Region: Manali / Lahoul Valley/Ladakh
Total Duration – 11 Nights / 12 Days
Style Of Trip – Cycling
Maximum Altitude – 17582 feet.
Grade – Difficult.
Best Season – June to September
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Distance – 560Km
Manali Leh Khardung la Cycling
Cycling is an anchor to one’s life. The motion of the pedals makes one to feel excited. The weight of the helmet on your head makes you feel secure. High speeds and the gushing winds hitting in the face gives you a sense of freedom; and the absolute control hunching over the front wheel and the brakes giving a sense of power. Riding cycle makes you adventurous and makes you feel complete.
If you are looking for a new challenge in cycling, come across to the Manali-Leh route. If you are looking for an adventure filled cycling trip in picturesque settings, there cannot be a better route than this one. Cycling 500 km over high altitude mountains, crossing some of the highest roads in the world, is no mean challenge, especially because the roads are blissfully paved and are non-existent at some places. One has to be prepared physically and mentally to complete this journey. And so, with physical fitness, mental resolve and a truckload of excitement start your journey with Himalaya destination.
The overnight bus journey from Delhi to Manali is comfortable, safe and takes 14 hours to reach the destination. One has to get off at Patlikuhl a few km’s. further from Kullu and take taxi or bus to the camp at Naggar about 5 km. from Patlikuhal. At the camp you will meet the rest of the group, consisting people of varying ages and the organizers. Moreover, the times that you were to face together invariably brings out the best in people. The experience you will get during these ten days goes beyond anything words can explain. If there are the daunting challenges of continuous up slopes, biting cold winds, and uncertain weather, there are also the joys of riding miles of down slopes, getting the first glimpse of the destination and the spell bounding beauty of the mountains. The ride starts from Manali climbing up to Marhi then over Rohtang top to Sissu and so on passing by different locations and high passes such as Bara lacha la, Lachung la, Nakee la, Tanglang la and then the highest Khardung la. The route takes you through vast grounds of Sarchu and the plateaus of the endless More plains to nomad villages on the way. You might get a chance to see wild animals like Blue sheep, Ibex, Yaks, Marmots, wild horses etc. As we reach Rumtse the landscape turns to a bit greenish side which feels like awesome after days of seeing arid nature. Every morning you will wake up wondering what challenges the day would bring and every night you will go to sleep with the satisfaction of having lived up to another challenge. It would be more appropriate to say that each day will amble away as we pedal through it and yet in no time we find ourselves in Leh. Then to the highest motor able pass at Khardung-la at the height of 5600m. by cycle, demands a great stamina to excel at the top and less oxygen makes it more difficult to ride. But at the end once you reach the pass all the fatigue vanishes by conquering it. The feeling throughout the expedition is outstanding and one should do it once in a life for sure.
Things to Pack:
Rucksack, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes, a warm jacket,warmer, woollen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, walking Stick and medicines that you usually use.
How To Reach Manali
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
How to Reach Naggar:
From Manali, Naggar is 18 km. far and there are multiple buses running in every 15 minutes or one can get off at Patlikuhal which is 5 km. far from Naggar on the right bank highway. Patlikuhal lies in the middle of Kullu Manali highway. You can club a taxi or travel by a local transport from Manali or Patlikuhal to approach Naggar.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar is 60 Kms. Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.