Eligibility: Is this expedition good for me?
Are you an avid biker or even a regular cyclist? If yes, then Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is just the adrenaline boost for you. Manali-Leh Cycling expedition is a 10-day challenging expedition, consisting difficult terrains and uphill riding conditions. Factors like high altitude, difficult passes and hairpin bends make it completely different from cycling in plains.
If you are a regular cyclist and have enough stamina to undertake this 10-day strenuous challenge, then give no second thoughts before signing up for this. Make sure you stick with the practice schedule for Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition to maintain a good stamina and physical endurance for the ultimate challenge.
However, if you are a newbie and still want to take up the challenge, it is advised that you start preparing for the expedition well in advance. You will need to invest in a good bike and follow a strict exercise regimen before the final showdown. Have a few warm-up rides like Dehradun-Mussoorie Ride or Kufri-Solan Ride to boost up your confidence.
Eligibility: Experience required
- Should be a regular biker.
- Should have done at least easy routes mountain terrain biking before.
- Should have done challenging treks in case of a novice in mountain terrain biking.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
- Should know how to use a Mountain Terrain Bike Gear shifters, Shock absorber, Seat adjustment, etc.
- Disassembling & Assembling the bike.
- Knowledge of disc alignment or brake pad.
- Basics of Camping - How to use a sleeping bag, toilet tent, and sleeping tent.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Ability to ride on inclined planes for 35 - 40 Kms in a day
- Ability to hold the breath (in standing position) for 35 - 40 seconds.
- Ability to sustain downhill biking for 3-4 hours at a stretch.
Connectivity: How to Reach Manali
Manali is well connected to Delhi with through road and air. There are no direct trains from Delhi though.
By Road
The road distance from Delhi to Manali is 536 km. There are overnight HPRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi for Manali. It is a 14 hour journey by bus. You can book your bus tickets online through hrtchp.com or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi.
By Rail
To reach by train, take a direct train from Delhi to Pathankot. Some of the trains that run on this route are Delhi-Pathankot Express, Jammu Tawi Express, Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. You can then take a bus from Pathankot to Manali. Or you can take a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar which is the nearest station to Manali. There are buses running frequently between Joginder Nagar and Manali.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which is located 50 km from Manali. There are taxis available at the airport which will take you to Manali. You can also take local buses that keep running from Bhuntar to Manali at a very regular frequency. Buses are decent and very cheap compared to a taxi that can cost you around INR 2000 to 2500 depending upon the season.
Connectivity: Getting back from Leh
Taking a flight from Leh is the most convenient option in case you are carrying your own bikes. You will be charged with an extra nominal fee for the bike. You will be asked to dismantle your bike and pack the parts properly inside the box.
To get back from Leh to your respective destinations, please book your flights from Leh to New Delhi well in advance due to low frequency of flights and for cheaper price.
In case you are not carrying a bike and looking for travel options from Leh to New Delhi, you can take a shared taxi from Leh to Srinagar which will cost you around INR 3000-4500. Take an alternate flight from Srinagar to New Delhi. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are generally cheaper than Leh-Delhi. And the drive from Leh to Scenic is breathtaking.
You can also take buses from Leh to Srinagar, Manali, or New Delhi depending upon your comfort and number of days you are willing to invest in commutation. The bus ride can be long and exhausting. It is better to take halts in between if you decide to come back by road.
Nearby attraction: Nearby attraction
When you reach Manali, you will have day to explore the tourist place. Manali is the gateway to Solang Valley where you can participate in adventure activities like paragliding, and zorbing in the summer months when the snow melts. This famous tourist hill station has so many places to visit in Manali. Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple which has an interesting mythological tale associated with it. Walk through the charming lanes of Old manali. Visit the bazaar to buy some souvenirs. Jogini Fall and Vashisht Temple are other famous attractions in Manali. You can also visit Rohtang pass while you are in Manali.
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh when you complete your expedition. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians.
If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Are you an avid biker or even a regular cyclist? If yes, then Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition is just the adrenaline boost for you. Manali-Leh Cycling expedition is a 10-day challenging consisting of difficult terrains and uphill riding conditions. Factors like high altitude, difficult passes, and hairpin bends make it completely different from cycling in plains. However, if you are a newbie and still want to take up the challenge, it is advised that you start preparing for the expedition well in advance. You will need to invest in a good bike and follow a strict exercise regimen before the final showdown.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Ability to ride on inclined planes for 35 - 40 Kms in a day
- Ability to hold the breath (in standing position) for 35 - 40 seconds
- Ability to sustain downhill biking for 3-4 hours at a stretch
Eligibility: Experience required
- Should be a regular biker
- Should have done at least easy routes mountain terrain biking before
- Should have done challenging treks in case of a novice in mountain terrain biking.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
- Should know how to use a Mountain Terrain Bike Gear shifters, Shock absorber, Seat adjustment, etc.
- Disassembling & Assembling the bike
- Knowledge of disc alignment or brake pad
- Basics of Camping - How to use a sleeping bag, toilet tent, and sleeping tent
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
Manali is well connected to Delhi with through road and air. There are no direct trains from Delhi though.
By Road
The road distance from Delhi to Manali is 536 km. There are overnight HPRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi for Manali. It is a 14-hour journey by bus. You can book your bus tickets online through hrtchp.com or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi.
By Rail
To reach by train, take a direct train from Delhi to Pathankot. Some of the trains that run on this route are Delhi-Pathankot Express, Jammu Tawi Express, Delhi-Dhauladhar Express. You can then take a bus from Pathankot to Manali. Or you can take a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar which is the nearest station to Manali. There are buses running frequently between Joginder Nagar and Manali.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport which is located 50 km from Manali. There are taxis available at the airport which will take you to Manali. You can also take local buses that keep running from Bhuntar to Manali at a regular frequency. Buses are decent and very cheap compared to a taxi that can cost you around INR 2000 to 2500 depending upon the season.
Getting back from Leh
Taking a flight from Leh is the most convenient option in case you are carrying your own bikes. You will be charged with an extra nominal fee for the bike. You will be asked to dismantle your bike and pack the parts properly inside the box.
To get back from Leh to your respective destinations, please book your flights from Leh to New Delhi well in advance due to a low frequency of flights and for a cheaper price.
In case you are not carrying a bike and looking for travel options from Leh to New Delhi, you can take a shared taxi from Leh to Srinagar which will cost you around INR 3000-4500. Take an alternate flight from Srinagar to New Delhi. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are generally cheaper than Leh-Delhi. And the drive from Leh to Scenic is breathtaking.
You can also take buses from Leh to Srinagar, Manali, or New Delhi depending upon your comfort and number of days you are willing to invest in commutation. The bus ride can be long and exhausting. It is better to take halts in between if you decide to come back by road.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
You will get a good connectivity till Rohtang Pass. Beyond Rohtang pass, BSNL network is available on some other campsites like Sissu and Jispa but not on the trail. There would be long stretches beyond Keylong where there would be no connectivity but Army personnel can arrange for a satellite phone call, if urgently required, at Pang. Only postpaid connection works in Leh and nearby areas. BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region, post Baralacha La.
Expedition Blog
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
You will be free by around 1600 Hrs on the last day when we would go for Khardung La. Usually, there are no means to go back from Leh in the evening. So, most people leave from Leh on the next morning. Your hotel stay for that night is also planned by us.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
Your luggage would be in the support vehicle but you should carry you day pack with you with your nutrition bars, dry fruits, and hydration packs.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
There will be a Lead cyclist and an expedition leader with you on the expedition.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Manali is the last point where you can buy anything related to the expedition. Once we move from Manali, you would not find anything before Leh. Leh is a decent town where you can buy stuff but you just have one evening there before going for Khardung La.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Absolutely. We have many single women who have traveled with us for this expedition. You would be provided tents either to share with another woman or in case there is no one to share, then alone. Proper toilet tents are pitched at all camp sites.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes
Accommodation type: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Twin sharing hotel stay would be provided both, in Leh & Manali. Please note that hotel meals are not included in the stay. On all other days during the expedition, we would set up camps with toilet tents, sleeping tents, and dining tents.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks.
Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants.
There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, and bread butter served in breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are cycling. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go to our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks/expeditions.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
During the day, the temperature will range from 13-18 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0-7 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets. Lahaul and Ladakh, both are arid regions. So, the probability of rainfall during the expedition is very low after you cross Rohtang La but till then, you can expect some rains.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
One can see snow at the passes during June and early July batches but post that you can only see snow in patches around the passes (Tanglang La & Khardung La).
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Late June till Early October
Packing List: What to pack
Cycling gear
- A good MTB (Mountain Terrain Biking) - You can also rent it from us
- 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 antifungal 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.
Utensils
- A small size, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box - preferably aluminum
- A plate and a spoon
- A mug - preferably aluminum
Miscellaneous
- Small Day Pack/ Waist Pack -1
- Hydration pack or water bottle - 1
- Flashlight/headlamp - 1
- Pocket knife
- Basic first-aid kit with emergency numbers
- Sewing kit
- Camera - GoPro and Still (optional)
Bike Spares- In case you are not renting from us
- Bike Reflectors Front & Rear – 1 each
- Spare Tubes – 4 Nos.
- Brake Shoes -1 Set
- Brake cables – 2 Set
- Gear cables – 1 Set
- Spokes – 5 Nos
- Lock (for cycle) – 1 Set
- Spare Tyre – 1 No.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
When you reach Manali, you will have a day to explore the tourist place. Manali is the gateway to Solang Valley where you can participate in adventure activities like paragliding, and zorbing in the summer months when the snow melts. This famous tourist hill station has so many places to visit in Manali. Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple which has an interesting mythological tale associated with it. Walk through the charming lanes of Old Manali. Visit the bazaar to buy some souvenirs. Jogini Fall and Vashisht Temple are other famous attractions in Manali. You can also visit Rohtang pass while you are in Manali.
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh when you complete your expedition. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.
About the Trek: Why should I go for this trek?
Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition
