Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Key Highlights

Overview

Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition

Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is a trip where you and a group of strangers pedal from the verdant valleys of Manali to the desolate meadows and huge flatlands of Leh via some of the highest mountain passes in the world. It's a long journey, done just once every few months, across a distance of around 500 kilometers, testing one's exquisite strength and perseverance and revealing a frightening but remarkable passage of time. As the highest road in the globe, it is celebrated by travelers and renowned for its spectacular beauty, which is ever-changing throughout the expanse and allows one to analyze their own limitations and think beyond them.

Long-distance cycling requires a degree of endurance that can be maintained over the course of many days. You may get there by just keeping up with your usual riding regimen. Although the roads on the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition are generally pleasant, the rocky High Passes block the way, necessitating long, winding ascents off the beaten path. Along the way, you'll see the huge plains of More, the steep declines of the Rocky Mountains, and the solitary sand hills of brown and grey. There will be strong gusts on every ascent, dangerous turns on every descent, storms, snow, and glorious sunshine throughout the journey. The journey is not all misery; it is also about bearing with difficulty until you have turned it into joy. To get a glimpse of the deep blue sky, the crystal clear canvas of the black night filled with glittering and fading stars, galaxies, constellations, and satellites drifting in the cosmos, would be a tremendous delight. Incredible locations await you on your journey, and you should not squander even a second of your time gazing at them. You may have heard someone extol the virtues of their Himalayan travels, and that's fair enough — until you realize that the person in question has left the bustle of everyday life behind in favor of a world of fantastic mementos.

The highest mountain road is a well-known route, and cyclists, bikers, and vehicles travel it back and forth in a steady stream. People without any prior experience in the mountains may do this with some careful planning. Many individuals have had life-changing experiences on this journey, and they have no plans to stop following their passions and pursuing their goals. In addition, a bike ride on the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition shows all the excitement anticipated by anybody attempting a different adventurous league, which is why we at Himalayan Adventure Trips make every effort to please groups with even the most in-depth inquiries.

Cost Per Person

₹ 42,000

₹ 25,000

Key Highlights

Complete

➽ Itinerary of Cycling Expedition

Reach your allocated Hotel/ Guest house in Naggar by afternoon max. The details of your accommodation will be shared to you before your arrival in Naggar. You will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan Adventure Trips on your arrival at Naggar. Some formalities are in order, the representative will collect some paperwork such as the signed hard copy of the undertaking form and a copy of your identification proof which will be used for permits. This will also be the time you will be briefed by our representative regarding the route, mountain terrain, high altitude and tips for the cycling expedition. After all the paperwork and formalities have been fulfilled, you have the rest of the day for leisure. You can enjoy the day by exploring the quaint hamlet of Naggar which was once the capital of Kullu. Naggar castle still remains to this date designed in the local Kathkuni architecture method and is still maintained by the royal family. You can even take some time out to cycle in uphill terrain to get a better idea of what is in store for the days to come. Overnight stay in a Hotel/Guest house in Naggar.

We'll get in a car and go to Manali, where we'll kick off our epic road trip. To go to Marhi, a distance of around 36 kilometres, we will ride over roads that have a moderate slope with occasional steep hills. Along the way, we'll see a lot of breathtaking scenery. At higher altitudes, we began to pass fewer and farther between populated areas. Gulaba is around 20 kilometres distant and is the final settlement before Marhi. A convenient rest point for tourists, Marhi is only a collection of dhabas and camping grounds. Don't neglect your muscular strength by skipping your nightly stretching routine. For the night, we'll be encamped.

 

As the first pass of the journey, Rohtang is just 16 kilometres away from our destination of marhi, and we will be crossing it today. From the summit, it is a thrilling descent to Koksar, where identification must be shown at a barrier before proceeding on a level surface. The road continues through Koksar, following the Chandra River via farmland, villages, towering mountains, and sparsely vegetated meadows. The countryside is full of life, and as we get closer to Sissu, the foliage turns a beautiful colour. After arriving in Sissu, you may rest at a local guesthouse, freshen up, and explore the hamlet and surrounding waterfall. Try out some high-end accommodations for the night.

 

It is to your benefit to get out of Sissu early and travel over the level roads that go beside the Chandra River all the way to Tandi, where the Chandra and Bhaga rivers meet. We'll continue upstream along the Bhaga River into the Lahoul mountains from here. The Lahoul and Spiti administrative centre, Keylong, is a shocking home nestled amid dry mountain ranges that may be reached after a modest ascent. The path gradually rises through pine and juniper forests, where the elusive Ibex, or "Blue Sheep," may occasionally be seen. The ascent eventually levels out into a descent that continues until you reach Jispa. Jispa, with its breathtaking natural beauty, is the most visited spot along the Manali-Leh Highway. We'll be camping and staying in dorms at the Mountaineering Institute while in Jispa. When you get there, take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you refuel. Only a short distance from the campground is a beautiful monastery worth a visit. When you go into the valleys, you'll lose cell service entirely, so keep that in mind. However, there are military bases with satellite phones that may be used in an emergency to get in touch with loved ones.

 

The impressive sight must now be left behind in favor of the oncoming valley adorned with Lakes' desolate fields. You should start your journey on the level roads that were abandoned following Darcha's last settlement. As we make our way to Deepak Tal in Patseo, we also leave behind the ever-shrinking greenery. Although the ascent is not very difficult, the grade continues increasing. The rugged mountains of Deepak Tal will soon be on either side of the road, and you'll be there within a few hours. A clear reflection may be seen on the lake's surface because of how transparent the water is. The progressive increase in gradient as one moves forward necessitates frequent stops for a respite. Those roads are well paved and wind their way through some very breathtaking landscapes. Zing zing bar is a collection of Dhabas and makeshift shelters set up temporarily to accommodate passing passengers. During the night, we will set up camp at Zing Zing Bar.

We've been riding for days, and today we'll finally reach the highest pass yet. Consecutive ascents over steeper terrain in progressively thinner air put climbers to the test. As one approaches the summit of the Pass, one sees Suraj Tal, the glacial lake that serves as the river's primary source and is surrounded on all sides by craggy mountains. The blue lake sparkles in the distance, perched between the mountains. As soon as you cross Baralacha La, you'll start a long descent to the settlement of Bharatpur, where you may get some food, relaxation, and sleep. We'll have lunch here, take a little break, and then hit the sarchu's flat roads on our bicycles. Stunning communities spring out on otherwise desolate and limited territory, revealing the great vista's glorification. The length of plants located beyond these points shortens to that of their peers in areas with a dearth of fresh water. Here in Sarchu, we'll leave Himachal Pradesh behind and reach the Leh Ladakh region of India. A few kilometers ahead of Sarchu, we'll find a suitable camping spot where we may pitch our tents. At a spot with plenty of clean water known as Brandy Nallah, where we often set up camp. We'll find a way to rest and recharge in the tents before facing the next obstacle.

Get an early start; today will be the hardest of the whole journey, beginning with the GATA Loops, a series of 21 hairpin turns that seem to go on forever, and continuing on to the out-of-the-way camps of Nakeela and Nakeela's difficult path through the GATA loops causes early exhaustion. It is the most well-known area of dry, sun-baked mountains devoid of any nearby water sources. Nakeela can only be seen hazily even if all the loops are done. Though the ascent in height and grade will make you pedal more slowly, you will eventually reach the peak of Nakeela and get a glimpse of the Pass of Lachungla just beyond. You may take a breather at Nakeela's peak since from there it's all downhill. The path continues all the way to Whisky Nallah, where there is another cluster of Dhabas, this time set up in tents in the nomadic manner. The people have strong cultural values and are generous with their time and honesty. We plan on spending some time in this out-of-the-way location before setting off on our bicycles down some difficult roads in the direction of Lachungla. Once we get over the pass, the rest of the path to our next camp at Pang is downward. Use the satellite phone of a service member to get in touch with loved ones at pang. We recommend spending the night in one of Pang's many tents or hotel rooms.

The ride today is the shortest of the trip, with just a five-kilometer ascent and forty kilometres of flat terrain to follow. An enormous plateau is not far above Pang, and getting there is a breeze. Here, on the vast alpine plateaus, they emerge bravely to accompany the riders with their sure-footed dreams. The path decreases through the vast valleys that surround indistinctly to a town named Debring. We will stay in shared dorm rooms in Debring.

 

After conquering the world's second-highest pass, travellers enter the fascinating communities of Leh and Ladakh. Starting with a gradual ascent, the trail gradually becomes more strenuous as it nears the pass's summit. Most of the bends on the road are hidden in the midst of the preceding valleys, and the path itself is quite fuzzy. After hours of pedalling upwards, you'll reach the summit and take in the magnificent view. From the peak, you get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Valleys you've already passed through can be seen on one side, and the road that will get you to your destination may be seen on the other. Absconding from passes with strong winds makes for a perilous ride down to the mountain's foot, thus keeping a level head at the top is usually the best strategy. Our ability to travel longer distances is greatly facilitated by the excellent road network, but we will still be in Rumste well before the end of the workday. Aside from the thrill of conquering the Pass, today's journey takes you via scenic, well-paved roads to a quaint town where you may relax in the company of other humans again after being cut off from them for days. When one reaches out to others, even in an unfamiliar rural setting, a wonderful feeling may ensue. We're going to spend the night at the Home Stay rooms in Rumste.

 

It's the last leg of a breathtaking journey across enormous vistas revolving around flatlands and ending on one of the happiest highways in all the country. As we bike on, the road is accompanied by the least amount of vegetation, which is situated on lower houses and helps keep the desert and oasis in balance. On the way, we'll stop at Upshi, the spot from where our first glimpse of the Indus River is undoubtedly breathtaking. Along the way, a number of little towns suddenly spring up, much to the astonishment of motorists and pedestrians alike. It won't be long until we come across some of the many monasteries, forts, stupas, etc., that date back to the Buddhist era. Today's journey is longer than the others, but the flat terrain makes it possible to complete the majority of the route in a few hours. We'll be in Leh city, where we can start pedalling toward our overnight lodging, in a matter of hours. Guests often arrive at the hotel in the late evening, giving them the next day to see the nearby Leh Palace or shop at the Mall in Leh. As a consequence, you'll feel accomplished for having conquered difficult conditions on your own.

 

We will start our upward climb to Khardung La which was for the longest time the highest motorable pass open for civilians. Cycling to an altitude which is above 18000 feet above sea level is always a great challenge. We will start early carrying along our packed breakfast to eat on the way. We depart early to avoid traffic as Khardung La is one of the most popular destinations in Ladakh Ut and many tourists flock to the pass every morning to get a magnificent view from that altitude. Immediately after starting from Leh we will get steep uphill climb all throughout the journey. The meandering mountain route feels even tougher as we gain altitude and the dry desert air of Ladakh makes it even more challenging. With great determination we will continue our journey and reach South Pullu which is an army check post. There, we will take a halt to get our Inner Line Permit and Identification proof checked. If you are in the mood you can even stop for a cup of hot tea and some snacks as the army check post has multiple Dhabas to cater to convoys moving in the area and yes, tourists as well. From South Pullu it takes another 2 hours to reach the top of the pass. The last bit of the climb is always the most testing as you can see the pass right in front of you but it still seems like a herculean effort. After reaching the top take some photographs to take back as memories. You can also stop for some tea and snacks in the world’s highest cafe. The way down is relaxing and fun as you have done the hard bit of climbing up. After reaching back to Leh rejoice with you fellow participants after the successful completion of the expedition. Overnight stay at Guest House in Leh.

 

Note: Any participant opting to choose the extra ride to Khardung La in the Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition must pay a sum of Rs. 5000 INR to Himalayan Adventure Trips. The extra fee is collected for Inner Line Permit and other mandatory paperwork, 1 day extra accommodation, meals and staff members.

Time to disperse & end the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition and bid farewell to those wonderful individuals who are departing for other locations. Our personnel and cars are heading back to Manali today, so if you left any bags or items in the backup vehicle, please get them before you leave. 

Enquiry For Group Bookings

Guidelines

➽ Preparation for Cycling Expedition

You must be well prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually for the magnificent Himalayan expedition, as you know any high expedition requires careful preparation. So, here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready for your cycling expedition:

⦿ Physically –

The physical demands of a bicycle tour need a month of training prior to embarking on any given riding excursion. Strengthen your legs to the proper level by regularly cycling 70-100 km and working out to increase your endurance. Mountain routes are steep and frequently followed by downhills since riding on plains is quite different from riding in the mountains. If you're used to biking in the mountains, 100 kilometres on the plains will seem like a breeze. Therefore, if you smoke, you should give it up and undertake breathing exercises twice a day to strengthen your lungs and help you acclimatise to the circumstances while remaining resilient on the journey. Get out and play, try some Yoga, or do anything else that gets your heart pumping.

⦿ Mentally –

As essential as physical training is for a cycling journey, so too is mental preparation. Enjoy your regular activities, maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule, and unwind before embarking on a cycling adventure. Put your mind at ease by avoiding making any rash assumptions about the vacation. Meet together with your closest friends before setting off on your bike excursion to gain inspiration and de-stress before the journey. Your pre-trip preconceptions will prove to be unfounded once you join the group and discover the other cyclists. As the journey progresses, so will the traveler's mental readiness. There will also be mental repercussions from the physical difficulties. So, when you bike, pay attention to different areas of your body and purposefully relax them. One of the best ways to keep one's mind in good shape is to just take it easy and enjoy the journey.

⦿ Technically-

Get the right size cycling shoes and you'll be ready to ride for hours. You should equip yourself with a high-quality protective headgear, riding gloves, a watch (if you have one), elbow and knee pads, a puncture repair kit, LED lights, lubrication of any sort, a hydration bag, and spare brake and gear cables.

Guidelines

➽ Things to Carry

  1. Shoes: You may either ride in regular sneakers or invest in a pair of cycling-specific shoes. Flip-flops, worn at the campground, are as practical as a pair of sport shoes since they are lightweight and airy.
  2. Clothing: Take along some cycling attire, including shorts, t-shirts that can withstand perspiration, a fleece, a down jacket, a wool hat, gloves, and some underwear.
  3. Sanitary: Sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50, lip balm, cold cream, moisturiser, body lotion, hand sanitizers, TP, wipes, antibacterial powder, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a quick-dry towel. Personal items like toilet paper, etc.
  4. Socks: Pack a few pairs of athletic socks in addition to your nighttime woollies.
  5. Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
  6. Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses when riding.
  7. Lunchbox & Water bottle: Each person has to bring their own lunch and water supply (either in a bottle or a Hydration Pack). Plastic Bags / Garbage Bags,
  8. Raincoat/Ponchos: Because snow and rain are so prevalent at high elevations, everyone must always have a poncho on hand.
  9. Cycling Gear: A spare tube, a puncture repair kit, a headlamp, a water bottle, and protective knee and elbow protectors.
  10. Day Pack: with water proof cover. 25 to 30 ltr.
  11. Electronics: Optional Camera, USB Cable/Solar USB Charger, USB Charger/Earbuds
  12. Energetic dry ration: Candy bars, lemonade bars, gels, dried fruits,
  13. Documents Required:
    a) Registration Form
    b) Signed Medical Certificate by a registered MBBS doctor
    c) NOC form (by trekker)
    d) 2 Passport size photos
    e) Photocopy of Valid I.D. (PAN is not allowed)

Guidelines

➽ How to Reach

How to reach Manali:

Delhi and Manali are linked nicely. You may travel from Delhi to Manali in 12 to 14 hours via overnight bus (approx 540 KMS). Online ticket reservations are available at www.redbus.in and www.hrtc.gov.in Tip: Given the distance between Delhi and Manali, the majority of Volvo private buses depart Delhi between 5 and 8 p.m. At 8.30 p.m., the final government bus departs from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,800 are charged by Volvo buses each sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Buses depart from Manali for Delhi between 4 and 8 p.m., same like the return trip. You should expect to arrive in Delhi any time between six and ten in the morning. Plan your subsequent trips just after midday, leaving ample time for bus delays.

 How to reach Naggar:

Naggar is 18 kilometres from Manali, and there are several buses that operate every 15 minutes. Alternatively, one may get out at Patlikuhal, which is 5 kilometres from Naggar on the right bank highway. Between Kullu and Manali is Patlikuhal. To get to Naggar, you may take a cab or a local bus from Manali or Patlikuhal.

The closest train station is:

Ambala (350 miles) and Chandigarh are the closest railway stations (310 kms). Advice: From Chandigarh to Manali, regular buses and Volvos run in the evening. Volvo buses from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa charge between Rs. 800 and Rs. 1,200 every sector.

The closest airport:

The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, which is 52 kilometres distant. From Bhuntar to Manali, taxi services are available and cost between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2,500. Air travel between Bhuntar and Delhi is convenient. Airlines providing flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu include Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, MDLR Airlines, and Jagson Airlines.

➽ Trip Cost Includes

  1. Guide from our team who is both experienced and proficient on a mountain bike and has a thorough familiarity with the area.
  2. Transport vehicle for all of our tools and supplies.
  3. There will be a backup vehicle available.
  4. Repair technician for simple issues.
  5. Equipment essential to mountain biking.
  6. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour will be vegetarian.
  7. Staff include chefs, cooks, and helpers.
  8. Shared tents, sleeping bags, and mats
  9. Along the way, we'll be carrying oxygen tanks, first aid kits, pulse oximeters, blood pressure monitors, and other essential medical equipment.
  10. There will be three or four people to a tent, depending on the size of the party, and three or four people to a hotel room.
  11. Camping fees, wildlife fees, and forest permits.
  12. Certificate of Completion.

➽ Trip cost Excludes

  1. Equipment for riding mountains, including a bike and a protective helmet.
  2. Tips, phone calls, and other individual expenditures.
  3. Insurance for oneself or the money needed to pay for a rescue mission.
  4. Buying things for oneself (bottled water, canned drinks, chocolate, dried fruits, etc.)
  5. Feeding yourself to and from the trailhead.
  6. Replacement costs and repairs to the bicycle are not included in the rental fee.
  7. To ride a rented bike from Manali back to Manali would cost as much as renting two motorcycles.
  8. While staying at the hotel Peak Rovers arranges for in Leh, guests are expected to pay for their own meals and housing.
  9. Please bring any necessary bike tubes or other replacement parts; we will supply a mechanic.
  10. GST of 5%.

 

Guidelines

➽ Special Casual Leaves

Government employee can avail the benefit of special casual leave when u join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rule of the pay commission, special casual leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar years for trekking and mountaineering expeditions through a register organization. Himalayan adventure trips are a register adventure tour operator register with Indian mountaineering foundation and Himachal Pradesh tourism. Candidates have to apply for leave at least 30 days before the trek/expedition start.

 

Read

➽ Frequently Asked Questions

The Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition spans the distance between Manali, a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, and Leh, the capital of Ladakh in the union territory of Ladakh.

The total distance of the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is approximately 485 kilometers, traversing through some of the most rugged and scenic terrain in the Indian Himalayas.

The best time to embark on the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is during the summer months, from June to September, when the roads are open and weather conditions are favorable. Avoid undertaking the expedition during the winter months due to extreme cold and road closures.

The Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is considered to be challenging due to the high altitude, steep ascents and descents, and variable weather conditions. Participants should have a good level of physical fitness and prior experience in long-distance cycling.

Yes, participants require specialized equipment for the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition, including a sturdy mountain bike suitable for rough terrain, appropriate cycling clothing, helmets, gloves, hydration packs, repair kits, and camping gear if camping along the route.

ATMs are available in Manali, but facilities may be limited in remote areas under the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition.  It's advisable to carry sufficient cash from Manali for your expedition expenses.

Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk during the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition, as the route involves cycling through high mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters in elevation. Adequate acclimatization and proper hydration are essential to mitigate the risk of altitude sickness.

While it is technically possible to undertake the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition solo, it is recommended to travel with a group or with the support of an experienced tour operator for safety reasons, as the route traverses through remote and challenging terrain.

Yes, our tour operators and team members offer support services such as vehicle support, accommodation arrangements, and medical assistance during the Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition. We will provide you a smoother experience.

Memories

➽ Captured By The Team

Testimonials

➽ Provided By The Customers

What kind of exciting journey can you expect to have while the Himalayas are all around you? Most of us probably picture going on a long hike or scaling a mountain. But a small bike adventure through the alleys of Naggar, Manali, is even more exciting. The Himalayan Adventure Trips crew gave me an unforgettable experience over the course of three days and two nights during my Navratri holidays. It was my first time doing anything like that, and I was blown away by the freedom of riding a bike around the city while taking in the majesty of the surrounding mountains. We also had a fantastic day at Jana Falls. The gorgeous hillstation of Manali is the perfect setting for a new riding journey, and learning about the local culture is essential. The efforts of the Himalayan Adventure Trips staff were commendable in every way. Feel free to go out into the unknown.

Prachi Bhatt

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. maria

    Manali to Leh cycling is a challenging but rewarding adventure that takes you through stunning Himalayan landscapes. The 480 km journey can take 10-12 days, with high altitude and steep climbs. Proper acclimatization and preparation are crucial. Overall, an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

  2. Manuel Borrego

    Best experience with Himalayan adventure trips.. Manali to Leh cycling expedition is an incredible adventure that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, challenging terrains, and a unique cultural experience. The expedition covers a distance of approximately 480 km, with altitudes ranging from 1,900 m to 5,360 m above sea level.
    The route takes you through some of the most picturesque locations in the Himalayas, including the Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La. The steep climbs, rocky terrains, and unpredictable weather conditions make it a challenging journey that requires a high level of physical fitness and mental toughness. However, the rewards of reaching the high-altitude passes and the stunning vistas that await you are truly awe-inspiring.
    100% recomended..

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