This bike, trek & raft itinerary offers an exclusive & first hand experience of Sikkim - the lands, its people, the flora & fauna. Biking is on proper motorable roads avoiding high traffic routes and meandering through the lush countryside and forests. The itinerary has been designed with room for flexibility in routes (Sikkim has a wide network of motorable roads) and overnight stays. Also a pilot vehicle preceding the group and a back up jeep will ensure full support to make biking in Sikkim a wonderful experience.

A trek to Menam peak(10,500ft) has been included to offer a change in the programme and also because Menam offers a truly fascinating awesome view of the Sikkim Himalayas.

The best time to experience CLASSIC SIKKIM would be March - May and October - December.

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Destination: Bagdogra - Gangtok (drive)
Distance: 123 km.
Meet, assist and transfer from Bagdogra airport and drive (4 ½ hrs) through the Teesta valley to Gangtok. Over night halt in a  hotel.

Destination: Gangtok-Ranka-Martam (bike)
Distance:29 km.
The first day biking will start with a slight down hill route to a mountain stream and then level before a gradual climb through Rumtek and then to Martam (1520 mtrs). Overnight in the resort is an experience of a typical Sikkimese countryside with modern amenities.

Destination: Martam - Simchuthang (bike)
Distance: 45 km.
The initially downhill route goes to the Teesta valley and after a short uphill levels to pass through stretches of terraced paddy fields to meet the river upstream at Simchuthang. Over night halt in a  tents.

Destination: Simchuthang - Temi (bike)
Distance: 30 km.
The route for this day is uphill all the way to Temi (1670 mtrs) which is also the only tea garden in Sikkim. Over night halt in a  Lodge/Tents near the tea garden.

Destination: Temi - Ravangla (bike)
Distance: 25 km.
A gradual climb upto Damthang(2200 mtrs) and level and gradual downhill drive to Ravangla(1950 mtrs) a small picturesque town of South Sikkim. Over night halt in a  village resort.

Destination: Ravangla - Menam (Trek)
Distance: 14 km.
Trek through a dense forest - an experience of the wilderness, as there are no human settlements enroute. The view from Menam peak(3200 mtrs) is the most spectacular and comprehensive that one can get of the Sikkim Himalayas. Over night halt in a  tents.

Destination: Borong - Tashiding (bike)
Distance:38 km.
A level route through Ralang where you can visit the monasteries. After a gradual climb to Ravangla it is downhill to the Rangit valley and a 13 km climb to Tashiding. Over night halt in a  tents/trekkers huts.

Destination: Tashiding - Yuksom (bike)
Distance: 19 km
A gradual climb through villages and plantations to reach the historic village of Yuksom. Over night halt in a  hotel.

Destination: Yuksom - Pelling (bike)
Distance: 49 km
A fairly downhill route initially goes uphill after crossing the Rimbi stream. Over night halt in a  hotel.

Destination: Pelling (Rest day).
The rest day to help you rejuvenate for the rest of the journey. Also to visit the Pemayangtse monastery, walk leisurely to Sangacholling monastery and the old Palace ruins at Rabdentse. Over night halt in a  hotel.

Destination: Pemayangtse/ Pelling - Soreng (bike)
Distance: 45 km.
Descend to Dentam and a gradual climb ending with a downhill to Soreng. Over night halt in a  tents/trekkers hut.

Destination: Soreng - Jorethang (bike)
Distance:24 km.
The last day of biking is descending to Jorethang located on the bank of river Rangit. Over night halt in a  :Lodge.

Destination: Jorethang - drive/ raft - Siliguri
Distance:94 km.
A 4 ½ hrs drive to Bagdogra airport to catch the flight to your next destination from Bagdogra airport. 

CLASSIC SIKKIM - THE RHODODENDRON DETOUR

This detour to Varsey, a huge Rhododendron forest, is a must experience trip during the flowering season from mid-March to April 1st week. The whole forest is aflame with Rhododendron flowers with hues ranging from blood red to pure white and against the back drop of the mountains it is truly an unforgettable experience.

Destination: Pelling - Dentam (bike)
Distance:17 km.
After an invigorating rest day, a slight descend to Dentam village on your bikes. Then a trek upto Varsey(2850 mtrs), the huge rhododendron forest on the ridge. Over night halt in a  tents/trekkers hut.

Destination: Varsey:
The day is spent taking a leisurely hike inside the forest which abounds in more than 20 varieties of rhododendrons and offers fascinating view of Mt. Khangchenadzonga and its attendant peaks. Over night halt in a  trekkers hut/tents.

Destination: Varsey - Hilley(trek)
Distance:4 km - Hilley -Jorethang(bike)
Distance: 55 km.

Destination: (Jorethang - Bagdogra drive)
Distance:94 km.

Time to say good bye to Sikkim and drive to Bagdogra airport to catch the flight to your next destination. (Trip ends).