Day 07: Ride Gangtok to Pemagtyantse via Ravongla – 2122m (approx. 124 Km)
One of the most beautiful rides along the hills through the teagardens until our arrival at Pemagyantse also known as Pelling. There are magnificent views of the Mt. Kanchanjunga from here.
Upon arrival check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Green Leaf OR Similar.
Day 08: Ride Pelling to Darjeeling (2042m) via Jorethang(322m) (108 Kms)
After breakfast, descend to Jorethang and then ride on to Melli and join up with the main train from Kalimpong. Cross the Teesta Bridge and then turn right ascending to via Mungpo to arrive at Ghoom, the site of the railway station. Then turn left and gently ride 9 kilometers to Darjeeling.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Tibet OR Similar
Day 09 : Full day sightseeing tour of Darjeeling
After Breakfast walk down to the Padma Naidu Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering institute
PM : Ride to Tukvar and visit the Tea estate.
EVE : FREE to walk around the famous Mall Road of Darjeeling.
Overnight at the Hotel Tibet OR Similar
Day 10: Ride to Nepal border (complete customs) & ride to Lahan 290kms
Early breakfast and set out for Kakkarbhitta via siliguri (98 kms / 4 hours). Upon arrival clear immigration & customs and enter Nepal and ride to Lahan (200kms) along the southern plains of Nepal.
Upon arrival Lahan, check into the hotel.
Overnight at the Durbar Hotel or similar.
Day 11: Ride to Kathmandu (260kms)
After breakfast, continue riding west to Bardibas, a street down with hotels. From here we head north towards Kathmandu as you ascend gradually along the hilly slopes. You will come across endless switch backs in this section of the ride and you need to honk at the turns / bends to warn the oncoming traffic, especially at the narrow sections.
We will stop for lunch at a convenient place. Once we arrive Dhulikhel, the ancient town situated north east of Kathmandu we take left at the around about and ride another 32kms towards Kathmandu city.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight at the Manaslu hotel or similar.
Day 12: Free day
This day is free to pamper your sore body at the spa or simply rest and enjoy the free time buying souveniers.
Overnight at the Manaslu hotel or similar.
Day 13: Departure
Transferred to the airport for onward flight home.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.