Rakatanga Tour - India - From Darjeeling to Sikkim

Kanchenjunga mountain in Sikkim. Photo credit: labunhanglimboo on Pixabay.

This motorcycle trip through Sikkim and Darjeeling is a ride through the eastern Himalayas and the culture of the region. From the first kilometres out of Bagdogra we ride past tea plantations around Darjeeling. On winding roads the valleys of Sikkim open in front of us, with Kangchenjunga and Everest in the background when the weather is clear. In Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla and Namchi there are chances to see Everest if the sky allows it. Stops in the Darjeeling tea gardens and bends in the Sikkim mountains set the pace of the days.

About 1000 km, 95% on tarmac in good condition. Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan 410cc.

Day 1 Arrival of flights in Delhi. Afternoon meeting with the group at the hotel, briefing (introduction to the country, riding in India and the travel programme). Night in Delhi.

Day 2 Bagdogra - Darjeeling (2045 m). 3hrs We start on winding roads through the green hills of Darjeeling. On the way we pass villages and tea plantations. A photo stop at Ghoom monastery on the way to Darjeeling. The hairpins make for a concentrated ride. The landscape changes from plains to hills. Hotel in Darjeeling

Day 3 Darjeeling (2045 m). We visit the Happy Valley tea garden and taste fresh tea. The steam train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a short ride on its own. The streets have craft shops and bakeries. Time to walk the lanes and see daily life in the Himalayan hills. Morning mist is common. Hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 4 Darjeeling - Pelling (2150 m) 4hrs The road winds through green valleys and villages. We stop at Rimbi waterfall and Pemayangtse monastery, with a view of the Himalayan range. Tight bends, then the views. Meetings with local people along the way. Night in Pelling.

Day 5 Pelling - Gangtok. (1650 m) 6hrs Tight bends and steep climbs to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, need attention. On the way, a visit to Tashiding monastery, on an isolated hill, with quiet courtyards and mountain views. The landscape changes from snow peaks to green valleys. Night in Gangtok.

Day 6 Gangtok - Tsomgo Lake (3750m) - Gangtok (1650 m). 4hrs. The road to Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow peaks. Contact with local people at the lake. Mountain paths look over green valleys and snow. Time at the lake. Night in Gangtok.

Day 7 Gangtok - Mangan (1000m). 3hrs. Through deep valleys and forest towards Mangan, we visit Phodong monastery, with traditional architecture and Buddhist teaching. Mountain roads with wide views. Village stops on the way. Night in Mangan.

Day 8 Mangan - Rumtek (1500m). 5hrs. Views of snow-covered Himalayan mountains along the road. A stop at Rumtek monastery, a large Buddhist complex with painted halls and sculpture. The road alternates green valleys and snow peaks. Night in Rumtek.

Day 9 Rumtek - Yuksom (1750m). 6hrs. Steep mountain roads take us to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim. A visit to Dubdi monastery, the oldest in Sikkim, with a view over the valley. Tight bends. Meetings with local people. Night in Yuksom.

Day 10 Yuksom - Darjeeling. 4hrs. Return to Darjeeling on mountain roads, with time for a last cup of tea. Familiar roads through green valleys and villages. Hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 11 Darjeeling - Bagdogra - Delhi. Transfer by private vehicle to Bagdogra airport 3hrs. Afternoon flight to Delhi. Optional visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra. 3hrs by private vehicle. Night in Delhi (or Agra if you take the option)

Day 12 Departure of international flights and airport transfers according to your flight time. End of the trip and of our services.

Duration of the trip :

12 days, 11 hotel nights (day 1 to 11 included). Arrival and meeting of participants in Delhi at the hotel on day 1.

The two domestic flights Delhi - Bagdogra - Delhi are included in the trip price.

The price includes:

Motorcycle hire for the whole trip, Himalaya 410cc off-road model.
Eleven hotel nights in twin rooms with breakfast. Single room extra. (1).
5* Hotel Metropolitan in Delhi. 4* The West Gate Posada or equivalent in Darjeeling. Best available option elsewhere.
Breakfasts, water and tea at road stops.
Spanish-speaking motorcycle guide (Spanish, English and Hindi) and an Enfield mechanic.
Vehicle and driver for luggage and roadside assistance.
Spare parts, tools, first-aid kit and medicines.
Petrol for the trip, maintenance, repairs and third-party insurance for the motorcycles.
All authorisations and the Inner Permit to enter Sikkim.
Tickets for the Darjeeling Joy Train ride.
Hotel-airport transfers both ways.
The two domestic flights Delhi - Bagdogra - Delhi. Flights UK725 and UK726, maximum 190€ per person. Any later fare increase may be added to the final trip price.

The price does not include:
- The international flight to Delhi.
- Travel assistance insurance. Mandatory (2)
- Visa for India.
- Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks.
- Tips for tour staff, hotels and restaurants.
- Average price of a meal in India: 3/5€
- Entrance tickets to gompas (monasteries) or monuments.
- Transport on free days.
- 500€ deposit for the motorcycle hire. Returned in full if the motorcycle has no damage.
- Lunches, dinners or other services not listed under "the price includes".
Weather and clothing during the trip

In July and August temperatures in Delhi can exceed 25°C. Higher in the mountains the weather is milder, around 15°C, with sunny days.

On the Sikkim passes the weather is usually dry and sunny but it can change quickly and temperatures can drop several times in the same day. There will be hot sunny days, cold days and rain. Above 3000 m the sun is strong. Bring high sun protection, sunglasses and gloves. For rain, a two-piece motorcycle suit is best. Daily motorcycle gear: modular helmet, jacket, gloves and closed boots. Rain is uncommon in our travel months but the weather is unpredictable. Also bring warm layers for the passes.

Riding in India and road conditions

This is one of the more demanding motorcycle trips we run. It is not advised for an inexperienced rider. Even riders with long experience are better off doing a riding course before the trip. The AFDM course is a good option.

India is a country that rewards patience. If you join the group, you will need to accept delays and unexpected situations linked to local conditions. This type of motorcycle trip has risks that you should know about. An open mind and a sense of humour help a lot.