Tawang Bum La Cycling Expedition
Explore the Best Of Arunachal Pradesh on Two Wheels
Available Batches
Brief Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Guwahati
Report in Guwahati by the morning. Check-in to the booked hotel or orientation camp set up by Bikat Adventures. Proceedings will start after lunch with a round of introductions for the participants and organizers. The tour leader will brief about the expedition and after that fellow cyclists will be free to explore around Guwahati. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
Guwahati to Bhalukpong (650 ft) - 240 km Drive
Today we drive from Guwahati to Bhalukpong at the Assam - Arunachal Pradesh border. The road up till here consists of busy highways so we will start cycling from tomorrow. Today, we cross the gigantic Brahmaputra river. Bhalukpong is a small town on the bank of the Kameng river. Stay in Bhalupong for the night.
Day 3
Bhalukpong to Jamiri (4,265 ft) - 56 km
Today is our first day cycling. Our Inner Line Permits will be checked at Bhalukpong. The ride today is along the Kamen river through lush bamboo and banana forests in the East Himalayan foothills. Although we are riding at a low altitude, the route consists of gradual ascent till Nechiphu pass followed by a short 15 km descent to Jamiri. Stay in Jamiri for the night.
Day 4
Jamiri to Bomdila (8,040 ft) - 44 km
Today is another day riding through forests on a mix of uphill and downhill sections. The ride till Tenga is mostly level ground followed by a sharp ascent to Bomdila. Bomdila is one of the bigger towns in the region with a beautiful gompa (monastery) and a busy marketplace. We stay in Bomdila for the night.
Day 5
Bomdila to Sangti (5,413 ft) - 47 km
The route today begins with a small 4 km uphill section to the top of Bomdila Pass, after which it is an easy downhill ride on wide tarmac along the Dirang river. From Dirang, we descend to the riverbed and cross it, continuing on a 7 km level dirt road to Sangti, a lush and beautiful valley housing a large village with the same name. We will set up camp next to the Sangti river.
Day 6
Dirang to Senge (9,515 ft) - 48 km
After an easy day yesterday, we have a long climb ahead of us. Senge is the last town before Jang after tomorrow's crossing of Se La. Stay in Senge for the night.
Day 7
Senge to Jang (7,875 ft) via Se La (13,780 ft) - 66 km
Start early today as we have a long pass climb and an even longer descent ahead of us. The pass is generally covered with snow in early summers, although the road is kept open all year round. In summers, the area around the pass is used as yak pastures. There is a lake with the same name (Sela Lake) near the pass as well. On the descent from pass, there is Jaswant Garh, a war memorial to Jaswant Singh, who single handedly tried to hold off the Chinese army for 72 hours during the 1962 Indo China war. Descend all the way to Jang where we stay for the night.
Day 8
Jang to Tawang (9,515 ft) - 40 km
Today's ride is initially a 10 km descent to the riverbed, where we cross the river and then follow a gradual uphill road to Tawang, home to the Monpa tribe. You can explore the Tawang Gompa and the town in the evening. Tomorrow, we start our climb towards our second pass.
Day 9
Tawang to Bum La (12,140 ft) - 37 km
The route from Tawang consists of dirt roads and broken tarmac sections. Along with the condition of the road, the high altitude and uphill climb make it tougher than any of the previous days. The route is dotted with dozens of mesmerising alpine lakes. There is a gradual climb of 24 km to the TCP Checkpost at the Y Junction. From here, we take the road to right and begin a sharp ascent of 13 km to the top of Bum La on the Indo - China border. Once you finish the climb to the pass, return to Tawang by vehicle.
Day 10
Tawang to Bomdila - 170 km Drive
Start you return journey to Guwahati today. Halt for the night at Bomdila.
Day 11
Bomdila to Guwahati - 340 km Drive
Drive down to Guwahati today. The trip ends here.rive down to Guwahati today. The trip ends here.
What's Included
- Meals during the expedition ( Starting Lunch on Day 2)
- Entry Fee,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping Charges,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Separate Camping Vehicle
- One support vehicle per 6 Participants
- Services of a certified expedition leader
- Services of support team
- Certified first aid support
- Hotel/Camp stays (Day 1 - Day 10)
What's Not Included
- Bicycle Rent
- Meals during Hotel Stays
- Any Kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Accommodation in Guwahati on Day 11
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple adventures marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing Tawang Bumla Cycle expedition with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the expedition. We have divided the items into two categories. Items in Catagory A are essential for everyone. Items in Catagory B are only for participants bringing their own bicycles for the expedition. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Catagory A : Clothes & Accessories
- Cycling Helmet - 1
- Cycling Jersey or Any Dry Fit T-Shirt or Cotton T-Shirts -2
- Cycling Shorts -2
- Track Pant (Preferably Warm & Quick Dry) -2
- T-shirt full sleeves -2
- Undergarments – ( 6 to 8 )
- Rain Coat of Good Quality -1
- Warm Jacket (Preferably Water proof jacket) - 1
- Thermal Inners Upper & Lower - 2
- Woolen Sweater - 1
- Woolen Glove – 1 Pair
- Riding Glove – 1 Pair
- Woolen Cap – 1
- Sweat Band or Bandana or Gamchha - 1
- Hand Towels -2
- Cotton Socks – (6 to 8 pairs)
- Light Cycling / Sport Shoes - 1 pair
- Sandals - 1 pair
- Big Towel – 1
- Water Bottle -1
- Polaroid U V Sunglasses -1
- Small Day Pack/ Waist Pack -1
- Energy Bars or Chocolate Bar or Dry Fruits
- Personal Toiletries
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen Lotion (SPF – 50 or above)
- Hand or Head Torch with Spare Batteries
- Pan card or Passport or Voter Id Card or Aadhar Card (State govt. ID cards not accepted on the route )
- Medication in plenty for specific conditions, if any. Consult your Physician about this.
Catagory B : For bike – Only in case you are not renting from us
- Bike Reflectors Front & Rear – 1 each
- Spare Tubes – 4 Nos.
- Brake Shoes -1 Set
- Brake cables – 2 Set
- Gear cables – 1 Set
- Spokes – 5 Nos
- Lock (for cycle) – 1 Set
- Spare Tyre – 1 No.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch size for cycling expeditions is capped at 12 with the expedition leader and participant ratio of 1:6. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best cycling experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each participant so that no signs of distress or need during the expedition go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the expedition.
Experienced Expedition Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each expedition leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of An Expedition Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Experiential
Three months of being stuck in Delhi nursing a recently repaired shoulder had ensured by the time we reached Guwahati from the capital, I was itching to get my legs moving. Our plan was to cycle to Tawang and further to Bum La, in the northwestern co...
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Know How
How to prepare for the Mountain Biking!
Mountain Biking is as much about fitness as it is about skill. Strength and endurance can be said to be the two wheels of the Mountain Bike which expedite the completion of the ride and this can be bui...
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Know How
Mountain Biking - A Complete Nutrition Guide
I am a firm believer of the fact that nutrition is beyond weighing scales. The relationship with healthy food becomes non-negotiable when it comes to Mountain Biking (MTB), because of the ever cha...
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Informative
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that it’s okay to ask people for help.
The humans we surround ourselves with are there to share in our joys and in our burdens- it’s what connects us. We hold out the s...
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