A challenging tour from Manali to Leh is unbelievably a beautiful part of the world that can be best experienced on a cycle. The scenery traditional villages, ancient monasteries and the best season for ridden are June, July, August, September and October. After October the road is closed for the winter. Manali is a tourist place surrounded by mountains and a landscape that looks like Switzerland. Between the two towns, the road climbs over five passes and crosses desert plains, providing long gentle uphill grinds and stunning downhill descents on Cycles. We cycle across a huge wilderness landscape and cross the Tanglang La (second highest drivable pass) in the world at (5,380 m). The highest Pass is the Khardung La (5,578 m).
Cycling / Terrain
Daily cycling average distance between 40 to 60 kilometers each day. The tour is designed to enjoy the cycling through the natural beauty of the mountains to the barren landscape of Ladakh. The vehicle will accompany and en-route make stop for bottled water and juices for the cyclist. A nice way of sharing different experiences encountered on the way. The support vehicle will always travel behind the last cyclist. If you wish to take a break from riding than wait at the side of the road and supporting vehicle will pick you up.
Weather
Cycle in this region is the best time between June to October and average temperatures range during day is about 20° - 30° C. When snow has melted and the temperature is better and comfortable. The morning and evening day are cold in high altitude regions. Please bring a sun hat, sun cream, sunglasses, jumper/windcheater and a sweater/shawl. For detailed travel kit recommendations, please refer to our FAQ section.
Trans Himalayan Bicycle Tour |
(17 Nights / 18 Days) |
Delhi - Mandi - Manali - Jispa - Sarchu - Pang - Rumtse - Leh
Day 1: Arrive Delhi |
Greeting at the Delhi International airport than our representative will take you to the hotel.
Later proceed for a visit to Old Delhi- Former center of Mughal Emperor Power offer ancient monuments pulsating with energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars a maze of narrow lanes which twists and turns, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. Enjoy the rickshaw ride of the amazing walled city has to offer through these narrow lanes and feel your senses come alive as you come across the many wonders. Visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal the great mosque of Old Delhi and the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Also drive around the India Gate and the stately buildings to witness the modern day grandeur of Delhi.
In the afternoon, continue your experience of Delhi, with a visit to Humayun's tomb, the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the inspiration for several monuments including the Taj Mahal. Also visit the Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali (2000 M) | (By Train / Drive 310 Kms) |
Early morning we start our journey through train to Chandigarh. Breakfast will be served on board. After Chandigarh we drive 310 kms down towards Manali, it’s unspoiled scenic grandeur from the plain to the foothills of Himalayas. Manali’s township is situated on the banks of river Beas in the midst of Deodar tree with high mountains towering above. Evening is free for leisure and explores the city. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Manali | (Cycling – 15 Kms) |
Today to assemble our bikes and take them out for a test ride to ensure we’re all ready to hit the road in the morning and start paddle to Hadimba Temple in Manali, which is one of the most important temples in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Also visit Old Manali town and Vashist village (famous for hot spring and old Vashist Temple). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Manali-Marhi (3,320 m) | (Cycling – 38 Kms) |
After breakfast we start our cycling journey toward up hill ride by curved road to Marhi, a roadside restaurants. Uphill ride is really off the beaten path with many small beautiful waterfalls and small villages on the way. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 5: Marhi-Sissu (3,120 m) | (Cycling – 53 Kms) |
After breakfast we start our journey toward Sissu flowing the ascend to the Rohthang Pass and then we descend to the Chandra River valley. The view from pass you can see the drastic change in landscape into a barren land with towering stark mountains. Later riding down from the Pass to the Khokasar and we stop at check post to registering, therafter we continue to the village Sissu. Overnight stay at the tented accommodation.
Day 6: Sissu – Jispa (3,200 m) | (Cycling – 50 Kms) |
After breakfast we proceed along the Chandra River till Tandi Bridge where it meets up with the Bhaga River flowing in from the north. Continue up along the Bhaga River to Keylong, the district place of Lahaul. We continue further along the Bhaga River for 23km to reach Jispa.
Overnight stay at the hotel/ tented accommodation.
Day 7: Jispa – Zingzingbar (4,328 m) | (Cycling – 37 Kms) |
After breakfast we start with easy day cycling up to Darcha (3235 m). From Darcha the road climbs to Patseo, The terrain is much more arid and the road is rutty, dusty and rocky. Passing the hamlet of Jispa we come out of a gorge and descend downhill before starting the ascent to Patseo, the small village of Patseo to finally reach the flat grounds of Zingzingbar where we set up camp for the night.
Day 8: Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Sarchu (4235 m) | (Cycling – 60 Kms) |
After breakfast we paddle towards Sarchu. En-route we cross Baralacha Pass 4892 m. ‘The pass with the crossroads on the summit’ and here meets the paths from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti & Lahaul. Sarchu, the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh is an oasis at the desert land and there are many fixed camps were we stay for the night at Sarchu.
Day 9: Sarchu – Lachung La- Intermediary Camp | (Cycling – 49 Kms) |
After breakfast start cycling to reach Intermediary Camp. The road now goes along a level path and then after crossing a bridge begins a slow ascent through 21 hairpin bends known as the Gata Loops which takes you from an altitude of 4210 M to a height of 4667 M. Thereafter, the first pass that you cross is Nakee La (4,711 m). Arrive the Intermediary Camp near Lachung La.
Day 10: Intermediary Camp – Pang (4630 m) | (Cycling – 35 Kms) |
After breakfast start cycling to reach Pang, a breathtaking beauty considered to be the world’s highest transit camp and second highest vehicular pass. En-route we cross Lachulung La, 5065 m located in Ladakh a place to admire the local natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 11: Pang – Darbing (4,700 m) | (Cycling – 54 Kms) |
After breakfast the road climbs up past to 4750 m, Morey Plains long 45 kms. The plains are an extension of the Changthang Plateau a home of brackish water lakes. We will camp at Debring 16 kms under the Tanglang La. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 12: Darbing – Rumtse (5332 m) | (Cycling – 49 Kms) |
After breakfast we continue our cycling journey towards Rumtse, and now the road begins winding ascent to the Tanglang La Pass 5590 m and the third highest motorable road in the world. After the pass continue downhill ride to the village Rumtse. Overnight stay at camp.
Day 13: Rumtse – Leh (3400 m) | (Cycling – 80 Kms) |
After breakfast we continue straight roads to Upshi and after we are in the Indus valley and reach Leh, an unforgettable experience and the highest inhabited region in India. Remote thought it is has never been totally isolated. Leh is the cultural heartland of Ladakh where many of the splendid palaces and gompas to be found. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14: In Leh. | (No Cycling) |
Day free for leisure and you may choose to stroll along main market looking into shop is an engaging experience attractive sight the line of women from nearby villages sitting along the edge of the footpath with baskets of fresh vegetables market for sale. For Lunch you can step into any of the several restaurants some of them located in gardens or on the sidewalks and serve local Tibetan, Indian and Continental cuisine. Thereafter, visit the Shanti Stupa to witness an amazing sunset over the Indus Valley.
Day 15: Day Trip To Kardung-La (5602 m) | (Cycling – 40 Kms) |
Today we leave early morning with packed lunch for the day-return trip with elevation gain of 2100 m from Leh and there is challenging cycle ride to the Khardung- La – The highest motorable road pass in the world and its take 06 hrs ride from leh. The first half of the ride is metaled road and the last half road is rough. From the top you can view the close-up of the Karakorums ranges, After a photo stop start downhill ride return to Leh. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16: Leh – Shey-Thiksay-Hemis - Leh |
You begin your day with a visit Shey Palace – overlooking a small lake, the palace and fortification of Shey was the site of one of the former capitals of Ladakh. In the 10th century the first ruler of Western Tibet, Nyima-Gon, laid the foundations of the first dynasty of Ladakh. Continue drive to Thiksey Monastery, which is one of the most vibrant and active monasteries in the region. Thereafter, drive to Hemis Gompa. Hemis Chemdey monasteries monks. During the Hemis Festival, a huge thangka made of silk and embroidered with pictures of various Buddhist deities is hung in the courtyard.
No Cycling
Day 17: Leh – Delhi |
After breakfast on time transfer to Airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival Delhi our representative will assist you at Delhi Airport and transfer to hotel. Day free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18: Depart Delhi |
On time you will be transferred to International airport for flight back home.
Bicycles (Man & Ladies)
Unisex wheels
Compiled specifically for your needs
We provide you the following bicycles:
- Y-shape frame with low step-through
- Frame sizes of 44 cm, 48 cm, 52 cm and 56 cm
- 7-gear-derailleur with free-wheel
- Shimano-V-brakes
All bicycles are equipped with a precise Shimano gearshift, Shimano V-brakes with strong "bite", 28-inch hollow chamber rims, safety mudguards and a comfortable touring saddle.
Please Note: If you won´t be without your own saddle (without the post) or your own click pedals, please bring them with you and let your tour guide attach them to your bicycle..