India9 days
Sikkim by Bicycle: Mountain Roads, Monasteries & Tea Gardens — 9 Days
A 9-day cycling route through Sikkim, connecting Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery, Temi tea estate, and Darjeeling across mountain terrain.
This cycling tour traverses the mountainous state of Sikkim on secondary roads and established cycling routes, moving between the capital Gangtok and the hill station of Darjeeling over nine days. The itinerary balances daily cycling segments—ranging from moderate to demanding, with substantial elevation change—against stays in smaller towns and monasteries. Riders encounter Buddhist religious sites, pass through Sikkim's single tea estate, cross into communities near the Indian border, and finish in Darjeeling, a hill station in West Bengal. A support vehicle, professional guide, and cycling mechanic accompany the group throughout. The route demands moderate cycling fitness and comfort with mountain roads; several days include sustained climbs and descents above 7,000 feet.
Best time to go: October to March
Highlights
- Cycling from Gangtok to Rumtek, with a visit to the 16th-century Rumtek Monastery and its statuary and religious paintings
- Riding through Temi tea estate, Sikkim's only commercial tea garden, with an overnight stay among the plantations
- An 80-kilometer cycling stage from Temi to Yuksom, crossing significant elevation gain in the western Sikkimese foothills
- Stop at Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, set within mixed forest
- Cycling through cardamom, pine, and magnolia forests en route to Pelling, at approximately 7,000 feet elevation
- A visit to Pemayangtse Monastery (established 1705), featuring eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche in painted form
- Riding along the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary boundary toward Darjeeling, with possible sightings of Himalayan red pandas
- Two days in Darjeeling, including visits to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Peace Pagoda
Day by day
1Arrival at Bagdogra & Transfer to GangtokGangtok · Bagdogra Airport · Bagdogra to Gangtok
Guests arrive at Bagdogra Airport and are met by a guide representative. The transfer to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, follows a winding route into the mountains. Upon arrival in Gangtok, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay to allow acclimatization to the altitude.
2Cycling from Gangtok to Rumtek MonasteryGangtok to Rumtek · Rumtek Monastery · Rumtek
The cycling portion of the tour begins with a ride to Rumtek village, following a zigzag descent through the regional terrain. Rumtek Monastery, a 16th-century Buddhist gompa, is visited during the day. The interior contains statuary and paintings depicting deities including Virupaksha, Virudhaka, Vaishravana, and Dhritarashtra. After the monastery visit, riders transfer to accommodation in Rumtek for the night.
3Cycling from Rumtek to Temi Tea EstateRumtek to Temi Tea Estate · Temi
A morning ride on undulating terrain leads to Temi, Sikkim's sole commercial tea estate. The cycling covers moderate distance at varying elevations through tea plantations and local settlements. Accommodation is provided at Temi for an overnight stay.
4Demanding Cycling Stage: Temi to YuksomTemi to Yuksom · Yuksom
This stage covers approximately 80 kilometers and involves substantial climbing on mountain roads. Yuksom, a small village at significant elevation in western Sikkim, serves as the jumping-off point for numerous trekking expeditions in the region. After arrival, overnight accommodation is provided in Yuksom.
5Cycling from Yuksom to Pelling via Khecheopalri LakeYuksom to Pelling via Khecheopalri Lake · Pelling · Khecheopalri Lake
The route climbs to Pelling, positioned at approximately 7,000 feet and offering views toward the snow-capped Kanchenjunga Range. En route, the group stops at Khecheopalri Lake, a body of water held sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist communities and set within surrounding forest. The cycling continues through villages and mixed forest—including pine, Himalayan alder, chestnut, and magnolia trees—before reaching Pelling. Overnight accommodation is arranged in Pelling.
6Cycling from Pelling to Rinchenpong via Pemayangtse MonasteryPelling to Rinchenpong · Rinchenpong · Pemayangtse Monastery
The day begins with a ride to Pemayangtse Monastery, constructed in 1705 and among the oldest Buddhist establishments in Sikkim. The large prayer hall houses statuary depicting eight forms of Guru Rinpoche, alongside painted murals and religious artworks. After the visit, approximately 30 kilometers of cycling leads to Rinchenpong, a village roughly 100 kilometers from Gangtok that offers views of surrounding mountain ranges. Overnight accommodation is provided in Rinchenpong.
7Cycling from Rinchenpong toward Darjeeling & Transfer to DarjeelingRinchenpong · Darjeeling · Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary · Singla
Cycling continues eastward from Rinchenpong into West Bengal state, riding near the India-Nepal international border. The route follows the boundary of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, where Himalayan red pandas occasionally inhabit the forest. Cycling concludes at Singla, situated in the Rangeet River valley near the Sikkim-West Bengal state border. From Singla, guests transfer by vehicle to Darjeeling, the historic hill station known for its tea cultivation and mountain scenery. Overnight accommodation is provided at a heritage hotel in Darjeeling.
8Darjeeling to BagdograDarjeeling to Bagdogra Airport
Departure
Travel from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight, concluding the Sikkim cycling expedition.
9Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport & DepartureDarjeeling to Bagdogra Airport · Bagdogra Airport
On the final stretch of the cycling expedition, transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport. Board your onward flight, carrying with you the memory of Sikkim's mountain passes and forested valleys.
Included
- Multi geared cycles and helmets
- Guide & Mechanic
- All accommodation
- All breakfast and lunch
- Refreshment and water during transfers and cycling
- SUV back up throughout
- Activities as mentioned
Not included
- GST @ 5.0%
- Dinner
- Train fare/airfare
- Expenses of personal nature
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
- Any insurance
Activities: Cycling