Manali to Shimla Cycling Expedition

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Key Highlights

Overview

Manali to Shimla Cycling Expedition

Embarking on a cycling expedition from Manali to Shimla via the majestic Jalori Pass is a remarkable journey that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas. This adventure offers a unique combination of physical challenge and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for any avid cyclist. The expedition begins in the bustling town of Manali, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and winds its way through remote villages, dense forests, and rolling hills before culminating in the colonial charm of Shimla. Here, we delve into the essence of this incredible journey. This challenging expedition comes with an add on as you get to witness the different kinds of cultures of Himachal Pradesh itself as we make our way from Kullu valley and then to Tirthan valley valley and finally climbing down to the capital of state, Shimla. As cyclists pedal away, the landscape transforms, revealing the rustic charm of Banjar. This quaint village, nestled amidst verdant hills, offers a peaceful respite with traditional wooden houses and terraced fields. Read More

Complete

➽ Itinerary of Cycling Expedition

Nestled in the Kullu Valley, Manali is the perfect starting point for this cycling adventure. This popular tourist destination, known for its lush green valleys and adventurous spirit, provides a fitting backdrop for your journey. The crisp mountain air and stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks greet you as you set off on your bikes, promising an exhilarating beginning to this incredible expedition. As you check into your hotel, you will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan Adventure Trips. We will utilize this day to have a full orientation with the team about general information, bike and road safety, do’s and don’t and finish off all the necessary paperwork required for administrative purposes. Handing over of bikes will happen on this day itself. Overnight stay in a hotel in Manali.

The flag off for the cycling expedition will take place today. After having a few speeches of motivation for the team, you will proceed to mount your cycles and begin pedaling. From the bustling town of Manali we will pedal towards Kullu as we will make our way to the first halting point which is Aut. This is a small township on the Chandigarh Manali highway. The majority of the journey will be downhill and a procedure through which you can get a hang of your bikes even better. Enjoy a scrumptious meal and take ample rest at night for recovery as the journey has just begun. Overnight stay in a hotel in Aut.

After an early breakfast we will depart for Banjar which is situated in Tirthan valley and will be our cycling expedition. We will start our upward journey from today onwards passing through crisp coniferous forests loaded with Deodar and pine trees. Banjar is a small and picturesque village in Himachal Pradesh offers a serene and rustic charm. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local way of life and experience the warm hospitality of the people. The traditional wooden houses, terraced fields, and apple orchards create a quintessential Himalayan atmosphere, providing a delightful contrast to the challenging terrain you've conquered so far.

Charge yourself with the rays of the rising sun and prepare to get ready for another day of pedaling in the Himalayas. Your journey through the verdant valleys and dense forests of Himachal Pradesh takes you to Aani, a place where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly. Aani is known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples that are worth exploring. The villagers here have preserved their traditions for generations, and the chance to interact with them offers a unique insight into the local way of life. This cultural immersion, combined with the stunning surroundings, makes Aani a compelling stop on your cycling expedition. We will not gain much altitude today at our halting point but during our journey we will be ascending and descending the mountain road preparing our body for higher altitudes to come.

Wake up with great excitement as today’s day is going to be the most exhilarating on our cycling expedition. The initial part of the day will be an uphill stretch taking you to one of the high altitude passes of Himachal Pradesh, Jalori Pass. This pass connects Kullu valley with Kinnaur valley and Shimla. As we reach the top of the pass we will fly the tricolor in excitement for the feat that we have just achieved. The road around Jalori pass is not completely metalled and gives you the feeling of offroading. As you pedal further along the route, you'll reach Narkanda, a destination famous for its apple orchards and panoramic views. The sweet scent of ripe apples permeates the air, and the vistas of snow-covered peaks are nothing short of spectacular. Narkanda is a destination that captivates with its natural beauty and serene ambiance. Here, you can relax and rejuvenate amidst the lush orchards and take in the awe-inspiring views, making it a highlight of your journey. Overnight stay in a hotel in Narkanda.

The culmination point of your cycling expedition is just about to arrive in the historic city of Shimla, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Hills.' Shimla's colonial-era architecture, bustling bazaars, and lively atmosphere provide a stark contrast to the remote and serene villages you've encountered along the way. The town's rich history and vibrant culture come to life as you explore its streets and landmarks, such as the Ridge, Mall Road, and the famous Shimla Heritage Museum. Shimla offers a perfect conclusion to your adventure, allowing you to reflect on the incredible journey you've undertaken. In the evening the team will gather for the last debriefing session and celebrate the completion of the expedition.

The cycling team will share the last meal of the expedition with Himalayan Adventure Trips and checkout of the hotel to go their own ways until the next time.

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.

 

Cost Per Person

₹ 42,000

₹ 23,000

Key Highlights

Enquiry For Group Bookings

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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