Travel experiences in India (10 of 10)

Manali To Leh Cycling Tour 2015

About the Destination:

Manali to Leh cycling expedition is a scenic ride traversing through some of the highest passes in the world making it one of the most challenging rides to beat. Cutting across beautiful trails with the Himalayas serving as the perfect backdrop, one can cross Tanglang La, the world’ second highest motorable pass standing at 5280m before entering Manali. The route from Manali to Leh is straightforward with the roads either being completely dirt or tarmac.

In the Manali Leh cycling tour explore rougher dirt tracks while making some tough climbs along with gut-wrenching descents. Everyday the distance covered ranges from 40 to 80 km traversing altitudes over 4000 m. Not only will this invigorating route comprise cycling from Leh in the Indus Valley to the alpine Kullu Valley covering a total of 470 km, but it also cuts across three mountain ranges of Zanskar, main Himalayas and Pir Panjal Range. Altogether one exceeds 29000 feet in altitude  crossing passes like the Khardung La, Tanglang La and Baralacha La (4890m). 

Activities:  Cycling, Camping

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Temperature: Around 25 degrees (Day) to 10 degrees (Night)

Max Alt: 5328m (Tanglang La)

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manali

Day 2: Ride from Manali – Marhi (Uphill to camp at Marhi 35km, 5-6 hour, Elevation of 1250m)

Day 3: Ride from Marhi – Sissu (53km, 5-6 hour, Elevation of 1600m)

Day 4: Ride from Sissu – Jispa ('Lahaul' 64 km, 6-7 hr, Elevation of 600m)

Day 5: Ride from Jispa – Patseo (32km, 3-4 hour, Elevation of 500m)

Day 6: Ride from Patseo – Sarchu (60km, 6-7 hour, Elevation of 1400m)

Day 7: Ride from Sarchu – Pang (84km, 8-9 hour, Elevation of 1200m)

Day 8: Ride from Pang – Tso – Kar (57km, 4-5 hour, Elevation of 400m)

Day 9: Ride from Tso – Kar – Rumptse (80km, 6-7 hour, Elevation of 900m)

Day 10: Ride from Rumptse – Leh (82km, 7-8 hour, Elevation of 450m)

Day 11: Relaxation Day

Day 12: Ride from Leh – Khardungla – Leh (80km, Elevation of 2100m)

Day 13: Departure from Leh

HIGHLIGHTS

 Facts:

Start Point: Manali

Route: Manali – Marhi – Sissu – Jispa – Patseo – Sarchu – Pang – Tso – Kar – Rumptse – Leh– Khardungla – Leh – Delhi

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar 

Attractions Around: Rohtang La Pass, Naggar and Roerich art Gallery, Baralacha La Pass, Barashigri, Chandrabhaga and Mulkila, Nakli La, Lachalung La, Taglang La Pass,Hemismonastery, Shey Palace, Pangong Lake, Khardungla Pass

Manali to Leh Distance Map:

Best Season: June to September

Meal Details:

• Breakfast, packed/hot lunch and dinner, snacks at all locations
• Mineral Water, Chocolates, Fruits, Dry Fruits
• Two Nutrition halts during the cycling course everyday

Package Includes:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Support Vehicles
• Meals and snacks
• First Aid Kit and basic medical and high altitude kit is always available at hand to all the riders. A couple of oxygen cylinders would also be carried for any emergencies
• There will be a cycle mechanic travelling along with the group
• All required local permits for the ride would be arranged for
• Service tax
• A luggage vehicle to carry your luggage
• A well marked route
• A Map with day to day elevation profiles
• A strong 10 member crew for daily operations
• A celebration in Leh

Package Excludes:

• Insurance
• Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, entry charges
• Alcohol beverages
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather
• Airfare expenses or road transport expenses to/from Leh
• Anything apart from the package inclusions

Cancellation Policies:

• Cancelling before 45 days is subjected to full refund (after deducting any expenses for accommodation, transport)
• Cancelling between 30-45 days is subjected to a cancellation fee of 25% (after deducting any expenses for accommodation, transport)
• Cancelling between 15-30 days is subjected to a cancellation fee of 50% (after deducting any expenses for accommodation, transport)
• Cancelling less than 15 days is subjected to no refund

Instructions and Guidelines

Advisory:

• Guidelines and Instructions:
• In Leh, options are open to make day trips to Pangong Lake (8 hrs to and fro journey costing approx 2000INR per person) or going rafting on the Indus (2 hours approx 1100INR per person). One can even choose to cycle down to Nimmu and indulge in Rafting there.

• Be sure to have two nutrition halts during the cycling course everyday

• Please note that Riders must bring their own mountain (all terrain) cycles. The roads generally are not suitable for bikes fitted with road tyres (slicks), even though some sections are in reasonably good condition. There will be sections higher up that will be in poor condition due to snow/slush from the winter months, possible landslip, and use of the road by heavy vehicles at times. Hybrid bikes with 'chunky' mountain tyres are most suitable. Riders should also bring a range of spare parts which may include; chain links or chains, spare tyres and pump, at least 4 spare tubes and puncture repair kit, cables, pedals and a good tool kit.

• Though there would be a mechanic accompanying you carrying a good repair kit and spares but it is still necessary for everyone to bring some spares; this also ensures you have parts that will fit your bike. There will be a staff member to assist with running repairs when we are biking and at overnight stops should problems be more complicated. As a general rule, less complex or high tech bikes are easier to fix and obtain parts for if necessary. If you plan to buy a new bike before the trip, make sure you are completely familiar with it prior to departing.

• You should fit at least 2 one litre water bottles to your bike. Water will be available from the back up vehicle.

• For riders unfamiliar with the Himalayan organization you will be very well catered for. The cycling expedition takes you into remote regions where there are no villages and no hotels. Therefore during the cycling expedition you will be camping.

• Early morning starts and descents at altitude require good quality weather gear

• Proper waste disposal and strictly follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ guideline

• Respect local cultures and be sensitive towards nature and wildlife

• Use local resources and support including provisions and porters to generate local employment

• Those suffering from an ailment or heart disease, Diabetes, breathing problems, high altitude sickness or is pregnant cannot participate

• Good quality warm apparels are a must.

Essential Info

Things to Carry:

• Day pack (small bag to carry basic stuff to the slopes each day)

• Wardrobe essentials: Fleece and Woollen clothes, Water and Wind proof jacket, Water and Wind proof trousers, Warm jacket, Warm thermals, Warm Gloves or Mittens and Woollen socks, Raincoat or Poncho

• At least two Copies of PhotoIDs for all members

• Bag locks (2 or more)

• Sneakers, Floaters

• Small light weight bottle

• Torch or headlamp

• Sunglasses, Cap

• Sunscreen cream, Lip-balms or chapsticks (with SPF +15)

• Water bottle (500ml)

• Twist-ties, safety pins

• Painkillers, Anti-inflammatory pills, Antiseptic (Iodine or Beta dine drops), Bandages, plasters, medical tape, a course of antibiotics (check with doctor for advice) and Personal Medical Kit

• Imodium or similar gut-immobilizer

• At least a dozen sachets of re-hydration mixture

• Safety-approved Bicycle Helmet (for those bringing their own cycles)

• Knee or Elbow pads (for those bringing their own cycles)

• Camera with full batteries (if you like)