Manali To Leh Cycling Tour

Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition is one of the best trips in the world. It tastes both of your passion and patience.

As you already know Manali along with Kullu tops the list of best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, it is also a major hub for adventure junkies. Many sought after offbeat locations are scattered in and around this charming resort town.

One of the major reasons behind Manali to be very famous among other destinations is that it connects the travelers to the cold deserted region of Leh Ladakh in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which is a desired touristy and once in a lifetime kind of trip for almost every backpackers. The name of the route that forms a link between Manali and Leh Ladakh is Leh-Manali Highway covering the distance of 500 KM. The entire route is like a wonderland which keeps on surprising you. Be it cycling tour, Bike trip or any other road trip to Leh Ladakh, you will be dumbfounded to witness the wildest version of nature.

The star attraction of this astounding Manali to Leh cycling trip is Taglang La which is the second highest mountain pass in Ladakh region after Khardung La. Every year in the month of June to September, these high mountain passes are opened for tourist. During this time, cycling expeditions and biking tours are very demanding. So you must go for Manali to Leh cycling Expedition tour with the group of your dearest and fun loving friends. Before embarking upon the trip, there are number of things you should be aware of. Manali to Leh Cycling tour is not a one day or two day trip. It takes around 11 days to cover all the destinations between Manali and Leh. Continue to read below as we have listed down vital information of the trip.

Basic Information about Manali to Leh Cycling Tours 2019

• The trip takes10 days and 11 nights.
• The distance covered by you on this cycling tour is around 500 KM.
• You start cycling from Manali.
• You end cycling in Leh.
• It is necessary to practice cycling one day prior to the commencement of expedition.
• Cycling and gearing materials can be found easily from various shops of Manali.
• The weather condition of Manali to Leh Highway is 16ºC during the day and 3ºC during the night.
• The level of discomfort is normal. In addition, support vehicles with staffs take care of everything.
• 40 – 50 People can form a cycling group at one time.
• Accommodations throughout the journey include tents, guesthouse and hotels.
• Cycling route comprises of many ascents and descents. The maximum height you reach during this trip is 17,480 feet at Taglang La Pass on the ninth day of your expedition.

How to Reach Manali :

• Nearest Airport : Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU)
• Nearest Railway Station : Ambala Cantt and Chandigarh
• Distance from Delhi : 537 KM

Itinerary Detail.

To make you more obvious about Manali to Leh Cycling tour, we have provided a short itinerary detail.

• Day 1 – At Manali

Manali is well linked by airways, roadways and railways from other major city of the country. On arrival to this fancy town, you can proceed to your selected hotels or camps. After taking rest, browse the nearby markets around the Mall Road to get all the essential items for your trip. When you will get the cycle on rent, ride them for practice. Listen to all the guidelines given by the tour leaders. Attend the training for Manali Leh Cycling.

• Day 2 – Manali to Marhi

The first day of riding starts this day. You will ride for 36 KM to reach Marhi which is located at a height of 11,000 feet. You will spend the night at Marhi which is empty of habitation.

• Day 3 – Marhi to Sissu (via Rohtang La)

You will continue cycling for 50 KM to reach Sissu. Before reaching the village of Sissu, you will climb Rohtang La which is perched at an altitude of 13,000 feet. This is the first mountain pass on your way which connects Kullu Valley with the Valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. From this pass, you will ride downwards and upon reaching Sissu, you will stay overnight here in camps.

• Day 4 – Sissu to Jispa

From Sissu, the offbeat roads will connect you to Tandi from where you will ride an ascent to Keylong, a famous destination of Lahaul Valley boasting of Tibetan monasteries. From here, you will cycle downwards to Jispa and will stay in camps. The total distance covered by during this day is around 53 KM.

• Day 5 – Jispa to Zing Zing Bar en route Patseo

From Jispa, you will cycle to Darchha where you can sit for a while to restore energy. It is a beautiful piece of land wrapped in a lovely blanket of nature. Gear up for climbing to Patseo (11,975 feet). Upon reaching Patseo, you will ascend to Zing Zing Bar at a height of 14,009 feet. You will take the rest inside your tents and will stay overnight. The distance of cycling this day will count to 60 KM.

• Day 6 – Zing Zing Bar to Brandy Nallah (via Baralacha La, en route Sarchu)

Zing Zing Bar is the point form where you will climb to the second pass of your route which is Baralacha La at a height of 16,043 feet. Your eyes will sparkle at the captivating sight of this pass. It offers view of Chenab River and gorgeous peaks. From Baralacha La, you will pedal to Sarchu and from Sarchu to Brandy Nallah. Weather gets intensely cold here. By the time, you will cross Sarchu, you will enter Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. After finishing the trip of 68 KM, you will pass the cold night here.

• Day 7 – Brandy Nallah to Pang (via Nakee La and Lachulung La)

A sequence of 21 hairpin bends starts from Brandy Nallah which forms a loop called Gata Loops. After snaking around this loop, you will climb to 15,551 feet to reach third mountain pass Nakee La. Then you will ride downwards and will stop at Whiskey Nallah for taking rest. After having lunch, you will ride an ascent to the fourth mountain pass Lachulung La (16,598 feet). Enjoy the breathtaking moment at pass and continue riding downwards to Pang. Once you will reach Pang, you will take shelter in tents and will stay overnight. Distance covered is 56 KM this day.

• Day 8 – Pang to Tso Kar (en route More Plains)

You will ride on More Plains this day which extends to 40 KM.  It is a beautiful road and you will finish this soon. After More Plains, you will reach Tso Kar where you can enjoy watching Tso Kar Lake. You will stay here during the night. The total distance of this day will be 52 KM.

• Day 9 – Tso Kar to Rumtse (via Taglang La)

The ninth day is the day of feeling proud. You will be on top of the second highest mountain pass of Ladakh. From Tso Kar, you will climb to Taglang La which overlooks the entire region from a height of 17,480 feet. You will feel nerve-wracking cold here. The whole sight of Taglang La is shrouded in prayer flags which looks enchanting. Then you will descend to Rumtse where you will relax during the night.

• Day 10 – Rumtse to Leh

You will begin cycling from Rumtse to Leh. En route, you will come across the village of Upshi which opens a bridge across Indus River. Then you will arrive at Thiksey where you will take refreshments. From Thiksey, you will cycle few Kilometers and finally you will reach Leh where you will get a guesthouse or hotel to stay overnight.

• Day 11 – Departure from Leh

After accomplishing the cycling expedition to Leh, you will get ready to bid farewell to this captivating town.  Most of the flights leave during morning time. So leave early to take your flights.

The Highest Mountain pass of Ladakh region and the highest motorable pass in the world is Khardung La which is 45 KM away from Leh. If you wish to achieve this height too, you can head out for Manali to Khardung La Cycling Expedition.

This Manali to Cycling Blog doesn’t leave you yet. A short and handy information of basic things to keep during the expedition is mentioned below:

• Hydration Bag
• Small Bag
• Garbage Bag
• Rain Jacket
• Extra Warm clothes
• Water bottles
• Skin care Products

Top FAQ’s regarding Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition

•  What is the difficulty level of the Trip?

Difficulty level is moderate. With prior training and preparation, one can easily accomplish this unforgettable journey. The support team will take care of your physical condition. Support vehicles carrying logistics to first aid kit will accompany you throughout the trip.

•  What is the Age limit?

Age limit is above 18 years. But kids who are below 18 years and very good at cycling can go on this expedition.

• What if the weather gets bad (e.g., storm or rain)?

If the weather gets bad, you will continue the trip with the help of support vehicles. The group of cyclist will be shifted inside the vehicles.

•  What if I don’t want to spend the night in tents?

If you don’t want to spend the night in tents, you can stay in nearby hotels or guesthouses on your own expenses. Same goes with the meals or beverages. We will prepare meals of all the time. But if you want to eat at dhabas, you have to spend your own money.

•  What will you do if anyone needs medical emergency?

We will take them back to Manali for treatment at hospital. You have to pay the cost of the medical evacuation.

• How to get a bicycle on rent in Manali?

The Mall Road in Manali is the famous place for markets. It also houses various shops offering perfect bicycles for the trip. Be hassle-free as our staffs will provide you the suitable bicycles on rent.