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Manali To Leh (Khardungla) Cycling Expedition
Manali To Leh (Khardungla) Cycling Expedition
Ladakh
Location
Ladakh
Duration
12 days
Max Altitude
17577 ft
Trekking
505 km
Grade
Challenging
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Ladakh
Duration
12 days
Max Altitude
17577 ft
Trekking km
505 km
Grade
Challenging
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Overview
Special Offer
Why is Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition a Must-Do?
Cycling in the Himalayas is altogether a different experience which can be one of the wildest dreams of an adrenaline junkie. If you have the zest for conquering the spellbinding world of the Himalayas by riding your cycle, then the Leh-Manali Cycling Expedition should be on your bucket list. Placed amid an ever-changing and fabulously flourishing backdrop, the Himalayan ranges tender some spectacular cycling trails for adventure aficionados. To put it briefly, a cycling trip in the Himalayas is an ideal vacation idea for those who are born to be wild.
As a cyclist who always dreams of riding his cycle to dream destinations the cycling expedition from Malani-Leh surely promises to be a ride to remember. This expedition lets you cover two states in the northern part of India which are Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. You will also be crossing three of the highest motorable passes in the world including the Khardungla Pass. As you start your expedition from Manali and then move forward towards Leh, you’ll be witnessing a huge difference in the landscape that changes from time to time. Tall mountains peeping behind each other with brown texture will greet you as you start approaching Leh.
You must have proper safety equipment while riding your cycle in the mountains as it is a different ball game when compared to riding it in the city. Physical fitness, as well as mental fitness, go hand in hand for an expedition like this in the Himalayas.
You will come across different villages which have a charm of their own while going across Himachal Pradesh and Leh. Take halts to interact with the locals and get to know about the culture. It is also important to keep yourself hydrated throughout your cycling expedition as it will be helpful for you at higher altitudes. The cycling trip across Himachal Pradesh and Leh is something to cherish for a lifetime.
Arrival Manali
- Altitude: 2,050 m/ 6,750 ft.
- Distance from Delhi: 530 km | Duration: 13 hrs.
- Check-in at the hotel (12:30 pm).
- Expedition briefing by the leader (post-lunch, approx 3:00 pm).
- All telephone networks are available.
- ATM is available.
- Explore the nearby area in the evening.
- Visit Hadima Devi Temple, Vashist Kund, and other major sightseeing points (avoid Rohtang Pass).
- Only hotel stay is included in the cost (food and sightseeing are excluded).
Manali To Marhi
- Altitude: 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft.
- Distance: 35 km | Duration: 7 hrs.
- Altitude Gain: 1,300 m/ 4,250 ft.
- Complete accent with lots of hairpin bends.
- The route has a view of pine and deodar forest.
- Start early in the morning to avoid the traffic at Rohtang Pass.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- Phone networks are available.
- Several shops on the way.
- Stay in tents.
Marhi To Sissu via Rohtang Pass
- Altitude: Sissu - 3,100 m/ 10,250 ft; Rohtang Pass - 4,000 m/ 13,050 ft.
- Distance: 50 km | Duration: 7 hrs.
- Altitude Loss: 250 m/ 750 ft.
- Uphill till Rohtang (17 km), downhill till Koksar then gradual ascent till Sissu.
- Phone networks are erratic.
- Several shops on the way.
- Checkpoint at Koksar, keep your ID handy.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- Stay in tents.
Sissu To Jispa
- Altitude: 3,200 m/ 10,500 ft.
- Distance: 55 km | Duration: 7 hrs.
- Altitude Gain: 100m/ 250 ft.
- The first 10 km gradual, the next 20 km uphill, rest is a gradual ascent.
- Going through Ghodla, Tandi, and Keylong.
- On the way cross the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga River.
- The phone network is erratic.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- Stay in tents.
Jispa To Zing Zing Bar
- Altitude: 4,250 m/ 14,000 ft.
- Distance: 30 km | Duration 6 hrs.
- Altitude Gain: 1,050 m/ 3,500 ft.
- All the way through the steep and gradual ascent.
- Keep ID handy at the Dharcha checkpoint.
- Deepak Taal is on the way, a nice place for. relaxation.
- No phone network.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- Stay in tents.
Zing Zing Bar To Sarchu via Baralacha La
- Altitude: 4,200 m/ 13,750 ft.
- Distance: 65 km | Duration: 8 hrs.
- Altitude Loss: 50 m/ 250 ft.
- Brandy Nallah is at the foothill of Gata Loops.
- Uphill till Bralacha La then gradual ascent till campsite.
- Suraj Tal, Baralacha La, Killingsari, Sarchu on the way.
- Sarchu marks the border between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- Stay in tents.
Sarchu To Pang Via Nakee La, Lachung La
- Altitutde: Sarchu - 4,600 m/ 15,100 ft, Nakee La - 4,750 m/ 15,500 ft, Lachung La- 5,050 m/ 16,600 ft.
- Distance: 55 km | Duration: 7 hrs.
- Altitude Gain: 400 m/ 1,350 ft.
- The first half is uphill (Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La).
- The second half is downhill.
- Packed lunch.
- Stay in tents.
Pang To Debring
- Altitude: 4,800 m/ 15,800 ft.
- Distance: 50 km | Duration: 6 hrs.
- Altitude Gain: 200 m/ 700 ft.
- First, ¼ is steep uphill, the rest is gradual (almost flat).
- Packed snacks and hot lunch at campsite.
- Pang has an army transit camp.
- Stay in tents.
Debring To Rumtse Via Tanglang La
- Altitude: Rumtse - 4,150 m/ 13,700 ft.
- Distance: 50 km | Duration: 6 hrs.
- Altitude Loss: 650 m/ 2,100 ft.
- Uphill till Tanglan La, the rest is downhill.
- Packed snacks and hot lunch at campsite.
- Stay in tents.
Rumtse To Leh
- Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft.
- Distance: 75 km | Duration: 6 hrs.
- Altitude Loss: 650 m/ 2,200 ft.
- Packed lunch on the way.
- All is downhill.
- Stay in hotel.
Leh To Khardung La and back
- Altitude: Khardung La 5,350 m/ 17,600 ft.
- Distance: 40 km | Duration: 6 hrs.
- All is uphill.
- Come back by car.
- Packed lunch.
Check out after breakfast
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- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach — Maps
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Pick UP Information
- Once you have reached the assembly point of the trek in Manali, TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to Reach Manali
First, you can arrive at Chandigarh, Delhi, Pathankot, or Bhuntar airport. The journey from these locations to Manali is explained below.
1. Take an overnight bus to Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh, taking a bus from Chandigarh is the most ideal option.
- Chandigarh to Manali Bus: 10 hours.
- Delhi to Manali Bus: 14 hours is hectic and takes more time.
( We always recommend going for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Manali at 10 am. )
2. You can take a flight to Bhuntar Airport (but we would not recommend it because of the high prices of the flight and very high chances of cancellations), Manali is just a couple of hours away and you can easily get a bus or a private taxi till there. If you do plan to come via Bhuntar, make sure to reach at least a day before the trek starts.
3. You can even come via train, Chandigarh railway station is from where you can get direct buses to Kullu/Kasol/Manali that is 275 km from there and would take an overnight journey. Even in this case, reach a day before at Manali.
( If you prefer to travel independently, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking.)
For your return journey from Leh, you have the flexibility to choose between road or air transport options. Please note that our services extend only to the hotel, and the standard hotel check-out time is 11:00 am, if you opt for an air transport then please ensure an early check-out in the morning, as all flights operate during the morning hours
It's highly advisable to keep 2 buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not needed, it can be used to explore Leh.
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Hotel MAP plan (Breakfast and Dinner) and twin sharing basis
- Day 1 in Manali (Hotel)
- Day 10 & 11 Leh (Hotel)
- Day 2 to Day 9 in tents (Camping)
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- Manali and Leh MAP plan (Breakfast and Dinner).
- During trip- All meals (Veg + Egg).
- Nutrition snack during trip - Energy bars, Dry fruits, fresh fruits and drinks.
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager: handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
- 1 Experienced high altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & Crampon (if required).
5. First aid:
- Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor,Oximeter,Stethoscope.
6. Transportation (as per the itinerary).
7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
8. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.
9. All necessary permits are included, up to the amount charged for Indian nationals.
10. Services from Manali to Leh.
Trek Essentials
Cancellation Terms
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
- No cash refund
- 20% trek fee cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to your friend
- To reschedule a trek (same trek only), a 30 % rescheduling fee of the trek cost will apply.
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
Booking and Payments
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trip dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by TTH. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation.
- All add-on bookings are subject to the respective add-on cancellation policy, and refunds will be processed accordingly.
- Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
Itinerary and Modifications
- TTH reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trip due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trip.
- If TTH cancels the Trip before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trip/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trip, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trip is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at TTH’s discretion.
- TTH shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
Force Majeure
- Events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits, TTH shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by Force Majeure.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 20 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
- Trek name and trek date
- Booking details
- Full name
- Designation
- Department and department address
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition is approximately 505 km long, depending on the route taken.
The best time to do the Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition is from June to September, as the roads are clear and the weather is pleasant during this time.
The altitude of Khardung La is 5,357 meters (17,577 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
The Cycling Expedition from Manali to Leh via Khardung La is considered to be challenging, as it involves cycling at high altitudes and steep inclines. It is recommended that cyclists have prior experience in long-distance cycling and have trained for the expedition.
While it is not mandatory to have a guide, it is highly recommended to have one as it can provide valuable guidance on the route, weather conditions, and safety.
A sturdy mountain bike with good suspension and wide tires is recommended for the Cycling Expedition.
Accommodation options include guesthouses, campsites, and homestays. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
Yes, cyclists need permits to enter certain areas along the cycling route, including the Rohtang Pass and the Nubra Valley. These permits can be obtained from the local authorities in Manali and Leh.
Cyclists need to have appropriate cycling gear, warm clothing for high-altitude conditions, and a first-aid kit. It is also important to carry sufficient food and water, and any necessary medication.
While the Cycling Expedition can be challenging, it is generally considered safe as long as cyclists follow safety guidelines and take appropriate precautions.
Basic medical facilities are available along the cycling route, but they may be limited in some areas. It is recommended to carry any necessary medication and consult a doctor before embarking on the expedition.
It usually takes around 12 days to complete the Cycling Expedition from Manali to Leh via Khardung La, depending on the route and the fitness level of the cyclist.
The route of the Cycling Expedition typically includes Manali, Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Nubra Valley, Khardung La, and Leh.
Yes, bikes can be rented in Manali and Leh, but it is recommended to bring your bike or rent it from a reputable rental agency.
The weather can vary significantly during the cycling expedition, with temperatures ranging from below-freezing to over 30°C. Cyclists should be prepared for both hot and cold weather conditions.
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Manali To Leh (Khardungla) Cycling Expedition Video Testimonials
Hear Trekkers Share Their Manali To Leh (Khardungla) Cycling Expedition
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