Tawang Bum La Cycling Expedition

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

Tawang Bum La Cycling Expedition

BRS 6

Max Altitude

Arunachal Pradesh

11 Days

350 Km

Max 15

Brief Description

Grade:
Difficult

Location:
Ladakh

Altitude:
4630 m

Duration:
11 Days

Tso Moriri is a large high altitude lake in Ladakh, on the eastern extension of the Changthang plateau. 26 km long, it is the largest of the big Ladakh lakes entirely in India, surrounded by the gigantic 6600 m Lungser Kangri and Chamser Kangri to the east and the 6100 m Mentok Kangri to the west. The cycle tour starts from Leh and follows the Indus River valley through Upshi, where the route diverges from the Leh – Manali highway, onward through military settlements and small villages at Hymia, Kiari, Chumathang, and Mahe. From Mahe, the road leaves the Indus Valley towards a subsidiary valley, climbing the only pass, Namshang La at 4850 m, and descending to Kiagar Tso and finally to the village of Karzok on the banks of Tso Moriri. The area is one of the largest wetlands in Ladakh, and a paradise for bird watchers, the lake being a breeding ground for bar-headed geese, black-necked crane, brown-headed gulls, and Brahminy ducks.

Gallery

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Guwahati
Day 2: Guwahati to Bhalukpong (650 ft) – 240 km Drive
Day 3: Bhalukpong to Jamiri (4,265 ft) – 56 km
Day 4: Jamiri to Bomdila (8,040 ft) – 44 km
Day 5: Bomdila to Sangti (5,413 ft) – 47 km
Day 6: Dirang to Senge (9,515 ft) – 48 km
Day 7: Senge to Jang (7,875 ft) via Se La (13,780 ft) – 66 km
Day 8: Jang to Tawang (9,515 ft) – 40 km
Day 9: Tawang to Bum La (12,140 ft) – 37 km
Day 10: Tawang to Bomdila – 170 km Drive
Day 11: Bomdila to Guwahati – 340 km Drive

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 NK Adventure. 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 your 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.

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

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing Leh Tso Moriri Cycle expedition with New Knight Adventure. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by New Knight Adventure on the expedition. We have divided the items into two categories. Items in Category A are essential for everyone. Items in Category 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.

Category 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.

Category 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.

FAQs

The Dehradun Mussoorie Ride (BRS 4) is suitable for trekkers with prior experience, having completed at least one level 3 trek or equivalent.

You should be able to ride 35–40 km on inclined terrain in a day. Weekly downhill rides and strength training like squats, lunges, and push-ups are recommended.

You should be comfortable riding on varied terrain, handling gears, braking, and maintaining balance on steep roads.

Minimum age is 13 years. Participants below 18 must be accompanied by guardians. Above 60 requires a medical fitness certificate.

Best time is October to June.

The ride starts from Dehradun and climbs to Mussoorie, covering 430 m to 2100 m altitude in approx. 25 km.

Scenic mountain landscapes, lush greenery, and a rewarding uphill cycling experience.

Continuous uphill climbs, winding roads, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Stay is arranged in hotels in Mussoorie.

Ranges between 10°C to 40°C depending on the season.

Moderately challenging due to climbs but does not require advanced technical skills.

Dehradun is well connected by road, rail, and air. You need to reach it on your own.

Good connectivity is available throughout Dehradun and Mussoorie.

ATMs are available along the route.

You need to reach Dehradun on your own.

The trip ends in Dehradun by around 12 PM.

Support vehicle is provided. Cycles are available on rent at additional cost.

Carry appropriate cycling gear, clothing, and personal essentials.

Yes, Dehradun has markets for buying/renting equipment.

Yes, luggage is carried in a support vehicle.

Yes, extra luggage can be stored at base location.

3 meals per day with snacks and tea. Vegetarian food is served.

No permits are required.

Hotels and restaurants provide proper washroom facilities.

First aid kits and trained leaders are available throughout.

Yes, the expedition is safe and inclusive with trained staff.

Support vehicle ensures quick access to nearby hospitals.

ID proof and medical certificate are mandatory.

Insurance is recommended for emergency and rescue coverage.

You receive confirmation, details, and WhatsApp group updates.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.