03 Feb Manali to Leh Cycling Guide

Overview: 

Imagine the brisk air caressing your face while cycling in the mountains of India. You feel the adrenaline rushing in your veins, your heart beating in sync with the paddles of your cycle. Cycling in India allows you to experience the journey most authentically. You get to immerse yourself completely in the landscapes. Cycling expeditions are the perfect blend of adventurous and cultural tourism as you can enjoy every moment of your trip. On the Incredible India tour with Kahlur Adventures, you will have an intimate experience of day-to-day life in the mountains of India. We offer fully guided India tours that will stay close to your heart for a long time.

High-altitude mountaineering is a rare sightseeing opportunity with physical exercise that will bring joy to your heart and soul. You’ll feel more liberated to travel at your speed on a bicycle excursion. You will be cycling on some of the simulating routes that have always been a highlight of cycling in the mountains. Since cycling is the greatest method to fully experience India’s natural beauty, it has grown in popularity in recent years. For adventurers from India and outside, Kahlur Adventures, an adventure trip provider, offers the Manali Khardung La Cycle Expedition. Cultural adventure tours of India with Kahlur Adventures bring forth a unique experience of exploration and thrill.

The most crucial part of the cycling expedition from Manali to Leh is approaching the expedition with humility and courage. You need to maintain your pace and keep your physical fitness in check before embarking on this ultimate escapade in the mountains. Preparations for the arduous route should begin at least 6 months in advance. It’s not just the spirit spirit that should be willing to undertake this journey, but the body as well. Regular bicycle rides and training are crucial to ensure that you are well-equipped to take on the daunting task at hand. The opportunity to witness the Himalayan mountain peaks in their utmost splendour is the most thrilling aspect of the Manali Leh Khardung La Cycling Expedition.

You will cross five high-altitude mountain passes on this cycling adventure before reaching the Khardung La Pass, which has a maximum elevation of 5,359 M. Each pass you traverse on this cycling adventure has its distinct charm. The roughest and highest motorable pass in the world is Khardung La Pass. Bara Laccha La is the loopiest at the same time. Because of their unpredictable weather conditions, Naki La and Lacha La are the twin passes that are the most difficult. Furthermore, one of India’s most picturesque and strategically significant passes is Rohtang Pass. Mountaineers who wish to challenge themselves and attempt something new would benefit from cycling expeditions. It can be difficult to cycle at such a high altitude, but with Kahlur Adventures‘ help, you will have the most fun and the finest experience possible.

The Manali Leh Cycling Expedition route is about 475 km long. It is on the bucket list of adventure seekers from around the world to cycle in the cold desert of India. You will be riding along the rugged mountain peaks of the Himalayan ranges. Although it might not seem like a difficult challenge at first, distance is not the ideal metric for cyclists. Rather, we must consider the enormous elevation that can be attained. Staring at about 2,000 meters of Manali, we first ascend Rohtang La, which is 3,980 meters above Mean Sea Level. Following our descent to Tandi, we ascend Baralacha La once more to reach 4,890 meters before descending to Sarchu.

At 4,740 and 5,079 meters, respectively, Nakee La and Lachung La are the next stops on the ascent. Tanglang La, at 5,328 meters, is the last significant pass before Leh. Continue cycling when you get to Leh because you still have to ascend the crown jewel, Khardung La. Known to aficionados as K-Top, this road stands proudly at 5,359 meters and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, according to the Border Roads Organization signage. There are great views along the path to accompany you. From the verdant Himachal, where trees can be seen everywhere, to the whole post-Darcha region, where everything is brown. You may chance upon a white pathway all around covered with snow in case of snowfall.

These harsh terrains are home to some of the warmest people you will meet in this region. Aside from the summer seasons, when campgrounds are set up to accommodate travellers, most of this path remains unoccupied. The majority of people in Ladakh are Buddhist, and the area surrounding Leh is home to several interesting monasteries. For us city people, the peaceful influence of these hallowed locations is comforting. Apart from being a great adventure in the great outdoors, the cycling expedition with Kahlur Adventures is a way to relish the beautiful landscapes. Ladakh on a cycling tour seems like a whole new world. You get to see these regions from a different perspective.

The entire route on this high-altitude cycling expedition is a platter of possibilities for the adventurer. Every turn presents a new obstacle, whether billiard table smooth asphalt, nonexistent roadways, or turbulent water crossings. Situated in the bowl of lofty mountains, the miles-long flat More Plains is a sight to behold. A rider’s soul can be made or broken by the untamed terrain of Baralacha La and the Bharatpur campground. You are put to the test with each pedal stroke along the road, and you are rewarded with lifelong memories. Ladakh is well-known throughout the world for a reason. There is nothing like it in the world! You will also feel as though you are flying on top of the earth when you cycle through Leh and Ladakh.

How to reach Manali for Cycling Expedition:

Flying to Delhi is the most practical and cost-effective way to travel to Manali. From there, go to Manali by Volvo bus operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). The bus ticket can be purchased online. The buses are neat and pleasant, and have ample room for storing bicycles. As extra luggage, you would have to pay a “half-ticket” for your bicycle. Kahlur Adventures will assist you with the bookings and help you get the most efficient conveyance to reach Manali for the expedition. It is also possible to go from Delhi to Chandigarh and then take a bus to Manali. It’s an overnight trip from both cities. Thus, you arrive in Manali early in the morning.

As soon as you step off the bus, you can start cycling around and get a feel of riding on high-altitude mountain roads. However, we advise spending a day or two in Manali, resting well, and waking up feeling rejuvenated. Manali is a popular tourist destination for its immense natural beauty and bustling local markets. Manali is an idyllic hill station with forests, orchards, delicious local food, and views of snow-clad mountains. In Manali, you can acclimatize and explore the markets. Folks of tourists visit Manali every year to indulge in the many things this town in Himachal Pradesh has to offer. It is also famous for its adventure sports such as paragliding, ziplining, rock climbing and nearby trekking trails.

Best Time for Manali to Leh Cycling:

Mid – June to mid-September is the ideal time of year to cycle from Manali to Leh. The weather is usually sunny and dry during this time, and the roads are open and snow-free. Because of the superb visibility and non-slip roads, this creates perfect cycling conditions. It’s crucial to remember that the weather in the area can change quickly and without warning, especially during the summer. Cyclists should constantly be ready for rain, wind, and abrupt drops in temperature. Additionally, as the largest obstacle is the high altitude, it is crucial to acclimate to the altitude before starting the expedition.