Manali Leh Cycling Expedition Blogs

Manali Leh Khardung La Cycling Expedition is grand and most daredevil of all the cycling expeditions. It is a moment of proud when you bike 561 km for11 days to world's second highest motorable pass- Khardung La, and yet it is not an easy task.

It is not the only reason you take up this challenge. The mindblowing views of Manali-Leh road and camping by the most beautfiul sites in Leh give you an experience of lifetime. Moreover, it introduces you to down-to-earth Ladakhi culture on the way.

Here is all you need to know about Manali Leh Khardung La Cycling Expedition.

Challenges during Manali Leh Cycling Expedition

Manali Leh Cycling is a ride full of challenges. Just like a relay, it will come at you throwing challenges in your way. After all, you can expect a 561 kilomtere ride to be smooth and easy. You gotta have some moments of daredevilness and adventure.

You will be threatened with rain, hail, and sub-zero temperatures but don't let these scare you for these are just the stones in front of the real rock-like challenges. The real challenges on MLC are bigger and beautiful.

While you should keep your physical fitness to the mark, knowing well about challenges in advance will prepare you mentally. Here they are:

1. The 18 km ascent to Rohtang Pass

2. The arduous first day

3. The unpredictability of weather at Baralacha La

4. Th 22 switchbacks on Gata Loops

5. The sneaky Taglang La, world's second highest pass

6. And finally, Khardung La, world's second highest motorable pass... Read more

 

Practice Schedule for Manali Leh Cycling Expedition

Manali Leh Cycling is a mammoth of challenges and adventure. It is a strenuous ride with steep ascend and loops, crossing over 5 major Himalayan Passes, and the difficult terrain. Add unpredictable weather and the complications that high altitude gain brings with itself (like AMS)

Once you have signed up for MLC, you should start following a strict practice regimen that will prepare you for all the challenges you are going to face. Your practice regimen should focus on following things:

1. Tempo rides
2. Fast pedal
3. Endurance rides
4. Climbing repeats
5. Mountain Ride

To know about them in detail, read more

Legendary Campsites of Manali-Leh Cycling

Manali Leh Cycling is not just about the strenuous rides where you grind yourself to reach the world's highest motorable pass on your bike.

Sure, it is the ultimate reward, but you get few perks on the side. The campsites are one such perk. The bewitching beauty of these campsites will make you forget your fatigue at the end of the day.

Each campsite on the expedition is different and has a unique takeaway to offer. If one is lush with greenery, the other is raw and arid. If one is by the side of the river, the other has two lakes to offer.

Here are those beautiful campsites:

1. Marhi with its endless valley views
2. Sissu camp by the side of Chandra River
3. The Mars like land of Tso-kar
4. The heart winning campsite of Lato

Read in detail about the campsites

Be a #BikeBoss: How to maintain your bike

Your bike, your responsibility.

To add years to your bike and have a smooth sailing everytime you mount your bike, you need to give a lot of care and attention to your bike.

There are few things every biker should ingrain in his mind if he wants to keep his bike in a tip-top shape. 

1. Basic maintenance and cleaning. Remove all the gunk from your bike and screen check for any faults of disarray.  

2. Dismantle and Re-assemble your bike. It comes in handy when you have to transport your bike from one place to another safely.

3. Fix a flat tire because this is something you can get anywhere at any time. it is better if you are prepared for adversity.

Read more to know how to do.

Cycling from Manali to Leh is Epic and Challenging

Cambria Sawyer defines the expedition as 'art'. What made her conclude this? 

The 11 days on the expeditions will take you through monasteries, temples, rivers, and lakes. The geography of the region is no less than art. Maybe the arid deserts of Leh intimidated her as art.

Or was it the twirling Gata Loops?

She spotted 10 things on her expedition and made a dropdown list of all the elements that she found challenging and beautiful as an art.

Read more about her experience in the blog.