GoMissing takes you on an extremely fun & challenging mountain biking (cycling) tour from Manali to Leh. The tour involves 13 days of crossing over high mountain passes – Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakee la, Tanglang La and finally the mighty Khardung la. The rugged terrain, the high passes and the entire route provides spectacular views of snow capped peaks and cycling from Manali to Leh will tell you why this is one of the most amazing & picturesque landscapes in the world.
The arduous Manali Leh cycling trip is more than compensated by the stunning landscapes you will cycle through. The 545 km mountain cycling ride through the desolate and remote countryside involves climbing six major passes up to a height of 5,600 m (18,414 feet), so both you and your bike must be in good condition.
Manali Leh Cycling Expedition At a Glance
- Duration: 11 nights/ 12 days
- Starting point: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Cycling Trail: Mixed trail of tarmac, broken roads and dirt tracks
- Maximum elevation: 5,600 meters at Khardung La
- Elevation gain: 12,000 meters+ overall
Manali Leh Cycling Trip Itinerary
Arrive at Manali from your hometown. The first day involves getting used to the bikes and doing a small test run on a local cycling tour to acclimatize you.
Overnight in hotel
Today, on the first day of cycling from Manali towards Leh, will be your first ascent as you begin to “warm up” for the tough ride ahead. The ride takes you through a set of hairpin bends which run through pine and deodar forests.
Overnight in camp at Marhi
Cycling distance:
Altitude: 3,320m (10,890ft)
You will start with the 12 km ascent to the Rohtang pass which would be your perfect spot to view the panorama of snow-covered peaks on the horizon.
Then as you start your descend to Gramphu, you will encounter some stretches of flat road as you cross the torrential waters of the river at Khoksar. Continuing on the route you will reach Sissu in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range. Keylong is a short ride from here which involves crossing mountain streams.
Overnight in hotel/ camping
Cycling distance: 78km
Altitude: 3,350m (11,000ft)
Today you will cycle up to Patseo on a dusty and gravelly road. The terrain also becomes more arid as you pass Jispa village. The ride from here is a short downhill before the ascent to Patseo.
You will hardly find any habitation in this area; just a few sheep grazing here and there as you enter the territory of the Lamas. On the horizon, one can see the skyline of the Higher Himalayan ranges.
Overnight in camp
Cycling distance: 48km
Altitude: 3,820m (12,500ft)
Today’s ride is a steep ascent to the Baralacha La Pass. As you climb to the pass, the terrain consists of no vegetation and the mountain sides are covered in nothing but rocks and loose stones. It’s an experience in itself as you traverse this wild and scenic countryside. After crossing the pass, you will descend into the gorge area of Bharatpur which involves crossing mountain rivers.
Overnight in camp
Cycling distance: 58km
Altitude: 4,255m (13,975ft)
An important day’s rest to acclimatize yourself and to experience the magnificent views.
Overnight in camp
The day starts with some easy cycling but don’t be misled as soon you’ll face the 21 amazing zigzag hairpin loops of Gata which take you up to 15,302ft.
After Gata loops, you’ll reach Nakeela Pass from where it is a downhill ride to the Whiskey Nullah. You will experience some exquisitely beautiful and dry mountain scenery.
Overnight in camp
Cycling distance: 56km
Altitude: 4,750m (15,800ft)
Today’s cycling will take you to Lachalang La, the second highest mountain pass on the Manali-Leh highway. The roads here, or the lack of them, are the worst of the trip, with loose gravel and stones. Beyond the pass is the long descent down a steep gorge to Pang, which is followed by an 8 km switchback climb to the flats of the Moray Plains.
This barren area has extreme temperatures in the morning and evening and prone to fast winds and sandstorms. The only signs of life in this desolate place are the Nomadic Changpas, who can be seen tending to their yaks. We will camp at the Tsokar Lake which is 20 km below Tanglang La, the world’s second highest pass (5,360m).
Overnight in camp
Cycling distance: 82km
Altitude: 4835m (15,600ft)
The day’s cycling is a challenge indeed as you start on the long climb to Tanglang La. The climb starts gradually and gets steeper towards the top. At the top, you will at 5,360 m above sea level at the second highest motor able pass in India! The reward for the day’s hard work is the majestic views of both Himalayan and the Karakorum Mountains.
Afterward you will cycle down an exhilarating 1,200m of switchbacks to the village of Rumtse.
Overnight in camp
Cycling distance: 51km
Altitude: 4260m (14,000ft)
The day starts with an easy winding descent to Upshi. The scenery changes dramatically as we are greeted by green and irrigated valley dotted with fields and small villages.
The spectacular red colored mountains add to the beauty of the scenery. Joining the Indus Valley, road improves as we follow it all the way to Leh. This is an easy ride as we pass the Thiksey Gompa and the Chortens Garden before we reach Leh.
Overnight in hotel
Cycling distance: 91km
Altitude: 3,600m (11,500ft)
Today you’ll start early for a day’s trip to Khardung La (5,602m), arguably the highest motorable pass in the world. With an elevation gain of 2100m, the ride is going to be the ultimate challenge of the trip but after 10 days of extreme MTB, you will be more than prepared for it.
The views from the top are magnificent with the Karakoram Range in front, and the Zanskar Range behind us. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final descent.
Please note, for this ride, there will be no escort vehicle as this will be your final test. Your expedition leader will accompany you during the ride.
Overnight in hotel
Cycling distance: 39km
Altitude: 5,600m (18,400ft)
Trip ends
If during the ride, the group feels like taking an extra day of rest, then this buffer rest day will be used for relaxing, photography, hanging around and soaking in the spectacular views.
This is just AWESOME!
If you’re really looking for reasons, the list if quite endless! Here are a few top reasons why you should do Manali Leh on a Cycle.
- It is STUNNINGLY beautiful
- If you’re looking to reinforce your self belief, this is it!
- The thrill of cycling at that altitude an in that terrain is something that you will remember for the rest of your life!
- Every moment of the ride will be memorable. Right from the excruciatingly painful uphills to the adrenalin inducing downhills. You’ll love each minute!
- The sense of achievement is unparalleled
- Camaraderie from this trip is lifelong
- You’ll find your true grit, determination and passion – the real you
- Finally… this will be a life altering experience
- For starters, we’re cyclists who have done a number of long distance endurance rides plus countless MTB rides in the Himalayas and the Manali Leh expedition several times.
- We’re going to ride with you all through the ride
- We share your passion for cycling, and we’ll make sure you complete this successfully!
- This is an annual pilgrimage for us, and we want to take you there.
- The ride itself will have support vehicles (as many as required), bike mechanic with spare parts and tools, loads of energy drinks and food during the ride, first aid in case anything goes wrong, and a crew which you will give a massive HUG to before you leave. We promise you that!
- Your lead riders are passionate mountain bikers and randonneurs
- You’ll get to camp at the most surreal places – we’ve done this a number of times remember
- You’ll get to complete it at your own pace and won’t be rushed or hurried through the ride
- This isn’t something you’re going to do again and again, so why not get it right?
- You’ll find that you’re stronger than any powered vehicle – 2, 4 or more wheels
- You’ll have achieved something that even motorists find extremely grueling
- You’ll have pushed your limits and set a new benchmark for yourself
- You’ll truly feel at the top of the world during and after the ride
- Most things you do after this will be done with a new perspective… hey you’ve done Manali Leh on a cycle
- Bragging rights are lifelong!
Your Trip Leaders
Manali Leh Cycling Trip Price
Please contact us for trip pricing and customizations.
Manali Leh Cycling FAQs
Fear not, once you sign up, we will be sharing a comprehensive training plan and monitoring you closely on your stats as you progress. This involves running and cycling and should even prepare you for a possible marathon!! The Fitness regimen is designed to not interfere with your daily work schedule and will help in the build up to the ride!
Additonally…Go thru this blogpost for training tips and advice.
Even though Acute mountain sickness is totally random and cannot be prevented as even experienced climbers may encounter it, try not to smoke and avoid Alcoholic beverages during the trip.The trip is designed in a way to acclimatize you in a good fashion. Being Hydrated on the trip works wonders! And if you do encounter the symptoms which will be part of your pre ride briefing, immediately tell your trip leader for emergency evacuations or bringing to lower elevations .We will also be carrying bottled oxygen.
After a day long ride , you would have soaked in all the day’s fun and adventure, why to spoil the night. Imagine sleeping on air mattresses which can get pretty cozy and warm. All weather professional camps and pretty awesome camping grounds with Bonfires to enjoy! You will be camping in a twin sharing camp designed for three people…So you have ample space to stretch around after a long and fun filled day!
Important Information for Manali Leh Cycling Expedition
- This is a crazy adventure and you need to have good physical fitness to truly enjoy the ride
- Mountain bike hire – if you need one for the trip, do let us know and we’ll bring one of our MTBs for you for the trip. Charges for the same are INR 11,500/- for the duration of the trip (includes helmet and bike transport cost)
- Downhill rides sound easy, but you can easily attain speeds of 50+ kmph on a downhill ride. Be extra careful as there will be a steep valley/ river on one side and a solid mountain of rock on the other and there may be fast moving jeeps and/ or other vehicles just around a blind turn.
- Absolutely DO NOT wear headphones while riding, you won’t be able to hear any approaching vehicles while riding. The wind wooshing by, the river, the forest and the birds anyways sounds way better than anything on a music player
- Even 20 km long uphill rides can sap out your energy. Be prepared and you will have an absolutely incredible time. Carry energy bars/ dry fruit and share! And yes, we’ll carry a whole bunch of them, so every time you see the escort vehicle, stock up!
- Make sure you’re adequately hydrated. Force yourself to drink a lot of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. We will provie enough water and electrolytes during rides
- Make sure you do not remove jackets immediately after rides. Your body temperature will fluctuate drastically and it may lead to fever, uneasiness and other random stuff which is totally avoidable
- Tough grade MTB tour. You need to have good fitness levels to cycle at the altitudes and for the durations mentioned. Previous MTB experience strongly recommended
- After the trip, send us some love and share your pictures & videos!
P.S. If you think you’re not fit or have some hesitation in joining the trip, we assure you that you won’t be left alone struggling on your mountain bike. Your group leader and most members of the group will be around you and will motivate you to complete the difficult sections. Trust us, we run these rides quite regularly!
Additionally, if you get really tired and don’t want to ride uphill on the tough sections, we’ll put you and your cycle on the escort vehicle and get you to the next destination. However, now it will be your turn to help other riders with motivation and nutrition!
Sounds like this is your kind of thing? Click on the button below and get in touch now!