Sikkim, January/February
 

Anyone ridden a bike in Sikkim in these months? Any other comments on this region?

I googled for bike info there but all I get is those unwanted motorcyle tour companies.

Haven't ridden a bike in Sikkim, but did drive there in very late Dec 07 if that helps. Conditions were fine and it wasn't even that cold. Have a look at overlandcruiser.net then India if you want to see pictures. Also got a GPS track for the bits we saw (which were by no means all of it) - PM me if you're interested.

Bear in mind you will need to get an entry permit. Not sure which way you're entering, but we went there from Darjeeling and got ours from there.

Was through the Darjeeling / Sikkim area January 2009.

Great area and thoroughly enjoyed it - only problems encountered were when the "separate state" brigade were out and about...

On several occasions they had roads blockaded and fairly unruly and bad tempered crowds gathered.

On those days there was absolutely no traffic going anywhere. Riot Police were out and the only option was to stay put until the protests ran out of steam. Not even a Policeman was prepared to help us force our way through to Bagdora airport...

Other than that it was great.

Thanks to you both above for comments. I dont have a GPS but thanx for the offer.

It seems to be less visited, Sikkim, and the permit is annoying. But at least it's free. I will come up from Darjeeling, where I want to find my father's old school. Also I'll check out his childhood home in Calcutta, or Kolkata.

I might make Sikkim the trekking part of my trip, and bike in the warmer south round Hampi. :palm::mchappy: I liked Rajastan last trip, hiring a bike, because the desert was great and any roads I was on were quiet. Most roads in India make me believe in god, tho' that doesn't help!!!!

Permit involves 2 visits to 2 separate offices - takes a couple of hours.

On the way back, make sure you stop at Teesta Bazaar if you're into white-water rafting.