India11 days
Manali to Leh by Bicycle — 11 Days
National Highway 3, crossing two moderately high mountain passes
The Manali-Leh Highway, officially National Highway 3, connects Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh. This 11-day cycling expedition follows the route on mountain bikes, beginning in the hill station of Manali and concluding at Khardung La. The journey passes through mountain passes, including Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Taglang La, and Khardung La. Accommodation alternates between standard hotels in Manali and Leh and tent camps at intermediate locations. A support team, backup vehicles, a bike mechanic, and local guides accompany the group throughout. The terrain varies from single-track forest paths and river-valley sections to high-altitude plateau riding and steep switchback ascents. All meals, water, and energy provisions are supplied; permits for border entry and trekking are included.
Best time to go: July to September
Highlights
- Cycling from Manali (6,726 feet) through Deodars forest on Day 1 warm-up ride to Naggar village
- Ascent of Rohtang Pass on Day 3, with views across snow-covered Himalayan peaks
- Crossing Baralacha La on Day 5, the high pass connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh
- Gata Loops — 21 consecutive hairpin bends — on Day 7 between Sarchu and Nakeela Pass
- Descent and ascent of Taglang La on Day 9, the second-highest pass on the route
- Cycling alongside the Indus River on the final approach to Leh on Day 10
- Summit ride to Khardung La on Day 11, the final leg of the expedition
Day by day
0Arrival in Manali — Equipment Check and AcclimatizationManali
Participants arrive in Manali independently or via provided transport from Delhi. The town sits at 6,726 feet elevation in a valley floor surrounded by Deodar forest and visible snow-covered peaks. On arrival, check-in occurs at a standard hotel. The afternoon includes a bicycle fitting and adjustment session followed by a short ride around town to confirm comfort and familiarity with the equipment before the expedition begins. Overnight in Manali.
1Manali to Naggar — Single-Track Forest Route and ReturnManali to Naggar · Manali
After breakfast, the group rides on single-track forest paths to Naggar village and back to Manali, a round trip of 46 kilometers with 1,987 feet of elevation gain. The ride is designed as a warm-up and acclimatization day at moderate altitude. The terrain passes through lush forest sections with views of surrounding ridges. Riders return to Manali in the evening to rest and visit the town markets and restaurants. Overnight in Manali.
2Manali to Marhi — First Mountain Pass ApproachManali to Marhi · Marhi
The expedition proper begins with an uphill ride along curved mountain road from Manali to Marhi, covering 39 kilometers and reaching 10,892 feet. The route passes through several small villages and forest sections. Overnight camping at Marhi.
3Marhi to Sissu — Rohtang Pass and Descent into LahaulRohtang Pass · Gramphu · Khoskar · Gondla
An uphill climb leads to Rohtang Pass, the first major pass on the route. The summit offers panoramic views across the Himalayan crest to the north. From the pass, riders descend into the Lahaul region, passing through Gramphu and Khoskar — the first inhabited village of Lahaul and Spiti District — where terrain gradually flattens. Overnight camping at Gondla.
4Sissu to Jispa — Lahaul Valley CyclingSissu to Jispa · Jispa · Keylong
A 52-kilometer ride with mostly flat to rolling terrain through the Lahaul Valley. The route passes through Keylong, a regional settlement offering views of surrounding agricultural valleys. Terrain gradually transitions from high forest to high-altitude open landscape. Overnight camping at Jispa (11,154 feet).
5Jispa to Zing Zing Bar — Baralacha La Pass CrossingZing Zing Bar · Baralacha La
Ride 32 kilometers uphill to Baralacha La, a high mountain pass in the Zanskar Range connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh. After crossing this geographic boundary at 15,748 feet, the route descends to your campsite at Zing Zing Bar near Bharatpur. Total distance: 50 kilometers. Overnight camping.
6Zing Zing Bar to Sarchu — High Plateau RidingSarchu · Sarchu plateau
A 54-kilometer ride across the Sarchu plateau (11,778 feet), a vast, wind-exposed landscape offering distant views of surrounding mountain ranges. The terrain includes a section of rough, rock-strewn surface that requires technical riding skill. Beyond this section, the road condition improves and gravity assists descent toward the final campsite. Overnight camping at Sarchu.
7Sarchu to Whiskey Nallah — Gata Loops and High-Altitude PassSarchu · Nakeela Pass · Whiskey Nallah campsite
This day includes one of the route's most technically demanding sections. From Sarchu, riders climb 21 consecutive hairpin-bend switchbacks known locally as Gata Loops, a series of tight reversals engineered across a steep mountainside. The bends lead to Nakeela Pass before descending to Whiskey Nallah campsite (4,937 feet). Total distance is 46 kilometers. The Gata Loops section is narrow and exposed, requiring steady pace and balance, though the road is paved and regularly maintained. Overnight camping at Whiskey Nallah.
8Whiskey Nallah to Tso Kar — Lachung La Pass and High-Altitude LakeWhiskey Nallah to Tso Kar · Lachung La · Tso Kar Lake
A 71-kilometer day traversing high-altitude plateau terrain to reach Tso Kar Lake, located on the Rupshu Plateau in southern Ladakh at 5,078 feet. The route crosses Lachung La, the second-highest pass on the Manali-Leh Highway, then descends to Pang before continuing to the lake. Road conditions are good throughout this section. Tso Kar Lake sits in a remote valley surrounded by high mountains and sparse vegetation, with no nearby settlements. The campsite offers views across the lake and plateau landscape. Overnight camping at Tso Kar.
9Tso Kar to Lato — Taglang La Pass and Altitude AdjustmentLato · Taglang La · Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges · Taglang La to Lato
A ride beginning with a steep climb to Taglang La, the second-highest mountain pass on the entire route. Altitude effects become significant at this elevation; the pace is necessarily slow and deliberate. The ascent passes through exposed high-altitude terrain with views across the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges to the north. After crossing the pass, the route descends on both paved road and single-track trails to Lato (5,311 feet). The descent section includes several steep switchbacks and technical single-track sections. Overnight camping at Lato.
10Lato to Leh — Indus River Valley and Final DescentLato to Leh · Leh · Indus River Valley · Upshi
The final 70-kilometer cycling day descends into the Indus River Valley and terminates in Leh. The route follows the course of the Indus River, with vegetation gradually increasing as elevation decreases. Near Upshi, the landscape includes agricultural areas, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and Ladakhi settlements. Altitude is approximately 3,975 feet. Arrival in Leh includes access to hotel facilities — hot water, electricity, and other modern amenities after days of camping. Overnight hotel in Leh.
11Leh to Khardung La — Final Summit RideLeh to Khardung La · Leh · Khardung La
The expedition concludes with a ride from Leh to Khardung La and return. A steep 39-kilometer climb from Leh reaches the pass summit. The road is paved with tight switchbacks and sustained gradient. Khardung La is situated more than 18000 feet above sea level. Riders spend time at the summit for photography and acclimatization before descending back to Leh. Total cumulative elevation gain for the day exceeds 5,874 feet. Overnight hotel in Leh.
Included
- Expert handpicked local guides and support team.
- Backup vehicles during the tour.
- Standard Hotel (Manali and Leh), and tents for camping (twin sharing)
- All breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner during the dates.
- Refreshments / energy beverages / Mineral water.
- Permits for border entry, camping and trekking.
- Bike Mechanic / service.
Not included
- GST @5%
- International Airfare to India and back.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Entry visa, excess baggage fee, and other taxes.
- Personal expenses.
- Pick up from New Delhi Airport (available at additional cost)
- Drop to Leh Airport (available at additional cost)
- Rental Mountain Bikes (available at additional cost
- Alcoholic / Aerated beverages / any other edible items from outside.
- Bike spares.
- Emergency evacuation charges.