Manali To Leh (Khardungla) Cycling Expedition

• 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

Today marks the beginning of your cycling adventure. After having your breakfast we will embark on the long-waited tour. We will ride from Manali to Marhi. Marhi is approximately 35km from Manali, lying between Manali and Rohtang Pass on the Manali - Leh highway, and on the way, you’ll come across some stunning views of pine and deodar forests and flower-laden valleys. Marhi is also paragliding opportunities for tourists starting from Marhi towards Gulaba. Gulaba, Kothi, and Palchan are some of the most scenic spots that we will cross on our way today. It is important to start our day early so that we av

avoid the traffic at Rohtang pass.

The route to Marhi has a lot of hairpin bends so it is important to be a bit cautious. The hairpin bends can make the journey a bit strenuous but it also prepares you for the upcoming days of cycling. The picturesque roads, the views, and the freshness along the route will definitely take your tiredness away. The campsite at Marhi is a scenic place which offers some pretty views. You will get some of the best views of the Pir Panjal Range from the campsite. We’ll be camping here for tonight and your dinner will be served at your campsite.

• 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

From Marhi our next stop is Sissu via Rohtang pass. We start off our day by having our breakfast and then finishing a 17km ascent to the top of Rohtang pass. Rohtang is the first of the five passes that we will cross on our way to Leh. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kullu and is a part of the Pir Panjal Range. You will come across some spectacular views of the snow-covered mountain peaks of Spiti Valley as well as the Chandra River from the pass. Rohtang is covered in snow for most of the year and it is a distinct gateway to Ladakh. The pass is so spectacular that it has been part of some major blockbuster Bollywood movies as well. We will take a halt at Rohtang pass for some refreshment after which we’ll have to make the descent to Gramphu.

The descent from Rohtang Pass is nothing short of unchartered thrill and joy. As you ride downhill, the breeze in your hair will fill you with childlike happiness. Cycling along the Chandra River, you will arrive at Gramphu. From Gramphu it is a ride along flat roads to Sissu. Sissu is also known as Khwaling which is a small town in Lahaul valley on the banks of the river Chandra. En route to Sissu, you will also cross the torrents of Chandra River at Khoksar. Lahaul comes like a breath of fresh air for those who love wandering amidst the mountains. It is quite different from Ladakh and brings with it, its own set of culture, traditions, and folklore.

Sissu attracts a lot of tourists owing to its natural beauty and the breathtaking view of a waterfall, locally known as Palden Lhamo Dhar. Sissu has many resorts and homestays as well, as it serves as the town center for nearby villages including Labrang. Sissu also serves as the gateway to three famous Himalayan regions - Lahaul, Spiti, and Ladakh. At Sissu, we’ll be camping for the night where you will be served your dinner. Relax after a tiring day because you’ll be up fresh the next day for new adventures.

• 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

Today we’ll be riding all the way up to Gondla which is at a higher elevation from Sissu and make it to the quaint and sleepy hamlet of Jispa. It\'s a gradual route from Sissu for around 8-10 km, where it gets uphill for around 20 km or so, later stretching to Jispa. Gondola is situated 18 km before Keylong. This village is full of greenery and surrounded by waterfalls with the dense vegetation of Poplar. Gondola also showcases a 300-year-old fort, which is a seven-story building depicting the ‘Kath-Kuni’ type of architecture (Kath meaning wood and Kuni meaning corners). From Gondla we’ll be descending all the way to Tandi.

Tandi is a prominent village of Himachal and is located at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers that flows downstream in Jammu & Kashmir by the name Chenub. This area is the Chamba Valley. Tandi has some interesting mythology connected to it as well. According to folklore, the sun of moon good Chandra and the daughter of Sun God Bhaga eloped and married here at Tandi. It is also believed that Tandi is the place where Draupadi left her body and another story runs that sage Vaishistha who meditated near the hot springs of Manali was cremated here. Located on the Manali-Leh highway and 8 km before Keylong, Tandi also has a fuel station where travellers can fuel up their vehicle if they want to travel further north of Keylong.

After crossing Tandi we will go past Keylong which is a low gradient all the way up to Jispa. It is advisable to drink lots of water at high altitudes which helps to maintain blood circulation. There will also be a support vehicle so that you can refill your bottles when needed. On the highway, you will come across freshwater streams which are cool and refreshing. Keylong is a village which is situated halfway between Sissu and Jispa. We’ll take some rest at Keylong where you will be having your lunch and then move forward. Keylong is the district headquarter of Lahaul & Spiti and is situated between the main trade routes between Rohtang and Baralacha passes. It is also home to several Buddhist monasteries as well. If you want to purchase local handicrafts like Kullu shawls, Lois, baby shawls, etc this is the ideal place for shopping.  As soon as you cross Keylong you will notice the change in the mountain ranges where the vegetation part is taken over by dry desert. Watch out for stones that are rolling down the road. After a few kilometers of uphill, we finally reach Jispa. On the banks of the river Bhaga, Jispa is a peaceful village in the Lahaul valley which is located 20km north of Keylong. The riverside mountain village of Jispa is sure to leave you breathless. We will be camping here for the night.

• 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

After having your breakfast we will be heading to Darcha which is about 10km from Jispa. Today’s climb can be a little difficult as we will be gaining a considerable amount of altitude. The road climbs steadily on this route on the way to Patseo. Patseo is a military checkpoint with a few soldier tents otherwise it is entirely a desert region surrounded by dry mountain peaks covered. You will have to be a bit careful on this road as it is rocky so it important that you maintain the speed that you are comfortable with. You will start noticing less civilization from here on and it will strike you how disconnected this place is from other places and the scenery begins to get arid as well. You will start seeing glimpses of the higher Himalayan range which offers a view of snow-covered peaks.

We will start gaining altitude from here on and you will feel the cold so it is important to have a proper layering of clothes. The final ascent is to Baralacha-La starts at Zing Zing bar. Zing Zing Bar is located at an altitude of 15000 ft and presents some of the most beautiful views en route. Your campsite will be pitched at some distance from Zing Zing Bar where you will stay for the night. Hot soup will be provided to you before you have your dinner. It is important to get the much-needed rest before you set out for the following day.

• 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

After having your breakfast we’ll have to start our day early today as it is a 65 km stretch. You will sense that the entire surrounding changes into a dry desert and there are no signs of green. Today we will cross the second of the high passes on your itinerary. At a height of 15,900 ft, Baralacha pass feels cold with strong winds blowing from time to time. Baralacha La Pass is an important location for bikers and cyclists alike. This pass is quite unique in its own right as it is the meeting point of the Zanskar Range, Pir Panjal Range, and the Great Himalayan Mountain Ranges. The serene flow of the river and the majestic mountains surrounding will amaze you for the rest of the journey. Take some time to click pictures and soak at the moment. Surya Tal is a famous spot point on the Bralacha Pass, the third highest lake in our country and the 21st highest in the world.  En route, you will also spot Deepaktal, a high-altitude glacial lake before Baralacha La. The water of the lake remains calm reflecting the beautiful surroundings nearby. Deepak Tal often serves as a retreat for the riders who pass by the route.

After having your lunch we’ll be heading to Sarchu, which marks the border between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The landscape still remains the same as earlier with tall barren peaks surrounding you. The entire route then descends gradually to the wide Sarchu Plains. Sarchu lies exactly between Baralacha La Pass and Lachung La Pass. Sarchu often serves as the rest stop between Manali to Leh. We will be camping at Brandy Nallah for the night which is at some distance from Sarchu.

• 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

Brandy Nala to Pang is perhaps the most difficult day when we will be riding past the Gata loops which are a series of 21 hairpin bends that cover a distance of 7km. Brandy Nala lies at the base of the Gata Loops and you will come across a board that marks the beginning of Gata Loops. As you climb higher the loops below are visible which look flat. You will be relieved after crossing the loops as it takes a huge toll on your body and your fitness is tested as well. The ride to the top of the loops is one that will have your heart skip many beats. Ensure to carry enough water with you as there are no water sources on the way. Reaching the top of the Gata Loops is going to leave even the cycling aficionados exhausted. But the adventure does not end here. We’ll also be crossing Nakee la and Lachung la both on the same day and it would be one adventurous ride of your life. After having your lunch we will go past Nakee la where the mercury level dips down. Keep cycling along the route to Nakee La, and even though the road may seem never-ending at times, you will soon come across the prayer flags, which means that you are now close to the Pass. Nakee La is the third-highest pass on the Manali-Leh highway.

From Nakee La a 7 km zig-zag climb will lead you to the top of Lachung La, another high pass on your way to Leh. Descending down from Lachung La, you will soon arrive at Pang which will be our camping spot for the night.

• 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

Your day will start with a 7 km ascent to Tanglang La which is followed by a long descent along a steep gorge to Pang. Pang has some military transit camps and at 15,640 ft, they are said to be the highest army transit camps in the world. Morey Plains which is at a height of 4,700 m is an 8 km climb from Pang which is known for extreme temperatures both in the morning and in the evening. You will come across some nomadic Changpas with their yaks. Apart from them, there is no sign of civilization. The expansive area is extremely isolated. The Morey plains are some 40-odd km long and this will be quite easy on your legs after cycling along steep routes and the rugged mountain terrain. You will enjoy some breathtaking views as you cycle along the plains. The plains are flanked on both sides by rocky mountains and rock formations. You can expect powerful winds while riding along the plains and this can make cycling a little difficult. Tso Kar lake is the first choice of camping but in case the route is close we will be camping at Debring which is at Tanglang La, the world’s second-highest motorable pass.

• 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

Today, you will be facing a challenging climb that will lead to the world’s second-highest motorable pass in the world, Tanglang La. These are surely testing times and you will have to put in more effort than ever. But what we can surely promise you is that after reaching the top, there are few feelings that can match this. Tanglang La is quite different than all the other passes that we have crossed till now. Crossing this pass, you will not have switchbacks to gain altitude rather you will gradually ride your bicycle uphill, which can be a little strenuous. It will take quite a few hours of laborious pedalling to reach the top of the Tanglang La Pass. The summit of the pass is marked by numerous Buddhist prayer flags. Tanglang La is known to be the residence of ‘Changpa herdsman’, a nomadic tribe that herds cattle, yaks, and pashmina goats here every day. Before we start our descent to Rumtse village, you can take some time to click pictures.

It\'s a long but smooth descent to Rumtse. You will be entering Ladakh, the land of monasteries, stupas, and jolly people. Rumtse is a spectacular campsite located on the banks of a fast-flowing river and finally, you will see some greenery after a long time.

• 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

We will leave Rumtse after having breakfast and our final destination which is Leh will be at a distance of 75km. As we’ll start approaching Leh, a stretch of dusty brown mountains will start appearing from a distance. You have now reached the land of lamas. As you come down from Rumtse you will start noticing some vegetation before Upshi. After a while, you will start getting your first glimpses of the Indus River which is quite a pleasing view. Riding next to the Indus River is sheer bliss. The downhill road to Upshi is marked by some amazing rock formations, the stark purple color of the rocks with the erosion marks is an interesting sight to behold.

We will be taking a halt at Thiksey for lunch which is at a distance of 20 km from Leh. Watching the Thiksey and Shey monastery is an added bonus on the route. From Rumtse, it is a considerably easy ride to Leh and you will spot many army camps on your way. After reaching the guesthouse at Leh you will actually get a sense of satisfaction that you’ve completed the task which you started on Day 1 from Manali. We are sure that you will come back with lots of memories that cannot be expressed in words but will last a lifetime.

• Altitude: Khardung La 5,350 m/ 17,600 ft
• Distance: 40 km | Duration: 6 hrs
• All is uphill
• Come back by car
• Packed lunch

Leh to Khardung La on a cycle makes for a great day trip. The ride up to South Pullu is quite gruesome. As you climb further towards Khardung La, you can see the Stok Kangri peak in the backdrop. The road is in good condition till Khardung La, which also used to be a part of the silk route. It’s quite hot during the daytime so make sure to wear an adequate amount of sunscreen to protect your exposed skin from the harsh sun rays. Carry enough water and keep yourself hydrated. The air is also pretty rare, so catch your breath and keep pedalling! Once you reach close to Khardung La Pass, you start seeing prayer flags from a distance. After one of the toughest bicycle rides of your life, you will arrive at Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world. Bask in the joy, ecstasy, and feeling of accomplishment. Click some beautiful pictures and we will head back to Leh and rest for the night.

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Check out after breakfast