Mountain Biking in India

The journey from Manali to Leh, 475 km is one of the ultimate challenges for the mountain bikers. The route traverse four high passes with an accumulated altitude gain exceeding 29 000 feet-the equivalent of cycling to the summit of Mt. Everest from sea level. The road is one-lane tarmac and ideal for biking. Traffic is very light; hardly five to ten vehicles to be encountered. Summer months are relatively dry. This route is open from end of June till first week of October.. From Delhi, we travel overland to Manali. We reach Manali p.m.the following day.From Manali, the tour starts with a gradual climb to Marhi at 3000m, half way towards the Rothang pass.

The landscape changes after crossing Rothang la (3980m) suddenly we are surrounded by Himalayan Mountains. We require 2 nights stay in Jispa for acclimatisation, an opportunity to explore the Buddhist culture as well as allowing time for an excursion to Keylong, the district head quarters of Lahol- Spiti with its Monasteries and Royal castles.We bike onwards to Darcha from where a steep climb begins through Zing Zingbar and onwards to the Barlacha-La (4830M). Rugged country to reach Sarchu (4253m) where we overnight. There follows a series of 21 loops, before arriving at the Namikala pass continuing towards our ultimate challenge- Tanglang La (5065m), the second highest motorable pass in the world. A further 199-km push brings us to Upshi and the return to the civilisation of the Indus valley before reaching Leh (a further 51 km).Two whole days are spent in Ley for sightseeing and relaxing before a flight back to Delhi.

Trip Overview