DAY 1 MANALI (DINNER - NO CYCLING DAY) cycle instalation & cheking
Acclimatization is very crucial for this tour. So everyone acclimatizes on the first day. Manali, located at the altitude of 2050 meters (7625 feet) in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is ideal for this. In case you are flying in, we can make arrangements to pick you up from the nearest airport at Bhuntar. On day one, we meet and greet and discuss the plan for the tour. In free time, you can savour the hippie culture of old Manali town. Dinner and overnight stay will be at hotel.
DAY 2 MANALI - MARHI (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 35 km cycling
Manali Leh Cycling Tour begins on , leaving the lush green Beas Valley from Manali, a hill town that marks the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh as we hit the road and begin northward ascent to Rohtang Pass. On the way we cycle up a series of loops and bends to pass the picturesque villages of Palchan, Kothi and Gulaba. We end the day at Marhi, just 12 km short of Rohtang Pass. The place offers a spectacular view of the Pir Panjal Mountain range in the distance.
DAY 3 MARHI - SISSU (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 53 km cycling
This day begins on a high as we cycle the steep way up to Rohtang Pass. At the altitude of 3978 meters (13051 ft), Rohtang Pass is the first of the five passes on the road to Leh. We take a short break here to let you enjoy the sight and freshen up. It’s not unusual to see this pass blanketed with snow even in summer. The height allows a breath-taking view of the snow-peaked mountains of Lahaul. Cycling downhill from Rohtang is pretty enjoyable. Traffic thins out as we pass the village of Gramphu and then cycle along the river Chandra at Khoksar and all the way to Sissu, Will overnight at Camp in Sissu.
DAY 4 SISSU - PATSEO (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 60 km cycling
The overnight stay at Sissu acclimatizes you further for the journey ahead. On Day 4, we leave Sissu and cycle up the circuitous road along the Bhaga river. The vegetation begins to turn noticeably sparse. From now on, human habitations will be few and far between. Once in a while, you will spot a small herd of sheep in the arid landscape. In the far horizon, the higher Himalayan ranges begin to emerge. We pass by the sleepy hamlets of Jispa and Darcha to end the day with an ascent to the tiny settlement of Patseo. It’s a relatively easy day of cycling, planned to help you keep the energy for the steep ascent on the following day.
DAY 5 PATSEO - SARCHU (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 58 km cycling
The day begins with the steep ascent to Baralach La pass, the second major pass on the road to Leh. The road here may be rough but you are rewarded with a gorgeous view of the shimmering blue Suraj Tal lake. As you cross the pass at the altitude of 4891 meters (16046 ft), you enter the Great Himalayas. From now onward, you will witness the pristine Himalayan landscape as it has stood for many millennia. The only sign of human presence is the road that snakes up and down the mountains. Cycling down from Baralach La is a welcome relief after the steep ascent. We end the day at Sarchu Plains.
DAY 6 SARCHU - WHISKEY NALLAH (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 56 km cycling
Sarchu is a cold and windy place with a very Martian landscape. It’s a vast camping site for bikers. On Day 6 we leave Sarchu and begin the zigzag ride up the 21 hairpin bends of Gatta Loops on our way to Nakeela Pass, the third pass on the way to Leh. The arid landscape continues to throw up some stunning views. We end the day at Whisky Nullah.
DAY 7 WHISKY NULLAH - DEBRING(CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 70 km cycling
We start the day by ascending the Lachang La pass. At the altitude of 5100 meters, it is the second highest pass on the way from Manali to Leh. Whiskey Nala to Lachang La is only 7km, easy uphill. Lachang La to Pang is 25 km, downhill. The backdrop was breathtaking, overwhelming. After Lachulung la pass, the road practically vanishes and climb down to Pang is a bumpy ride. From Pang another steep climb of 7 km will take you to Morey plains. Moray Plains, a stretch of plains as long as you can see at an average elevation of 4800 Mts. The stretch has some of most amazing landscape and is flanked with beautiful mountains and rock formation on both sides. Cycling here is fun as the road is smooth and runs flat across the wide valleys. Cyclists and bikers often find Morey Plains the most captivating landscape of the tour. We will spend overnight in Camp at Debring.
DAY 8 DEBRING - LATO/RUMPTSE (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 52 km cycling
On Day 9 we ride up to Tanglang La, the highest pass on the Manali-Leh route and the second highest pass in the world at the altitude of 5360 meters. Today is the day for the treacherous climb to the second highest motorable road in the world. The first 12 km of cycling is easy but. next 8 km to the top was full of struggle. The view from the top is exhilarating. On the one side you’ll see the Zanskar mountain range, on the other the mighty Ladakh range. The Taglung La is marked by a Buddhist chorten (reliquary monument) and prayer flags. This is the high point of this expedition. From here, we cycle down to the first village of the valley, Rumptse. We are back in civilization.
DAY 9 RUMPTSE - LEH (CYCLING - ALL MEALS) 91 km cycling
The tough part of the tour is behind us. From now on begins the easy cycling to Leh. The scenery changes dramatically as we enter the fertile valleys of Ladakh. Strange red-coloured mountains stand tall by the side of the road. We come upon the Indus river. It’s the river from which India derives its name. We cross many small villages and stupas. We enter the heart of Buddhist country. We pass by the Thiksey Monastery before we reach our destination Leh.
DAY 10 LEH (NO CYCLING DAY - BREAKFAST AND DINNER)
Today is the day for rest or you may go to visit monastery or can go to visit Pangong Lake on Same day tour. This all can arrange on request and on additional fee
DAY 11 LEH - KHARDUNG LA (CYLING - ALL MEALS) 41 km cycling
As usual we will have breakfast early and start our day for the final day of cycling to the Mighty Khardung la Pass. We will set of for Khardung La early morning around 8am. Cycling approx 41km and gaining 2000m, this is the ultimate challenge of the Manali Leh Cycling Tour.
Leh to Khardung La: Cycling to the top of the world There’s no better way to end this expedition than by cycling to the highest pass in the world, 26 miles(41Kms) to the north of Leh. The ascent is steep asyou have to gain almost 2000 meters before reaching the top. This is clearly the ultimate challenge of the trip. But once on top, you will be rewarded with the overwhelming 360 degree view of the Himalayan range all around you. The feeling, as expressed by many bikers and cyclists, is that of being on top of the world. By evening we will be back to Leh, your dinner will be at hotel.
DAY 12 LEH - TRANSFER TO AIRPORT (NO CYCLING - NO MEAL)
Ontime transfer to leh airport to take flight for Delhi.Your tour end today.
