Mig La Pass Cycling Expedition
Available Batches
Brief Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)
This cycling journey starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh that is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence fairly accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude hub of mountaineering, this article (click here) might be useful.
Day one is reserved for the cyclists to make their way to Leh and get settled into their accommodation. Since cyclists will be coming to this altitude from sea level, the body will need time to get comfortable with the mountain air.
Day 2
Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)
Day two is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the altitude. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the city market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain city and visit some places nearby. A little movement around the city would be good for acclimatization. Also, use this time to go through your checklist and do some last-minute shopping for what you might be missing for the expedition. Leh has the best market for trekking essentials.
While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group for a debriefing session. In the evening, our expedition leader will take us through important details, safety and health pointers that we should bear in mind throughout the expedition. We are then introduced to our mountain bikes, which will take us all the way to Ladakh in the next nine days. The expedition leader then explains a few basics about the bike before we take it for a test ride.
It is important to get a good feel of the mountain bike before we begin our expedition in order to ensure that we have a smooth experience. In the event that you face any discomfort with the saddle or any other aspect of the bike, it is best to bring it to the notice of the expedition leader so that it can be adjusted to your needs. Once we are all back from the test ride and confident about our bikes, the expedition leader takes us through the route and how each day is going to look so that we have a broad understanding of what to expect.
Day 3
Leh (3,500M) to Tirido (3,750M) via Upshi (3,610M)
Distance: 95 kms
Duration: 5-6 hours
Today we start out early as it is our first day out in the high mountains with our bikes. After an early breakfast we gear up. The route starts out amongst a green valley with fields. A couple of hairpin bends of the Indus Valley bring us 50 kms from Leh to a small town named Upshi. Post lunch, we get back up on our cycles to make our way to Tirido. The entire route for today is on narrow, winding roads with sharp ascents and descents. It is going to be physically challenging but the landscape of Ladakh is more than a great distractor!
Once at Tirido, we rest our weary selves. There is also enough time to explore this small village if you are up for it.
Day 4
Tirido (3,750M) to Nyoma (4,180M) via Chumathang (3,950M)
Distance: 95 kms
Duration: 7-8 hours
Today’s journey is as taxing as yesterday’s, if not more. We have now created some distance between the crowd of the city and ourselves. With lesser vehicles and wider landscapes, the surroundings seem a lot more refreshing but at the same time, the altitude has made the air thinner. There is respite in a few downhill slopes after pedaling on steep uphill sections.
Our destination for the day rests at the foothills of Hanle.
Day 5
Nyoma (4,180M) to Hanle (4,500M)
Distance: 75 kms
Duration: 7-8 hours
This is one of the most beautiful days of the expedition. The road to Hanle takes us through Loma and presents some of the most captivating visuals of Ladakh. Today’s route is when you will truly see the expanse of the landscape of this region.
The night sky at Hanle is one to watch out for.
Day 6
Rest and Acclimatization at Hanle (4,500M)
Day 6 is meant for rest and acclimatization. Use this time to explore the mesmerizing locale of Hanle including the monastery, nunnery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It is also meant to give our bodies a break from the continuous exhaustion of cycling and to give it a chance to acclimatize to this altitude better to make the rest of the journey a little more enjoyable.
Day 7
Hanle (4,500M) to Mig La Base
Distance: 40 kms
Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s ride is a true test of grit. With an elevation gain of 800M in one go, the ride is going to be extremely challenging. The terrain is mostly rugged and the roads, non-existent. This off-road ride is going to be a difficult one to forget for a long time to come.
Day 8
Mig La Base to Mig La Pass (5,913M) to Hanle (4,500M)
Distance: 60 kms
Duration: 8-10 hours
The climax of the expedition starts today. Watch out for weather changes and high winds which are common at this altitude. Remember to keep it slow and steady; it is the last 6 kms to the pass that are the hardest. The air and the view from the top of the pass can make any exhaustion seem like a thing of the past. After spending some time at the Pass, we cycle back down to Hanle to end the ride on a high!
Day 9
Hanley to Leh
After that grand adventure, we use our support vehicle to get back down to Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 10
Departure from Leh
What's Included
- All Meals during the expedition (Starting Breakfast on Day 3 till lunch on Day 9)
- Entry Fee, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- 2 Nights Hotel/Guest House Stay in Leh on sharing basis
- Camping /Support vehicle during expedition
- Services of a First Aid certified expedition leader & Asst. Leader in group of 12.
- Services of support team include expedition cook, helper
- Certified first aid support & kit includes Oxygen Cylinder
- 1 bag, preferably a rucksack (Up to 80 liters), brought by the participant to be accommodated in the support vehicle. Please avoid suitcases and trolley bags
What's Not Included
- Bicycle Rent
- Meals during Hotel Stays in Leh
- Any Kind of Outdoor Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- ILP Permit fees of INR 700 per participant
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
BRS Level Required
Packing List
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Our batch size for cycling expeditions is capped at 12 with the expedition leader and participant ratio of 1:6. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best cycling experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each participant so that no signs of distress or need during the expedition go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the expedition.
Experienced Expedition Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each expedition leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of An Expedition Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 60 days prior to departure date
Between 60 days upto 30 days prior to departure date
Between 30 days upto 10 days prior to departure date
Less than 10 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Between 30 days upto 15 days prior to departure date
Between 15 days upto 10 days prior to departure date
Less 10 days prior to departure date
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or Cancellation Vouchers or Discounts. "Cash Refund will be processed in 7-14 working days."
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
