Manali To Leh Ride

17 days - from $2280

Ride six spectacular passes through the Indian Himalaya, unparalleled for sheer scale and mountain beauty.
Closed to the world for centuries, Ladakh lies high in an almost inaccessible region of the western Himalaya, close to the borders of China and Tibet. This unique region, home to traditional Tibetan Buddhism, is the scene for one of cycling's epic journeys, crossing two of the highest passes in the world! Over the course of the ride the scenery changes from verdant deodar forests and flower-filled valleys to barren lunar landscapes with towering peaks and hanging glaciers. As well as the spectacular surroundings, the rich culture of the Ladakhis is also a highlight and as our route weaves its way across the Himalaya we can see monasteries majestically perched on high spurs, and cycle off to explore little-visited areas, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of a genuinely untouched land. Running the trip in this direction entails more climbing overall, but offers the best opportunity to fully acclimatise and cycle the full route. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Delhi. 2 Train to Kalka, drive to Mandi. 3 Drive to Manali, free afternoon to explore. 4 Acclimatisation ride around Manali. 5 Leave Manali, gradually climbing through alpine forest towards Marhi. 6 Cycle to Tandi over the Rohtang La Pass (4060m). 7 Through the oasis town of Keylong to Jispa. 8 Continue up to Patseo through the pasture lands around Darcha. 9 Ride over the Baralacha Pass (4892m) and on to Sarchu. 10 A challenging day, via Nakli La (4800m) and Lachalung La (5150m), to Pang. 11 Across the Mori Plains to Tsokar Lake. 12 After exploring around the lake and nomad settlements ride over the Taglang La Pass (5303m) to Rani Bagh. 13 Ride to Leh visiting Hemis and Thikse monasteries en route. 14 Up to Khardung La (5602m), one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Exhilarating downhill ride back to Leh. 15 Time to relax and do some shopping in Leh. 16 Fly to Delhi, optional sightseeing tour. 17 End Delhi.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 70 km (43 miles) No. of days cycling: 11 Vehicle Support: 100% Terrain and route: approx. 50% tarmac, 50% unsurfaced. Extended periods at high altitude (av. 4000m). The first few days are spent acclimatising and exploring around Manali. There are six high passes along the route. Temperatures are normally warm in the sun but nights can get down to -4?C.
Group size: Normally min. 7, max. 15, plus leader, driver and local staff.
Accommodation: 8 nights hotels, 8 nights camping. Accommodation in this region is often basic, but hotel rooms all have en suite facilities and electricity and water supply is reliable. When camping we use alpine 2 person tents along with toilet, mess and dining tents.
Food: All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $455.00
Trip Reference: MIH
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Trek 4300 mountain bikes with front suspension GBP100, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MIH