Cycling enthusiasts try slow travel with bikepacking

It’s barely been a few days since Bhopal-based sustainability enthusiast Utkarsh Sethia returned from a 40-day trip after exploring the landscapes of Zanskar on his cycle. “The desire to explore new places and slow travelling is what drove me to try bikepacking,” says Utkarsh, adding that this mode of travel is far more satisfying and process-driven for him rather than just travelling from one place to another.Like Utkarsh, many adventure-seekers have adapted to bikepacking as a sustainable and immersive way of travelling that allows them to make the most of their journey. Here’s what this method of travel is all about.

Bikepacking is a fusion of cycling and backpacking
While bikepacking as a travel trend has been around for a while, many people are now exploring this mode of travel to embrace nature and discover the world from a new perspective. Cyclists peddle through different terrains, from tranquil roads to rocky trails to witness various cultures and experience breathtaking landscapes up close.

‘Planning a route is easy’
“My trip to Spiti from Manali was my longest trip so far that I covered in a span of 12 days. Most of the trip was spent on a 50 km stretch of road with over 30 feet of snow. We had to carry our cycles over the road since it wasn’t cleared by the BRO. We were applauded by the BRO workers and the townsfolk in Kaza. It was a surreal experience,” shares Karan Vaid, a photographer and a super randonneur cyclist, who previously resided in Delhi. The easiest part of the trip, he says, is planning the route since you can read what experiences others have shared online about a particular route.

‘Be prepared for uncertainties’
“While bikepacking is a great way to travel, it requires you to be strong mentally and physically. You could feel hungry or have a water shortage at times when residential locations are too far apart. The weather may not always be favourable and you could end up not finding a place to camp before sunset. This is why, you need to carry all your essentials on you—food, water, tent, etc. I also make it a point to never ride after dark and always find a place to camp while it’s still bright so I know my surrounding,” shares Utkarsh.

Want to try bikepacking? Here are some tips
For starters, taking up a 100 to 200km radius is ideal, say seasoned bikepackers. “Borrow a bike and ride to the next town, spend a night there and cycle back—you just bikepacked. Try to keep an open mind and enjoy the process without a time limit,” advises Karan. Mumbai-based endurance athlete, Girish Mallya also suggests trying a sort of pseudo bikepacking to begin with. “It’s where you cover the major chunk of your travel by bus or train and use your cycle to explore places in and around the city you go to. I use a foldable cycle that’s convenient to carry everywhere. My longest single-day trip was from Mumbai to Igatpuri and back with a group of people,” he shares.
A sustainable mode of travel
Unlike air travel or long car or bike rides, bikepacking is considered to be a sustainable form of travel since cycling has a smaller carbon footprint.
Prep for your trip:
Service it regularly
Install a good-quality torch and backlight
Carry weatherproof bag covers
Pack food, water, and essentials that you can find easily
Pack in a compact manner
Carry a camping stove and cylinder to cook your own food (for longer trips)
Keep power bars and fruits handy
Get an ultra-light bikepacking tent
Portable water filter
Safety vest reflector
Biking gear
Pick the right cycle:
Gravel bikes are best for ultralight bikepacking on non-extreme surfaces
Touring bikes are sturdy, comfortable and durable for long travels
Plus bikes have simplified gearing and transmission
Fat bikes are great for snow, ice, and thick sand thanks to the fat tyres which also make them heavy
Hardtail mountain bikes work well for long travels
Full-suspension mountain bikes are popular for travelling but can be difficult to pack and load
Folding bikes can fit into planes, taxis, trains and buses with regular luggage
Popular bikepacking trails:
The Annapurna Circuit
Tso Kar – Tso Moriri
Manali to Spiti Valley
Zanskar Trail
Mumbai to Daman
Mangalore to Goa
Bhalukpong to Tawang
Shillong to Cherrapunji
Gangtok to Nathu La
Jaipur to Sariska National Park