MANALI TO LEH CYCLING

Briefing Duration: 2 hours approx. | Altitude: Manali – 1951 m | Stay: Hotel.

You arrive in Manali, a charming Himachali town surrounded by deodar forests and apple orchards. The cool mountain breeze and views of snow-capped peaks set the tone for the days ahead.
Spend the afternoon relaxing and letting your body adjust to the altitude. In the evening, gather with the team for an expedition briefing—we’ll discuss the day-wise plan, riding techniques for high altitudes, hydration strategies, and emergency protocols. Gear will be checked to ensure the bikes are tuned and ready.
Tip: Avoid alcohol and heavy exertion today to aid acclimatization.

Ride Distance: 37.5 km approx. | Ride Duration: 9-10 hours approx. | Altitude: Marhi – 3360 m | Stay: Dome Shape Tents | GPS DATA 

Your first day on the saddle starts with a continuous ascent from Manali through picturesque villages like Palchan and Kothi. The Beas River roars beside you as you ride through pine and cedar forests.
The climb gets steeper past Gulaba, and the thinner air will start to test your breathing. Your reward? Stunning vistas of the Pir Panjal range and the first glimpse of Rohtang Pass in the distance.
We camp in Marhi, a scenic meadow often dotted with wildflowers in summer.

Ride Distance: 51 km approx. | Ride Duration: 7-8 hours approx. | Altitude: Rohtang Pass – 3978 m | Sisu- 3130 m | Stay: Hotel | GPS DATA 

A short but steep climb takes you to the top of Rohtang La—the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti. This legendary pass offers breathtaking panoramas of both the Kullu and Lahaul valleys.
Key attractions along the route include the Atal Tunnel North Portal, Sisu Lake and Waterfall, and the Sisu Geppan Maharaj Temple. After a photo session at the pass, embark on a thrilling descent through winding hairpin bends into the stark and dramatic landscapes of Lahaul. On the way, you will cross the Koksar Check Post and ride past cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and small settlements before reaching Sisu, where fields of peas and potatoes provide a striking contrast against the rugged terrain.

Ride Distance: 55 km approx. | Ride Duration: 8-9 hours approx. | Altitude: Jispa – 3200 m | Stay: Hotel | GPS DATA 

Today’s ride follows the Chandra River to its confluence with the Bhaga River at Tandi, which together form the Chenab River. From here, the valley opens up into wide stretches flanked by high ridges.

You’ll cross quaint villages along the way. Keylong, the last city on the route, is followed by Stingri, after which there is an approximately one-hour climb before reaching Jispa. Traditional mud-brick houses and monasteries dot the landscape, adding to the charm of the ride. While the ride is relatively moderate, the altitude adds an extra challenge. End the day in the peaceful village of Jispa, a perfect spot to enjoy a star-filled night sky.

Ride Distance: 36 km approx. | Ride Duration: 8-9 hours approx. | Altitude: Zingzing bar – 4270 m | Stay: Dormitory | GPS DATA 

The greenery begins to fade today as you enter the true high-altitude desert terrain, and oxygen levels drop noticeably. The road winds gently but persistently upward toward Zingzing Bar, a remote military and truckers’ stop. It’s one of the most challenging stretches so far due to altitude and wind chill, and serves as a crucial acclimatization point before the next high pass.

Along the way, you’ll cross Lahaul’s longest bridge, the Dharacha Bridge, and pass the Dharcha Check Post. From Dharcha, there are two possible routes to Leh:

1. Dharcha → Kargil

2. Traditional route: Dharcha → Deepak Tal → Patsio Army Camp → Lower Zingzing Bar → stay at Upper Zingzing Bar

The traditional route is followed in this itinerary, offering a mix of rugged terrain, remote landscapes, and vital acclimatization stops before ascending further.

Ride Distance: 50 km approx. | Ride Duration: 8-9 hours approx. | Altitude: Baralacha-La – 4850 m | Sarchu- 4290 m | Stay: Swiss Tents | GPS DATA 

The climb to Baralacha La is long but immensely scenic, with snow walls often lining the road in the early season. At the pass, prayer flags flutter over lakes and towering peaks. Along the route, you’ll also encounter the second lake, Suraj Tal, a serene high-altitude gem.

A sharp descent follows into Sarchu, marking your last stay in Himachal Pradesh before entering Ladakh from tomorrow. From Suraj Tal to Bharatpur, the journey continues with a lunch stop at Bharatpur. The air here is crisp, the nights are cold, and the stars are incredibly bright.

Ride Distance: 81 km approx. | Ride Duration: 10-12 hours approx. | Altitude: Nakee-La – 4769 m | Lachung-La – 5059 m | Pang – 4370 m | Stay: Hotel and Dormitory | GPS DATA 

Today is one of the most challenging days of the expedition, featuring multiple high passes and long stretches of high-altitude riding.

The ride begins from Sarchu, where you will cross two important check posts—one marking the exit from Himachal Pradesh and the other the entry into Ladakh. After completing the formalities, the adventure truly begins with the climb toward Nakee La (4,738 m) via the legendary Gata Loops, a series of 21 sharp hairpin bends that zigzag dramatically up the mountainside.

After crossing Nakee La, a brief descent takes you through Whisky Nala, a rugged valley with sparse vegetation and surreal rock formations. The road then rises again toward Lachung La (5,059 m), one of the highest points of the day. The thin air, cold winds, and barren terrain make this climb especially demanding, but the panoramic Himalayan views reward every pedal stroke.

From Lachung La, the route descends to Pang, home to the highest transit army camp in the world—a crucial resting point for military convoys and travelers alike.

The combination of steep climbs, multiple high passes, and vast open plateaus makes this day a true test of endurance, acclimatization, and mental toughness, pushing you to your limits while offering some of the most dramatic landscapes of the expedition.

Ride Distance: 32 km approx. | Ride Duration: 4-5 hours approx. | Altitude: Debring- 4835 m | Stay: Hotel and Dormitory | GPS DATA 

One of the most unique riding days of the expedition—you’ll pedal across the More Plains, a vast high-altitude plateau where the road stretches like a ribbon toward the horizon. Keep an eye out for kiangs (wild Tibetan asses) and marmots scurrying across the barren terrain.

Although the distance is relatively short, at this altitude every kilometer feels like a challenge. By luck, you may experience a mix of headwinds and tailwinds, which can either test your endurance or give you a welcome push forward. The combination of surreal landscapes, open skies, and wildlife sightings makes this ride truly unforgettable.

Ride Distance: 55 km approx. | Ride Duration: 5-6 hours approx. | Altitude: Lato – 4014 m | Tangang La : 5328 m | Stay: Homestay and Dormitory | GPS DATA 

Start with the steep climb to Taglang La (5,328 m) and enjoy panoramic views at the summit. Descend toward Rumtse, the first village signaling civilization after remote high-altitude riding.

Continue through Sasoma and Gaya, small settlements along the Indus Valley, before reaching Lato, where the road winds gently through mountains and valleys. The changing landscapes—from barren high-altitude deserts to greener river valleys—build anticipation for the final arrival.

Ride Distance: 70 km approx. | Ride Duration: 6-7 hours approx. | Altitude: Leh- 3500 m | Stay: Hotel | GPS DATA 

The ride into Leh is a true cultural treat. Leaving Lato, you gradually descend toward Upshi, where you’ll pass the Upshi Check Post and catch your first glimpse of the mighty Indus River flowing through the valley.

Beyond Upshi lies a large army station at Karu, an important landmark along the route. Continuing onward, you’ll pass Thiksey Monastery, a magnificent 15th-century gompa perched on a hilltop, and the historic Shay Palace, offering glimpses into Ladakh’s rich heritage. The road winds gently through small Ladakhi settlements, with monasteries, chortens, and mani walls lining the way, giving the ride a spiritual and cultural flavor.

Important Note: If you plan to visit Thiksey Monastery, it’s best to complete your ride only up to Thiksey. Beyond this point, traffic increases, making cycling less comfortable. From Thiksey, you can continue to Leh by vehicle, or for those up for it, the final 20 km stretch to Leh can still be cycled in 30–40 minutes.

As the altitude drops, breathing becomes easier, and the excitement of approaching Leh, the vibrant capital of Ladakh, grows. Arriving in Leh marks the triumphant completion of the Manali–Leh leg of your expedition—celebrating endurance, breathtaking landscapes, and rich Himalayan culture.

Ride Distance: 40 km approx. (One Side) | Ride Duration: 8-9 hours approx. | Altitude: Khardung La – 5602 m | Stay: Hotel | GPS DATA 

The grand finale of your Manali–Leh expedition is the legendary climb to Khardung La (5,602 m), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The ascent is challenging and relentless, with thin air and steep gradients testing both your endurance and determination.

En route, you will cross South Pullu, where your Inner Line Permit will be checked before continuing the climb.

Reaching the summit is an unforgettable milestone—colorful prayer flags flutter against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, while panoramic views stretch endlessly across the rugged Himalayas. Take a moment to celebrate, capture photographs, and soak in the overwhelming sense of accomplishment—this is the crown jewel of your Himalayan adventure.

For safety reasons, the return from Khardung La to Leh will be Via vehicle. The descent involves sharp drops and multiple hairpin bends, making it safer to drive back rather than cycle.

The day concludes with a farewell dinner in Leh, where you’ll celebrate the completion of your epic cycling journey and the incredible memories created along the way.

Your Himalayan cycling odyssey comes to a close today. After days of conquering high-altitude passes, breathtaking descents, and unforgettable cultural encounters, it’s time to bid farewell to the mountains.

You can choose to fly out of Leh with your heart full of memories, or extend your adventure to explore Ladakh’s other wonders—such as the turquoise waters of Pangong Tso, the sand dunes and double-humped camels of Nubra Valley, or the serene beauty of Tso Moriri.

Whichever path you choose, you leave with the pride of completing one of the most iconic cycling journeys on Earth.