Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition​

Cycling: 14 km

Sleeping Altitude 1950 m

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Manali is a popular hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, District Kullu. Nestled at 1950 meters, it’s your gateway to a grand adventure – the Manali to Leh cycling tour. Today, breathe in the crisp mountain air as you assemble your trusty steed and warm your legs for the journey ahead. A gentle pedal kullu – Manali, through quaint villages, apple orchards, and Deodar forests awaits, a taste of the magic to come. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, immerse yourself in the serenity of Hadimba Temple, or let the Vashist hot springs soothe your muscles.

Cycling Distance – 35 km

Total Climb – 1,506m (4,940ft) / Total Descent: 56m (183ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 3,312m (10,866ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

On our first full day of cycling, we pedal out of Manali. The road buzzes with activity, a constant stream of cabs ferrying eager tourists to the iconic Rohtang Pass.   The route introduces us to the challenge with the first set of many hairpin bends on the way to the Rohtang Pass. At reaching Palchan we take a narrow road (right turn) towards Rohtang. Kothi is the last Village of Kullu Valley, we stop for a Chai (tea break) and then continue towards Marhi. As we climb, we come across waterfalls.

Cycling Distance – 48km

Total Climb – 791m (2,595ft) / Total Descent: 1,088m (3,569ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 3,120m (10,236ft)

Accommodation – Homestay / Guest House (B/L/D)

Today with a 15km uphill ascent to the Rohtang Pass, we enjoy scenic views of snow-covered peaks, Sagu waterfall, and valley view. After a refreshment stop in Rohtang, we descend 19 km to Khoksar. We will have our Lunch and entry at Khoksar Check post. The journey continues with a short and easy cycle to Sissu. On the way we see the North portal of Atal Tunnel – The Tunnel is named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Connecting Kullu Valley to Lahoul & Spiti Valley.

Cycling Distance – 52 km

Total Climb – 951m (3,120ft) / Total Descent: 685m (2,247ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 3,350m (10,990ft)

Accommodation: Hotel (B/L/D)

Today started with a short ride from Sissu to Keylong. (Keylong is the administrative center of Lahul & Spiti) We cross the Tandi Bridge-Confluence of Chandra & Bhaga River forms the Chenab River. We keep high on the valley side, encountering up-and-down stretches on roads. The terrain becomes more arid as we notice a shift. After a lunch break in Keylong, we continue with a steady climb with a downhill finish into the hamlet of Jispa. This marks a relatively easy day of cycling on our Manali to Leh tour.

Cycling Distance – 36km

Total Climb – 1,158m (3,799ft) / Total Descent: 172m (564ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 4,020m (13,188ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

Cycling from Jispa we emerge from a gorge and cross the long bridge of Darcha. Stop for entry at the Darcha Check post. From here we take the right turn to the Manali Leh route. Continue the climb and briefly ride downhill before beginning the cycle ascent to Patseo. Crossing streams flowing across the road, we enter territory occupied by Lamas. Cycling uphill to Zing Zing Bar, we reach our campsite.

Cycling Distance – 41km

Total Climb – 840m (2,755ft) / Total Descent: 658m (2,518ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 4,255m (13,960ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

Continuing the hard climb to the Baralacha La Pass, we traverse wild, scenic country. The pass itself is arid with no vegetation, resembling a quarry covered with loose rocks and gravel. Descending into the gorge area of Bharatpur, we cross mountain rivers en route to our campsite 6km before Sarchu. The evening allows for relaxation amidst the magnificent surroundings.

Cycling Distance – 55 km

Total Climb – 1,274m (4,180ft) / Total Descent: 1,100m (3,608ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 4,750m (15,583ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

The day begins with easy cycling along the river valley. We stop for entry at the check post and enter Ladakh. After refreshment continues 24 km soon transitioning to the challenge of the twenty-one zigzag Gata Loops. Beyond the loops, a steeper push takes us to the summit of the Nakeela Pass. A downhill cycle follows, to Whisky Nullah through the beautiful arid mountain scenery of the high ranges.

Cycling Distance – 46km

Total Climb – 321m (1,053ft) / Total Descent: 252m (826ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 4,650m (15,255ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

Ascending zigzags visible from our campsite, we cycle to the Lachulung La pass on the Manali-Leh highway. The recently sealed road has a few rough stretches. A long descent to Pang, (view of dunes), through a steep-sided gorge, is followed by a 7 km climb to the flat top of the Moray Plains. Cycling mostly across the plains, (view of nomad camps/shepherds grazing sheep) we turn off onto a rough sandy track to reach our campsite near the shores of the Tso Kar (Salt Lake).

Cycling Distance – 70.5km

Total Climb – 493m (1,617ft) / Total Descent: 1,006m (3,300ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 3,650m (11,975ft)

Accommodation – Camping (B/L/D)

A challenging day takes us to the world’s second-highest pass, the Tanglang La at 5,328m. Despite the toughness, road conditions are good and almost completely sealed. Starting from the sandy track we continue the road to debring mostly pain—the satisfaction of reaching the top. Enjoy the views followed by cycling down the exhilarating 1,200m descent of switchbacks to the village of Rumptse. Passing through tiny villages, we enter populated and more fertile terrain, reaching the village of Lato.

Cycling Distance – 69.5km

Total Climb – 525m (1,722ft)

Total Descent – 1,056m (3,464ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 3,500m (11,482ft)

Accommodation – Homestay / Guesthouse (B/L/D)

Continuing downhill to Upshi, the scenery transforms dramatically as we enter a fertile, irrigated river valley with pretty villages and stupas. The red-hued mountains enhance the beauty of the environment. Crossing the Indus River, the road improves as we head towards Leh. This is an easy stretch, passing Thiksey Monastery and the Chortens Garden enroute.

Sleeping Altitude – 3,500m (11,482ft)

Accommodation: Homestay / Guesthouse (B)

Taking a well-earned rest from the bikes today explore the popular tourist destination, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace

Cycling Distance – 80 km

Total Climb – 2,165m (7,103ft) / Total Descent: 2,165m (7,103ft)

Sleeping Altitude – 5,600m (18,373ft)

Accommodation – Guesthouse (B/L)

We start early in the morning at Khardung-La Pass as the road gets busy with tourist cabs. We cycle 40 km, gaining 2,000m, the ultimate challenge of the Manali to Leh tour, reaching the highest motorable road in the world at 5,600 m. The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus Valley in the south over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Saser Massif in the north. You will feel truly proud of your achievements as you finish the tour with your final, thrilling descent.

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.