Meraki: Chandigarh-Solan-Chandigarh

Tour Overview

Join us on an exhilarating cycling expedition from Chandigarh to Solan, a journey through the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh, a meticulously planned city designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, serves as the starting point. It is a union territory and the capital of both Haryana and Punjab, known for its beautiful urban layout, cleanliness, and quality of life. A 2015 survey ranked Chandigarh as the happiest city in India, making it the perfect place to kick off this adventure.

The destination, Solan, sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,200 ft) and is known as the “Mushroom City of India” due to its extensive mushroom farming. It is also referred to as the “City of Red Gold” because of its abundant tomato production. This city is part of the iconic Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge heritage railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Solan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cool mountain air, and a serene environment for cyclists.

This two-day cycling expedition covers approximately 160 kilometers, taking you through the picturesque hills, challenging off-road trails, and serene landscapes. With technical, hydration, and nutrition support along the way, this trip promises to be more than just a ride—it’s a test of endurance, skill, and the opportunity to experience the beauty of Northern India’s hills.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrival in Chandigarh

Hotel Stay: Hotel Sapphire, Zirakpur or similar
Reporting Time: 4:00 PM

The Cycle tour starts from Chandiarh, capital of both Haryana and Punjab. This day is reserved for riders to meet and greet with co riders and Dare2Gear team.
Today evening around 6 pm the rider registration process shall begin in which waiver form and medical form shall be collected and rider kits shall be handed over to you.
Post it detailed briefing about the cycling tour which will include ride profile, elevation details, safety protocols, team introduction followed by dinner.
Today is a rest day so that before the next day ride you have sound sleep and easy day.

DAY 2 - Chandigarh to Solan | 65 km

Hotel Stay: 3 Star or similar
Flag-off Time: 7:00 AM

Wake up early morning and get ready to begin the ride through the beautiful Chandigarh city.
Today ride will begin with plains of Chandigarh and we will hit the climb of mountains with gradual climb after 20km of riding in plains.
The ride will begin at 7:00 AM from the hotel.
The route will take you from Zirakpur through beautiful countryside roads, ascending towards Solan.
Hydration, nutrition, and technical support will be available throughout the ride.
Upon reaching Solan, riders will check in at the hotel and enjoy the evening surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the mountains.
Dinner will be served as you relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
After dinner, get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the more challenging ride ahead.

DAY 3 - Solan to Chandigarh | 95 Km | Return Journey

Flag-off Time: 07:30 AM

The day starts with a hearty breakfast before setting off at 7:30 AM.
Today’s ride covers approximately 95 km, passing through Kumarhatti, Naina Tikker, and Bhojkoti before heading towards the off-road trails of Morni Hills.
This leg of the journey offers a mix of smooth roads and exciting off-road sections that will challenge your technical skills and endurance.
En route, we will have a lunch break to refuel before continuing the ride back to Chandigarh.
The final 25 km will bring us back to Hotel Sapphire, where you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink.
Temporary rooms will once again be available for freshening up.
Enjoy evening tea followed by an achievement ceremony where participants will receive special gifts.
A delicious dinner will conclude the event.
After dinner, we will depart for home with fond memories and a great sense of accomplishment.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Add On(s)

Rider transportation (Noida/Delhi to Chandigarh & Back)

This service dare2gear offers to make the journey hassle free for riders. A Common pickup point with defined time will be shared 5 days before the trip in Noida/Delhi, you have to reach there on time. If 6 or less people are there then we will provide INNOVA / SUV if more than that then Tempo Traveller.

Cycle transportation (Noida to Chandigarh & Back)

As taking the cycle along if you are not travelling in your personal car sometimes becomes a big task due to space management. So, to make it easy and hassle free we offer this service, you have to drop you cycles 7 days before the ride begins.

Cycle On Rent

Sometimes people don’t want to get in the hassle of getting their own cycle from their respective location, or sometimes they don’t have the right type of bike as needed for ride so people opt for this option. The cycles you will get will be well serviced and maintained.

Single sharing Stay

Some participants look for a single stay and don’t want to share the rooms as their personal comfort choice, to meet their requirement this service is being offered by default tour is designed keeping stay on double sharing.

Gallery

Each image tells a unique story, inviting us into a world of emotion, beauty, and complexity. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and challenged as we journey through this captivating collection of images.

FAQ?

Which type of cycles are allowed in this ride?

As this ride is designed to explore mountains so only 2 types are cycles are allowed, MTB cycles or MTB focused hybrid cycles with minimum tire width of 700*45C. No any other type of bike is allowed like road or rigid fork hybrid to ensure the safety of each rider.

Do you provide cycle on rent, if yes then which bike you provide?

Yes, we do provide cycles on Rent. We have Polygon Cascade 4 available for rent. To know more details about bike specifications details please visit below shared link polygon-cascade-4

Will I get the cycle according to my height for this ride?

As we have multiple cycle to offer on rent for all sizes ranging from S to XL, so you will get the cycle of right frame size for your ride.

What is included in the cost of cycle rental?

We give only cycle to ride all other mandatory items and accessories you want on cycle you have to bring yourself.

I have taken a cycle on rent When will I get and where?

You will get the cycle on rent a day before start of ride. You will get your cycle at in the same hotel where you will be staying on day one of tour.

What Things do I need to Carry?

Things to Carry

– Helmet (Mandatory)
– Front Headlight (Mandatory)
– Tail Light (Mandatory)
– Reflective Vest/ Tape (Mandatory)
– Water Bottle/Sipper (Mandatory)
– Cycling gloves (Mandatory)

Necessary Items

– 1 Small Backpack
– 2 Jersey’s
– 2 Shorts
– 1 Sweatshirt
– 1 lower/ Track pant
– 2 T-shirts
– 1 Jeans
– 1 Sleeper
– 2 pairs of cycling shoes (in case one gets wet due to rain and water on the way)
– 2 pair of socks
– Sunglasses or eye wear for the day and riding in a dark time.
– 1 Raincoat / Windcheater
– Extra batteries or charger for Cycling lights
– Mini tool kit
– 2 Cycle Tubes
– Personal Toiletries
– Any medicine if you are taking

NOTE: Your bag should not be weighing more than 8 kg’s. Else INR 100 will be charged Per KG for carrying your luggage.

What support will be provided by you?

Technical support
Mechanical support
Hydration support
Luggage Carrying support
Nutrition support (Energy bars, Fruit cakes, Chips, Dates, Electrolytes Tabs, Energy gels, Biscuits)
Support Vehicle
Ride Marshal
Medical Support

Will medical support is also there for riders?

Yes FIRST-AID shall be provided immediately to the rider as and when needed. If in case any critical emergency rider needs to visit the hospital that shall be taken care of by us. But the expense of the hospital shall be taken care of by rider only.

How can I reach Chandigarh?

To reach Chandigarh there are different modes of transportation available.
Train, Bus, and flight and for better understanding how to reach from your city to Chandigarh, please contact us .

What are the safety rules for this Tour?

It is compulsory to wear a helmet for the entire duration of the ride. Riders without a helmet will not be permitted to ride.
For night riding, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be fully functional at all times. If lights will not be working you are not allowed to ride. Every rider must use their lights.
All riders must wear a reflective vest that clearly places reflective material prominently on the front and back of the rider. If you will not be wearing reflective vests you are not allowed to ride.
This ride is open to any amateur cyclist regardless of his or her cycling affiliations. Riders (under the age of 18) must get a consent form signed by his or her parent or legal guardian.
Each rider must be covered by liability insurance, either by a group policy or by a personal policy.
Our Sikh brothers – We have RELAXED THE MANDATORY HELMET RULE for Sikh Riders. But the rider must either wear a full Turban/Dumala and not just a Patka/Keski.

Can I get the information about the challenges of the Route for the respective days?

Day 1 Route : It’s a National Highway from Delhi to Shimla. You will face traffic and as Construction work is going over there, you will find some gravel roads, which will make the Bike ride even more interesting and Challenging.

Day 2 Route : This day the route is Off-Road. The Route is calm, there will less traffic, as we will be passing through different villages of Himachal. We will also experience riding in a complete lush dense green forest (unsurfaced tracks full of sand, gravel, mud, rocks and other natural terrain), that uncoils itself as you gain altitude. A magnificent view of the Punjab plains is an added bonus.

First day ride will help you to tackle and get familiar with the Off-Roading track to face the challenges of Day2.