BICYCLE TOUR : MANALI TO LEH

cycling

This one is high on adventure, endurance and self discovery. Going though high passes of the Himalayas, and desolate barren landscapes,this is one ride only the ones with a big heart can take. There are guaranteed jaw dropping lookout at every turn. You will start the ride from a beautiful Himalayan town Manali to Leh and then to the highest motor able point in the world at 18,380 feet.

Total Riding days: 11
Total riding distance:

626 km

Tour type:

cross country / endurance

Level:

Demanding

Group size:

10 min, 16 max

Arrive in Manali

You arrive in Manali at your convenience. Our team members will receive you and help you with the process. You will be escorted to your hotel in Manali so that you can charge up for warm up ride.

Day 1: Manali to Naggar and back to Manali

Time to unpack your bikes and get acclimatised to the mountains. After breakfast we will ride to nearby town “Naggar”. This ride is important as it helps you to acclimatise and get the feel of the ascending climb factor. We will be among high passes for the day week so it is important to get your lungs ready for the extra work . This warm up ride will also enable you to check out the local colourful culture of Manali. Let us know in advance if u fancy the local trails instead of the regular route. Later, we will head back to Manali for some last minute shopping of required items on the journey. Overnight stay will be in a hotel.

Day 2: Manali to Marhi

The tour officially starts from today with a gradual climb to our first campsite at Marhi (3329m). You will have enough time to check out the beautiful Deodar and pine forest, waterfalls and meet local people on the way. Your tents will be set up in the pristine campsite surrounded by epic view. Our personal chef will prepare snacks and dinner for you so that you can gain energy for the following day. Overnight stay will be in tents.

Day 3: Marhi to Sissu

Ride starts with epic climb to the first pass of the tour; Rohtang pass situated at 3988m. An early start is recommended to avoid the traffic. The ride will go though many hairpin bends and you will have amazing views of the snow capped mountains. The top of Rohtang offers some amazing views. From Rohtang, its downhill ride till Koksar. . You will officially enter the Lahoul valley while negotiating couple of streams crossings. From Koksar its a ride along the Chandra River. We reach Sissu in the evening which is going to be our campsite in the evening. Overnight stay will be in tents.

Day 4: Sissu to Jispa

You will observe the tree line fading away from today. The terrain becomes rough and dusty while sun becomes harsh. The silence in these big mountains is a different feel which you all must experience while riding in these parts which are surroundings by high Himalayan ranges. We reach Jispa by evening. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Jispa to Zingzingbar

By this day you will be tough and ready to endure Himalayan terrain while heading to Zingzingbar. You will spot many food shacks and people working in harsh conditions on the way. Zingzingbar is located at the base of Baralacha pass. Overnight stay will be in tents.

Day 6: Zingzing bar to Sarchu

Yet another climb to Baralachala {4918m). Its not easy as the climb is packed with loose gravel, rocks and no vegetation at all. You will be surprised to see tough road workers living and working in this area. Baralacha is a beautiful pass , with a small lake known as Suraj taal. The ride after the pass becomes pleasant as gravity pulls you most of the times till you reach our camp site a Sarchu. This silent campsite is surrounded by grand view of multi coloured barren hills against a blue sky. Overnight stay will be in tents.

Day 7: Sarchu to Whiskey Nallah

The day starts with a ride on smooth road which soon turns into thrilling climb on 21 hairpin loops known as Gata loops through which you will reach Nakeela pass ( 4920m). The downhill ride from pass to our next campsite located at whiskey nallah is thrilling and packed with epic landscapes all the way. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 8: Whiskey Nallah to Tsokar

Todays target is to reach one of the best campsite in entire trip. Tsokar lake which is a beautiful salt lake in the Rupshu plateau and valley in the southern part of Ladakh. To earn this you need to cross Lachalung La(5077m). And descend to Pang which is mysterious looking place. After finishing the climb from Pang to Moray plains a road bifurcates to the campsite. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 9: Tsokar to Lato

Wake up early the next morning for the most challenging day of the tour. The altitude keeps on increasing and the Oxegen keeps getting rarefied. The countinous climb to Taglang La, the second highest motorable pass in the world is not easy. The pass is situated at 5328m. Once you reach here, you will forget the struggle and will be rewarded with breathtaking view of Himalayan and Karakoram range. The descent from Taglang La is a another epic ride. Overnight stay will be at village Lato in tents.

Day 10: Lato to Leh

The day starts with lot of excitement as you will be reaching Leh and enjoy modern facilities- especially hot shower. Once you reach Karu you are into habited land once again.The ride distance is long but not to difficult. You will be riding along with the Indus river. The remaining ride is calm and surrounded by ladakhi and tibbetian culture. Overnight stay in a Hotel.

Day 11: Leh to Kharadung La to Leh

Last riding day to Khardungla at 5358m and is arguably the worlds highest motorable pass. This is yet another challenge in this tour but after all these days you will be more then happy to conquer the last stop. Descending back to Leh is good fun and officially finishes the bike tour and surely you all deserve a celebration night in the town.

End of the tour.
Includes:
  • Expert local cycling guide and support team.
  • Backup vehicles during the tour.
  • Hotel and camps during the tour.
  • All meals on APAI basis
  • Refreshments/ energy beverages/ mineral water.
  • Permits for Camping/ border pass
  • Bike mechanic and assistance.
  • First Aid assistance, which includes oxygen cylinders and a pharmacist
Exclusions:
  • Personal travell and medical insurance.
  • Personal experience.
  • Aerated beverages/ any other edible items from outside.
  • Bike spares.
  • Emergency evacuation charges.
Requirements.
  • Quality mountain bike with minimum 21 gears.
  • like trek 4500 or 3700
  • Cycling helmet
  • Cycling shorts/Skin/Bib
  • Gloves half and full
  • Water bottle
  • Wind proff clothing/rain coat.
  • Sports shoes.
  • Sun Glasses
  • Head Lamp.