Itinerary -
DAY 1: REACH MCLEODGANJ
Arrive during the day in McLeodganj. We will have an orientation ride and/or a short trek depending on the time available, around Mcloedganj, Dharamkot and Naddi. During the day, we will also get familiar with the cycles and also get to know the team for the days ahead. Overnight in a hotel.
DAY 2: MCLEODGANJ – SHAHPUR – JAWALI—PONG DAM (64KMS)
The day starts with a thrilling downhill ride till Gaggal, past tea gardens and a Chir forest. At Gaggal we exit the highway and take on to the backcountry trails as we go past small villages to reach Jawali on the banks of the Pong Reservoir to set up camp.
DAY 3: JAWALI – RANITAL – BASE CAMP ANDRETTA (69 KMS)
Ride along the banks of the Pong Reservoir, through offroad terrain to reach Nagrota Suriyan and further to Guler. Follow the winding tracks of the Kangra Railways to reach Ranital, affording great views of the Dhauladhars. A small uphill climb of 11 kms brings us to the ridgeline, from where we descend to reach Andretta to set up camp for the night.
DAY 4: ANDRETTA – PAPROLA – BAIJNATH – BILLING (55KMS)
Past mustard fields and jeep roads, we ride towards Paprola, a small village on the Kangra railway route. We meet the highway at Baijnath and ride further towards Billing, famous for the landing ground for paragliding enthusiasts and also has a beautiful monastery.
DAY 5: BILLING – PALAMPUR—YOL CANTT--MCLEODGANJ(45KMS)
A short ride today on the ridgeline, just above Billing through a deodar forest. Let the breeze caress your cheeks as we ride towards Palampur through backcountry roads and descend 21 kms to reach the end of the ride. From Palampur transfer to Mcleodganj by vehicles. TRIP ENDS HERE.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
List of Essentials
Below is a list of essentials you would require at the camp:
Sufficient warm clothing for evenings, which can get quite cold
1 waterproof jacket (also acts as a windproof layer)
1 pair waterproof trousers
Thermals (upper & lower)
fleece/Woolen top
lowers/trousers
Shorts (for riding – your choice)
T-shirts – 3/4
Sneakers
Floaters
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
Torch/headlamp
Personal Medical Kit (there will be medical back-up for emergencies) with the following:
A general painkiller
Anti-inflammatory pills
Antiseptic – iodine/beta dine drops
Bandages, plasters, medical tape
High factor SPF sun block (minimum 30)
Lip balm with SPF 15+
A course of general antibiotics - see your doctor for advice
Imodium or similar gut-immobilizer
At least a dozen sachets of re-hydration mixture
Safety-approved Bicycle Helmet (for those bringing their own cycles)
Knee / Elbow pads (for those bringing their own cycles)
LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
For Departure Dates just call 7350530009 / 7350540009 / 7350550009
Transport Options (Delhi – Dharamsala)
Getting to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj is a 490 kms journey from Delhi (approx 12 hrs).
By Train from Delhi
There are a number of trains from Delhi and many other cities in India to Pathankot/Chakki Bank. For a listing of trains and their timings log on to www.indianrail.gov.in and for online booking log on to www.irctc.co.in.
By Train, Bus, or Taxi from Pathankot
Once you reach Pathankot, there are again several options for getting to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj:
Taxi: Quickest and very scenic - 2 1/2 hours
Bus: Cheapest and usually crowded - 4 hours - If your bus stops in lower Dharamshala, you will need to take another bus or taxi up to Mcleod Ganj & Naddi. However, if you arrive in the middle of the night, there won't be any local buses or taxis available.
By Bus from Delhi to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala
There are a number of buses departing Delhi for Dharamshala each day. Most stop in lower Dharamshala and you will need to catch another bus or taxi up to Mcleodganj and Naddi. Buses departing from the Tibetan area of Majnukatilla in the early evening, arrive in Mcleodganj early in the morning. Getting to Dharamshala by bus trip usually takes about 12 hours, including several stops during the night.
By Taxi: Getting to Dharamshala from Delhi
Getting to Dharamshala by taxi from Delhi can take from 8-14 hours. A large air conditioned taxi with capacity up to nine people can be arranged for approximately 8,500/- INR.
Expected Weather
The winter lasts from mid-October to March, during which the temperature ranges from 0 to 20 °C. The winds cause winter rains. Summers last from April until June, and are hot (temp 25 to 38 °C) and dry. They are generally followed by a wet monsoon which ends in autumn.The climate in the region is cool and soothing, especially near the Chamundaji sub-region, due to the presence of many pine tree forests.
Duration: 5 Days
Season: Jan-Dec
Grade: Moderate +
Region: Kangra Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Description
The Mighty Dhauladhars towering high over rice paddy fields, small villages with cobbled paths sprung up around ancient temples, tea gardens, a reservoir almost like an inland sea, a trail that passes through forests of Chir pine, meandering roads and jeep tracks, curious onlookers, Buddhist enclaves and monks, prayer flags dotting the skyline Welcome to the Tour of Kangra. A trail like no other!
The Mighty Dhauladhars towering high over rice paddy fields, small villages with cobbled paths sprung up around ancient temples, tea gardens, a reservoir almost like an inland sea, a trail that passes through forests of Chir pine, meandering roads and jeep tracks, curious onlookers, Buddhist enclaves and monks, prayer flags dotting the skyline Welcome to the Tour of Kangra. A trail like no other!
The beautiful valley of Kangra is a gentle, often magical showcase for natures splendor. Verdant green slopes vie for attention with snow-capped peaks; evident conifers are thrown into relief by terraced slopes of corn or tea. Trees, heavy with fruit stand in a hundred orchards. In restless brooks, gamboling trout catch the sunlight. And everything is painted with a vivid floral palette. To the north the imposing dhauladhar range flanks the valley and Dharamshala clings to its side.
This is our course for the 4 days of magical cycling through some of the best of Himalayan Landscapes. A 260 kms circuit which winds its way through the meandering roads of the Kangra valley. Well, a mountain bike is ideal and Hybrids wont fall far back behind. The surface is 70% tarmac with the rest being off road and jeep tracks. The course of the ride is a mix of uphills and downhills with a few flat sections. The downhills are exciting and the grueling uphills would surely challenge your endurance. The average riding altitude is 1300mts (4940 ft).
