Our Bike Trip to Sandakphu was not a Cup of Tea

 Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal, offering spectacular views from its impressive height of the Kanchenjunga range and also some of the Mt. Everest. Sandakphu is predominantly a trekker’s paradise.

I’ve never been to Ladakh, I’m from Kolkata and I’ve done Gurudongmar, Silk route, and several trips through the eastern part of India, and according to my experience so far, a bike trip to Sandakphu is one of the hardest and toughest routes you can consider.

No matter how hard or accomplished you are, a bike trip to Sandakphu is far beyond our imagination.

Below is the tour itinerary of our trip-

Day 1

We boarded a train from Kolkata and got off in the NJP railway station the next morning. NJP is in Siliguri which is the gateway to Sandakphu and other northeastern regions.

We booked a hotel, had our breakfast and got freshened up.

We took the bikes that were pre-booked from a bike rental in Siliguri and took a tour of the local town and spend the rest of the day roaming around.   

Day 2

Starting from Siliguri and entering Mane Bhanjan in the evening, it was rainy and we enjoyed the wet mountain roads fully.

Siliguri is not so far from Mane Bhanjan but we halted in Mirik and Sukhiapokhri in between to explore those places and it was worth it!

Day 3

We began at about 9 in the morning on the most important day, and after some time, the roads ended and a mere mountain trail continued. It was quite muddy from the rain of yesterday and with each turn, the journey was getting harder and harder.

We passed via Singalila National Park and got to Kalapokhri. It was manageable with the rain until this point.

After that things have gone crazy. The last 8 km was wild and it took me all I had to get through this. For the Himalayan, the journey is quite OK, but for the 220, things were challenging and sometimes the machine was about to give up.

It’s hard to explain in words what it takes in a rainy evening to ride a 220cc bike past 7000 rpm on a gritty rock surface with a hellish angle of inclination, but I can tell you the glorious feeling and pleasure you get after the trip is complete.

Day 4

We had expectations for Phalut but sadly our squad didn’t make 1 of 3 bikes to the peak. On the midway around 2 km from the Sandakphu, they were forced to leave their motorcycle and trek the way up. So we scrapped Phalut’s idea, enjoyed the day at Sandakphu, and took up the magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga range

Day 5

Moving from Sandakphu, going down with that propensity Read More

My First Solo Bike Ride to Sikkim – A Dream Come True

 You just cannot deny the fact that Sikkim can also be considered as the “Paradise of Northeast India”. It’s a great place to go for a relaxing and quiet holiday, away from the busy life, my bike ride to Sikkim proved to be my life’s most enjoyable and deeply amazing experience.

This journey was something unimaginable with the Himalayan mountains covered with snow, fascinating valleys decorated with colorful flowers, dazzling waterfalls, frozen lakes, beautiful villages, old-world monasteries, and multiple landmarks.

So here, I am sharing my first Bike Ride to Sikkim and the experience that I accumulated through the days…

Traveling is not always about comfort or capturing memories, it is also about exploring and getting deeper into our soul.

Day 1 – Kolkata to the Gateway of Himalayas

I boarded a bus from Kolkata’s Esplanade Bus Terminus at around 8 in the night and I guess the bus arrived in Siliguri very early in the morning. I didn’t get a good sleep on the bus last night so I decided to halt in Siliguri for a day and get proper rest before starting the adventure.

So, I took a hotel near the bus stand in Siliguri and took a shower to freshen myself up. After all these, I started searching for an agency that provides bike rental in Siliguri and I finally got a reliable one.

I visited them, did all the formalities and took a bullet for the trip.

Day 2 – Early Departure towards Gangtok

I started my journey to Gangtok early in the morning and reached Gangtok by noon. That same day I applied for the permits, but sadly, as I was late, I didn’t receive the permits the same day and had to wait until the next day to collect them and go on.

So I decided to do some sightseeing and exploration in and around Gangtok instead of wasting the rest of the day in the hotel room.

Day 3 – The Permission Day!

I was ready and my luggage was also packed and I was in great hope of starting the adventure. But still, the permits were not in my hand and I didn’t know if I will be allowed to go or not.

So, with the name of god, I went to the permits office and guess what? I finally got my permits and started my ride towards my first stop that is North Sikkim.

From Lachen, at about 6 p.m. we entered the Thangu Valley where the authorities prohibited me for further riding due to bad weather and poor road conditions and I was forced to stop there. I founded a homestay there to spend the night in comfort.

Day 4 – A Dream That Became a Reality

I headed straight to my much-desired destination, recognized as the Gurudongmar Lake at about 8 the next morning. I saw some other bikers on the path struggling to ride the bike as this part of the trip is purely off-road but after a lot of effort, I finally arrived at the Lake.

I walked down the lake and walked side by side. The water was frozen and it formed into the strong crystal clear rock, owing to such a low temperature. The landscape was very beautiful and fascinating. The wind was cold and the concentration of oxygen in the air was very weak, so I just stayed there for about 1 hour and left for Gangtok.

By evening, I entered Gangtok and had myself booked for the night in a hotel.

Day 5 – Visiting China Border

At 6 in the morning, I left my hotel and headed straight to the Nathu La. It wasn’t that convenient on the road with plenty of visitors going up to the border. I halted at Tsomgo Lake on the road to Nathu La and had a cup of tea there. Then I began climbing upwards again and finally reached Nathu La.

Watching the Tricolor way overhead in such a beautiful place was one of the best feelings. Salute to our Indian Army who is protecting our country Read More

Ultimate Tour Guide to Sikkim on your Bike Trip

 Home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands varieties of wildflowers is an enchanting hill station nestled in the Himalayas named Sikkim. Bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal, Sikkim is one the cleanest states in the Northeastern part of India. The north eastern charm in combination with the Himalayan snow makes Sikkim one of the best holiday destinations.

A bike trip to Sikkim is undoubtedly a mind blowing journey. The winding roads will definitely give you that much required adrenaline rush along with a lifetime experience. You will also be greeted by a group of extremely warm hearted people who will make you fall in love with this charming state.

Top Places to visit in Sikkim on your Bike Trip

• Tsogmo Lake

It is located just 38 kilometers away from the capital city of Sikkim. The road to Tsogmo is a challenging one and takes you through a lot of adventures.

• Nathula Pass

It is located in the Himalayas and connects India with Tibet. Nathula is situated at height of 4310 m above the sea level and forms a part of a side-shoot of the pre-historic Silk Road.

• Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley

Lachen is a distant village and also winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung on the other hand is a high altitude Tibetan village comprising of Tibetan and Bhutia people. Yumthang is a gorgeous valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains.

• Zuluk

It is one of the offbeat tourist places in Sikkim and is a small village located at a high altitude. The spectacular view of snow-capped mountain ranges during the winter season is a wonderful sight to behold.

• Gangtok

Apart from being the capital city of Sikkim Gangtok is a beautiful city. Gorgeous silver-fir trees, never ending walking trails and the hospitality of the people will leave you awestruck.

• Singalila National Park

Singalila is one of the most beautiful Read More

Bike Ride to Nathula Pass: The Most Enchanting Part of the Himalaya

 To learn more about the trade is done in Nathula, I was very keen to have a visit; so I decided a bike ride to Nathula pass. Bike rental in Siliguri made my journey more feasible,as I was traveling from Cooch Behar it was easy for me to opt for Darjeeling riders, the Bike hire in Sikkim. Nathula border was used as a silk trade route between India and Tibet.  A bunch of mules used to carry silk, gold, Tibet to India and take necessary basic essentials back to Tibet from India. Just after the relation between China and Tibet deteriorated the trade between India and Tibet was carried away by the Chinese troops.  In 1958 former Prime Minister of India engraved a stone called “Nehru stone” at that time guard of both the borders were quite enough and friendly. On certain days a week, they used to exchange mails and messages to each other.

Bike Ride To Nathula Pass: Must Visit Places in Sikkim

To a surprise, everything was running good between both the countries when in early 1962 the war broke out between India and China, whereas the fenced border of both the countries became silent. But in 1965 a fire broke out across the border because of a dispute around the location of the fenced border. In 1967 a major conflict took place here between the two countries and many lives were lost on both sides. Hence after that, you will find a major memorial constructed in honor of the Indian soldiers lost their lives. Then after old Silk Route again reopened on 6th July 2006 that was after some 44 years of closure, allowing limited trade between India and Tibet of China.

Before sketching the trip things you should Remember:

Before the visit, I learned more about Nathula when and not to visit. Surprisingly my GMT was on the right track. To be informed you have to keep some important things in your mind before the visit:

• To keep in mind Nathula is only opened 5 days a week i.e. from Wednesday to Sunday. Best time to visit Nathula is May to October i.e. because at that time it has a moderate temperature loitering between 10 to 15°C which is acceptable by a Human body. As winter here starts from November is unbearable between December and February with a temperature as low as -25°C and the road to Nathula is closed due to heavy snowfall during this period.
• As the oxygen level is too low so people can face breathing problems. Before the visit, it would be better to consult a Doctor and to be safe to carry Acetazolamide Tablets while visiting Nathula. If you are not confident about your breathing condition you should carry small Oxygen cylinders with you.
• As we know Nathula is a border protected area, so NRIs and Foreign Nationals are not allowed. As for Indians, they require a valid permit i.e. Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Nathula. Just for knowledge Chinese citizens and Bangladeshi citizens are not allowed to enter Sikkim. Then I was informed that I have to get it done from the tour operator as there are plenty of them but as I wanted to ride so I opted for bike rental in Siliguri. After short listing some best options,I opted for Darjeeling riders after reading about them.
• Don’t forget to carry necessary documents like Voter Card, Passport, Aadhar Card,2 passports sized photograph and most importantly don’t miss the valid License of yours. Applications for the permit is accepted in the morning and disbursed in the afternoon sometimes it takes a day to release. So keep in mind to apply for a permit one day in advance.

Nathula Pass: An Exciting Travel Tale to Bikers

So let me visualize the whole trip and my experience of the leisure trip of the Himalayan range. It was during the mid of September I started the journey from my hometown, Cooch behar and headed towards Siliguri by bus. On my way met a travel agent had a small conversation and he shared me the information about the agents who supply bikes on rent. He was very much sure about Darjeeling Riders who give certain options like bike rent in siliguri, Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan.Though,as he was an agent I was not convinced by his gesture.

After the hectic journey of 4 hours I reached Siliguri. Took to manage some stuff took a dormitory in the Delhi Hotel situated in Siliguri Junction. Then tied my laces my headed towards the Darjeeling Riders, the bike hire in Sikkim and submitted my document copies that were my Aadhar Card, license and Photograph for the Nathula Pass. From numerous options of bikes, I opted for Thunderbird 350 which charged me Rs 1500/-. To inform an additional of Rs Read More

5 Best Bike Tours to do in North East India this 2021

 Riders get their share of experience when they begin their journey with their soul mates which we know as bikes. Riding is the moment to unleash the adventurer inside an ordinary person and make him or her ride beyond limits.

North East seems to be the perfect match for such enthusiastic bike riders, as it can deliver such exposure that has no comparison virtually. Be it the tallest snow-clad ranges in the Himalayas or the rugged north-eastern forests, you can book a ride for yourself from a bike rental in Siliguri and discover the entire north-eastern region with convenient access to remote areas, as well as better understanding the culture of this region.

Here, we have sorted the 5 best bike tours to do in North East India this 2020 for you

The heart of a rider is like a bird. It makes its own routes and destinations unknowingly.

North Sikkim

Sikkim is famous among the bikers’ community of every nation. There are hills, water crossings, snow, valleys, forests and some unexplainable natural things that will make you fall in love with this place.

The most preferred biking route among riders here is in the North Sikkim region which has some of the best locations like Lachung, Yumthang Valley & Gurudongmar Lake.

To make your ride more exciting, you can book a bike from any bike rental service in Siliguri and enjoy your time in the Himalayas.

Darjeeling

Settled in the foothills of Himalayas, Darjeeling is the second most loved location for riders. You can explore the Tea Gardens, Rock Garden and Batasia Loop and from the Tiger Hill, you can get a clear view of the Kanchenjunga.

With nearby places like Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik, Darjeeling has proven to be a hometown for riders from around the world.

Sandakphu

This location is famous for trekking because of its challenging terrains and incredible views of Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest. But in recent years, an upsurge in tourists has been observed in Sandakphu and a majority of them are riders.

With an altitude of 11,929 feet, arriving in Sandakphu can be tough and challenging. So, the rider must be physically and mentally prepared before starting their ride towards the highest point of West Bengal.

Tawang

About 80% of Tawang is filled with trees, offering a bit of heaven for riders. Not only this region is extremely Read More

5 Best Places in Sikkim to Beat the Heat This Summer

 The first thing that runs through our heads as we think about holidays in India is the breathtaking scenes of snow-covered ranges, lush forests, alpine meadows, rushing rivulets, and wheezing waterfalls.

Commercialization has invaded all the traditional hill stations these days, and the serenity we seek is lost somewhere. But if we put these usual tourist places aside and go off the beaten track with a bike to discover the unexplored regions, we will certainly find a place where there is still harmony, spirituality, serenity, and nature’s bounty.

Let’s explore 5 best places in Sikkim to beat the heat this Summer

You just can’t hate summer because it offers some of the best views of the Himalayas

Gangtok

Believe it or not, but it’s almost hard for anyone to avoid the heart of the State. Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok is located in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the impressionistic tourist destinations of the state.

You can choose to live at MG Marg if you’re someone who loves to remain in the hustle and bustle of the city or if you’re a peace-seeker, you might choose to stay a little far away from MG Marg.

You can ride in Sikkim by hiring a bike for yourself from a bike rental in Siliguri and make your vacation more adventurous.

Yuksom

Also recognized as the ‘ Three Lamas Meeting place, ‘ this Sikkimese area has recently begun to attract the attention of bikers. In Yuksom, you can anticipate natural scenery and unspoiled nature that will blow your mind.

For being situated at a balanced altitude, the temperature in Yuksom stays cool throughout the year. Bikers can avoid summer heat here and see some unimaginable scenery throughout their ride.

Tsomgo Lake

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake when you are in Sikkim. The Lake is situated at an elevation of 12,400 ft at an estimated distance of 37 km from Sikkim’s capital and is one of the highest lakes of the country.

While the lake stays frozen in the winter, summer season offers riders with the mystical beauty and lure of the Tsomgo. You can enjoy a cup of chai nearby and capture some beautiful memories in the frame.

You can hire a Himalayan or a Thunderbird from a provider of bike rental in Siliguri and explore the entire northern Sikkim as you wish.

Pelling

If you’re an enormous fan of the enchanting Himalayan Range, the place for you is Pelling! You can have the spectacular views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga Summit from this small Sikkimese town and can encounter the best of your Sikkim vacations.

Situated at 7,200 ft above sea level, this picturesque town boasts many waterfalls, incredible views, natural beauty and outdoor opportunities such as rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and many more.

Yumthang Valley

Visiting Yumthang Valley can really be a delightful moment for your vacation. Situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level, this beautiful valley is host to several tropical, endangered and wildflowers. One who enters this epitome valley is often said to be happily influenced by its precarious colors and beautiful elegance!

The whole valley blooms at its finest in the summer and reveals nature’s most exquisite colors.

Riding in Summer

When almost every state of the country experiences hot and humid summer, Sikkim, on the other hand, stays cools and offers a pleasant atmosphere for its visitors. To give an effortless start to your bike trip in Sikkim, you can hire a bike from a bike rental in Siliguri and carry on your journey towards Sikkim.

Top 5 Places to Explore in Pelling with a Bike in 2021

 With the most fascinating locations for exploration, Pelling a small town located in the heart of West Sikkim has become a major expedition hub for both tourist & bikers. In summer, the temperature in Pelling ranges from 7 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius while in the winter season, it drops below -5 degrees Celsius.

To get the most appealing views of Kanchenjunga, it would be best to visit Pelling in summer. You can book a bike from a bike rental in Siliguri and start your expedition toward Pelling. From Siliguri, the approximate distance to Pelling in around 130 km. So, it won’t take much longer than 5 to reach your destination.

Here, we will be presenting you with the top 5 places to explore in Pelling with a bike in 2021.

Remote places offer the best life experience, when you can know more about yourself as well as the nature

Rabdentse Ruins

Rabdentse is Sikkim’s 16th Regional Capital. It is very near to the Pemayangtse Monastery and you can get an impeccable view of the Kanchenjunga range from here.

This spot is surrounded by thick forest and is positioned on the lower slope. There are few adventurous activities which will provide you with one-stop and several deals. Rabdentse ruins trek is the main attraction, particularly for flipping adventure individuals.

You can also book a bike from bike rental in Sikkim and then proceed towards Pelling and enjoy the most alluring views on your way.

Rimbi Waterfall

Rimbi Waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall nearby to Pelling. Located close to the Darap Town, it is one of Pelling’s popular waterfalls, and one of Pelling’s best sightseeing locations.

The Rimbi waterfall is forged in the mouth of the Rimbi River. The waterfall looks amazing during the summer and attracts many visitors. One of the oldest hydroelectric power stations in Sikkim is situated next to this waterfall. Developed in the early 1970s, this power station is the energy supply for most West Sikkim towns like Gayzing, Tigjuck, and Pelling.

Pemayangtse Monastery

The Monastery of Pemayangtse is located near the town of Pelling, one of Sikkim’s earliest and most famous monasteries.

Constructed in 1705, the monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa branch of Mahayana Buddhism and was established by Gyalwa Lhatsum Chempo, one of the three lamas who conducted the First Chogyal (King) Phuntsog Namgyal Consecration Celebration at Yuksam in 1642.

Pelling Sky Walk

The Sky Walk is a translucent vitreous system. It stands next to the colossal statue of Chenrezig. “Chenrezig” is a form of love for all of the Buddha.

Apart from the Kangchenjunga, one would have the chance to look at the valley below, including the twisting Teesta and The Rangit from the skywalk. Visitors will visit different locations in South Sikkim, such as Char Dham, Buddha Park, and the Guru Padmasambhava statue.

Khecheopalri Lake

While the flags of meditation, fluttering in the air, and the calming sounds of bells ringing one after the other, you realize that you have arrived in a paradise known as the Khecheopalri Pool, a religious place of a spiritual journey that both Buddhists and Hindus find holy.

Trekking is one of the most significant activities in this region. To get here, there are short forest paths, along the way you will see unique flora and fauna. Once here, you will hear nature’s quiet sounds and can relax for an entire day. Khecheopalri Lake is only 24 km from the Monastery of Pemayangtse and is a must-visit spot.

The Historic Wonder –Pelling

Pelling’s history dates back to 1814 A.D., which is really old for such a small town in the region of western Sikkim. With an elevation of 5,906 feet, Pelling offers a perfect climate for touring & exploring in the region for vacationers & bikers.