Sandwiched between the Kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan is the Indian state of Sikkim. It is regarded as one of the last Himalayan "Shangri - las" because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain scenery, varied flora and fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Sikkim was an independent Kingdom up to 1975 when it was annexed asa new Indian state.
Its people are a mixture of Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian and it's this diversity of people, culture and customs that makes Sikkim such a special place to visit. The journey begins in Kathmandu and travels across the Terai region of Nepal before entering India and ascending into the Himalayas to Darjeeling - the renowned tea growing area, which provides spectacular views of the high Himalayas and has a diverse mixture of Tibetan, Indian and Nepalese.
Continuing on to Sikkim to explore this unique and amazing region before finishing the tour in Kolkata ( Calcutta ) - the most "Indian" of cities and provides many contrasts.
MOTOR BIKES- The motor bikes provided are Royal Enfield Bullets. The Enfields were originally produced in Britain. After WW2, the factory was transferred to India ( Chennai - formerly Madras ), where they are still in production today. An experienced motor bike mechanic will accompany the tour. All fuel, maintenance and repairs are included.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Met at airport and transferred to hotel. Taken on an orientation tour of the Thamel area. The hotel is centrally located in the Thamel area of Kathmandu which is renowned for its many restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs etc which cater for the tourists. The hotel has a nice swimmimg pool to relax in after a hard days sightseeing!
Kathmandu is situated at 1400m or 4500 ft and is nestled in a fertile valley. Kathmandu has always evoked mystique amongst travelers. Ancient temples, exotic festivals and the blending of the Hindu and Buddhist religions, all complimented with the mighty Himalayas as a backdrop. A walk down the narrow, cobbled streets with overhanging balconies and delicately wrought carved windows, is like taking a stroll back through time.
Day 2: KATHMANDU
Sightseeing tour. Walk through the cobbled streets of Kathmandu to Durbar Square which is the spiritual centre of Kathmandu and has many fine temples and imposing buildings, this is where Kumari - the living Goddess - lives in a small house.
After lunch a short ride to Swayambunath (commonly known as the Monkey Temple and they are everywhere!) which is perched high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. Soak up the atmosphere of this magical place - chanting Buddhist monks, beating drums, Tibetan horns, shops selling artifacts and listen to the 1000's of fluttering Tibetan prayer flags sending their prayers to the heavens. A leisurely stroll through the back streets of Kathmandu to the hotel for a relaxing swim in the pool.
Day 3: KATHMANDU
Sightseeing tour. Jump into a rickshaw and and relax in the back whilst you are pedalled through Kathmandu to Pashupatinath - the holiest Hindu place in Kathmandu. The Hindus cremate their dead here and the ashes are sprinkled into the river which flows into the Mother Ganges river in India. See many Sadhus who are holy Hindu men who have renounced all worldly possessions and roam the sub continent going to the various holy Hindu sights.
Back into the rickshaws and pedal off to the Buddhist temple at Boudanath which has the largest Stupa in Nepal. This is the spiritual and exile home for the many Tibetans who fled after the Chinese invasion. Closeby are many Tibetan Monasteries teaching the Buddha's philosophy on life. Enjoy a nice lunch overlooking the magnificent Stupa.
Day 4: KATHMANDU
Free day to explore, shop, eat at the many restaurants and take in one of the most interesting cities in the world.
Day 5: KATHMANDU - BIRATNAGAR (fly) - ENTER INDIA
Transfer to the airport for the short but spectacular flight to Biratnagar which is situated in the Terai region of Nepal. A bus will pick up from the airport and drive for 2 hours through the lush, green Terai region until the Indian border is reached. Crossing into India and continue for 1 hour to Siliguri where the Royal Enfields , machanic, vehicles and crew will be waiting. Have a practice and get the "feel" of the Enfields before heading off the next morning.
Day 6: SILIGURI - DARJEELING (100 km)
The ride into the Himalayas begins immediately you'll notice the change in vegetation, people, architecture, lifestyle and the climate becomes more temperate you've left the "Plains of India" and are now in the Himalayas!
DARJEELING - This picturesque town straddles a ridge at 2134m ( 7000 ft ), surrounded by tea plantations and provides spectacular views of the Himalayas, in particular, Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world. Darjeeling was established by the British as a hill station to escape the heat and humidity of the Indian plains.
It is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monastries; visit a tea plantation and see how tea is processed; ride chairlifts; go horse riding; hunt for bargains in the colourful markets; visit Tiger Hill for dawn views over Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks; see the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which was founded by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay ( conquered Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953 ) and generally enjoy the holiday atmosphere of this wonderful place.
Day 7: DARJEELING
Sightseeing tour. A morning ride on the famous "TOY TRAIN" which was built by the British to take passengers & goods from the plains to Darjeeling. It is one of the last remaining steam engine trains in the world.
Returning to Darjeeling and take a stroll through the market/bazaar areas to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and also the zoo which is one of the best there is in India. Himalayan bears, Bengal Tigers.
Day 8: DARJEELING
Optional day ride to Mirik (100 km) or spend the day exploring Darjeeling.
Day 9: DARJEELING - ENTER SIKKIM - PELLING (90 km)
A great days ride through the Himalayas to enter the Sikkim area and continue onto Pelling. SIKKIM - Dominated by the world's 3rd highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, Sikkim provides many spectacular waterfalls beautiful rice paddies and villages, raging rivers, Tibetan monasteries and fantastic views of the Himalayas. Its people are a mixture of Nepalese, Tibetans, Bhutanese and Indians.
PELLING - A pleasant little town perched high on a ridge and dominated by Kanchenjunga and other high Himalayan peaks.
Day 10: PELLING
A full day sightseeing to the beautiful and sacred Khecheopari lake and also to see Asia's 2nd highest suspension bridge.
Day 11: PELLING - GANGTOK (100 km)
Another spectacular ride through the mountains. GANGTOK - (meaning "hilltop") The capital of Sikkim is located in a valley with spectacular views of the Himalayas. With a population of only 85000, Gangtok is quite small and very easy to walk around and soak up the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
There will be 2 full days of sightseeing to visit the Rumtek Monastery, ride the cable car, shop in the markets/bazaars and see the many waterfalls and villages.
Days 12-13: GANGTOK
Sightseeing tours.
Day 14: GANGTOK - SILIGURI ( 130 km )
Yet another great days ride down the mountains and back onto the "Plains of India". Say good bye to the Enfields, mechanic and drivers and board the overnight train to Kolkata sleeping berth in air con compartments.
Day 15: ARRIVE KOLKATA ( formerly Calcutta )
Arrive Kolkata around 8am to be met by our local Indian guide and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day to relax and get the "feel" of this most interesting of cities.
KOLKATA (formerly Calcutta) - Situated on the Hooghly river, Kolkata is one of India's largest and most interesting cities. It was created by the British in 1686, as the capital of British India. It has a fascinating history, ranging from "the Black Hole of Calcutta" and Clive of India, to Mother Teresa and the good work carried out by her missions.
Kolkata has long been acknowledged as the cultural capital of India for the way it promotes drama, filmmaking, writers, painters, dancers, musicians and philosophers. There are many fine buildings, museums, markets and bazaars and this, together with the distinctive feel of the real India, makes Kolkata an interesting place to visit.
Day 16: KOLKATA
Sightseeing tour to take in all the sights that this great city offers.
Day 17: DEPARTING KOLKATA
Free day to relax, shop and enjoy before the late evening transfer to the airport for departure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- Tour leader
- Experienced guide
- Twin share hotel accommodation
- Domestic flight Kathmandu - Biratnagar
- All ground transport ( Biratnagar - Siliguri )
- Royal Enfield Bullet motor bikes
- All motor bike fuel, maintenance and repairs
- Motor bike insurance
- Motor bike mechanic
- Support vehicles to carry your luggage & shopping, mechanic & motor bike spares and also used for sightseeing tours
- All sightseeing tours
- Overnight train ( Siliguri - Kolkata )- sleeper berth in air con compartments
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) whilst in Kolkata
- Airport/hotel transfers
- Permits
Price does not include:
- Personal expenses
- Meals (very inexpensive - approx US$15/day)
- Visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
India
Motorcycle Tours
Self Drive
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