Fixed Departure Cycling Tour
Leh Ladakh Cycling Tour – A Memorable Encounter at the Land of High Passes
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Ride Ladakh’s iconic monasteries, moonscapes, and high passes on a compact, culture-rich itinerary. From Leh and Stok to Alchi, Lamayuru, Rizong, and the grand finale at Khardung La, Cyclomania in India blends adventure with heritage, supported by expert guides, vehicles, meals, and comfortable stays.
Tour Snapshot
- Route Highlights: Leh • Stok Palace • Spituk • Shey • Thiksey • Hemis • Alchi • Lamayuru • Rizong • Khardung La
- Daily Riding: 0–60+ km, depending on stage (support vehicle always available)
- Max Altitude: ~5,359 m (17,582 ft) at Khardung La
- Best Season: June to September (road and permits dependent)
- Bikes: Mountain bikes (sizes 13–21), helmets, pedals, bottles
- Meals: Breakfast + most lunches and dinners
- Stays: Quality hotels/guesthouses (twin-share)
- Support: Cycling guide, first-aid, backup vehicle
- Fitness: Comfortable riding consecutive days at altitude
High-Altitude Note: This itinerary builds in acclimatization and conservative pacing. Acute Mountain Sickness can affect anyone—hydrate well, ride gently, and inform the crew immediately if you feel unwell.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Rest, hydrate, and let your body adapt at ~3,500 m. Optional easy spin to local markets for souvenirs like pashmina, silverwork, and Kashmiri carpets, plus a cozy cafe stop. No structured riding required.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Airport transfer as required
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —
Gradual acclimatization continues. After breakfast, ride/walk to the 16th-century Leh Palace for sweeping valley views, then a steep 30-minute pedal to Namgyal Monastery. Descend to Leh Mosque and, time permitting, visit hilltop Shanti Stupa for sunset panoramas.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~5–10 km
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —
Spin south to Stok Palace (former summer home of the Namgyal rulers), now a heritage property with parts open to visitors. Continue to Spituk Monastery on a hilltop for classic Indus vistas before returning to Leh by vehicle.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~35–40 km
Drive: As per program
Visit: Stok Palace, Spituk Monastery
Cycling route map link: View Route
A monastery trilogy. Start with Shey’s ancient palace-monastery, then climb to spectacular Thiksey—often called Ladakh’s most beautiful—before reaching Hemis with its grand assembly hall and serene courtyards. Wind-in-your-face routes, timeless art, and big valley views.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~45 km
Drive: As per program
Visit: Shey, Thiksey, Hemis
Cycling route map link: View Route
Morning Indus River experience (optional rafting, subject to water levels and permits). Ride/drive onward to Alchi, home to thousand-year-old temples famous for wall paintings that blend Kashmiri and Buddhist styles. Settle in and explore the village’s tranquil lanes.
Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse in Alchi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~60 km
Drive: As per program
Visit: Alchi Monastery Complex
Cycling route map link: View Route
Ride the “moonland” to Lamayuru, where rugged formations and cliff-perched gompas create otherworldly scenes. Explore the ancient monastery, frescoes, and village life, then return to Alchi for a restful evening.
Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse in Alchi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~60 km
Drive: As per program
Visit: Lamayuru Monastery & village
Cycling route map link: View Route
Head west to Rizong Monastery, founded in 1831 and known for disciplined monastic life, murals, and striking mountain setting. The rocky approach adds spice to the ride. Return to Leh by vehicle to conserve energy for tomorrow’s big ascent.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~60 km
Drive: As per program
Visit: Rizong Monastery
Cycling route map link: View Route
The crown jewel. Climb from ~3,500 m in Leh to ~5,359 m at Khardung La. Expect thin air, chilly wind, and unforgettable switchbacks. Celebrate with prayer flags at the top, then descend to Leh for a warm dinner.
Accommodation: Pre-booked hotel in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~50 km (round trip)
Drive: Support vehicle available
Visit: Khardung La Pass
Cycling route map link: View Route
Final breakfast and airport drop. Add extra nights or side trips on request—we’re happy to help plan permits and logistics.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Airport transfer as required
Visit: —
Cycling route map link: —
- Cycles (mountain bikes), helmet, pedals, water bottles
- Support vehicle (parking, tolls, driver’s allowances)
- Cycling guide (English-speaking)
- Breakfast at all destinations; lunches & dinners as per itinerary
- All accommodation on full board (twin-sharing)
- First-aid kit
- Backup support vehicle
- Insurance policy (please arrange your own)
- Tips and gratuities
- Beverages
- Laundry and telephone bills
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels/guesthouses with consistent service. Prices are twin-share; single rooms available at an extra cost.
Terrain
High mountain roads, river valleys, monastery hilltops; some rough sections and wind exposure at altitude.
Climate
Dry, sunny days with strong UV; cold nights. Monsoon affects access differently than the plains—check conditions close to departure.
Transport & Support
All transfers included. Backup vehicle carries luggage, spares, water, and offers lifts whenever you’d like a break from riding.
Food & Water
Fresh, flavorful meals with vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. Drink only sealed bottled/filtered water—provided during rides and transfers.
Health & Safety
Areas on this route are malaria-free. Acclimatize properly, hydrate, and inform the crew immediately if you feel AMS symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness).
What to Bring
- Cycling gloves, padded shorts, helmet (if using your own), bike shoes
- Warm layers (fleece/down), thermal gloves, beanie/buff
- Waterproof jacket, UV hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm
- Personal medications, small OTC kit, rehydration salts
- Head torch, power bank
- Modest clothing for monasteries and rural areas
Money, Shopping & Admin
ATMs are available in Leh; carry cash for smaller towns. Guides don’t take commissions unless you ask for recommendations. Exchange rates: check xe.com. Currently no separate Indian airport departure taxes (subject to change).
Ready to Ride?
Experience Ladakh’s monasteries, moonscapes, and mountain passes at the right pace—on two wheels. Ask us about permits, conditions, and the best time to go.