You may want to give this a go before you start your cycling adventure from Manali to Leh:
If you are considering coming on this trip but have never done any of the following activities before, I strongly suggest that you do all of them or at least the majority of them at least once before you go:
On the bicycle route from Manali to Leh, you will most certainly spend more than one night at an altitude of 4,000 metres or above. If you have never experienced altitudes of this sort before, it could be a good idea to give them a try at least once. It is recommended that you spend at least one night in a tent at an altitude of about 4,000 metres. However, there is no way that this could be a “one-night stand.” It is quite likely that you will need a week of acclimatisation in order to reach your destination. Even if you are in incredible shape, it does not guarantee that you will adjust to the high altitude any faster or any better than other people.
There is a good chance that you will spend numerous days climbing substantial distances, maybe as much as 500 metres at a time. If you have never ascended to an altitude of that type previously, it would be in your best interest to give it a go. Because of the greater overall altitude and the decreased availability of oxygen in Ladakh, the same ascent will experience a greater degree of difficulty than it would elsewhere (remember Ladakh is a high-altitude desert).
You need to give all of your gear, including the panniers, the pannier bags, the tent, the sleeping bag, the stove, and so on, a thorough examination if you want to take the self-supported route, which is a significant decision that you need to make. Everything has a greater likelihood of failing at that altitude, given the type of severe climate conditions that are present there. Prepare yourself to perform repairs in the event of an emergency. If you have never done it before, then you should make an effort to go on a self-supported ride, even if it is just for a few of days and in familiar terrain. This is especially important if it is something that you have never done before.
How much money should I budget for a cycling vacation from Manali to Leh?
Depends. For example, these are some choices that might have a significant effect on your finances:
The cost of a backup car might range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on the time of year and the availability of taxis. You might also ask a friend or family member to drive a support vehicle. Anyway, I wish you the best of success in your search, and if you do end up finding love, hold on to it forever. The joke, of course, is on you.
A variety of hotels, from those that are more budget-friendly to those that are more on par with five-star standards, can be found in both Manali and Leh, where you may spend the night. It’s important to carefully consider your hotel options here, since they might have a big influence on your spending limit. Where you rest throughout the trip may also make a difference, but to a lesser degree. Obviously, you may have a very low-cost vacation if you want to prepare all of your own meals and sleep in a tent while your travels.
The cost of getting back to Leh is a third variable that might mess with your spending plan. Booking months in advance may occasionally save more money than taking a shared cab for the return trip, but last-minute flights are often more expensive than they need to be.
A comprehensive list of riding gear that I use regularly is available here. My one piece of advice is to not use any brand new gear on this trip. Make sure that your bike, saddle, and shoes have at least a couple of thousand kilometres on them.
