Manali Leh Cycling Expedition

Not Rated

from 0 review

Duration

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

We take you on an extremely fun & challenging mountain biking (cycling) tour from Manali to Leh. The tour involves 13 days of crossing over high mountain passes – Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakee la, Tanglang La and finally the mighty Khardung la. The rugged terrain, the high passes and the entire route provides spectacular views of snow capped peaks and cycling from Manali to Leh will tell you why this is one of the most amazing & picturesque landscapes in the world.

The arduous Manali Leh cycling trip is more than compensated by the stunning landscapes you will cycle through. The 545 km mountain cycling ride through the desolate and remote countryside involves climbing six major passes up to a height of 5,600 m (18,414 feet), so both you and your bike must be in good condition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Manali

Arrive at Manali from your hometown. The first day involves getting used to the bikes and doing a small test run on a local cycling tour to acclimatize you. Overnight in hotel

Day 2: Manali to Marhi

Today, on the first day of cycling from Manali towards Leh, will be your first ascent as you begin to “warm up” for the tough ride ahead. The ride takes you through a set of hairpin bends which run through pine and deodar forests. Overnight in camp at Marhi Cycling distance: Altitude: 3,320m (10,890ft)

Day 3: Marhi to Keylong

You will start with the 12 km ascent to the Rohtang pass which would be your perfect spot to view the panorama of snow-covered peaks on the horizon. Then as you start your descend to Gramphu, you will encounter some stretches of flat road as you cross the torrential waters of the river at Khoksar. Continuing on the route you will reach Sissu in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range. Keylong is a short ride from here which involves crossing mountain streams. Overnight in hotel/ camping Cycling distance: 78km Altitude: 3,350m (11,000ft)

Day 4: Keylong to Patseo

Today you will cycle up to Patseo on a dusty and gravelly road. The terrain also becomes more arid as you pass Jispa village. The ride from here is a short downhill before the ascent to Patseo. You will hardly find any habitation in this area; just a few sheep grazing here and there as you enter the territory of the Lamas. On the horizon, one can see the skyline of the Higher Himalayan ranges. Overnight in camp Cycling distance: 48km Altitude: 3,820m (12,500ft)

Day 5: Patseo to Sarchu

Today’s ride is a steep ascent to the Baralacha La Pass. As you climb to the pass, the terrain consists of no vegetation and the mountain sides are covered in nothing but rocks and loose stones. It’s an experience in itself as you traverse this wild and scenic countryside. After crossing the pass, you will descend into the gorge area of Bharatpur which involves crossing mountain rivers. Overnight in camp Cycling distance: 58km Altitude: 4,255m (13,975ft)

Day 6: Rest day

An important day’s rest to acclimatize yourself and to experience the magnificent views. Overnight in camp

Day 7: Sarchu to Whiskey Nullah

The day starts with some easy cycling but don’t be misled as soon you’ll face the 21 amazing zigzag hairpin loops of Gata which take you up to 15,302ft. After Gata loops, you’ll reach Nakeela Pass from where it is a downhill ride to the Whiskey Nullah. You will experience some exquisitely beautiful and dry mountain scenery. Overnight in camp Cycling distance: 56km Altitude: 4,750m (15,800ft)

Day 8: Whiskey Nullah to Tsokar Lake

Today’s cycling will take you to Lachalang La, the second highest mountain pass on the Manali-Leh highway. The roads here, or the lack of them, are the worst of the trip, with loose gravel and stones. Beyond the pass is the long descent down a steep gorge to Pang, which is followed by an 8 km switchback climb to the flats of the Moray Plains. This barren area has extreme temperatures in the morning and evening and prone to fast winds and sandstorms. The only signs of life in this desolate place are the Nomadic Changpas, who can be seen tending to their yaks. We will camp at the Tsokar Lake which is 20 km below Tanglang La, the world’s second highest pass (5,360m). Overnight in camp Cycling distance: 82km Altitude: 4835m (15,600ft)

Day 9: Tsokar Lake to Rumtse

The day’s cycling is a challenge indeed as you start on the long climb to Tanglang La. The climb starts gradually and gets steeper towards the top. At the top, you will at 5,360 m above sea level at the second highest motor able pass in India! The reward for the day’s hard work is the majestic views of both Himalayan and the Karakorum Mountains. Afterward you will cycle down an exhilarating 1,200m of switchbacks to the village of Rumtse. Overnight in camp Cycling distance: 51km Altitude: 4260m (14,000ft)

Day 10: Rumtse to Leh

The day starts with an easy winding descent to Upshi. The scenery changes dramatically as we are greeted by green and irrigated valley dotted with fields and small villages. The spectacular red colored mountains add to the beauty of the scenery. Joining the Indus Valley, road improves as we follow it all the way to Leh. This is an easy ride as we pass the Thiksey Gompa and the Chortens Garden before we reach Leh. Overnight in hotel Cycling distance: 91km Altitude: 3,600m (11,500ft)

Day 11: Leh to Khardung La

Today you’ll start early for a day’s trip to Khardung La (5,602m), arguably the highest motorable pass in the world. With an elevation gain of 2100m, the ride is going to be the ultimate challenge of the trip but after 10 days of extreme MTB, you will be more than prepared for it. The views from the top are magnificent with the Karakoram Range in front, and the Zanskar Range behind us. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final descent. Please note, for this ride, there will be no escort vehicle as this will be your final test. Your expedition leader will accompany you during the ride. Overnight in hotel Cycling distance: 39km Altitude: 5,600m (18,400ft) Trip ends

Day 12: Buffer/ Rest day

If during the ride, the group feels like taking an extra day of rest, then this buffer rest day will be used for relaxing, photography, hanging around and soaking in the spectacular views.

Included/Exclude

Price Includes
All accommodation during the tour (twin sharing tents – comfortable campsite which will move with the group every day – beautiful camping locations each day)
All meals(breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, snacks)
All entry fees on sightseeing tours
Camping equipment(tents, sleeping bags, trekking mattresses, kitchen tent, cooking utensils and cooking equipment)
Escort vehicle for the duration of the trip – the vehicle will be big enough to carry cycles and riders.
Camping/ trekking permits
Filtered water during the trek
Bike mechanic for the trip
Experienced lead rider for the trip
Price does not include
Anything not mentioned in price includes
Arrival/departure from/to home town
Meals when staying in hotels
Accommodation apart from what is specified in the itinerary
Any other personal expenses
Alcoholic/ aerated beverages/ bottled water
Services of a cycle mechanic are included, however, any spare parts used for the bike will be charged on actual
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances (landslides/ road blocks/ bad weather conditions etc)
Anything not mentioned in price includes

Tour's Location

from 0

Date

05/02/2024

Adults

Age 18+

Children

Age 6-17

Infant

Age 0-5

Organized by

admin

Member Since 2019