LADKAH CYCLING TOUR

Famous Routes of Cycling in Ladakh
Cycling in Ladakh Himalayas has its own unique taste. You have a number of route options to choose from. Some of the most preferred cycling routes or itineraries are as follows.

Leh to Alchi
One can cycle the 64km road from Leh to Alchi. The route takes one on a zigzag course through the hairpin turns of the Himalayan roads. The village of Alchi is renowned for the Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.

Leh to Hemis
Leh-Hemis (45 km) is another famous cycling itinerary. Leaving Leh from the main road provides a last glimpse of magnificent gompas at Thikse, Shey and Stok. The cycle tour follows the bank of the Indus River until Karu. At Karu, the route continues across the bridge and onwards to the village of Hemis.

Through Khardungla Pass
One can cycle through the highest motorable pass Khardungla. Follow the discipline and do not ride with an upset stomach. Your cycling trip along the road is definitely going to be a real life adventure.

Leh Ladakh Cycling Tour Itineray

The suppositions: You must be a very good biker, the high passes are not technical unpretending. The road is to 80% paved and the distances are not too long. A support car carries your luggage, so you can enjoy the great Himalayan range at the best views. The best time is 10. June-30 September.

Day 01 : You go with a bus from Delhi through the hill-landscape of Himachal Pradesh into the valley of Kulu and the Beas River along into the small town of Manali(2000m) Here you can stroll through the streets how you want for yourself. Overnight-stay in a hotel (2 nights)

Day 02 : The mountain bikes will be settled up, and now you go on a first reconnaissance-trip: A forest hides a temple, called Hidimba Devi, out of wood with remarkable carving. Later you drive steeply up to "Old Manali", a picturesque village close to the ruins of the Fortress Mandakot. Along the Beas River you will find the hot sources of Vashist.

Day 03 : You are biking on the highest road of the world. This trip through the "alpine" forest to the Rothang La serves for your acclimatization. After the last village, called Kothi, many serpentines bring you to the Rohalla Falls and after a big turn into a small valley you reach the camp where you stay overnight (3000m). Now the cook spoils you with his arts. However it could be raining there, because in this height the weather changes. Day-Performance: 35 km, 5 hours.

Day 04 : In many serpentines and over green pastures, it goes to the Rothang La, 4060m. There you can enjoy the view overthe glacier summits of Spiti, and the mountains of Ladakh. It’s fantastic! Now you enjoy the downhill of about 1000 height-meters to the village of Khoksar. There is the first check post, but you need not a permit. You are now in Lahaul-Valley. In softly up and down, you reach Tandi, the campsite at the place, where the rivers Chandra and Bhaga comes together. (2800m). Day -Performance 75 km, 5 hours.

Day 05 : You start early morning into the canyon and come to Keylong, the capital city of Lahaul-Valley. Prayer flags and Mani walls clarify for you that you are in a Tibetan- Buddhist culture-area. Four monasteries surrounding in the former capital of Lahaul invite you for sightseeing. The monastery of Kardung shines at the opposite hillside in the sun. After a powerful uphill in the afternoon you reach at the camp Jispa (3200m).

Day 06 : Now the wood border is behind you, passing Darcha (3235m), in a big river-landscape, you reach Patseo (3650m) on a comfortable half-stage. You start your trip intentionally quietly, in because of the adaptation of height. There you get a lot of fresh tea, because much drinking is very important during the acclimatization. Day- performance 32 km, 3 hours.

Day 07 : The Baralacha La, 4670m, is the first key-position on this demanding tour. The timberline remains behind, the landscape becomes balder. The height of this pass is a crossing- point of archaic caravan-ways. Three rivers rise from here: Bhaga, Chandra and one of the brooks of Zanskar, which will follow you from now on at your way in direction northwards to Indus. You have crossed the weather- difference of the Himalayan. You are very proud that you have managed this without help of the car, which accompanies you. Now, the indented mountains of Ladakh and Ruphsu are in front of you. Campsite in Sarchu at the Zanskar River. The cook there pampers you with original Indian or Nepalese food. The comfortable tents will give you a gently night. This day you pushed up your bike 1800 height meters and finished 55km. You need 6-8 hours, that’s a regular time.

Day 08 : Early morning you start the strongest steppe. First you go approximately 38 km very flat till you come to the Gataloops. The next 800 height meters you push up your bike in many serpentines. Then you reach Nakee La 5050m. A short downhill (250m) and the last ascent bring you to the Lachalung La 5150m. On the pass travelers have established Manis out of stones, which should appease the mountain- demons. The wind cancels over the colorful prayer-flags. You are acclimatized well, and so also the Lachalung La 5150m, does not cause any problems in you. Over you pile the rocks of the Trans himalaya. They roll through a bizarre canyon, until in Pang the second arm of the Zanskar is reached, the Zara Chu. Immediately beside a control- station you will stay for camping in the tents there, 4500m. You are hungry and you enjoy the Tibetan food-Momo, Noodles with Beans, Pancakes with Jam, Dal with Rice, and so on. Day-Performance 84 km, 7-9 hours.