What is Ride the Silk?
Ride the Silk (RTS) is an exciting, adventurous, and fun 5-day cycling journey along the ancient Silk Route in East Sikkim.The high-altitude cycling trip is an unparalleled 160-km riding experience along the 900-km trade route that once connected Lhasa to the port of Tamluk in West Bengal, in the first century A.D.
The thrill of kick-starting the ride from Lingtam in East Sikkim, rising the many hairpin bends - the Zuluk loop, playing peek-a-boo with Mt. Kanchendzonga, sheltering at high altitude village homestays, admiring the azure blue glacial lakes, to Nathu La mountain pass at 14,000 ft, you will be moving close to the Indo- China border and finally completing the ride on reaching Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
This year marks Tag Alongs's 5th edition of RTS.
Enquire for Ride The Silk 2023
RTS dates don't match your holiday dates? We can arrange for an exclusive cycling trip!
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is this trip for?
This cycling trip is for anyone who has a prior cycling or trekking experience in high altitude or is a regular cyclist with a good fitness regime.
2. Who is this trip not for?
The cycling trip is not for someone who doe not have a high altitude cycling or trekking experience or does not cycle regularly.
3. Any early bird discounts?
There are no early bird discounts as of now.
4. Which is the nearest Airport or Railway Station to Sikkim?
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway station (NJP)
5. Where does the event Ride the Silk start from?
Ride the Silk 5.0 flags off from a picturesque village called Lingtam in East Sikkim. It is well connected by road from Bagdogra airport and NJP railway station.
6. Where will I be staying?
All riders will be put up in standard hotels or home-stays on twin or triple share basis during the trip.
7. What to do in case of a medical emergency while on the trip?
A doctor would be available throughout the journey to take care of all medical needs. There is also general medication that we carry with us during the trip to take care of possible emergencies that could arise.
8. What to do in case of a flat tire or any mechanical bike problem?
If the cyclist doesn’t know how to fix the mechanical problem, he may call trip volunteers for help, who will contact Operation Head and Bike Maintenance for further assistance.
9. Will the bike spares be for free?
The team will have basic spares available and it is included in the trip cost. However, if you’re bringing your own bike, you will have to carry spares along or it will be charged for.
10. What if I lag behind during the trip?
There is no need to worry as our support team and sweep vehicle will be there to assist you and accompany you, and even relieve you if the need arises.
11. Can I bring my own bike?
Of course, you can. However, since you may be traveling from a distance, the logistics of transporting your bike may be daunting. In case you decide to not bring your bike, please let us know prior to the trip.
12. What things do I need to carry?
The participants need to pack their clothes, toiletries and cycling gear. A detailed packing list will be provided to you after you register for the event.
13. Do I need to carry food or snacks for the ride?
Food and snacks will be included in the package and will be provided by us based on the daily dietary needs of the participants. However feel free to carry snacks of your liking and choice if you want to.
14. How to prepare for this cycling trip?
Participants can prepare by cycling atleast 10 kms everyday or running 5 kms everyday to improve the core and leg strength. It is advisable to start a daily fitness regime focusing on stamina, lower body and core strength atleast two months before the trip.
15. How can we prepare our body for high altitude and avoid any sickness during the trip?
It is advisable to drink upto 3 litres of water everyday to prepare body for high altitude. Along with this it is expected that all participants prepare for the trip by exercising or cycling everyday atleast two months prior to the trip.
16. Are we allowed to drink alcohol during thr trip?
Drinking alcohol in high altitude can cause dehydration and headache which can eventually lead to high altitude sickness. We would seriously advise the participants to avoid drinking.
17. How will the weather be during the ride?
Based on the weather for past few years, we are expecting light snowfall or shower in the beginning. The days are expected to be clear as we climb up. However due to climate change and recent erratic weather pattern, it has become quite difficult to predict the weather. All we can do is prepare for all weather conditions and just hope and pray that we will be blessed with a weather favourable for cycling.
18. What are the inclusions in the Ride the Silk 5.0 package?
- Pick up and drop from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station
- 5-nights accommodation in standard home-stays
- 1-night stay at Gangtok at Tag Along with breakfast
- Luggage assistance during the tour
- 3 meals on all days of the tour
- Refreshments during the ride
- Medical assistance on tour. A dedicated doctor shall accompany and be on standby with general medical supplies at all times
- All permits required for the trip
- Back-up sweep vehicle to accompany riders throughout the tour
- Cycles and spare cycle parts and maintenance of the cycles
Exclusions
- Sightseeing in Gangtok
- Stay in Gangtok after the trip is completed
- Food in Gangtok after the trip is completed