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Buthan & Sikkim Tour
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Sikkim and Bhutan
Kusuzangpo – that’s “Hello” in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Tucked away in the mountains between India and Tibet, centuries of religious isolation have shrouded it in mystery. Bhutan is gradually opening to tourism, yet only around 10,000 foreigners are permitted to visit the mountain kingdom every year, and individual travelers are not allowed in.
From Darjeeling, the tour will take us to Sikkim, a state that has only been a part of the Indian Union since 1975. The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga (8586 m), is located in Sikkim. Monasteries in spectacular landscapes, rugged ravines and lush vegetation await us. Sikkim was closed to the outside world for centuries, and even today it can’t be entered without a special permit.
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The sense of remoteness and mystery becomes even greater when crossing the border into the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
We’ll be traveling through a country with a unique, pristine ecosystem, a land of snow-capped mountains, broad valleys with fertile rice paddies and orchards, tiny villages and lively market towns.
Yet the south is covered in jungle and more reminiscent of India than the Himalayas.
Bhutan is a thoroughly exotic country that stimulates all of the senses. Spectacular mountain ranges, rare plants and animals, ancient Buddhist monasteries and a mystical aura make the kingdom a unique, exclusive travel experience.
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And finally, our classic single-cylinder Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc motorcycles – relics of India’s colonial past that are still rolling off the production line today – will help make the tour truly unforgettable.
Our Sikkim & Bhutan tours are organized exclusively by Peter & Friends Classic Adventures Pvt. Ltd. (India), a motorcycle touring company that has been under German management for the past 18 years.
Peter and his crew have successfully organized over 200 motorcycle tours on the subcontinent under the Classic Bike Adventures India name, including seven tours of Sikkim and three of Bhutan.
Peter & Friends stand for well-maintained motorcycles and support vehicles, as well as a professional crew led by German guides who have all been living and working in India for over 15 years.
After our transfer to Delhi’s domestic airport, we’ll continue toward our destination region – Bagdogra, near Darjeeling. From there, a bus will take us to the Mirik hill station, arriving early in the evening. The bike tour starts the following morning.
The return trip will start from Paro, the only airport in Bhutan. We’ll be departing for a direct flight to New Delhi on a new Druk Air Boeing at around 9:30 am. We’ll be reaching the Indian capital around lunch time, leaving enough time for a combined sightseeing and shopping tour. After a delicious farewell dinner, there’ll be time for another good night’s sleep before heading back to our respective home countries.
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Group strength: approx. 8 to 12 bikers and 2 pillion passengers (max. 15 group members including the guide)
Room requirements: max. 10 rooms (max. 4 double and 5 single rooms)
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Preliminary itinerary – the most important points in brief:
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Day 1
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International flight, arrival in Delhi, the capital of India
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Day 2
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Flight to Bagdogra and transfer to hill station
Arrival in Delhi, connecting flight to Bagdogra. Welcome by our local crew and transfer via Siliguri to Mirik hill station (1,760 m). If you did not receive a Sikkim permit with your Indian visa, you can obtain one easily and inexpensively in Siliguri.
We’ll have a chance to relax and get acquainted at the welcome dinner. Overnight stay in Jaysee Hotel.
(bus transfer approx. 4 h)
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Day 3
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Tour intro – warm-up, on to Darjeeling.
The next morning, the footpath around Mirik Lake will offer us our first view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. After a leisurely breakfast, the Enfields will be waiting for our first outing. We’ll be taking some time to get to know the bikes and practice a bit. After all, driving on the left and shifting on the right takes a bit of getting used to.
We’ll then start on the first leg of the tour, taking an adventurous back road through tea plantations along the border to Nepal up to Darjeeling (2,150 m), the renowned tea bazaar high in the Himalayan foothills.
Overnight stay in the colonial-style Cedar Inn, located above the bazaar with a spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga Massif.
(approx. 70 km)
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Day 4
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From Darjeeling to Sikkim
Optional early-morning excursion to watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill. After breakfast, we start by heading steeply downhill through tea plantations to Great Rangeet River, crossing the border into Sikkim at Jorethang after about 30 km. We’ll then continue through serene forests and fields back uphill to the renowned Pemayangtse Gompa Buddhist monastery (2,085 m), built in 1705 by the Nyangmapa order. Overnight stay at the Pelling hill station in the Newa Residency Hotel, (2,000 m), approx. 10 km further. Once again, we’ll have an outstanding panorama view of the Kanchenjunga Massif (8,598 m)
(approx. 180 km)
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Day 5
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West Sikkim, Katchapony Lake, Yuksam mountain monastery
Today we’ll be taking adventurous mountain roads through the deep valleys and narrow passes of West Sikkim to the holy Katchapony Lake, then on to Yuksam, the Kanchenjunga trekking base camp. We’ll be staying at the best hotel in the area, the Tashi Gang Hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll be taking a short trek to the historical mountain monastery of Yuksam. After dinner, we’ll settle in around the campfire in the garden with the crew and have our first opportunity to sample the local fire water
(approx. 120 km)
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Day 6
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Onwards via Tashiding to the Rumtek Gompa monastery
Today we’ll be taking winding mountain roads to Tashiding, a hamlet with a picturesque monastery – which we are unlikely to visit due to the steep 45-minute climb on foot needed to reach it – and the mountain village of Ravangla. After a long, twisty ride at various altitudes, we’ll reach the Gangtok–Siliguri national highway at Sigtam. From there, it’s not far to our destination for the day, Rumtek Gompa, the most renowned monastery in Sikkim. This expansive, wealthy monastery is the seat of the 17th Karmapa Lama, the head of the Tibetan-Buddhist Kagyupa order, who arrived in India a few years ago after an adventurous escape from Tibet via Mustang and Nepal. Overnight stay at the Shambala Resort
(approx. 200 km)
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Day 7
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Ride to Tsongo Lake or sightseeing in Gangtok
After a short ride we’ll reach the Lingdum monastery, and after visiting it we’ll continue via Ranka to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Today, we’ll try to visit Tsongo Lake (3,570 m), about 50 km away. A special permit, which is not always available, is required for the trip. Alternatively, we can spend the afternoon visiting Sikkim’s capital and the Research Institute of Tibetology museum of Tibetan arts and crafts, as well as the renowned Orchid Gardens and another monastery. Overnight stay in a well-appointed modern hotel with an outstanding view of the Gangtok Valley
(70 –170 km, depending on program)
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Day 8
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From Gangtok to Singhik monastery
40 km northeast of Gangtok, we’ll reach the picturesquely situated Phodong monastery. We’ll then continue along the deep Tista River gorge to Mangan, the administrative capital of northern Sikkim. An exciting – and hopefully open – road leads to the fisherman’s paradise of Namprikdang at the confluence of the Talung into the Tista River. A bit further downstream, we’ll reach the Singhik monastery and spend the night in the simple but inviting Tourist Lodge. Once again, we can look forward to a campfire in the shadow of Kanchenjunga
(approx. 90 km)
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Day 9
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Through Sikkim’s North District
At sunrise, the eastern side of the Kanchenjunga Massif reflects a brilliant glow – and we’ll have a perfect view. After breakfast, we’ll continue south, attempting to leave Sikkim’s North District via a small road to the south of the Dik River. Our destination is once again the state capital, Gangtok. Overnight stay in a well-appointed modern hotel with an outstanding view of the Gangtok Valley.
(approx. 110 km)
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Day 10
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Onward to Kalimpong
We’ll be leaving Sikkim via Melli and Rangpo Check Post. Our destination for the day is the ancient bazaar town of Kalimgpong (1,250 m), once an important way station along the silk and spice route between Tibet and Bengal. We’ll be visiting the Durpin monastery, flower plantations and the bazaar of the old city during the afternoon. We’ll be spending the night at the romantic Himalayan Hotel, the town’s finest, which features a magnificent flower garden. (approx. 100 km)
(approx. 90 km)
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Day 11
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Onward to the border of Bhutan
A long day’s riding will take us across Tiger Bridge, Mall Bazaar (where we’ll be having lunch), Binaguri, Jaldapara and Hashimar to the Bhutanese border at Phutsoling. We’ll be spending the night in the large Druk Hotel, taking care of border formalities for ourselves and the bikes, and meeting our Bhutanese crew
(approx. 200 km)
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Day 12
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From Phuntsoling to Thimpu
From Phuntsoling, we’ll be taking our bikes up the initially steep – and for the first 60 km relatively busy – main road into the Western Bhutanese mountains. After 70 km and arriving at an altitude of 2,000 meters, our street turns into a peaceful dream road that will take us into Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. (2,400 m, approx. 30,000 inhabitants). We will be spending the night in the luxurious, typically Bhutanese boutique hotel Jumolhari, or in the even more exclusive Hotel Druk, both of which are located on the main road in the center of the town.
(approx. 200 km)
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Day 13
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Through the Sangkosh Valley to Trongsa
We’ll be starting the day with a ride through the mountains from Thimpu over the Dhochu La pass (3,400 m) into Sangkosh Valley. We’ll then climb back up the winding Pele La pass (3,300 m), enjoying a breathtaking view of Trongsa – the home of the royal family and our next overnight stay – on the way back down. The Sherubling Lodge, a friendly guest house with a unique charm and a view of the Dzong of Trongsa, will be our home for the night
(approx. 210 km)
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Day 14
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From Trongsa to Punakha
After our visit to Bhutan’s largest dzong, or fortress, we’ll be riding to Wangdue Phodrang to see the mighty, fortified monastery. 25 km further, we’ll be reaching Punakha (1,340 m), which was the winter capital of Bhutan up to the 1950s thanks to its virtually tropical climate. We’ll be spending the night in the monastery village of Punakha at Hotel Zangthopelri and/or the idyllic Damchen River Resort
(approx. 160 km)
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Day 15
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From Punakha to Paro
After visiting the Punakha monastery, we’ll once again pass by Thimphu while riding through peaceful valleys filled with forests and farms on our way to Paro, a picturesque village with ancient temples, the royal palace, and Bhutan’s only airport. We’ve allotted a maximum of four hours riding time to cover just over 100 km. We’ll be spending the night at the former matrimonial guest house of the King of Bhutan, the Olathang Resort.
(approx. 100 km)
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Day 16
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Round trip through western Bhutan
Today we’ll be doing a fantastic tour around western Bhutan, crossing the Cheli La pass (3,990 m) into the Ha Valley, and to the Dobji monastery. Alternatively, we could take a short bike tour and a trek (two hours and a 500-meter ascent) to the Taktshang monastery view point, with a sensational view of the Eagle Nest monastery, then on to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.
(approx. 100 km)
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Day 17
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Flight to India and sightseeing in Delhi
Morning transfer to Paro airport and flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the mysteries of Old Delhi and its bazaars. There’s literally nothing that can’t be bought there, and some visitors don’t reappear out of the narrow alleyways until many hours later... There will also be plenty of time to take in other sights as well, or for last-minute shopping. Whatever your inclination, our guide will have more than enough tips.
In the evening, we’ll be getting together for our farewell dinner – one last opportunity to savor the true flavors of India before returning home. Overnight stay in a mid-range hotel in central New Delhi.
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Day 18
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Return flight
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Tour-Map
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As is always the case when traveling in exotic countries without advanced tourist infrastructure, it may become necessary alter the program on the spot due to unforeseen circumstances.
The itinerary is therefore subject to change!
Important information
Equipment:
Please bring your own protective clothing and helmet. Also be sure to bring your wet-weather gear to help ensure that it won’t rain.
Other helpful items:
A flashlight – ideally a headband-mounted one. A Leatherman tool or Swiss army knife can be useful. Sunglasses are absolutely essential. A personal drinking bottle is also very convenient. We also recommend that you bring a sleeping bag or a fleece blanket, as Indian hotel rooms are generally unheated and can become quite cold, especially at higher altitudes.
The Enfields are equipped with sturdy leather saddlebags. We nevertheless recommend a waterproof daypack for your most essential items, or a tail bag with mounting straps that will let you easily remove everything from the bike and take it with you anytime.
You should keep drugs (diarrhea and cold medication, vitamins, etc.) and other personal items (sun blocker, insect repellant) within convenient reach.
On the topic of medication, a shot of Fernet Branca or a similar herbal digestive can work wonders in case of problems with the local cuisine. As these are not available locally, we advise persons with sensitive stomachs to stock up at home.
Currency:
You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country or take it out. You may bring up to USD 5,000.00 into the country without prior notice. We recommend euro banknotes in €50.00 and €100.00 denominations. Be sure to change at least €200.00 before leaving the airport. Be sure to insist on a receipt and count the money you have been given! ). US dollars are not required. American Express Traveler’s Cheques are no longer in common use and may cause unnecessary hassles. Credit cards (Maestro, Visa and MasterCard) with PINs can be used for cash advances from ATMs in large towns.
You will need the equivalent of around €200.00 to €300.00 for drinks, lunch and tips for the duration of your stay.
Indian rupees are accepted in Bhutan.
Documents:
Please be sure to carry photocopies of all of your important travel documents such as your passport, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket for emergencies.
Arrival:
Visitors to India need a tourist visa, which must be issued before your arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay. Please contact your country’s Indian embassy or an Indian consulate for more information, as the requirements vary according to your nationality.
We will obtain the visa for Bhutan for you. The visa is included in the price of the tour. We will need four passport photos of you during the tour. A special permit is required to enter Sikkim. These are normally issued free of charge together with your Indian visa if you specify New Delhi, Darjeeling and Sikkim as your destinations. We can also have Sikkim permits issued on arrival in Siliguri.
Import regulations:
Up to 20 films, 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol may be imported duty-free. All international film and battery types, cigarette and whisky brands are available in India. Customs checks of arriving tourists have become considerably less strict in recent years.
Food:
Our hotels in Bhutan and Sikkim serve excellent meals. Most of our tour participants to date have been thrilled by the food. Indian cuisine is generally well-spiced and not overly hot.
Discovering genuine Asian cuisine can be a lot of fun. Your guide will show you the best food stalls and tea shops, and we’ll be eating simple vegetarian meals and regional specialties throughout the tour.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the tour and will be served to the group. Hearty breakfasts are available virtually everywhere. During the day, we’ll be stopping for small refreshments and snacks, generally at basic local restaurants and roadside tea shops.
Our evening meals are generally mouth-watering buffets including both local and international foods, freshly prepared especially for us.
We can promise you a wide range of cuisine, with a particular emphasis on local specialties. Overall, less meat is served in India – chicken being the most common non-vegetarian food –, but therefore plenty of vegetables, legumes and rice. Fish is also sometimes served.
Indian beer is not always up to international standards, and the most common brands are Kingfisher, Castle and San Miguel. The local Chang beer is quite effective but requires a bit of getting used to, and you can rest assured that we will be sampling it. Decent wine is practically unavailable, but the local Old Monk rum is a good alternative. Mineral water or purified water can be purchased anywhere and must be carried individually. We also recommend carrying some Fernet Branca or a similar herbal digestive for medicinal purposes.
Riding skills:
You should be confident in handling a motorcycle on paved roads. Unpaved sections or rough gravelly trails should not be a problem for you. Roughly 90% of the roads we will be taking are paved. A note for anyone with a fear of heights: Our tour route includes narrow mountain passes at altitudes of up to 3,990 m, which are in good condition, but not necessarily suitable for the faint-hearted. If things become too much, it’s always possible to ride in our support vehicle, which is never far behind. Our bike mechanics are always happy to step in as a “replacement rider” for tour participants if necessary.
Driving license:
All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.
Baggage:
Your baggage will be transported in the support vehicle. Don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our own baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary.
Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we do not provide them.
Health:
Tropical diseases do not occur in the Himalayas. A bit of prevention will ensure that plague, malaria, hepatitis and amoebic dysentery are not an issue. The air and water in the Indian Himalayas is clean, and our food and its preparation is completely hygienic. You should always use purified water – or better yet, mineral water – for drinking and brushing your teeth. The most frequent health disorders on our past tours were hangovers after long evenings around the campfire and mild cases of diarrhea that usually last a day or two and disappear without complications.
Altitude sickness is hardly a problem on our tours in India, as we rarely stay at altitudes greater than 2,300 meters for extended periods.
Our tour dispensary is a small treasure chest for emergencies. We’re prepared to deal with almost any problem. In cases where we cannot provide adequate help on the spot, we will organize the appropriate measures quickly, conscientiously and in a professional manner. We do expect participants to be in good health and physically fit, however.
Vaccinations are currently not required for India, but most physicians recommend immunization against hepatitis A and B. This is now available as a combined vaccine that is generally advisable for serious travelers.
Immunization against tetanus and polio is essential in any case. In addition to any personal prescription medicines you may need, we recommend carrying medication against diarrhea, insect bites, fever and colds.
We recommend immunization against hepatitis A and B.
With regard to malaria, please contact your physician or an institute for tropical diseases to discuss whether prophylaxis or the subsequent treatment of an infection would be more appropriate for you. We do not use prophylaxis and do not recommend it. All malaria medications are available in India in good international quality at a fraction of the price charged in western countries, and our crew carries an adequate supply at all times.
It is essential to clarify all medical matters well in advance so that you do not have to receive multiple immunizations at the same time.
Deposit:
Riders must make a deposit of €500.00 in traveler’s cheques or cash for their bikes. The deposit will be returned when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit also corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties.
Please see the Motorcycle section for more information on insurance.
Clothing:
Whatever you need for riding and leisure at temperatures between 5° and 30°C, including swimwear. You should also be prepared for cold nights at higher elevations in the Himalayas, with temperatures that may drop below freezing. Rugged clothing is advisable. Formal evening attire will definitely not be required.
Cell phones:
Standard GSM phones are usable almost everywhere in India, including Sikkim. They do not yet work in Bhutan.
Total distance:
Approx. 2,000 km
Group strength:
The minimum number of participants is 8, the maximum is 12 riders plus a tour guide. Two guides will be present for larger groups. A maximum of 5 persons can ride in the support jeep or van.
Hotels:
Our hotels have been selected with care and vary from basic to upper midrange standards. Some are especially comfortable or well-situated, others have excellent cuisine or atmosphere, but they all have in common that they warmly welcome motorcyclists. While all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, the hotels are rarely heated, making a sleeping bag or fleece blanket advisable.
Single rooms: Many of the locations we cover do not have a highly developed tourist infrastructure, so requests for single rooms can only be accommodated where the local hotel situation permits. We cannot guarantee the availability of single rooms at all times. We’re confident that our tour guide will be able find a mutually acceptable solution wherever necessary, however.
Climate:
Expect sunny weather with daytime highs of 15° to 30°C, with night-time temperatures ranging from below freezing to 20°C, depending on the altitude and weather conditions. Chances of rain in February, March, October and November are around 5%, with good to excellent visibility. There are no guarantees against freak weather conditions, of course. UV radiation is extremely high due to the clear air. Be sure to take plenty of sunscreen.
Motorcycles:
Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 stands out from the current crop of retrostyled bikes like the Kawasaki W 650 in one important respect – the fact that its 1950s design is genuine. The Bullet is manufactured in India and features a torquey long-stroke single-cylinder 500cc engine that delivers 24 bhp at 4,600 rpm. The bike, which weighs in at 168 kg, has a four-speed gearbox and a top speed of just over 120 kph. New: all bikes now feature a dual-piston front disk brake! The original front drum brakes and their marginal performance are now history. The drum brake has been retained in the rear, where it’s perfectly adequate.
Technical specifications:
Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499cc, 16 kW (24 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 168 kg, seat height 75 cm, 123 kph.
Our Enfields were manufactured between 1998 and 2004 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of rental motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours. They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.
The bikes have comprehensive insurance, with €500.00 deductible that must be paid as a cash deposit when collecting the bike.
Important note:
The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.
(Not to worry, however: damages rarely exceed USD 1,500.00, even in accidents involving severe personal injury.)
When booking the tour, please read and sign the included rental agreement and return it to us together with the booking form.
Road conditions:
We will mainly be taking quiet country roads and narrow, often dizzying mountain passes. Over 80% of the roads are paved, and most of them are in surprisingly good condition. We will occasionally encounter badly deteriorated paved roads, potholed gravel roads and unpaved mountain tracks.
You should, however, always be alert to occasional potholes, rough surfaces, and loose gravel in curves, even on well-paved roads. Our tour route includes narrow mountain passes at altitudes of up to 3,990 m, which are in good condition, but not necessarily suitable for riders with a pronounced fear of heights.
The flexible, considerate driving style of the locals makes it easy to adjust to driving on the left and coping with the seemingly chaotic traffic conditions. The behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, and the frequent presence of animals on the road call for considerably more attention, however. Extreme caution is required around children.
Day schedule:
A travel day normally begins at 8:00 am with breakfast. This is followed by a short briefing by the guide at around 9:00 am, and the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary considerably. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. A times, it can be a good idea to get up very early to enjoy the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in the clear morning air. The humidity tends to rise over the course of the day, with haze reducing the visibility.
Daily distances:
Between 60 and 210 km
Agreement M/S Peter & Friends Classic Adventures Pvt. Ltd. (India) Our partner company in India is responsible for booking the hotels and additional program, as well as providing the motorcycles and guides. This agreement has been drawn up to provide legal security for both the participants and the organizer by stating the terms of the tour, especially with regard to the rental and use of the motorcycle. Please read and sign the enclosed copy and return it to us together with the booking form.
Important note: We cannot provide a motorcycle in India without this signed agreement.
Insurance:
We have already mentioned our recommendations regarding useful insurance policies at the appropriate places in the tour description. However, travel health insurance and travel accident insurance is mandatory for taking part in this tour. You must carry appropriate proof of insurance during the tour. We also recommend baggage insurance for the duration of the trip.
Please contact your insurance agent to take out the necessary policies.
Time:
Indian time is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.
Our services:
- connecting flights within the tour
- overnight stays in double rooms in hotels or guest houses
- all breakfasts and evening meals
- full board in Bhutan
- rental Enfield Bullet 500
- all fuel, motor oil and other lubricants for the bikes
experienced, English-speaking guide for the entire tour
- support vehicle for baggage (as well as spare parts for the
- bikes and the first-aid kit containing adequate stocks of the
- most frequently-needed medicines)
- local mechanic with a basic command of English in the support vehicle
- all required permits and visa for Bhutan
- admission fees (not including camera and video fees)
- special fees such as road and bridge tolls, etc.
- sightseeing in Delhi
- road map
- airport transfers
- visa for Bhutan
- airport fees in Paro, Bhutan (departure tax)
- Not included: lunch, drinks and coffee breaks
- visa fee for india
- visa fee for India
- holiday cancellation insurance
- travel health insurance
- personal expenses
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