Kangra Valley Cycling Adventure

Arrive at Amritsar by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Late afternoon visit to the Golden Temple – an important pilgrimage site for the Sikhs built around a man-made pool (sarovar). See the langar – community kitchen where free meal is served round the clock to visitors. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast we will drive to Dharamshala (4.5 – 5.5hrs drive). Upon arrival, check in to hotel. Dharamsala (2000m) is also known as Little Lhasa and is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rest of the day is free to explore the winding streets and local markets of McLeodganj on our own. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we start the day by exploring the Norbulingka Monastery– an institute dedicated to preservation of Tibetan culture and restoring standards by providing training, education and employment to Tibetans (Workshop at the institute remains closed on Sundays & national holidays). We then return to Mcleodganj and start exploring the town and its local market area. We visit Tsuglagkhang Complex – the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet with a large meditation hall, and the Kalachakra temple, adorned with beautiful murals. The complex is situated in front of residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Next we head to the Tsechokling Gompa. Located on a steep hillside of the Dhauladhar range, this beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery houses a tall, beautiful, gilt-edged figure of Lord Buddha, a statue of Padamasambhava and other divine statues. Next we visit St. John in the Wilderness Church – an Anglican church built in Neo-Gothic architectural style in middle of Deodar forests. We end the day with a walk around the vibrant colourful Tibetan market. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today is the first day of cycling in the Himalayas. We start with a thrilling downhill ride till Gaggal, past tea gardens and a Chir forest. From Gaggal we take the quiet back roads, mostly descending, passing through sub-tropical landscape of pine, sal and bamboo forest, cultivated fields and small villages. Upon arrival at Kangra we check into the hotel. If time permits then we can cycle to the crumbling yet sturdy Kangra fort which is over 1000 years old. (Cycling distance: Around 45 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

We cycle off-road today, following the winding tracks and enjoying the beautiful view of the Dhauladhar range. An uphill ride brings us to the ridgeline and takes us to our destination for the day – Palampur. Palampur is a beautiful little town situated at the foot of the impressive Dhauladhar mountain range and is surrounded by tea plantations, rice fields and pine woods. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or roam the quaint little town. (Cycling distance: Around 35 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

It’s our final day of cycling. We start by pedaling through Himachal’s prime tea growing area. Then we continue cycling past mustard fields and jeep roads as we ride towards Paprola – a small village on the Kangra railway route. We meet the highway at Baijnath and ride further following a quieter road through pristine villages, with no major ascents or descents, till we reach Bir. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or cycle around the hilly village. Bir is an attractive compact base for mountain biking and walking but is best known for world-class paragliding. Cycling Trip Ends. Optional Paragliding from Billing to Bir can be arranged on additional payment basis. (Cycling distance: Around 30 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

Morning is at leisure to explore the area. Afternoon, we will be transferred to Pathankot railway station for overnight train to Delhi. (Meals: Breakfast)

Arrive at Delhi railway station in the morning. Assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to hotel, where room will be booked on Day Use basis (maximum 6hrs stay, between 10:00hrs to 18:00hrs). Later transfer to international airport for onward flight back to home country. (Meals: Breakfast)