Manali – Leh – Khardung La Cycle Trip
“Cycle to the highest Motorable Point on Earth”
26th August to 9th September 2023
“Ladakh” is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the “Great Himalayan and the Karakoram”, this windswept high altitude cold desert forms one of the most beautiful travel destinations. This high plateau formed due to the grand collision between the Indian sub continental plate and massive Eurasian plate few million years ago, is relatively young land in earth’s life cycle. Ladakh was once covered by an extensive lake system, the remains of which are still seen in areas of Rupshu and Chushul. The great lakes like Tso-moriri, Tso-kar, and Pangong-Tso still remind us of those days.
This most arid and remote cold desert was once very difficult to reach, but now we have two major routes from south of Himalayas to reach the capital city of Leh. One comes from Srinagar and the other from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The latter one is the most recent one and journey via this road is rated as one of the best ten road journeys in the world!
And it’s a dream of every avid cyclist to cycle on this road and cross high and mighty mountain passes, not 1 or 2 but FIVE of them. Cycling in the mighty but beautiful Himalayas is a completely different ball game, even for regular cyclists. One has to be prepared for vagaries of nature as well as the altitude, which brings in its own unique problems.
The road starting from Manali climbs high & crosses the Rohtang Pass (3,978 m. / 13,051 ft.) to enter the Lahaul district. Then the road crosses the Pir Panjal ranges and reaches the main town of the region, Keylong. From here it follows the Bhaga River up to Baralacha La (4,850 m. / 15,912 ft.). From here onwards the barren landscape turns more lunar. After crossing Baralacha La we will cycle past Sarchu and reach the bottom of famous Gata Loops. These 21-hairpin bends are a challenge for all the people who are in search of Adrenaline rush!! Then the road takes us across Nakee La (4,769 m. / 15,646 ft.) and Lachung La (5,059 m. / 16,598 ft.) to Pang. So, by the time we cross the army barracks at Pang we will have already crossed FOUR out of FIVE passes. After Pang we will cross the natural wonder of Moore Plains; this 42 Kms long world’s highest and coldest desert throws up magnificent landscapes and makes this journey unforgettable. After this we will visit the tranquil waters of Tso Kar, the white Lake. After one night on the banks of the lake, we will cross the 2nd highest motorable pass in the world, Tanglang La (5,328 m. / 17,480 ft.). Then the next day we will reach the capital city of Leh. After a good rest, we will cycle to the north of Leh, to the highest motorable point on earth, Khardung La, (5,359 m. / 17,582 ft.) which will the crowning glory of this most adventurous journey.
Day wise detailed itinerary of the trip
Day 01: Fly in to Chandigarh Airport by early morning flight. Drive from there to Manali (2,050 mt. / 6,726 ft.); arrival by late evening. Immediately transfer to Solang Nalla (Around 10 to 11 HRS of drive from Chandigarh). Overnight Stay at Hotel Iceland or similar in Solang Nalla (D…)
Day 02: Rest Day in Solang Nalla. Getting the bikes ready for the ride in the morning and then Acclimatisation ride around Solang Nalla. Overnight Stay at Hotel Iceland or similar in Solang Nalla (B, L, D)
Day 03: Manali – Marrhi (3,300 mt. / 10,827 ft.) (43 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Marrhi – Sissu (3,120 mt. / 10,237ft.) (49 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Sissu – Jispa (3,200 mt. / 10,500 ft.) (62 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents OR in Small Guesthouse (If Available). (B, L, D)
Day 06: Jispa – Zing Zing Bar (4,270 mt. / 14,009 ft.) (30 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Zing Zing Bar – Brandy Nullah (68 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Brandy Nullah – Pang (4,630 mt. / 15,191 ft.) (62 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Pang – Tso Kar (4,530 mt. / 14,862 ft.) (65 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Tso Kar – Lato (4,014 mt. / 13,170 ft.) Via Debring (4,700 mt. / 15,421 ft.) (84 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Camping in Tents OR in Small Guesthouse (If Available). (B, L, D)
Day 11: Lato – Leh (3,500 mt. / 11,484 ft.) (70 Kms ON CYCLE) Overnight Stay at Hotel Zambala or similar in Leh. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Leh – Khardung La (5,359 mt. / 17,582 ft.) & back by vehicle / by cycle (45 Kms one way ON CYCLE) Overnight Stay at Hotel Zambala or similar in Leh. (B, L)
Day 13: Rest Day at Leh. Overnight Stay at Hotel Zambala or similar in Leh. (B….)
Day 14: Departure from Leh. (B….)
Where Will I Stay?
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2 Nights in Hotel Iceland at Solang Nalla OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on FB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis).
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1 Night EACH in Small but neat and clean hotels / Guest Houses at Jispa & Lato OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on FB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis). (We will stay in small guesthouse at Jispa and Lato, if rooms are available, otherwise we will have to stay in tents)
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6 Nights in Camping Tents or Local Dhabas on FB Plan on sharing basis.
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3 Nights in Hotel Zambala Inn at Leh OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on BB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis).
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A sleeping bag. (This will have to be returned after completion of the trip.)
How willI travel?
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Transportation by Tempo Traveller from Chandigarh Airport to Hotel Iceland, Solang Nalla near Manali.
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A support vehicle all along the route, which would take care of your luggage.
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2-Wheeler or 4-Wheeler support as needed throughout the cycling trip from Manali to Leh.
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A professional cycle mechanic would be with us throughout the journey from Manali to Leh. If any minor repair work needs to be done (like punctured tyre etc.), we would do it free of cost; but any major repair work and/or involving spare parts, would be charged at actual.
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Travel & Transport costs to Chandigarh and from Leh back home (for individuals and personal cycles).
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It is mandatory for all participants to wear helmets on the ride. It is also essential that your cycles be fitted with front and rear lights
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On this arduous cycle trip delays and detours would be expected on account of landslides, road blocks and weather conditions. Our effort would be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make sure that you would be comfortable. But in such rare situations we could have to compromise on the campsite / hotels & adjust to these situations then & there. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such an event.
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The itinerary described above is the planned one; but very rarely due to reasons beyond our control some spot changes would have to be done. The decision of the tour guide would be final in such a case. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such a case.
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The distances mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information. Some minor variations would be expected.
What about my health?
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A First - Aid Kit along Oxygen Support will be available in the support vehicle.
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Difficulty Level of the trip: Severe
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This trip involves long cycling efforts on continuously ascending and descending roads. This also would need very good endurance, mentally & physically both, from the participants. It can become very demanding and challenging at various places. This trip is good for adventurous persons who want to test their endurance limits. This is also good for enthusiasts who want to explore the untraded paths!
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This cycle trip is in one of the most remote region, where advanced, professional medical help may not be available. It would be participant’s responsibility to ensure that he or she is in good health, physically and mentally both. It would be advisable to speak to your physician if you are unsure of your fitness levels. In case you have an existing medical condition or disability you must inform us before booking with us. If in our opinion, this cycle trip to Leh from Manali is not suitable for your medical condition, we reserve the right to refuse booking. In case of any health problem that you might face on the trip, it would be advisable to speak to your tour leader. The tour leader would be equipped to give only first aid to participants.
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Any expense incurred by us for any medical emergency / for evacuation for any reason, the expenses for the same would be borne by the concerned participant.
TOUR COST: Cost for the ride in 2023 will be announced soon.
For booking the tour pay deposit of Rs 25,000/-
TOUR STARTING DATE: (Ex – Chandigarh Airport) 26th Aug - 9th Sept 2023
ABOVE COST INCLUDES:
2 Nights in Hotel Iceland at Solang Nalla OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on FB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
1 Night EACH in Small but neat and clean hotels / Guest Houses at Jispa & Lato OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on FB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) (We will stay in small guesthouse at Jispa and Lato, if rooms are available, otherwise we will have to stay in tents)
6 Nights in Camping Tents or Local Dhabas on FB Plan on sharing basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
3 Nights in Hotel Zambala Inn at Leh OR Similar, as mentioned in the itinerary on BB Plan (On TWIN sharing Basis). (Breakfast)
Transportation by Tempo Traveller from Chandigarh Airport to Hotel Iceland, Solang Nalla near Manali.
A trained guide on cycle all along the route.
A mechanic all along the trip with necessary repair kit etc.
A support vehicle all along the route, which will take care of your luggage.
2-Wheeler or 4-wheeler support as needed throughout the cycling trip from Manali to Leh.
All meals 3 times a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) (Veg and Non-Veg both choices are available) EXCEPT DURING STAY IN LEH.
A reflector vest for everyone.
A sleeping bag. (This will have to be returned after completion of the trip.)
COST EXCLUDES:
Travel costs to Chandigarh and back from Leh.
Major repairing charges for the cycle including spares.
Cycle hiring charges, if one needs a cycle. (We can provide MTB, if needed. Approximate renting charges will be Rs. 500/- per day, so totaling to Rs. 7,000/- {500 x 14}. Please inform us well in advance if you need one!)
Lunch and Dinner during the stay in Leh.
Costs for the transportation cycles (Till Chandigarh and from Leh), if you are going to get your own cycle.
Insurance Charges.
Emergency helicopter evacuation and any medical treatment cost.
Any expenditure of personal nature like drinks, mineral water, hot water for drinking, beverages, hot shower, phone charges, any tips to drivers, hotel staff, laundry, porters, sherpas etc.
In the event of any delays due to flights, weather condition – the cost of extra days will be required to pay by the participant directly on the spot for accommodation and food.
Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity, pandemics, lock downs or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates do not have any control.
Anything which is not mentioned in the “COST INCLUDES”.
Govt. service tax applicable at prevailing rates. (At present 5%)