WHO SHOULD COME ?
The riding will be tough with some pushing involved. Basically the fitter you are the less pushing you will have to do. Distances are rarely over 45 km a day 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 3650 meters so there could be a risk of mild altitude sickness for some people. You do need to consider the inherent risks of mountain biking and in particular at altitude before deciding if this tour is for you.
ACCOMMODATION
All nights in the major towns like Kurseong, Darjeeling etc are in outstanding mid range hotels and guesthouses. For nights spent on the Singalila ridge excellent teahouse accommodation is available with rooms simple yet clean and cosy 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 vegetable curries, rice, chapatti with occasional meat dishes. Breakfasts and lunches are provided for the tour duration. All meals including evening meals are provided on days 3 through to 8.
VEHICLE SUPPORT
We will have vehicle support on the majority of the tours, those who have had enough of the climbs can recover in the vehicles. 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
Flights into Calcutta/Kolkotta are well served well by Jet Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa and Air India. Whatever the arrival time of your flight we will be there at the airport to transfer you to Calcutta and your hotel.
WHICH VISAS DO I REQUIRE?
You only require an Indian Visa though we spend some nights in Nepal you do not need a Nepali Visa. See FAQ’s “Do I Need a Visa” for more information.
CLIMATE
Days should be clear and sunny, near 20C, night times will be cool to cold with temperatures dropping to 3C and below. So bring those extra warm clothes.
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.
