Max Participants :
15
Trail Type :
Start one place and end to another place
Itinerary Description
Introduction
The Manali-Leh cycling expedition is a journey of a lifetime that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain in the world. This expedition is a dream come true for adventure seekers and cycling enthusiasts looking to push themselves to the limit while enjoying stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences.
The thrill of conquering some of the highest mountains passes in the world, such as Baralacha La (4,890 meters), Lachulung La (5,065 meters), Tanglang La (5,328 meters), and Khardung La (5,359 m) make it all worth it. Every day, you achieve a new milestone, and at every turn, you will witness a stunning shift in the scenery. Only on the Manali-Leh cycling route will you encounter barren deserts, turquoise lakes, and verdant valleys.
The Manali-Leh cycling expedition is an unforgettable adventure offering a unique combination of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion. It is an opportunity to push your limits and experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Time for Expedition
Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition takes place in July-August.
Difficulty Level
The 10-day challenging expedition is every biking enthusiast's wildest dream. The trail consists of challenging terrains, high-altitude mountain passes, hairpin bends, and steep ascents. These challenges would be easier to overcome with prior experience in MTB.
If you are a beginner or newbie, invest in a good bike and start preparing for the expedition in advance. Follow a strict fitness regimen and practice daily with discipline and consistency.
Short Itinerary
Arrive Manali (2050 mts) -Briefing and local cycling Practice
Manali (2050 mts) to Marhi (3360 mts) 35 km (8 to 9 hours)
Marhi (3360 mts) to Sissu (3130 mts) via Rohtang Pass (3978 mts): 51 km (7 hours)
Sissu (3130 mts) to Jispa (3200 mts) via Keylong 55 km (7 to 8 hours)
Jispa (3200 mts) to ZingZingbar (4270 mts) 36 km (7 to 8 hours)
Zingzingbar (4270 mts) to Sarchu (4290 mts) via Baralacha La (4850 mts) 50 km (7 to 8 hours)
Sarchu (4290 mts) to Whiskey Nallah (4600 mts) via Nakee La (4769 mts) 48 km (7 to 8 hours)
Whiskey Nallah (4600 mts) to Lachung La (5059 mts) - Tso Kar/Debring (4835 mts) 81 km (8 to 9 hours)
Tso Kar/Debring (4835 mts) to Lato (4014 mts) via Tanglang La (5328 mts) - 53 km (5 hours)
Lato (4014 mts) to Leh (3500 mts) 70 km (6 hours)
Leh (3500 mts) to Khardung La (5359 mts) to Leh (3500 mts): 70 km (6 hours)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Manali (2050 mts) -Briefing and local cycling Practice
Arrive in Manali a day before the expedition. Our team leader will give you the brief and take you for a test ride. Explore Manali on the bike and get acclimatized to the surroundings.
Day 2
Manali (2050 mts) to Marhi (3360 mts) 35 km (8 to 9 hours)
Trail: it will be a tough opening as the entire stretch is uphill, and we gain a significant altitude. There is a twist in the scenery with every turn and bend. The scenic panoramas of the mountain villages and numerous waterfalls will keep you enthralled.
Campsite: Hot food and beverages await you at the campsite of Marhi, a small village before Rohtang La. Replenish your energy levels and retire for the day. It will be an exciting day ahead.
Day 3
Marhi (3360 mts) to Sissu (3130 mts) via Rohtang Pass (3978 mts): 51 km (7 hours)
Trail: The first half of the trail is an uphill battle up to Rohtang Pass. The luscious green scenery suddenly changes to the views of snowcapped mountains once you reach the top. From Rohtang Pass, it is a downhill ride with small ups and downs to Sissu.
Campsite: Sissu is a small town in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh located on the banks of the Chandra River. Wake up to the views of sun-kissed mountains.
Milestone of the day: Crossing Rohtang Pass will feel like a victory for the day. Don’t forget to click pictures at the pass.
Day 4
Sissu (3130 mts) to Jispa (3200 mts) via Keylong 55 km (7 to 8 hours)
Trail: More than trail, the cold weather will be a challenge today. Riding through remote villages of India in the cold desert region is an unforgettable experience. The trail is predominantly downhill with small ups and downs till Tandi. The last 7 km gets challenging as we climb up to Jispa.
Campsite: Enjoy rest in a local homestay with comfortable beds and blankets in Jispa.
Thrilling point: Watch out for the majestic view of Mt Lady of Keylong, mountaineer’s favorite 6000-er peak, on the way to Jispa.
Day 5
Jispa (3200 mts) to ZingZingbar (4270 mts) 36 km (7 to 8 hours)
Trail: Brace yourself as it is a continuous ascent up until Zingzingbar. Some sections are steeper, and some gradually ascend.
Campsite: Zingzingbar is a camp for the Border Roads Organization (BRO) with temporary shelters and tea houses.
Thrilling point: Enjoy some moments of respite by Deepak Tal, a pristine-blue lake hidden amidst the rugged mountains.
Day 6
Zingzingbar (4270 mts) to Sarchu (4290 mts) via Baralacha La (4850 mts) 50 km (7 to 8 hours)
Trail: The 16-km steep ascent from Zingzingbar to Baralacha La is challenging but worth all the pain and sweat. From the pass, it is all downhill. Be careful of the gravel and dirt. Some sections of the road are poorly constructed.
Campsite: The campsite of Sarchu is set amidst the barren yet magnificent landscape of Ladakh. Located on the Manali-Leh highway, Sarchu is the base point for numerous treks and expeditions.
Milestone of the day: The views from this vantage point are stunning. One can witness Suraj Tal, a pristine blue lake nestled between the rocky, arid mountains. The whole scenery throughout the journey is remarkable. Take a moment to savor the beauty of Ladakh.
Day 7
Sarchu (4290 mts) to Whiskey Nallah (4600 mts) via Nakee La (4769 mts) 48 km (7 to 8 hours)
Trail: Today, we will enjoy a joyous ride through the famous Gata Loops. The biking trail has a flat gradient with a few gentle ascents and descents along the way. Our climb to Nakee La gets tougher as we go higher.
Campsite: The campsite of Whisey Nallah is located at an altitude of. Be careful as you might get prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Keep yourself hydrated.
Thrilling point: Celebrate the victory of riding up the third mountain pass - Nakee La. It is fairly challenging, given the tough gradient and the high altitude. Maintaining rhythm is the key.
Day 8
Whiskey Nallah (4600 mts) to Lachung La (5059 mts) - Tso Kar/Debring (4835 mts) 81 km (8 to 9 hours)
Trail: Today's challenge is to cover a long distance. The path has alternate ascents and descents. The smooth ride through the desert of More Plains will make up for it. Be careful on the road ahead of Lachung La as it is strewn with dirt and gravel.
Campsite: The campsite of Debring is located by the lakeside. The surreal reflection of mountains in the calm, blue waters looks pristine.
Thrilling Point: The barren landscapes and views of the More Plains will evoke a sense of tranquility and wonder in you. Slow down to cherish the scenery in front of you.
Day 9
Tso Kar/Debring (4835 mts) to Lato (4014 mts) via Tanglang La (5328 mts) - 53 km (5 hours)
Trail: The ride is challenging for two reasons today; the long, steep ascent and the thinning of air as we reach the glorious Tanglang La. Don’t get discouraged. The views from the top are worth all the blood and sweat.
Thrilling point: Prominent peaks like Mt. Nun-Kun and Kang Yatse are visible from the top of Tanglang La.
Campsite: The campsite of Ratse ahead of Lato is a refreshing change in scenery. The mountains change their color from arid brown to brick red with tints of olive.
Day 10
Lato (4014 mts) to Leh (3500 mts) 70 km (6 hours)
Trail: The distance is long with gradual ascents. So, you can take it easy today and save the enthusiasm for the next day's finale.
Thrilling Point: Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace welcome you as you enter Leh.
Campsite: Check into the hotel and replenish your energy levels. You will need every ounce of it tomorrow.
Day 11
Leh (3500 mts) to Khardung La (5359 mts) to Leh (3500 mts): 70 km (6 hours)
Trail: The last mile is always challenging but worth all the effort. The steep climb to Khardung La top is physically demanding and risky. Located at a height of 5359 meters, one can get prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Milestone of the day: Your long-awaited moment has finally arrived. There is no better feeling than reaching the Khardung La top. Capture the sweet victory in your camera and collect memorabilia from the souvenir shop. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Be thankful for the extraordinary views of the Zanskar Ranges and rivers from Khardung La top.
Campsite: We head back to Leh and stay overnight in a guesthouse.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- ●All Meals during the Expedition (Day 2 Lunch till Day 11 Dinner)
- ●Entry Fess, Camping Charge (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- ●Separate Camping Vehicle minimum group of 6 participants
- ●One Support vehicle per 6 Participants
- ●One Night Guest House Stay in Manali, Jispa, Sarchu and 2 Nights Hotel Stay in Leh
- ●Experience & Mountaineering course certified Expedition Leader with First Aid certification
- ●Experience services team like Cook, helpers
- ●First aid medical support and oxygen cylinder
- ●One bag up to 80 liters by Participants to be accommodated in the support vehicle. Avoid trolley bags.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- ●Meals during Hotel Stay in Manali
- ●Bicycle/MTB Rent
- ●Permit fee for Khardungla
- ●Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- ●Any Expense of personal nature.
- ●Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Difficult
Max Altitude
5602 mts
Distance
561 km
WMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WMRS Level Required
WMRS 6
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
🟩 Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- . Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1*
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each*
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle with water resistant trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Crocks/Sandals Qty -1
🟩 Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2*
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear (Poncho/ Jacket & Pants) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
🟩 Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 (Minimum SPF 30)
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
🟩 Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Here are a couple of tutorials on What & How to pack your rucksack for your upcoming trek from our experts:
Note-
- *For long trek please carry one spare sunglass
- *In winter trek please try to carry one hot water bottle
- * For long and winter trek to carry warm pent one pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Wanderin Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized approx 2000+ trekking, Expeditions and other adventure activities.
- ●Wanderin’ Man Adventures operating expeditions above 8000 mts.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15 + adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
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