Manali-Leh Khardung La Cycling Expedition

The Manali Leh Khardung La cycle ride is an ideal expedition for those who want to ride on adventurous trails. If you have the will to conquer the spellbinding world of the Himalayas from the saddle then the Manali Leh Khardungla cycling expedition should be on your bucket list.

This expedition covers the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and the union territory of Ladakh. You will also be crossing one of the five passes and one of the world’s most popular passes the Khardungla Pass. While cycling across Himachal Pradesh and Leh you will come across different villages that have the charm of their unique culture and warm welcoming vibes.

On this memorable 10-day expedition we’ve packed the right mix of cycling leisure rejuvenation and exploration. You will experience stretches that challenge your limits sceneries that indulge your senses and interactions that expose you to the local culture.

As we completely understand this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every rider who joins the expedition. Managing time money efforts family and many other things is are big thing so we look forward to making their investment qualitative and memorable with beautiful memories. What we hear back from our clients is that we came solo and are now returning with extended family and friends for life.

So if you are also looking to make the most memorable journey and enjoy each second you spend on this expedition to cherish forever in life then Dare2Gear is the best adventure travel company.

Please note: Road bikes are not allowed for this expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Manali Stay: Hotel Stay

• Once you reach Manali our ground team will coordinate and update you on the meeting point.
• Then you proceed with your journey to Hotel Kanishka or a similar accommodation where you meet and get acquainted with your fellow riders.
• You can rest for a while before enjoying a delicious lunch.
• After lunch we head out for a short orientation and acclimatization ride.
• In the evening the Dare2Gear team will have a session to brief you on things to keep in mind for the next ten days of the cycling expedition.
• We will retire early and give our bodies a complete rest before the start of this cycling expedition.

Day 2

Manali to Sissu | 40 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 40km | Altitude: 3070 Meters

• We have to get up early today. Get Ready and have a healthy & delicious morning breakfast.
• We will be starting our Manali-Leh + Khardungla cycle tour from the hotel itself.
• Hop on your bikes and get ready to begin this memorable cycling expedition.
• You will come across the Solang Valley The hub for adventure sports activities like paragliding rope courses horse Riding etc.
• We will cross through Atal Tunnel the longest tunnel at a length of 9.02 km it is the highest highway single-tube tunnel above 10000 feet (3048 m) in the world.
• We will have our lunch at ATAL cafe in Sissu near Sissu Lake.
• Post that we will check in to our hotel Aliyas or Similar in Sissu and rest for the day.

Day 3

Sissu to Jispa | 53 km

Stay: Yak Hotel or similar | Cycling: 78 km | Altitude: 3350Meters

• The day will begin with an easy and gradual climb followed by an exciting downhill to Tandi. 
• This is the place where the river “Chandra” and the river “Bhaga” meet.
• This place is a holy place in Hindu belief. We will move towards Kyelang (also spelled Keylong) a beautiful town and the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti districts is home to most of the government offices and facilities in Lahaul.
• We will halt for lunch over here. Then move towards Jispa and check in to Hotel Padma Lodge or similar.
• This is the border of the low oxygen area and the green belt.
• The day when you will witness greenery around.
• Post this till we don’t reach Lato the barrel mountains with beautiful giant landscapes we will pass through.

Day 4

Jispa to ZingZingBar | 31 km

Stay: Home Stay / Camping | Cycling: 31 km | Altitude: 3820 Meters

• With an easy start to the day we will pedal towards ZingZingBAr.
• Today a rusty rocky terrain is waiting for us when we pass the tiny hamlet of Jispa.
• There is much descent before the climb towards Patseo.
• Today will be the first time of this expedition where we will experience complete isolation from the outer world and we will also be riding in the low oxygen region.
• After reaching Patseo it will be a gradual and easy climb ride to upper ZingZingBar.
• The day comes to an end as we make a touchdown in upper ZingZingBar.
• Get fresh and have a hot served dinner. Post dinner you can retire to your cozy bed for a sound sleep to face the challenges of the next day.
• This is the first eve that we will spend together under same roof.

Day 5

ZingZingBar to Sarchu | 41 km

Stay: Swiss Hut | Cycling: 41 km | Altitude 4255 Meters

• After having an early morning Breakfast we gradually ascend towards the 2nd pass of this route Baralacha La via Zing Zing bar.
• Today we climb mostly on a tarmac surface with less traffic.
• After crossing the Naughty Baralacha La the entire topography of the region changes and we get the first glimpse of the Mountain Desert.
• Thereafter we descend to Bharatpur and from there we will take the rolling terrain toward today’s destination Sarchu.
• Once we reach Sarchu we will do a photoshoot for the group and solo and create videos of the group.
• This is more of a relaxing and kind of celebration day for coming halfway through the expedition.

Day 6

Sarchu to Pang | 80 km

Stay: Home Stay | Cycling: 80 Km | Altitude 4370 Meter

• Gear up for today’s adventurous and challenging ride as we are going to cross two mountain passes in a single day.
• From our campsite it’s a rolling terrain till the start of the Gata Loops.
• From here we will start climbing. After climbing up to 21 Loops we can have a relaxed ride as we are going to pedal on the rolling terrain for a few km just before we again ascend to the 3rd Pass on this route NakeeLa.
• We will also be passing through the ‘Lachlung La’ pass. The view en route is so mesmerizing and you will sense that your hard work pays off. From the ‘Lachlung La’ pass we will descend to Pang and relax in the homestay for this night.
• This day is the toughest day of the ride but we have ridden for last in this terrain.
• By the end of this week each one has done a great self-introspection about their riding skills so each rider can plan their ride strategy for the day with their buddy rider on tour.

Day 7

Pang to Lato | 103 km

Stay: Guest House | Cycling: 103 km | Altitude 4835 Meters

• This morning only a 5 km climb and you will touch the most beautiful route of your journey called Morrie plains.
• Scenic beauty with the full metal and well-maintained roads.
• This region has a wide horizon where on your left and ride for approx 2 km you will find plains and then the huge multi-color mountains.
• Then we will cross the Taglangla pass. The Taglangla is the second-highest motorable road of this expedition. You will witness long roads and a continuous climb of approx 19 km.
• The Taglangla pass is 5328 meters from sea level which leads to a scenic descent towards Lato Lato Guest House.
• Then a zippy 35 km downhill ride awaits us to reach today’s destination Lato.

Day 8

Lato to Leh | 75 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 82km | Altitude: 3600 Meters

• We will take it easy today and start with leisure.
• Cycling along the River Indus we will be riding from Lato to Upshi into the main town of Ladakh Leh.
• On the way we would be crossing some of the monasteries of the Hemis Thiksey and Shey regions and might visit a few of them depending upon the timelines.
• Upon reaching the famous Leh Gate we will continue our journey towards our hotel The Himalayan Ladakh (or a similar property).

Day 9

Leh to Khardungla | Local Sight Seeing | 80 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 80km | Altitude 5360 Meters

• Based on our last 8 years of experience we have seen the riders feel content when they reach Leh. So they prefer to go sightseeing rather than attempt to climb to Khardungla.
• Riders who go sightseeing can book a taxi from the hotel and can explore Magnetic Hill Monastery and the confluence of rivers where you can do adventure sports activities if you wish to.
• Lunch or any other adventure activity expense during the sightseeing is the rider himself or herself.
• In the evening we will all have a dinner celebration and felicitation ceremony on the success of the ride for a lifetime.

Day 10

Return Day

• Today’s morning post-breakfast you are free to plan your return.
• Participants can take a flight and return to their homes or they stay there to roam in and around Leh.
• The call is completely yours. In case you need any assistance in planning we are here to help you out.
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Inclusions & Exclusions

•  09 Breakfast’s
•  09 Lunches
•  09 Dinner’s
•  Stay on Double Sharing basis
•  6 Hotel Stays
•  2 Home Stays
•  1 Swiss Camp Stay
•  Certificate
•  Medal
•  Cycling Jersey
•  Photography
•  Videography
•  2 Support Vehicles
•  Ride Marshal
•  Hydration & Nutrition Support
•  Mechanical & Technical Support
•  Medical First Aid
•  Oxygen Cylinder Kit
•  Rider Kit
•  Helmet Stickers
•  Rider Card
•  Travel card
•  Backpack
•  Leh Flag
• Single Stay
• Any kind of Expense (Item Loss/ Misplaced/ Theft)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything else which is not mentioned above

Things to Carry

Mandatory Items

• Helmet
• Front Headlight
• Tail Light
• Reflective Vest/ Tape
• Water Bottle/Sipper
• Cycling gloves

Other Essentials

• Small Backpack : 1
• Jersey’s: 7
• Shorts: 3
• Sweatshirt: 1
• lower/ Track pant: 1
• T-shirts: 4
• Jeans: 2
• Slipper: 1
• pairs of cycling shoes (in case one gets wet due to rain and water on the way)
• pair of socks: 4
• Sunglasses or eye wear for the day and riding in a dark time
• Raincoat / Windcheater
• Extra batteries or charger for Cycling lights
• Mini tool kit
• Cycle Tubes: 2
• Personal Toiletries
• Aadhar Card
• Emergency Cash
• Any medicine if you are taking

Q

What Things do I need to Carry?

Packing Checklist:

Cycling & Regular Clothing

7 Jerseys

3 padded Shorts

3 Full Length padded pants

Arm Warmer Sleeves

Leg Warmer Sleeves

Head Cap

Warm Bandana

3 pairs of night suits

2 Thermal top & bottom Pairs

6 Pair of cotton socks

2 pair of Warm Socks

Shoe rain cover

2 Jeans

4 T-shirts

Under Garments

1 Warm Jacket (Duck feather preferred)

2 pairs of sports Shoes/cycling shoes

Slippers

Other Essentials:

Torch / Flashlight With Spare batteries

Power Bank

Mini Tool Kit

Personal Medicines if any

Diamox for acclimatisation

Pain killer (Flexon MR Mobizox Combiflam)

Aadhaar Card

Some Cash for your shopping or emergency

Neck Pillow

Personal Toiletries:

Light Weight Towel (Easy to dry)

Lip Balm

Shower Gel / Soap

Shampoo

Toothbrush

Hair oil

Wet Wipes

Toilet Paper

Hand Sanitizer

Skin Moisturisers

Vaseline / Anti-chafing cream

Mandatory Items:

Helmet

Full Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair

Half Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair

Sunglasses UV protected

Front Light

Tail Light

Reflective Vest

Sipper Bottle

Wind Cheater

Rain Coat Upper & lower both

10 -15 Ltrs Backpack

60 /70 Ltrs Rucksac

Q

How to Reach manali?

By Air (Delhi/ To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by air Bhuntar is where the nearest airport to Manali is located which is about 50 km from Manali. But a little problem is that flights from Delhi to Bhuntar are very infrequent and mostly get cancelled. So the best way and the most preferred way is to fly down to Chandigarh from Delhi and then go to Manali by road. Once you get down at the airport you will surely find some taxis or can ask us we will provided extended services to our registered members.

 By Road (Delhi To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by road The total distance by road from Delhi to Manali is 12 hours. A network of state-run and private buses connects Manali to some of the most well-known tourist destinations including Leh Shimla Kullu Dharamshala and New Delhi. The majority of buses depart from Delhi‘s ISBT Kashmiri Gate. The bus trip from Delhi to Manali is more comfortable if you choose an air-conditioned Volvo coach. The best one to take would be the Himachal state transport buses because of its good frequency and cheap price.

By Rail (Delhi To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by rail You cannot directly reach Manali directly from Delhi because Manali does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station from Delhi to reach Manali is Chandigarh or Pathankot. You can simply catch a train to Chandigarh or Pathankot whatever suits you and then opt for a bus or taxi from there.

Q

Can you share your insights about climate?

In the Mountains weather is one most unpredictable things but based on old patterns in the last 5 so many years of experience sharing insights on climate.

When you reach Manali the temperature is pleasant around 24 degrees Celsius and morning and evening are cold around 5 degrees.

A similar kind of weather we will get till Jipsa's first 3 days of the tour with a drop of 2 -3 degrees in temperature. The Jispa Cold Desert area begins where you need to be in warm clothes and the temperature during the day will be around 18-20 degrees at night and can drop to 0 degrees also till we don’t cross Tanglangla Pass for the next 4 days.

The Day we will be entered Leh will be a little hot as compared to previous days and the temperature will be between 25-30 degrees during day and night and early morning is pleasant with 4 – 5 degrees temperature.

When we will go to attempt khardung-la we have to cover ourselves with warm layers as we will be again gaining the height and touching more approx. 18000 feet of height.

*Disclaimer: Rain & Snow Storm changes the story.

Q

I will be riding first time in the mountains am I advised to come on a gravel bicycle?

No it is not advised to do your first expedition in the mountains on a gravel bicycle as speedy downhills and sharp-edged curves are there. If the skill of controlling the bicycle is not built earlier then the probability of skidding on turns and getting disbalance is there which may lead to injuries too.

Q

Will I get the cycle according to my height for this ride?

We have multiple cycles to offer on rent for all sizes ranging from S to XL so you will get the cycle of the right frame size for your ride.

Q

What is included in the cost of cycle rental?

We give cycle only for rides all other mandatory items and accessories you want on a cycle you have to bring yourself.

Q

Will there be luggage transfer or van support on this tour?

Our support vehicle will transport luggage from one hotel to the next each day. For tired cyclists vehicle support is available on most days along with our cycling guide. Please refer to the specific itinerary for details.

Q

What are my bicycle options for the tour?

Bicycle rental is available for guided bike tours. We offer cycles of premium brands like TREK | SCOTT | GAINT | with 1×10 OR 2X9 gear Ratio with hydraulic brakes. All frame sizes are available..

Q

What is the difficulty level of this tour?

Most tours cover no more than 65 km (40 miles) per day and range from low-intermediate to advanced difficulty levels. Please review the distance and difficulty details for the specific itinerary you’re interested in as well as our difficulty ratings description page with detailed parameters. If you have any questions feel free to email us. To fully enjoy your tour it’s important to ride your bike at least weekly and be comfortable spending time in the saddle!

Q

What are the road conditions and traffic like? And the type of terrain?

For our tours in the Kashmir and Ladakh regions listed on our website we design routes that not only showcase scenic and must-see spots but also prioritize safety. We carefully select the best cycling options avoiding roads with significant vehicle traffic and opting for quiet back roads instead. In some itineraries you may need to cross busy intersections or share the road with traffic for short stretches. When this occurs we always look for bike lanes or the safest routes.

Most of our routes use paved roads and bike lanes. We stay informed about road conditions and adapt our routes if we become aware of any deterioration or construction. Some itineraries may include bike paths or back roads with stretches of hard-packed dirt or gravel (non-technical). Please check the tour webpage for details. We also offer custom itineraries and tour packages throughout Kashmir. The road conditions and terrain will vary based on your custom tour request so please refer to your specific itinerary for details.

Q

Who is responsible for the bikes if they are damaged or stolen?

You are responsible for bike damage or theft and you’ll agree to this when you sign our contract at delivery. So please be careful!

Add Ons

₹20299 Single Stay

₹10490 Cycle on Rent

₹2500 Passenger Transportation Delhi -Manali

₹3500 Cycle Transportation Noida – Manali

₹3999 Cycle Transportation Leh – Noida

You may also like the following events from Dare2Gear:

• Next month, 14th June, 12:00 am, Manali-Leh Khardung La Cycling Expedition in Manali
• This August, 16th August, 12:00 am, Srinagar-Leh Cycling expedition in Srinagar