Manali–Leh Cycling Tour

At your arrival to the capital, our guide or driver will meet you at the airport and will help you to check in at the hotel. Most international flights land in Delhi at night but if you reach early and will have time then our driver will take you for Delhi sightseeing, Overnight will be at a hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Plaza
Meals: Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Airport transfer as required
Visit: As per program
Cycling route map link: —

After breakfast, drive towards Chandigarh. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. If time permits and you wish to explore the city, we will take you for an evening sightseeing tour of Chandigarh, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson Zirakpur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Delhi to Chandigarh (Approx. 4–5 Hours)
Visit: Chandigarh City Sightseeing (Subject to Time Availability)
Hotel: Hotel Radisson Zirakpur
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

There are currently no reliable flight options from Delhi to Manali. Even when flights are available, they can be quite expensive, often costing around USD 250–300 per person. For this reason, we do not include flights in our standard itinerary. However, if you prefer to fly, we can check availability and revise the tour cost accordingly at the time of booking.

Another option is the overnight Volvo bus service from Delhi to Manali. The bus usually departs around 11:00 PM and arrives in Manali at approximately 11:00 AM the following day. Tickets generally cost between USD 20 and 25 per person.

Note: Our current itinerary and tour cost are based on traveling by road from Delhi to Manali. If you would like to travel by overnight bus instead, we can arrange the bus tickets upon request.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey towards Manali. We will try to leave Chandigarh as early as possible so that we have enough time to reach Manali and rest. Acclimatization is one of the most important parts of this cycling expedition. Located at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,725 feet), Manali provides the ideal environment for your body to adjust before the adventure begins. If you are arriving by flight, we can arrange your pickup from Bhuntar Airport. After checking in to the hotel, we will have a short tour briefing and bike inspection. During your free time, you can explore the charming cafés, local markets, and vibrant hippie culture of Old Manali. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Accommodation: Whitestone Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Chandigarh to Manali (Approx. 7–8 Hours)
Visit: Old Manali (Free Time), Tour Briefing & Bike Check
Hotel: Whitestone Resort
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Check your bicycle thoroughly after reaching Manali to ensure it is ready for the upcoming ride. If you have any concerns about high-altitude travel, consult your doctor before the trip regarding medicines for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or acclimatization. Staying hydrated and getting proper rest will also help your body adjust to the altitude.

Today marks the beginning of your Manali to Leh Cycling Tour. After breakfast, we leave the lush green Beas Valley behind and begin cycling towards the famous Rohtang Pass. The route follows the historic trade road connecting Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh. Along the way, we pass through the beautiful mountain villages of Palchan, Kothi, and Gulaba while climbing a series of scenic loops and bends. Our ride ends at Marhi, located just 12 km before Rohtang Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal Mountain Range. Overnight stay will be in camps.

Accommodation: Overnight Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Manali to Marhi (35 km / 21 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Palchan, Kothi, Gulaba, Marhi
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Stay well hydrated throughout the day as you gain altitude. This route experiences heavy traffic, and some drivers may drive recklessly, so always ride on the extreme left side of the road. Start your ride as early as possible to avoid traffic congestion and to reach Marhi before sunset.

After breakfast, we begin the challenging climb to Rohtang Pass, the first of the five high mountain passes on the Manali to Leh route. Situated at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,051 feet), Rohtang Pass offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and the stunning landscapes of the Lahaul Valley. After a short break at the pass, we enjoy a long downhill ride as we pass through Gramphu and continue cycling alongside the Chandra River. The route gradually leads us to Keylong, where we check in to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Keylong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Marhi to Keylong (78 km / 48 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Rohtang Pass, Gramphu, Chandra River, Keylong
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Drink plenty of water throughout the ride to stay hydrated at high altitude. Reaching Rohtang Pass is a major milestone, but remember that the day's ride continues well beyond the pass, so conserve your energy. Temporary toilets are available approximately 500 meters before Rohtang Pass. At the Koksar Police Check Post, your documents will be verified, so keep them easily accessible. If you need bicycle repairs, there is a tyre repair shop located just after the Koksar Bridge.

After breakfast, we leave Keylong and continue cycling along the scenic Bhaga River. As we gain altitude, the lush greenery slowly gives way to the rugged and barren landscapes of the higher Himalayas. The route passes through the peaceful villages of Jispa and Darcha before gradually climbing towards the small settlement of Patseo. With fewer human settlements and spectacular mountain views, today's ride offers a unique Himalayan experience. The cycling distance is moderate, allowing you to conserve your energy for the challenging ascent planned for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay will be in camps at Patseo.

Accommodation: Overnight Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Keylong to Patseo (48 km / 30 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Bhaga River, Jispa, Darcha, Patseo
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Stay hydrated throughout the day, as riding at higher altitudes can increase the risk of dehydration. Ride at a comfortable pace and allow your body to continue acclimatizing to the increasing elevation.

After breakfast, we begin the challenging climb towards Baralacha La Pass, the second high mountain pass on the Manali to Leh Cycling Tour. Although the ascent is demanding and the road conditions can be rough, the reward is unforgettable views of the stunning Suraj Tal Lake with its crystal-clear blue waters. At an altitude of 4,891 meters (16,046 feet), Baralacha La marks your entry into the Great Himalayas. From here, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with vast mountains and winding roads stretching into the distance. After crossing the pass, we enjoy a long downhill ride before reaching the beautiful Sarchu Plains, where we stay overnight in camps.

Accommodation: Overnight Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Patseo to Sarchu (58 km / 36 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Baralacha La Pass, Suraj Tal Lake, Sarchu Plains
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Drink water regularly throughout the ride to stay hydrated at high altitude. Around 3 km after Lower Zing Zing Bar, you will find a motorcycle mechanic who can help repair flat tyres if needed. Oxygen levels around Zing Zing Bar are very low, so avoid unnecessary physical exertion. Most roadside dhabas in the area use solar power and offer charging facilities for phones and cameras, so take the opportunity to recharge your devices. At Sarchu, the Army Camp provides paid domestic and international calling facilities if required.

After breakfast, we leave the windy plains of Sarchu and begin one of the most exciting rides of the expedition. The day starts with the famous 21 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops, followed by the challenging climb towards Nakee La Pass. As we continue, we cross Lachulung La Pass before enjoying a long downhill ride towards Pang. The route offers spectacular views of the rugged Himalayan desert, dramatic rock formations, and endless mountain landscapes. Although the terrain is demanding, today's ride is one of the most rewarding sections of the Manali to Leh Cycling Tour. Dinner and overnight stay will be in camps at Pang.

Accommodation: Overnight Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Sarchu to Pang (80 km / 49 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Gata Loops, Nakee La Pass, Lachulung La Pass, Pang
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the ride. Start cycling early in the morning, as the sun becomes much stronger after crossing the Gata Loops. There is a small shaded area on the right side just after the Gata Loops where you can take a short break. Please do not throw plastic bottles or other waste at Gata Loops, as the stories associated with the place are only local myths and littering harms the fragile environment. Your fitness and preparation will be tested over today's ride and the following day as you cycle through the high-altitude desert region of Ladakh.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a short 5 km climb before entering the breathtaking Morey Plains. Surrounded by colourful mountains and unique rock formations, this vast plateau sits at an average altitude of 4,800 meters and offers one of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire expedition. The smooth and relatively flat road across the plains makes for an enjoyable ride. We then begin the long ascent to Tanglang La Pass, the second-highest motorable pass on this cycling tour, located at an elevation of 5,328 meters. After reaching the summit and enjoying the incredible Himalayan views, we descend for approximately 35 km to Lato. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a guesthouse or campsite.

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Overnight Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Pang to Lato (103 km / 64 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Morey Plains, Tanglang La Pass, Lato
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Stay hydrated throughout the ride, as today's route covers long distances at very high altitude. Some sections of the road can be dusty, so it is recommended to cover your face with a buff or cloth to protect yourself from dust and vehicle exhaust. If needed, the Army Camp at Pang provides paid domestic and international calling facilities.

After breakfast, we begin the final cycling stage towards Leh. The toughest mountain climbs are now behind us, and the landscape gradually transforms into the fertile valleys of Ladakh. Riding alongside the historic Indus River, we pass through charming villages, ancient stupas, and some of the region's most famous monasteries, including Thiksey, Hemis, and Shey. Depending on our schedule, we may visit a few of these iconic monasteries. Cycling through relatively gentle terrain, we finally reach the historic Leh Gate, where we celebrate our achievement with a group photograph before heading to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel City Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Lato to Leh (82 km / 50 miles)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Indus River, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Shey Monastery, Leh Gate
Hotel: Hotel City Palace
Cycling route map link: —

Important Tips:

Stay hydrated throughout the ride, as the high-altitude weather can still be physically demanding. Although today's route involves fewer climbs, strong winds and changing weather conditions may test your endurance. Maintain a steady cycling pace and take short breaks whenever needed. A small dhaba at Tanglang La Pass serves tea, instant noodles, and light snacks. During the long downhill sections, especially around the hairpin bends, control your speed and ride carefully. Reaching Tanglang La is one of the biggest milestones of the Manali to Leh Cycling Tour and a moment you will remember for years.

Today is reserved for rest and recovery after completing the incredible Manali to Leh Cycling Tour. After breakfast, you can relax at the hotel or join an optional sightseeing tour of the famous Thiksey and Shey Monasteries. Later, spend some free time exploring the vibrant Leh Market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Ladakhi products. Lunch will be served at a local city restaurant, giving you the perfect opportunity to celebrate your achievement and enjoy a leisurely day. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel City Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: No cycling
Drive: Local sightseeing as per program
Visit: Thiksey Monastery, Shey Monastery, Leh Market
Hotel: Hotel City Palace
Cycling route map link: —

After an early breakfast, we begin the final and most challenging ride of the expedition as we cycle towards the mighty Khardung La Pass. Departing from Leh around 8:00 AM, today's route covers approximately 41 km while gaining nearly 2,000 meters in elevation. Widely regarded as one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, Khardung La stands at an altitude of 5,359 meters (17,582 feet). The climb is demanding, but reaching the summit rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After celebrating this incredible achievement, we descend back to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel City Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: Leh to Khardung La and back (Approx. 82 km Round Trip)
Drive: No drive
Visit: Khardung La Pass
Hotel: Hotel City Palace
Cycling route map link: —

After breakfast, your incredible Manali to Leh Cycling Tour comes to an end. Please plan your return flight accordingly and arrange your airport transfer based on your departure schedule. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas and one of the world's most rewarding cycling adventures.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tour Ends
Drive: Airport transfer on request
Visit: Departure
Cycling: No cycling
Cycling route map link: —

Tour Cost: USD 1,850 per person

Group Size: Minimum 4 Cyclists and Maximum 8 Cyclists

Notes:

• Additional hotel nights, private car services, or Leh tour packages can be arranged on request.
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to organize a private tour.
• Domestic flight bookings and tour extensions can be arranged upon request.
• For private and exclusive departures, the itinerary, accommodation, and included services can be customized to suit your requirements.