Overview
One of the most popular cycling route in the country. Manali – Leh – Khardung-la (5602 m) is a dream for all cycling enthusiast. The ride is over many high mountain passes and winds through the beautiful valleys, lakes, mountains, mystic peaks. Kardung-la (5602 m) is the highest motorable road in the world.
Itinerary
Day 02: Acclimatization Day at Naggar. O/N Huts / Swiss Tents
Accommodation: Huts / Swiss Tents at Up North site
Cycling distance: 12-15 Kms
Time: 3-4 Hrs
Altitude: 2050 m
After breakfast, take a ride to Naggar, a heritage village known for its Castle, Roerich Art Gallery and ancient temples including the ride to spectacular village Nashala. Overnight at Up North.
Day 03: Naggar - Manali - Marhi O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 36 Kms
Time: 5-6 Hrs
Altitude: 3360 m
Transfer to manali by cabs after breakfast. Start your Ride from Manali on the bank of the river Beas. This is the road you will be riding on right up-to Leh. The serpent like road passes through picturesque villages, thick forests of pine & deodar and beautiful meadows. The stretch of about 20 Kms from Village Palchan onwards is an uphill climb up-to Marhi and you will be gaining about 1300 Mts. The camp commands panoramic view of the valley, peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi, Makerbeh, and also the majestic Dhauladhar range.
Day 04: Marhi - Sissu O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 48 Kms
Time: 4-5 Hrs
Altitude: 3160 m
We start the day by riding 12kms ascent to the Rohtang pass (3979 m). From the pass you will get a commanding view of greater Himalayan ranges and barren land of Lahoul & Spiti Valley. The pass is on the Pir Panjal range and remains snow laden for about 6-7 months in a year. Because of the snow conditions on the pass Lahoul & Spiti remains cut-off from rest of the country. After crossing the pass, the road descends upto Khoksar, where you can have a cup of tea as there are number of Dhabas. Khoksar is on the bank of river Chandra which originates from Chandra Tal. After crossing river Chandra at Khoksar you will cycle upto Sissu on the right bank of river through some of the most beautiful hamlets and fields of peas and potatoes. You will be camping on the bank of river Chandra.
Day 05: Sissu - Jispa O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 52 Kms
Time: 6-7 Hrs
Altitude: 3200 m
Riding along the river Chandra and passing through some of the most beautiful villages of Lahoul Valley you will reach at Tandi, the confluence of river Chandra and Bhaga. From here onwards the river is known as Chandra Bhaga and later as Chenab. The river passes through Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan and ultimately gets merged with Arabian Sea. From Tandi you will gain height and pass through Keylong, the administrative headquarters of Lahoul. From Keylong, there is a gradual descend to Jispa, via Stingri. Jispa is on the bank of river Bhaga, which originates from Suraj Tal at Baralacha Pass.
Day 06: Jispa - Zing-Zing bar O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 31 Kms
Time: 4-5 Hrs
Altitude: 4080 m
The terrain is much more arid and the road is very dusty and rocky. Passing through Darcha descend downhill before starting the ascent to Patseo. You will now sense the isolation of the region, and begin to enter the territory of the Lamas. In the far horizon you will see the bleak and awesome spectacle rugged and colorful view of the Higher Himalayan ranges.
Day 07: Zing-Zing bar - Sarchu O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 52 Kms
Time: 6-7 Hrs
Altitude: 4255 m
A gradual and challenging ascend through loops of Zing-zing bar will take you to Baralacha Pass (4820 m). This is one of the trickiest pass of our entire journey. From the pass you will feel the serenity of the mighty and majestic Himalaya. Number of trekking routes from Lahoul, Spiti, Zanskar & Ladakh meet here. The beautiful Suraj Tal, where from river Bhaga originates, is also here. The steep descend from the pass will bring you to Bharatpur, where number of Dhabas are host to travelers to Leh and Manali. From here it’s a gradual descend to Sarchu.
Day 08: Sarchu - Whisky Nalla O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 48 Kms
Time: 5-6 Hrs
Altitude: 4785 m
After spending a night at Sarchu which is the highest place for camping on the Manali – Leh road you will negotiate long and beautiful planes of Sarchu and then cross a nalla to enter into Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Today is perhaps one of the hardest days of your ride. After entering Ladakh region and some easy riding you will reach Gota loops from here you will traverse through 22 hair pin bends and reach Nakila Pass. Post Nakila Pass a gradual descend on a gravel road will bring you to Whisky Nalla.
Day 09: Whisky Nalla - Debring / Tsokhar O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 75 Kms
Time: 7-8 Hrs
Altitude: 4515 m
An uphill ride through winding road will bring you to Lachung la Pass (5050 m), the second highest pass on the Manali – Leh road. You have a long descend to Pang along a rivulet and rock formations. There are number of make shift Dhabas at Pang. From here on 8 Kms. uphill zig zag ride will bring you to More plains. This region known as the high altitude desert of the Tibetan plateau provides shelter to hardy nomadic Changpas, Tibetan Shepherds who camp in tents made of Yak hair. After riding continuously on dusty road you reach Tsokhar.
Day 10: Debring / Tsokhar - Rumtse / Lato O/N Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Cycling distance: 66 Kms
Time: 7-8 Hrs
Altitude: 3940 m
We ride back to the main highway and climb Taglang la pass (5350 m), the last Pass of our tour which is also the second highest motorable pass. The road is rough and ride is going to be really tough. The view from the pass is awesome and amazing as you will see mighty Himalayan mountains as well as the peaks of Karakoram ranges. From here it’s a great downhill descend as you lose about 1200 Mts. in 2 hrs. The scenery does not cease to captivate you as natural rock arches and dramatic landscape goes on for miles. We camp in fields near the village of Rumtse/Lato.
Day 11: Rumtse / Lato - Leh - Cycle. O/N hotel in Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 70 Kms
Time: 4-5 Hrs
Altitude: 3500 m
Today we continue downhill ride to Upshi, The landscape changes as we enter the Indus valley, where the hustle of civilization greets us. Riding along the Indus river with the Stok range, the view of nearby villages lined with willow and poplar trees. We pass through Shey Palace, Thiksey monastery and the Tibetan settlement at Choglamsar, we reach Leh.
Day 12: Leh / Khardungla & Back O/N hotel in Leh
Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 80 Kms
Time: 6-7 Hrs
Altitude: 3500 m
The Grand Finale! Begin with an early breakfast from Leh and Bike to Khardung la pass (5602 m) – the highest point of our trip – 40 Kms. From the pass you will get mesmerized by magnificent and spectacular views of Indus valley in the south and number of peaks and ridges of Zanskar range including Saser Massif (+ 7000 m) towards north. You will indeed have a sense of Achievement after peddling to the highest Motorable road of the world. It’s a thrilling speedy descend to Leh from the pass.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
Hotel:
- Room on twin sharing basis (on AP plan with breakfast, lunch and Dinner only) at Gurdaur (Naggar) and Leh as per the itinerary.
Tents:
- 3/4 men (Alpine/Dome)
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent
- Toilet Tent
Camping Equipment :
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking mats
- All kitchen items (stove, crockery, utensils, etc)
- Basic first aid kit with oxygen cylinder
Transportation :
- 01 logistic vehicle (Pick up, jeep or similar) from Manali to Lato and will return from
- Lato to Manali with kitchen staff.
- 01 support vehicle (Tempo Traveller/ similar) from Manali to Leh.
Food & beverages:
- A variety of Nutritious, high calorie food will be served.
Exclusions:
- Transportation to reach Naggar and from Leh to your destination. However, arrangements of travelling can be made on request.
- Any airfare.
- Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical Insurance.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Beverages or drinks of any sort, including soft drinks or bottled / mineral water.
- Any charges to visit monument/ heritage buildings and photography or camera charges.
- Any transportation charges or transfers which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any charges for a manual or helicopter evacuation, hospitalization in case of a medical emergency or the like.
- Repairs of any breakdown or any mechanical fault of mountain bikes are directly payable to Mechanic.
- Unforeseen expenses beyond our control due to natural calamity / road block/ mechanical failure if any / uncertain strike / political disturbance etc.
Further information:
Altitude sickness is the effect of the thin air at great heights. Travelers to the Himalayas may suffer some discomfort like breathlessness and headaches before becoming acclimatized. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it lightly, but drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. Proper hydration is critical. When we climb over some of the high passes, you are likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation.
Participants please note:
The Program schedule can be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. In case of any illness during the expedition, the expenses for medical treatment, travel and porter etc. are to be borne by the concerned individual. Up North cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness or any unexpected events during the expedition. Primary medical facilities will be available wherever, possible. Participants will be presented with certificates only on successful completion of the expedition. During the expedition the decision of the Program Director will be final and binding.
How to Reach
Up North base camp is located at Ghurdaur near the heritage village Naggar (23 km short of Manali on left bank).
By Air:
The Kullu- Manali Airport at Bhuntar is approximately 30 Kms. from the Up North base camp.
By Road:
The distance from Delhi to Naggar is around 540 Kms. There are overnight buses (semi deluxe, deluxe, air-conditioned and Volvo) from Delhi to Manali. You can de-board the bus at Patlikuhal from where you can get number of taxis or regular route buses.
By Train:
The nearest railway station which is well connected is Chandigarh/Ambala is approximately 8/9 hours drive.
Recommended List
Clothing and other suggested items you should bring:
(Here’s our recommended kit list. It’s not rigid – feel free to vary it, as necessary.)
- Good quality waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Travel trousers
- Cotton tee-shirts
- Thermal long johns
- Long sleeved thermal top
- Mid-weight fleece top
- Long sleeved shirt
- Cycling shoes/sports shoes
- Cycle mitts
- Small day sack
- Hydration sack or water bottle
- Warm cap (thick fleece/woolen)
- 1-2 pair warm sock Torch/head lamp
- Flip-flops/Crocs or Sandals
- Travel insurance policy
- Toilet kit
- Sun hat 2-3 pairs of standard socks
- Warm gloves (waterproof outer, fleece inner)
- Dark cycling glasses
(the sun is very strong)
- 2 wicking tee-shirts
(synthetic or merino wool)
- 2 pairs cycling tights/shorts
(looser, “trackster” fit rather skin-tight lycra)
- A bike helmet
(helmet will be provided by Trek India Outdoors, however, you can bring your own of your choice)
Policy
(Cancellation request will only be accepted by email)
- In case request for cancellation is received before 30 clear days or more in advance before the scheduled date of reporting, 80% of the advance taken will be refunded.
- If the request for cancellation is received between 15 to 29 days, 50% of advance taken will be refunded.
- No refund will be given, if the cancellation intimation is received less than 15 days before the reporting date.
