Sikkim, an erstwhile Himalayan kingdom, now a state in India, is richly endowed with a prominently Buddhist culture dating back to the 7th century AD. It's unique location in the Himalayas and elevation ranging from 600m to over 8000m spread over an area of 7000 sq. km. offers diverse flora and fauna ranging from sub-tropical to the alpine. Mt Khangchendzonga (8,585m/ 28,166ft) is the third highest mountain in the world and this guardian deity of Sikkim looms majestically throughout the trip.

For those with more time, this trip can be extended to include our tour of Bhutan.

Days: 8
Ride days: 7
Approx. distance: 445mi/ 710km
Daily average: 65mi/ 101km
Riding difficulty: Moderate+
Start – Finish: Phuntsoling – Bagdogra

(click on any of the days below for more detail)

NOTE: indicated ride times and distances do NOT account for time spent sightseeing, poor weather or traffic conditions.

Meet, assist and transfer from Phuntsoling and drive to Kalimpong. Kalimpong's 10th Mile old market area has the feel of the bustling Tibet trade which existed until 1959 when Tibet was annexed by China. The scenically located monastery at Durpin, offers us a birds eye view of the town below.

Kalimpong is renowned for floriculture. Visit some of the flower nurseries to view the beautiful world of orchids, cacti, foliage plants and a huge variety of other seasonal flowers and shrubs.

Ride to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Enroute we visit Rumtek Monastery, a magnificent Buddhist monastery established by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa sect. Built as an exact replica of the original Kagyu monastery in Tibet it is also the international headquarters of the Karma Kagyu centers.

In the morning we explore the main sites of Gangtok, including-

* Do-Drul Chorten - one of the most important stupas of Sikkim built by the late venerable Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46.

* Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – holds the largest collection of Tibetan artifacts outside of Tibet. Renowned worldwide as a center for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare Thankas, and Buddhist objects of art.

* Flower Show Pavilion - situated on the ridge above the city, this centre displays the floral diversity of Sikkim, including the famed orchids.

After lunch the ride to Rabong passes through typical Sikkimese villages, and cardamom plantations that dot the slopes of the Teesta valley. We visit the Temi Tea Garden to observe the plucking and processing of one of the finest tea in the world. Then on to Samdruptse - the site of the 113 ft tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, and the Buddhist scholar who restored Buddhism in Tibet in the 7th century AD. This location also offers a breathtaking view of the Sikkim Himalayas and the Darjeeling hills.

We ride with the spectacular backdrop of the peaks of Narsing, Jopuno and Kabur to the two monasteries at Ralang. The old Ralang monastery, Karma Rabten Cholling, was built in 1730. The monastery is one of the most sacred and important monasteries following the Kagyupa tradition. The New Ralang monastery - Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute, was completed in 1995. This is the biggest monastery in Sikkim and its architecture and paintings have been painstakingly undertaken to maintain the authenticity of the Kagyupa monasteries.

A morning ride to Pelling leads us to the Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in the 18th century, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Pemayangtse, "the Sublime Lotus", also houses the famed "Zangdopalri", a fascinating model of the celestial abode of Guru Padma Sambhava, crafted single-handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimpoche.

We will also visit the Rabdentse Palace ruins- strategically located on a ridge with commanding views of the Rangeet valley and the villages scattered in West and South Sikkim.

On route visit Khecheodpalri Lake, also known as the 'wishing lake'. This unusually calm lake, located in the midst of a dense forest is considered very sacred and no water sport or other activities besides prayers and worship are allowed around it.

We continue on to the quaint little village of Yuksom. It is the trail-head for trekking to Dzongri and Goecha-la. Yuksom is also the place where the three Lamas met and consecrated the first king of Sikkim in 1641. The Norbugang chorten and the Coronation throne stand mute testimony to this historic event.

Darjeeling, "The Queen of the Himalayas", is a bustling tourist town renowned for its tea gardens, the Himalayan mountaineering Institute, the sunrise over the Himalayas from the Tiger Hill and imprints of the British Raj.

We visit Tashiding monastery considered the most sacred monastery in Sikkim.

Early morning ride to Tiger Hill to witness the first sun rays bathing the Himalayas. On return visit the Ghoom Monastery. Built in 1875 the monastery, which follows the Gelugpa sect, houses one of the largest statue of the Maitreya Buddha- "the future Buddha". Darjeeling sightseeing options-

* Himalayan Zoo which houses Himalayan fauna like the Red Panda, black bear, yaks, tigers, snow leopard etc., in reconstructed natural habitat.

* Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - a premier training centre for mountaineers and museum detailing the ascent of Mt. Everest by Tenzing Sherpa & Sir Edmund Hillary.

* Ride on the UNESCO heritage listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (the 'Toy Train') to Ghoom and back. Upon return, explore Darjeeling's local markets.

* Tibetan Self Help Centre - training young people in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms - a great place to buy souvenirs.

In the morning continue to explore the sites of 'the tea capital of the world', before we ride to our final destination - Bagdogra.

TOUR ENDS