Induni 2009
Unicycle tour in India | 12 days | US$1990
Darjeeling - Himalayan Peaks - Ethnic Diversity - Unicyle Touring
Around India on a Unicycle. With Laos and Vietnam now conquered it is time to take on the Subcontinent - Induni 2009 is ready to roll!
Our tour takes us to the north east of India to a fantastically diverse region that borders Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and China, each of them never more than 100 miles away. This diversity is reflected in both the landscape, which ranges from the steaming plains near Bangladesh, to the world’s 3rd highest mountain, Kanchenjunga, but it is also evident in the people and religions we’ll see. Bengali teapickers, Bhutanese religious sculptors, Nepali corn vendors and Tibetan prayer flags are all to be found at this confluence of cultures.
All this contrast makes for plenty of legwork, and starting in the plains, we’ll work our way up through to the foothills until we’re close enough to the snow-capped peaks of Sikkim that it’ll feel like we can just reach out and touch them. Book now and start training!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Siliguri
The tour starts in West Bengal's second city Siliguri. We’ll meet in the evening for our first meal and an introduction to the tour.
Days 2-4 | Lowland Riding
After a short transfer we’ll commence the beautiful ride to the forgotten city of Koch Behar. The ride takes us through jute fields and rice paddies still farmed by ox-drawn carts, all within sight of the Bangladeshi border. The following day we have a chance to check out the Maharaja’s grand palace and a bustling temple before continuing our one-wheeled journey through the lowlands to the tea fields of Chalsa. Day 4 is free to relax by the pool, wander amongst the tea fields or take a jeep safari in the nearby Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary; if we’re lucky we’ll spot bison, elephants and maybe even rhinos or leopards!
Days 5-7 | Riding to Kalimpong
Day 5 takes you on a long and challenging ride through the tea fields and up to the foothills of the Himalaya. We overnight at a simple hotel in a mountain village which enjoys stunning views. After the strenuous uphill the following day is a shorter ride to Kalimpong. The following day we have a rest day to enjoy the thronging market, take a hike or maybe visit one of the town’s many orchid gardens.
Days 8-9 | Riding to Pelling
Our ride today takes us to the former Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim. We overnight in Pemeyangtse, and then have a day’s rest to appreciate the wonders of the region, whether that’s taking a short walk to a nearby monastery, or just soaking up the splendor of some of the world’s highest mountains.
Days 10-12 | Riding to Darjeeling
After our rest day we take a breathtaking ride through the mountains to the charming village of Kaluk, nestled deep in the mountains. Our last riding day is a gem, taking us down from the mountains, alongside the Rangbong River which divides Sikkim from West Bengal, and then through valleyside tea gardens before we transfer to vehicles for the unbelievably steep ascent to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is the world’s premier tea producing town and is overrun with monuments to the Raj, but the greatest monuments belong to nature; the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga, is in plain sight of the town. The tour ends on day 12 - feel free to stay on in Darjeeling or perhaps join us for an optional trekking tour back in the big mountains of Sikkim.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported unicycling
Grasshopper Leader
Jason Williams aka Grasshopper Master will lead the riding. Simon Foster, author of the India Rough Guide's 2003 West Bengal and Sikkim chapters, will introduce you to the region.
meet Jason and Simon
Inclusions
support vehicles, local guide, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 12, maximum 30
Days Unicycling
7
Kilometres Cycled
approx 400km
Difficulty
moderate/difficult
Unicycling Conditions
Conditions will vary day by day with some days on well made flat roads and others on badly maintained mountain roads. There are some big uphills and downhills to ride but the support vehicles will always be on hand if you find anything too hard. On most days we will need to transfer part of the day by vehicle in order to link up towns with accommodation and also to avoid some of the crazy city traffic.
Sikkim Permit
You will be required to obtain a Sikkim Entry Permit which can be done when you apply for your India visa.
