Cycling in Western Arunachal Pradesh

Cycle Tour of Western Arunachal Pradesh: The Road to Tawang

This cycle tour of western Arunachal Pradesh takes you all the way to the periphery of beautiful Tawang. The setting of this ride of Arunachal Pradesh is in the Buddhist belt home to the Monpa, Brokpa and Sherdukpen people close to the border with Bhutan and Tibet. This is one of the highest motorable routes of the eastern bit of the Himalayas, at places taking you to an altitude of 4200mts. The road condition though not at the best is still better than most parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The cycling phase covers between 350 to 650Kms, riding on little used roads. Incidentally, in a rough manner we will be following the same route the Dalai Lama used in his exodus from Tibet.

overview

• Level: Tough
• Total Days: 9 to 15
• Max. Cycling distance: Upto 650 Km
• Avg. Cycling Distance: 75 Km (Plains), 55Km (Mountains)
• Terrain: 85% Hilly / Mountanious
• Altitude variation: 50 to 4200 mts
• Best Time: Sept/Oct - Mar/May
• Airport in: Guwahati (Assam)
• Airport out: Guwahati (Assam)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Some of the highest motorable roads in the Eastern Himalayas
• Region of the Buddhist tribes of Arunachal Pradesh
• Little used back roads deep in the eastern Himalayas
• Tea Plantations, River Valleys, Remote Villages
• Wildlife at Kaziranga National Park
• Spot the endangered River Dolphins of the Brahmaputra

ACCOMMODATION

• Accommodation: Tea Bungalow, Hotel, Eco Camp, Cottage Tents & Camping
• Meals: As much as possibly we try cover all the local cuisines
• Refreshments & Water: High energy snacks and Water during activities

INCLUSIONS

• All accommodation
• All Meals
• Refreshment and water throughout
• SUV backup throughout
• Guide on cycle
• Multi- geared cycles (Scott Aspect 660 / Trek 3700D) with helmets
• FA Kit
• Tools and spares
• Activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• All permits

Tour Images

Bikes

Scott 660 Aspect / Trek 3700 (MTB)

• Fork 80mm travel
• Front Derailleur Shimano FD-TX50 / 34.9mm
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tourney RD-TX35 21 Speed (Upgraded)
• Shifters Shimano ST-EF 41 L / 7R EZ-ire plus (Upgraded)
• Brakeset Tektro SCM-02 mech. Disc 160F/160Rmm Rotor
• Front Tyre 6 26×2.1 / 30TPI
• Rear Tyre 6 26×2.1 / 30TPI
• Weight 13.6 kg / 29.98 lbs

Terrain & Road Condition

This tour takes you to onlittle used backroads roads of the eastern Himalayas and its surrounding plains, with a variety of road conditions. The road conditions change every year given the fickle nature of the mountains and its relationship with the monsoons. However for most part one would find well tarred roads with beautiful scenery all along. The route has multiple long climbs and equally long downhill sections

Backup

Sturdy SUV’s and sturdier drivers will accompany you on this trip. The condition of roads do not allow for larger vehicles, however do our best to provide you the best in comfort in relation to the routes that we ply on. These vehicles are along right from your airport pick up to your drop back to the airport.

Permits

Indian nationals require a Inner Line Permit (ILP) whereas foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permits (RAP), both of which have a certain fees applicable.

Weather Pattern

Post monsoon months of September- October and pre monsoon months of March-April are very pleasant with blue skies and a fair days. Peak winters are from November to February with the mercury coming down below 0 C.

Safety

We have a very experienced team which is also local. This reflects in the overall safety of our tours. Rest assured your guides know where extra attention is required and when. All our routes are well known to us, we know where the nearest medical facilities are, we know whom to contact if in case of an emergency, we know all the alternate routes in case of road blockages. We have CASEVAC protocols in place to streamline the process in case of emergencies. You can rest easy knowing that in the outdoors in general and this region in particular you are in safe hands with us.

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