11 days

Instant confirmation

About this activity

The cycling expedition starts from Manali with first day kept for reporting in Manali & hotel check in (exact hotel details to be sent later). This day is used for accustoming to your mountain bike & a small check ride around the hotel. You have to directly report at the hotel in Manali & pickup can be provided from Kullu airport or Manali bus station on request. The bikes used for the expedition are hardtail MTB with dedicated camping / support vehicle during cycling from Manali to Khardung La via Leh. Camping on twin sharing basis is provided during cycling & hotel stay in Manali, Jispa & Leh. We do not just focus on completing the expedition but also help you develop basic biking knowledge & skills like morning Yoga & evening stretching, assembling & disassembling a MTB. Our cycling leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedure and certified first-aid responders. We have high standard for safety norms & have mapped every region with an emergency evacuation plan and safety protocols. We focus on acclimatization & carry an extensive first-aid kit including oxygen cylinders and high altitude medicines.

Brief Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Manali - 0 km
Day 2 : Manali to Marhi - 37.5 km
Day 3 : Marhi to Sissu via Rohtang La - 49.5 km
Day 4 : Sissu to Jispa - 55 km
Day 5 : Jispa to Zing Zing Bar - 36 km
Day 6 : Zing Zing Bar to Sarchu via Baralacha La - 50 km
Day 7 : Sarchu to Whisky Nala via Nakee La - 47 km
Day 8 : Whisky Nala to Debring/Tso Kar via Lachung La - 81 km
Day 9 : Tso Kar to Lato via Taglang La - 53 km
Day 10 : Lato to Leh - 70 km
Day 11 : Leh to Khardung La - 45 km; Return to Leh by vehicle

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Included

Veg/Egg Meals as per itinerary starting B on Day 2 till D on Day 11 (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
All Entry Fee & Permit Charges
Camping equipment include tent, sleeping bags, insulated sleeping mat, kitchen/ dinning tent
1 Night Hotel/Guest House Stay in Manali, Jispa & Sarchu on twin sharing basis
2 Nights Hotel/Guest House Stays in Leh on twin sharing basis.
Camping-Support Vehicle during the expedition
Services of a First Aid certified expedition leader proficient in English & double up as mechanic
Services of support team include expedition cook,helper & Assistant leader above group of 6
Energy Bars, Dry Fruits & Refreshment during day ride.
Filtered water for drinking
Medical first aid kit includes Oxygen Cylinder, Oxymeter
Scott Aspect 950 / Trek Marlin Hartail MTB during expedition

Not included

Food and drinks, unless specified in inclusions
Pickup from Kullu airport to Manali Hotel on reporting day
Drop to Leh airport from Leh hotel on trip culmination
Any kind of Insurance
Repair/ replacement cost if bike is damaged.
Any expense of personal nature
Gratuities (optional)
Transportation to/from attractions around Leh

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
A minimum of 02 people per booking is required
Non Vegetarian option is available on limited days only, please advise at time of booking if required
Gluten Free option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Previous mountain biking experience is recommended & should follow suggested practice schedule
You must have a valid travel insurance policy which covers cycling as a sporting activity.
Documents required are copy of passport, valid India Visa ( can be submitted prior to departure & Insurance
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Arrival in Manali - 0 km Check-in to the booked hotel or orientation camp set up by Bikat Adventures. Proceedings will start after lunch with a round of introductions for the participants and organizers. The tour leader will brief about the expedition and after that fellow cyclists will be free to explore around Manali.. Overnight at the hotel. Day 2 : Manali to Marhi - 37.5 km. The first ascent of the trip prepares up for the tough ride ahead and takes you through the panoramic view of pine and deodar trees. We will take an early start to beat the traffic rush destined for Rohtang Pass. One has to negotiate many hairpin bends to reach Marhi. Marhi offers picturesque camping sites and prepares up for the muddy ascent of Rohtang Pass. Overnight in camps. Day 3 : Marhi to Sissu via Rohtang La - 49.5 km. We start the day by finishing the 18km ascent to the Rohtang pass (3980m) and there are some lovely scenic views on the horizon of snow covered peaks and glaciers of Spiti valley. After a refreshing halt at Rohtang, a steady descent takes us to Gramphu on the highway along Chandra river. From here we will encounter some unmetalled stretches of flat road as we cross the raging torrent of the river at Khoksar and continue a short and easy ride to Sissu in the foothills of the Pir Panjal. Sissu (also known as Khagling) is a small town in the Lahaul valley and located on the right bank of Chandra river. Day 4 : Sissu to Jispa - 55 km. The day starts with a steady climb up to Gondla, 244m above Sissu. From Gondla there’s a fast descent to Tandi which is situated at the confluence of the Chandra River (flowing down from the north) and Bhaga River, which merge to form the Chandra- Bhaga River that later becomes known as Chenab downstream in Jammu and Kashmir . We cross the towns of Tandi and Keylong and ride on a low gradient all the way up till Jispa, where the river opens out into a wide valley. Overnight stay in hotel. Day 5 : Jispa to Zing Zing Bar - 36 km The road climbs steadily to Darcha some 10km from Jispa and then the climb to Patseo begins. The terrain is much more arid and the road is dusty and rocky. We can now sense the isolation of the area, with a few sheep dotted around and begin to enter the territory of the Lamas. In the far horizon you can see the bleak and awesome spectacle of the higher Himalayan ranges. The steep ascent to Baralacha-La starts at Zing Zing bar. Day 6 : Zing Zing Bar to Sarchu via Baralacha La - 50 km The day starts early and participants ascend the mountains up to the Baralacha La at 5030m. We cross Deepak Tal situated at 14,000 ft with the snow-capped Mulkila peaks forming a scenic backdrop. The pass is arid with no vegetation, the sides of the mountains looking more like a quarry covered with loose rocks and scree. The route descends gradually to the wide Sarchu Plains. Day 7 : Sarchu to Whisky Nala via Nakee La - 47 km The day starts with some relatively easy cycling but soon we are negotiating ‘21 loops of Gata’ that zigzag all the way to the summit of Nakila at 5050m. A short downhill section and you reach Whisky Nala. Camp here for the night. Day 8 : Whisky Nala to Debring/Tso Kar via Lachung La - 81 km We start the day with a 7km ascent to Taglang La at 5150 followed by a long descent along a steep gorge to reach Pang. From Pang, an 8 km switchback climb leads us to the flat top of the Moray Plains at 4700m. This barren area is known for its extreme temperatures in the morning and evening, fast winds and sandstorms. The only sign of life is the hardy Nomadic Changpas who can be seen tending their yaks in this most desolate place. Our first choice for camping will be Tso kar lake which is short detour from Main highway. In case this route is closed due to some reason we will camp at Debring which is Just before the ascent of Tanglang La ,world's second highest motorable pass at 5,360m. Day 9 : Tso Kar to Lato via Taglang La - 53 km A challenging climb that leads to the World’s second highest motorable pass in the world- Tanglang- La at 5360m. More vast openness and isolation from the rest of the world. This is a challenge indeed, but truly satisfying when you reach the top, before we set off down the exhilarating descent to the village of Lato. The first view of Lato will mesmerize you as you will watch the beautiful green patches of small Ladakhi farms, the Gompas, and barren mountains in the backdrop. Day 10 : Lato to Leh - 70 km As we continue the scenery changes dramatically, we arrive in a fertile valley that is dotted with pretty villages and Stupas. The awesome red and green coloured mountains that stretch for miles add to the beauty of the spectacular scenery. You can actually see the tectonic forces at work. Crossing the Indus River the road improves dramatically as we follow the road towards Leh. This is an easy ride as we pass the Thiksey Monastery and the Chortens Garden entering Leh itself. Back to civilization and all its home comforts. Congratulations you have just crossed four major mountain passes and ridden over 480 kms. Day 11 : Leh to Khardung La - 45 km; Return to Leh by vehicle We will set of for Khardung La early morning just as the sun comes up. Cycling 45km and gaining 2000m, this is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5602m ! 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 can feel proud of the true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. After a small celebration the trip will end by the evening.Hotel stay on this day is included in the fee. You can return from Leh as per your convenience. Please book your return flight accordingly. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date - 5% deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure - 50% deduction
Less than 15 days of departure - No Refund
Packing List for Expedition Cycling gear
Cycling helmet
A lock for your cycle
Front torch - optional
Rear View Mirror - optional
Footwear
Cycling shoes - 1
Sandals/ flip-flops for camps - 1
On-the-bike Clothing & Accessories
Cycling Jersey or Any Dry Fit T-Shirt or Cotton T-Shirts - 2
Cycling Shorts - 2
Track Pant (Preferably Warm & Quick Dry) - 2
T-shirt full sleeves - 2
Undergarments - ( 6 to 8 )
Rain Coat of Good Quality & light weight - 1
Riding Glove - 1 Pair
Sweat Band or Bandana
Cotton Socks - (6 to 8 pairs)
Polaroid U V Sunglasses - 1
Off-the-bike Clothing
Warm Jacket (Preferably Waterproof which might be needed while biking in case of exceptionally cold weather) - 1
Thermal Inners Upper & Lower - 2
Woolen Sweater - 1
Woolen Glove – 1 Pair
Woolen Cap – 1
Big Towel – 1
Hand Towels - 2
Woolen socks- 1 or 2 pairs
Toiletries
Sunscreen lotion (SPF–50 or above), lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, small towel.
Anti-rash cream or powder to avoid any rash near groin area from cycling.
Anti-fungal cream: Carry an anti fungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area.
For women:
Tampons or sanitary napkins,
2-3 zip pouches to dispose off non-biodegradable waste
Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing.