You could always take time off from your trek to dip in the furious rapids of the Teesta. Rafting here is safe yet sizzling. Nine to twelve rafters can sit in a raft which is a long inflatable rubber dinghy. The accessories include, life saving equipment, oars and sometimes a safety kayaker who follows the raft.

Most rafting tours are soft adventures where leisure tourists participate in half an hour to one hour rafting program. Teesta is the preferred site for rafting programs. The Hindustan Travel has skilled in organizing special rafting programs in Teesta as well as other rivers.

White water Rafting is a relatively new adventure sport in the region. The sport was introduced in Darjeeling hills in the year 1991. Since then the sport has come a long way and has gained tremendous popularity.

As a result, several private organizations along with DGHC tourism have set up rafting facilities. On an international scale the icy cold waters of the rocky Teesta is graded at IV.

With a series of rapids with varying intensity and character, Teesta extends a challenging invitation to the enthusiasts.

The unstable waters of the Teesta with its multidimensional rapids provide rafters with a variation meant for professionals. But there are several straights which can be enjoyed by the greenhorn. The spectacular scenery confronting a rafter while one snakes down the Mountain Rivers make this experience a must for all lovers of adventure.

Safety is the key to the success of an adventure endeavor and the services extended by our well trained staff assures you this. Moreover, the rafting equipment used by is of the highest quality available in the world. The extremely high standard infrastructure is supplemented by mouthwatering cuisine of the hills served with a smile.

GRADES OF RAPIDS:
I Easy Small Waves
II Moderate difficulty to clear passage
III Difficult high irregular waves, requires precise maneuvering
IV Very difficult with powerful waves
V Extremely difficult, experts only
VI Unburnable

The Popular Rafting Courses in Teesta 
Most popular place in Darjeeling where most tourists go for white water rafting is Teesta Bazaar. Rafting starts at Tarkhola and the popular rafting course goes up to Kalijhora. 

It takes about 1.5 hours by taxi or shared jeep to reach Teesta Bazaar from Darjeeling town. Here are the most popular courses for rafting: 

For non-swimmers: 
1) Melli to 29th Mile (1.5 hours) 
2) Melli to Kalijhora (3 hours) 

For swimmers only: 
1) Tarkhola to Melli (2 hours) 
2) Tarkhola to 29 Mile (3 hours) 

There are longer sections also. For example Bordang to 29th Mile takes about 4.5 hours and involves grade 2-4 rapids. 

Formalities:
All foreign clients are to carry their passport which will be required at the 'Teesta Bridge' while crossing and also enter details of the same on Bond Form.

Important:
Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers and those with serious ailments are not permitted to go rafting.

Consumption of any intoxicant is not permitted. Age limit 14 years on all sections except the float trips, where it is relaxed to 10 years. Non-swimmers are welcome but may be restricted to certain sections of the river, on the advice of the River Guide/Trip Leader.
River rafting has its own itinerary which mostly depends upon the number of days one wants to spend in the river. Please feel free to enquire us for a wonderful trip. It can also be organized with Trekking and Tours.

Rules to note before rafting

• All guests are required to sign 'assumption of Risk and Release' bond before undertaking the trip.
• All foreign guests are to carry passport at the time of going for a Rafting trip.
• Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers and those with serious ailments are not permitted to go rafting.
• Alcohol is not permitted at least six hours prior to the river trip.
• Non-swimmers are welcome to rafting but may be restricted to certain sections of the river, on the advice of the River Guide/ Trip Leader

Note:
All guests are required to sign 'assumption of Risk and Release' bond before undertaking the trip.
All foreign guests are to carry passport at the time of going for a rafting trip.
Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers and those with serious ailments are not permitted to go rafting.
Alcohol is not permitted at least six hours prior to the river trip.
Non-swimmers are welcome to rafting but may be restricted to certain sections of the river, on the advice of the River Guide/ Trip Leader.
The Hindustan Travel will not be responsible for civil disturbances, theft, accidents, natural calamities and other such incidents beyond human control.
No refund is admissible if a tour is cancelled or altered at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances beyond human control.

Treks
The main attraction of the summer months is trekking and camping. Trekkers with a sensible degree of physical fitness, without any prior experience, can manage the altitude that ranges from 6000 to 16000 feet above sea level. The Himalayan foothills are ideal for Jungle treks and camps throughout the year.

Trekking in Himalaya
Trekking is the main attraction for adventure lovers in the region. The trekking seasons is roughly from September to mid June with the winter months constituting a relatively lean period. The monsoon season is not the best time to trek due to excessive rainfall and cold.

Trekkers with a reasonable degree of physical fitness, without any prior experience, can manage the altitude that ranges from 6000 to 16000 feet above sea level. The Himalayan foothills are ideal for jungle treks and camps throughout the year.

The most famous treks in the region are Sandakphu & Phalut trek in Darjeeling and the Dzongri & Goeche La trek in Sikkim. Apart from these two, there are numerous short to long duration treks.

The Hindustan Travel trek tours are very No. of Nights to serve your purpose. We have complete set of trekking gears including tents, haversacks, camera, binoculars, tent chairs, table, cooks etc.

The variety of service includes arrangement of deluxe treks where we use porters to carry the entire luggage so that you can get the best service no matter where you are. On the other extreme we also organize standard treks where only existing resources at the places visited are utilized.

Sandakpu Trekking

Sandakpu Trek Introduction : Trekking into Sandakphu starts off from an altitude of 1,524 meters (5,000 ft) and gradually climbs up through forests of rhododendron, giant magnolias, spruce and other trees of sub-alpine region and more than 600 varieties of orchids-the largest to be found in one geographical area in the world. For flora worshippers, the months of April and May are the best time of the year for the trek while for those who have an insatiable thirst for a view of the mountains; the best months are in autumn. The view from Sandakphu is unsurpassed by any view anywhere. Where else can be seen 180 degrees of snow-capped mountains which includes Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kumbhakarna, Kanchenjanga, Chomolhari in one single stretch of snows-an ethereal beauty. It is easy to understand why people leave hearth and home, traveling sometimes thousands of miles to walk through ripples of terraced fields of maize, rice, millet and barley, leaving the last traces of civilization far behind.

Yuksom Dzongri Trek

Yuksom Dzongri Trek is one the the most popular short high altitude trekking destination in sikkim. Dzongri trek is a shorter version of the Goechala Trek. This particular trek starts from Yuksam and ends up at Yuksam in 5 days. Dzongri trek is specially suitable and designed for the trekkers who wanted to explore more in shorter period of time. In fact Dzongri and Dzongri La (view point) is the best spot for a view of the mountains and its ranges in the sikkim himlayas. 

Along with Mighty Mt. Kanchendzonga 8585m - The third highest mountains in the world, some of the most well know peaks seen during this trek from Dzongri View Points are Mt. Pandim 6691m, Mt. Kabur north 7338m, Mt. Kabur south 7317m, Mt. Kumbhakarna (Janoo) 7710m, Mt. Simvo 6811m, Mt. Kabru Forked 6108m, Mt, Frey Peak 5830m, Mt. Rathong 6679m, Mt. Kokthang 6147m and Mt. Goecha Peak 5127m. 

Goechala Kasturi Trek

Goechala Kasturi Trek is a slighty different version of the Regular Goechala trek. Goechala Kasturi trek is also know as the Round trek or Kasturi Orar trek. This particular trek starts from Yuksam and ends up at Tashiding village. Kasturi trek passes through famous Dzongri view point and Goechala view point and divert itself from the regular Goechala trails from Thangshing on the way back. This treks provides specticular views of the snow capped peaks and mountains range and falls exactly opposite to the Singalila mountain range. The views are simply Amazing an captivating during this trek and are less explored by the trekkers each years. This trek is specially suitable for the trekkers who loves to explore less explored regions, face challanges and like to be with raw nature for bit longer period of time.

Sikkim Green Lake Trek

Sikkim Green Lake Trek Introduction: This is a very picturesque trail which combines natural beauty with spectacular views of high peaks.There are vast tracts of thick forest, with several varieties of rhododendrons, other colorful flowers,birds and many waterfalls on both sides of the trail. Kanchendzonga was one of the first peaks to be attempted by expeditions before world war two.As Nepal was closed, the approach from Sikkim,via the Zemu Glacier,was followed instead. Pre war Everest expeditions also passed through North Sikkim and this trail was part of their route.Today,it is still largely unexplored region as not many parties have been allowed across to Green Lake.

The trek to Green Lake, the base camp of mount Kanchendzonga on the Zemu glacier in north Sikkim is a splendid walk with the variety of flowers like rhododendron, blue poppies and primulas all in bloom. The mountain views are fantastic with amphitheater of peaks with mount Kanchendzonga at the head of the valley. However, the green lakes base camp is more than 5000m and so proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

Some of the popular treks of the region
Sandakphu (06 Days)
Sandakphu & Phalut (10 Days)
Dzongri (09 Days)
Goeche La (12 Days)
Green Lake Trek (13 Days)

Mountain Biking
This is the best way to visit the region. Mountain Biking is fast catching up as one of the major adventure sports of the region. It gives the biker the freedom to reach the offbeat and uncharted places. Most Mountain Biking tours are totally customized according to guest requirement. We have also organized biking trips for school groups and corporate.

Mountain Biking in Eastern Himalaya, especially Darjeeling - Sikkim sector has gained popularity in the recent past due to increasing concern about environment on the one hand and increased health consciousness on the other. The freedom of being able to travel at your own pace and to stop and start whenever and wherever you feel like, is also enticing to many.

Our group – mountain – biking – tours are organized each year especially in spring and fall, usually in April – May and mid September – October.

 Individual mountain biking is offered year – round upon request. Tours can be planned in combination with trekking and tours by Jeep.

Sikkim’s recent best adventure product is mountain biking. The rugged and dramatic terrain of Sikkim Himalayas offers sure and exciting biking trails to the adventure lovers. The beauty of the countryside, flora and fauna and lifestyle of the Sikkimise people is best experienced on a bike’s seat as you meander through lush green hills. This is relatively new sport that Sikkim boasts of and many have lured by the exiting thrills of this outdoor fun. There is no specific season for mountain biking in sikkim and Darjeeling. Many have enjoyed riding their bikes during monsoon in slushy dirt road too. Every time there is different fun and feeling.

Well Equipped back up Team
The accompanying vehicle is equipped with a well – stocked tool – box to take care of your repair needs as well as with a first aid case for additional safety. While on our tour we offer drinking water, delicious pack lunches, and snacks. An extra mountain bike is also part of our standard equipment.

Bring your own Bike or Rent it from Us
While in most of our tour – participants bring their own mountain bikes along with them. we also have Indian mountain bikes and few western mountain bikes for rent. You can rent mountain bikes from us in case of your inability to bring your own.

Since Mountain biking is a physical sport it requires abundant good amount of rest. Throughout our tour we will be staying in good hotels and guesthouse wherever available. In some of the remote areas lodging is in very simple hotels and also in traditional houses of different tribes wherever available.

Even today biking activity is mostly confined to international tourists. But it is fast gaining popularity among the domestic tourists, specially the youth.

Sikkim Mountain Biking
The entire state of Sikkim is ideal for Mountain Biking activity. You can also combine your trip with Darjeeling hills which is in the adjacent area. Sikkim is divided into 4 districts. The West, South and East districts offer lower to medium altitude experiences whereas North district offers high altitude destinations.

The Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills provide lower altitude biking options. Typically tourists start biking from Siliguri / Kurseong or Mirik which are within an hour and a half drive from Bagdogra Airport. In 5 to 6 days the popular destinations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Lava, Loleygaon is covered. Although there are no typical biking trails in the region, there are a numerous less trodden roads which are ideal for biking. Our biking programs cover these routes instead of the highways. You may combine Sikkim or Dooars along a biking trip to Darjeeling. Occasionally people prefer to combine both, the entire region can be covered in a trip of 15 to 18 days.

Fitness
Mountain Biking tours demand good physical fitness. Previous experience is a big advantage, but fresher are also welcome. If this is your first such tour, we would strongly recommend that you bike daily a minimum of 20 kms for one month before you start the trip. Freshers are also recommended to start their biking tours in the plains or low altitude destinations. Dooars can be a good start.

Group Size
Typical groups consist of 6 to 20 members though we have experience in organizing trips of 2 heads as well as large groups of 40 members. Travelling in smaller groups makes your tour more expensive as the cost of support services such as backup vehicle, trained guide etc is divided among fewer people. Larger groups are more difficult to manage and are normally slower in movement unless team members are experienced bikers.

Safety
Safety and security of our bikers are of utmost importance to us. We follow best possible safety practices during these tours. All our tours are accompanied by back up vehicle for fast evacuation in case of emergency. The tour leaders and guides are not only trained in Biking but also in first aid and other related hazards. In this respect we follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Tourism and other authorities.

Basic Safety guidelines for mountain biking

• Keep younger riders in the middle of the pack and take frequent rest stops with kids.
• Ride single file with the flow of traffic.
• Obey all traffic signals and road signs.
• Follow the instructions of biking team leader.
• Ride defensively and never assume that drivers will see you.
• Never venture out alone without informing the team leader.
• Do not drive behind the support vehicle provided by us. The support vehicle carrying spares and medicine should always be the last.

Adventure Tourism Activities in general do have certain element of risk associate with it. The risk adds to the charm of these activities. However safety and security of the participants in such activities must remain paramount. The government of India has laid down guidelines for minimum acceptable standards for adventure tourism activity in terms of equipment and human resources. However no specific guideline is available for Mountain Biking activity. There are certain internationally acceptable guidelines for safe biking. We at The Hindustan Travel try to follow the best national and international practices in mountain biking.

Danger Awareness – Our Mountain Biking activities vary from soft adventure to hardcore long duration biking tours. Although every precaution is taken to ensure the safety and security, it is important that as a participant you understand that you are primarily responsible for your safety. The Biking activity involves substantial stress and the fellow bikers, even with the best of intentions, may not always be able to come to your help. The participant must be physically fit and be confident to take the challenge of biking on his / her own. The skill level would vary according to the tour you participate. If you are not confident about your fitness or biking skills in comparison to the requirement of the tour, you should avoid participating in the program or choose a program that is less straining.

 

Guide Expertise – The team leaders and guides accompanying your tour are always highly experienced and skilled. There is no proper training facility available for mountain biking in India. Our guides have learned the skills based on practice, self learning and experience. We also conduct internal camps to continuously freshen up the skills of our guides who are some of the best in the region and are also qualified in first aid.

• Evacuation Assistance – All long duration biking tours are accompanied by backup vehicle. The vehicle carries the first aid kit and also helps evacuate the biker in case of any medical emergency.

 

• Trip Information – Information about the daily travel distance, road condition, inclination etc are given with each tour. You must go through the details before you join a tour. This information helps prepare the tour participants be ready for the challenges ahead.

• Tools – The standard tools to ensure safe biking are used by our team. This equipment would include Walkie Talkie, First Aid Kit, Cell phones, Bike maintenance equipment etc.

 

allied substance
Bikes: The Hindustan Travel owns its mountain bikes which are Imported Trek Bikes. Guests may bring their own bike if wished.

Guide: Our guide will be with tour throughout the program taking care of guest needs.

Support vehicle: Support vehicle (4 wheelers) will accompany groups of mountain bikers. In steeper climbs the bikers may use the vehicle.

Accommodation and Food: Accommodation will be arranged in the places as per guest specification and budget. Some of the places traveled may not have much choice of accommodations. Most of the lunches will be packed and the other meals will be arranged at the place of stay.

Medical facilities: The team will carry first aid kit, The Hindustan Travel guide is well aware of the first aid procedures. In case of emergency, the support vehicle may be used for transfer to the nearest medical facility. Significant medical infrastructure is available only in the major towns such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Siliguri and Kalimpong.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is the responsibility of the guest.

Permits: The Hindustan Travel will arrange for all the necessary permits for the tour, guests are required to provide the information and documents as and when required by us.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation in all the hotels on single / twin / triple sharing basis.
• Breakfast, Lunch, evening tea and Dinner on all days.
• All prevailing taxes like Service Tax and Luxury tax in all hotels wherever applicable.
• Services of a guide.
• Interstate road tax, toll tax, driver’s allowance, parking etc.

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Expenditure incurred on tips, telephone, beverages, travel insurance, laundry, other expenses of personal nature, any other expense not mentioned in 'cost includes' above. Any lunch, dinner, snacks, mineral water etc. unless mentioned in the itinerary.

Tandem flight

Tandem flying involves one well trained and experienced pilot flying with a passenger that doesn’t need to have any previous training or experience. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety. Once launched the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes in the epic scenery. Even taking pictures is not a problem.

To fly in the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience. The scenery and the flying conditions make the flight to a memory for your life. Try tandem flights with our experienced pilot from Europe. Himalayan Eagles Paragliding has pioneer and introduced paragliding in Kalimpong, Darjeeling district.

Paragliding in Darjeeling

This is the closest you can get to flying like a bird. And imagine you are flying with the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop. As you look below, you will see the rows of local houses like tiny dots on the mountain landscapes, and if look along the horizon, you will get marvelous views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks and even Everest, and all that from the sky. Sounds interesting? Then take a paragliding flight in Darjeeling. 

Darjeeling has joined the coveted network of places in India that offer paragliding including Gangtok in Sikkim, Himachal, Uttaranchal, Maharastra etc. 

Usually paragliding is done on a clear day so that you get a clear view as you glide in the sky and come back down to the earth satisfied. On a clear day, the operators launch the paragliding trips several times throughout the day. 

You can do it on your own if you have the experience and technical capability to do so. Otherwise a guide will join you. This is called tandem paragliding where you and the guide will be harnessed on separate safety harnesses but the guide will control the flight. At the time of launching, all you have to do is to run for few steps and as the guide calls out, jump into the sky from a flat area of a cliff. And then, you are in paradise!! 

In Darjeeling, the Paragliding starts near the St. Paul's School at Jalapahar area which is located at a much higher altitude than the Mall. The operator will transport you to the launching area. One can also walk up to the place from the Mall (takes about 30 minutes uphill walk). 

The entire flight takes about 15 minutes (although may extend to maximum of 30 minutes depending on wind & weather conditions. You will pass above the Chowrasta Mall, and one thing for sure, almost everybody at the Mall will be looking at you taking this amazing flight and wonder if they could also do it. Wave your hands and fly on. 

The landing takes place at the Lebong Ground located at the lower levels. From one side of the Mall you can see the Lebong Ground far below. It's a flat land area (a field) and is about 7kms from the town center. The guide, who sits just behind you all through the flight, will ensure that the landing is smooth. After landing, the operator will transport you back to the town center. 

Best time for paragliding in Darjeeling 
Paragliding in Darjeeling is done during the summer time (April to June) and also during Durga Puja time (October). This is when the weather is great (not very cold), sky is clear and there is enough tourist flow in Darjeeling. It cannot be done during the winter time because the atmospheric temperature during the flight can be prohibitively cold. 

Learning to paraglide 
In Darjeeling, the operators also offer lessons for paragliding so that you can paraglide on your own rather than with a guide and are an independent bird. 

It's not difficult to learn paragliding. Anybody who is physically fit can do it. Introductory, novice and intermediate courses are offered by expert guides that span from 3 to 5 days. 

Best time for paragliding in Darjeeling 
Paragliding in Darjeeling is done during the summer time (April to June) and also during Durga Puja time (October). This is when the weather is great (not very cold), sky is clear and there is enough tourist flow in Darjeeling. It cannot be done during the winter time because the atmospheric temperature during the flight can be prohibitively cold. 

We offer two types of flights:

Regular flight: Start at Delho (near Science City) and landing at Dr. Graham homes ground Distance about 1 km. Duration of this flight is about 15 min.

Cross Country: Start at Delho (near Science City) and landing at Relli Distance about 10 km. Duration of this flight is about 30 min.

The passenger: The passenger doesn't need to have any privies experience or training. The passenger should wear steady shoes like sneakers or trekking shoes.

The flight: Before the flight the pilot give short information about the flight to the passenger. The passengers also sign a liability form and do the payment before takeoff. After that the pilot secures the passenger in a passenger harness and secures himself in a pilot harness. The start is easy, after a few steps by the pilot and the passenger the glider is airborne.

The duration of the flight is normally 15 minutes or 30 min down to Relli. The duration depends on the sun and the wind. At the landing the pilot and passenger takes a few steps when they softly touch down at the landing field.

The Pilot: The pilot is from Sweden; he is certified and has been flying since year 2002.

Flying times: We only fly when the conditions are suitable for flying. Marsh to June we normally fly only at 10 Am – 12Am. After noon the wind is normally to strong.
Weather: We only fly when the weather conditions are suitable for flying. If the flight got canceled because of bad weather the booking fee will be return from the agent.

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