WHO SHOULD COME ?
The riding will be physically challenging with some long technical descents suiting fit experienced mountain bikers with a taste for adventure. We suggest you need to be familiar with riding black graded trails to maximize enjoyment of this tour. There is an element of carrying to do so those who like a physical challenge will be tested. Basically the fitter you are the less pushing you will have to do. Distances vary with the longest day around 80 km but as we get to altitude; above 2500 meters; things get tougher and fitness plays an even greater part but at these heights anybody; regardless of fitness; can find climbing difficult. We will be cycling at altitudes of up to 3800 meters so there could be a risk of mild altitude sickness. You do need to consider the inherent risks of mountain biking and in particular mountain biking at altitude before deciding if this tour is for you.
ACCOMMODATION
All nights in the major towns are in outstanding mid range hotels and guesthouses. For nights spent on the Pindari Glacier Trail accommodation is more spartan with rooms simple yet clean and cosy with most having attached western toilet and hot water available in a bucket system. However on some occasions guests may be required to share a common toilet or washroom. All rooms are available on a single or double basis.
FOOD
There is a wide and excellent choice of western and Indian dishes available in all the larger towns. Meals in the trekking huts/tea houses are excellent using whatever local produce is available that day so expect freshly made vegetable curries, rice, chapatti with occasional meat dishes. All meals including evening meals are provided on days 6,7,8 and 9. On all other days we provide breakfast and lunch.
VEHICLE SUPPORT
We will have vehicle support wherever possible so those who have had enough of the climbs can recover in the vehicles or avail porter assistance. The back up vehicles will carry all sleeping bags, evening clothes, rucksacks etc so you only need to carry your daypack. We will have porters and donkey caravans to transport your equipment in the more remote areas.
FLIGHTS
Tours start and finish in Delhi. Delhi is well served by international airlines with most offering Delhi as their cheapest entry point into India. Check airlines for luggage allowance and what their policy is regarding cycles.
WHICH VISAS DO I REQUIRE?
See FAQ’s “Do I Need a Visa” for more information.
CLIMATE
Days should be clear and sunny with daytime temperatures in the mid 20C on the lower altitude trails but getting progressively cooler as we climb higher. Night times will be cool to cold. So bring that extra layer for the night spent under the glacier.
WHAT TO BRING
In addition to the items listed in What’s Included bring along:
Good quality sleeping bag, Head Torch, Strong Sunblock, Warm evening clothes, Camel backs/hydration packs should be of a large size to provide storage space for unneeded and extra clothing as temperatures can vary dramatically through the day.
The back up vehicles will carry all sleeping bags, evening clothes, rucksacks etc so you only need to carry your daypack.
