Fixed Departure Cycling Tour
Manali–Leh Cycling Tour – Adventurous Sojourn of Unparalleled Beauty
From Manali’s pine valleys to Leh’s moonscapes, this legendary Himalayan route delivers big passes, bigger views, and a steady sense of achievement. Ride slowly, acclimatize well, and let Cyclomania in India handle logistics, safety, meals, and camps so you can focus on the road ahead.
Tour Snapshot
- Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
- Daily Riding: 0–70+ km depending on stage (support vehicle always available)
- Passes: Rohtang • Baralacha La • Nakee La • Lachulung La • Tanglang La • Khardung La
- Max Altitude: ~5,359 m (17,582 ft) at Khardung La
- Best Season: June to September (road window and weather dependent)
- Bikes: Mountain bikes (sizes 13–21), helmets, pedals, bottles
- Meals: Breakfast + most lunches and dinners
- Stays: Mix of camping and guesthouses (twin-share)
- Support: Cycling guide, first-aid, oxygen in vehicle, backup support vehicle
- Fitness: Comfortable riding consecutive days with climbs at altitude
High-Altitude Note: This itinerary builds acclimatization days and conservative pacing. AMS can affect anyone. Hydrate, ride gently, and tell the crew immediately if you feel unwell.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Manali (2,050 m), settle in, and let your body adapt. We’ll brief you on the route, check bikes, and stroll Old Manali’s cafes in the evening. No riding today—rest, hydrate, and enjoy cool mountain air.
Accommodation: Whitestone Resort or similar
Meals: Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Airport transfer as required
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —
Roll out toward Rohtang Pass via Palchan, Kothi, and Gulaba. The gradient and altitude build gradually; we pace the day and start early to avoid traffic. Camp at Marhi (3,320 m) beneath a sea of stars.
Accommodation: Camping at Marhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~35 km
Altitude: ~3,320 m (10,890 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
Climb to Rohtang Pass (~3,978 m) with big views into Lahaul–Spiti, then a joyful descent along the Chandra River to Sissu’s meadows. Hydration and steady pacing are key on this rewarding stage.
Accommodation: Camping near Sissu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~50 km
Altitude (camp): ~3,130 m (10,270 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
Follow the Bhaga River past Keylong’s valley, then on through Jispa and Darcha as habitation thins and mountains grow. The riding eases into a satisfying rhythm before we camp at Patseo.
Accommodation: Camping at Patseo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~60 km
Altitude (camp): ~3,820 m (12,500 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
Climb toward Baralacha La with Suraj Tal shimmering below. Oxygen thins near Zing Zing Bar; we ride conservatively, then descend to Sarchu’s dramatic high plateau for camp.
Accommodation: Camping at Sarchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~58 km
Altitude (camp): ~4,255 m (13,975 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
A classic challenge: the 21 hairpins of the Gata Loops lead up to Nakee La, with sweeping vistas in every direction. We keep a steady cadence and arrive at Whisky Nallah for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Camping at Whisky Nallah
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~56 km
Altitude (camp): ~4,750 m (15,800 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
An early push to Lachulung La, then a rough descent to Pang. A final climb rewards us with the vast Morey Plains—otherworldly, windswept, beautiful—before we camp at Debring.
Accommodation: Camping at Debring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~70 km
Altitude (camp): ~4,600 m (15,100 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
The roof of the route: Tanglang La. The first stretch rolls gently, then turns steeper and rougher before the prayer flags. Views to Zanskar and Ladakh ranges open wide. A long descent delivers us to Rumtse/Lato.
Accommodation: Camping near Rumtse/Lato
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~52 km
Altitude (pass): ~5,328 m (17,480+ ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
Easier gradients and more villages appear as we follow the Indus toward Leh. Expect Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and a warming landscape. We roll into Leh and settle into a guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Leh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~56 km
Altitude (Leh): ~3,600 m (11,500 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program (e.g., Thiksey subject to time)
Cycling route map link: View Route
Rest day for legs and lungs. Explore Leh’s markets and monasteries, or opt for an additional-fee excursion (e.g., Pangong Lake), subject to road and permit conditions.
Accommodation: Yangphel Guest House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —
A big finale: ride to the top of Khardung La—often called one of the highest motorable passes. It’s steep, thin air, and pure exhilaration. Photos with prayer flags, then return to Leh for a celebratory dinner.
Accommodation: Yangphel Guest House or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cycling: ~41 km
Altitude (pass): ~5,359 m (17,582 ft)
Drive: —
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: View Route
Breakfast and airport drop as per your flight. Extend your stay or add sightseeing on request—we’re happy to help with plans and bookings.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: —
Drive: Airport transfer as required
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —
- Cycles (mountain bikes), helmet, pedals, water bottles
- Support vehicle (parking, tolls, driver allowances included)
- Experienced cycling guide & expert cycle mechanic
- Breakfast at all destinations; lunches and dinners as per itinerary
- All accommodation on full board (camping & guesthouses; twin-share)
- First-aid kit (oxygen in vehicle)
- Unlimited filtered/bottled water during cycling sections
- Fresh fruits & snacks on ride days
- All road & transport taxes, tolls, parking, driver allowance
- 5% Government taxes
- Domestic/International flights
- Monument/sightseeing entry fees
- Still/video camera fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Any hard/soft drinks
- Permits not specified, personal expenses, optional excursions
Accommodation
Mix of guesthouses and comfortable expedition-style camps. Twin-share by default; single supplement available on request.
Terrain
High mountain roads, long climbs, hairpin descents, occasional rough sections and wind exposure above 4,500 m.
Climate
Dry, sunny days with strong UV; cold nights at altitude. Weather can change rapidly—layer up and carry waterproofs.
Transportation & Support
Backup vehicle carries luggage, spares, water, and provides lifts when needed. Daily briefings cover stage profiles and safety.
Food & Water
Nutritious meals, vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Drink only sealed/filtered water (provided). Hot drinks at camps.
Health & AMS
Areas on this route are malaria-free. Acclimatize, hydrate, ride easy. Inform the crew immediately if headaches, nausea, or dizziness occur.
What to Bring
- Helmet (if using your own), cycling gloves, padded shorts, SPD/flat shoes
- Warm layers (fleece, down jacket), hat, thermal gloves, buff
- Waterproof jacket & trousers; UV sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+
- Personal meds & basic OTC kit; lip balm; rehydration salts
- Head torch, power bank, spare batteries
Money & Shopping
ATMs are sparse beyond Manali/Leh. Carry cash for snacks or souvenirs. Exchange rates: check xe.com.
Airport Taxes
Currently no separate Indian airport departure taxes (subject to change).
Ready to Ride?
If you’re chasing a true Himalayan challenge—with expert support and safety baked in—this is your ride. Ask us about current road conditions, permits, and your fitness plan.