Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

Prices

From $1,652USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels and camping

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Spend 14 days exploring the Himalayas on a mountain bike

Ride from Manali to Leh, ascending five Himalayan mountain passes soaring high above the land sprawled below.

Admire the prayer flags fluttering and the Buddhist Chorten from atop Tanglang La, the second-highest mountain pass in the world.

Spend nights tenting amid the bliss of the wild in picturesque camping spots after your cycling adventures.

Catch a glimpse of the vibrant culture via the monasteries and architectural stunners in Delhi and Leh.

Embark on one of the most epic adventures in the world on this cycling tour that traverses the Himalayas, crossing five mountain ranges between India’s Manali and Leh! Cycle to crazy high altitudes and bask in the energy of the mountain summits that surround you.

The guided Himalaya Cycling Tour from Manali to Leh is tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts wanting an experience different from any other they’ve had. While this 14-day tour spends most of its days taking you to unspoiled outdoor utopias in the Himalayas, it also unveils glimpses of the spirituality embedded deep into India’s culture. Mountain biking high in the Himalayas can exceed your expectations no matter how high you set them.

Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and greet you before you transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Old Delhi. Visit one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride from Red Fort to Jama Masjid. The day is yours!

Enjoy a relaxing night at your hotel and get a good night’s sleep before the upcoming adventure.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Delhi
Distance
None
Meals
Dinner

Day 2 Train to Manali

Prepare for a travel day! In the morning, you’ll head to the railway station for your train to Chandigarh. Arrive here at 11:05 am. Then, board a coach and travel to Manali.

You’ll meet your guide and go over the plan for your upcoming adventure in the evening.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Manali
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Get Acclimatized in Manali

Spend the day allowing your body to adjust to the 2,050m elevation. Enjoy a pleasant bicycle ride around the city to warm up and then enjoy your last hotel sleep for a while.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Manali
Distance
8-12 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Ride the Beas Valley and Rohtang Pass

Get ready to totally immerse yourself in the mountains! Start your cycling adventure by meandering through the verdant Beas Valley along an ancient trade route. You will eventually begin an ascent to Rohtang Pass, but prepare to pass by postcard-painted villages en route, including Palchan, Kothi and Gulaba.

Shake out your legs in Marhi, where you’ll camp for the night.

Overnight Location
Camping in Marhi (3,360m / 11,023’)
Distance
35 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Cycle to Sissu

Prepare to head up the first of the five mountain passes on this Himalayan cycling tour. Once you’ve cycled up, take a moment to breathe in the stunning views. Snow tends to blanket the ground here even during the summer months!

After relaxing at the top for a moment, descend towards Gramphu, a quaint village. From here, follow the river until you reach Sissu.

Overnight Location
Camping in Sissu (3,120m / 10,235’)
Distance
53 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Cycle to Patseo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cycling along the Bhaga River. Admire how the scenery dissolves into a more natural, wild landscape. Today’s trail takes you further from civilization- savour the solitude of trails few people travel by.

End your bike ride with an ascent to Patseo.

Overnight Location
Camping in Patseo (3,800m / 12,467’)
Distance
60 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Cycle to Sarchu

After enjoying breakfast, get ready for a steep, challenging ride. Today’s path takes you to the second mountain pass on this tour. The cycle up to Baralach La Pass may have you screaming a little, but the views at the top make the burn so worth it!

Admire the shimmering Suraj Tal lake below. The cycle to Sarchu also takes you into the Great Himalayas. After marvelling at the view, descend toward your campsite.

Overnight Location
Camping in Sarchu (4,280m / 14,070’)
Distance
58 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Cycle to Whisky Nullah

Zigzag along the 21 Garda Loops as you make your way to Nakeela Pass. This is the third mountain pass on this tour. Do these views ever get old? seems not!

Overnight Location
Camping at Whisky Nullah (4,765m / 15,633’)
Distance
56 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 Lachang La Pass to Debring

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before embarking on the second-longest journey of this trip! Make your way to Lachang La Pass, the second-highest pass you’ll encounter.

While you have some steep sections on this route, enjoy a combination of downhill, gradual ascents, and smooth roads!

Overnight Location
Camping in Debring (4,765m / 15,633’)
Distance
70 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10 Ride Tanglang La to Rumtse

Get ready to ride to the highest point of the cycling tour so far! Today's route takes you to Tanglang La, the second-highest pass in the world and the world's highest drivable road. The first 12 km will trick you into thinking it's easy, but following 8 km will have you panting. At the top, you'll see prayer flags fluttering and a Buddhist Chorten. Revel in the remarkable vistas of two mountain ranges, Zanskar and Ladakh.

After admiring the views, descend towards civilization and spend the night camping in Rumptse.

Overnight Location
Camping in Rumtse (4,166m / 13,667’)
Distance
52 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11 Cycle to Leh

Enjoy a rewarding breakfast before hopping on your bike and cycling to Leh. Today’s journey may be 90 km, but it’s an easy route!

Admire how the mountainscape scenery fades and the lush Ladakh valleys, tucked into the red-tinted slopes spanning the region. Ride along the Indus River, past an array of villages, and past Thikse Gompa before reaching Leh. Enjoy a comfortable, well-earned night in a hotel bed tonight.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh
Distance
90 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12 Leisure Day in Leh

Spend the day at your leisure! A good starting place is to explore the incredible monuments and monasteries in and around Leh, like Thikse Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace, and Stok Palace Museum.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13 Cycle to Khardung La Pass

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before enjoying one final, challenging day of mountain biking! You’ll travel from Leh to Khardung La Pass and back to Leh, ascending around 2000m en route to the pinnacle. The route may be tough, but it unveils panoramic views of the Himalayan range surrounding you.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Leh
Distance
41 km
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 14 Depart Leh

After breakfast, head to the airport and fly to Delhi. You can choose to stay in Delhi for the night or transfer to the international airport for a connecting flight.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh Price and Dates

This guided mountain biking tour of the Himalayas is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.

Prices below are per person:

  • Guided groups of 6-7: $1,838USD per person
  • Guided groups of 8-9: $1,652USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 10+: on request
Start Your Booking

Accommodation on the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

This tour will have you staying in a combination of hotels and alpine tents at overnight campsites. When you’re not camping, expect to stay in 2-4-star hotels. The hotels offer modern amenities and the campsites are basic.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement of to have a private room where possible (please enquire for the pricing).

Pride Plaza Hotel in Delhi

Enjoy the luxurious amenities at this swanky hotel. You’ll enjoy a chic room, pool access, free WiFi, and helpful staff.

Shivadya Resort and Spa in Manali

This stunning resort enjoys fabulous mountain views, and you’ll enjoy the sauna, fireplaces, room service, and cozy decor.

Night 3-10

Camping on Himalayas

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains as you camp! Alpine tents, restroom facilities, and a dining tent are included.

Glacier View Hotel in Leh

This intriguingly-designed hotel overlooks a pretty pond and offers comfortable rooms, some of which have balconies.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh Tour?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 13 dinners are included on this tour. Light snacks, refreshments, and water will be provided as you cycle.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 13 nights are included on this tour. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you ad your luggage is included as required throughout the tour. A car will follow behind you as you cycle. The train from Delhi to Chandigarh is also included. You should budget around 165 USD for the flights between Leh and Delhi (depending on the dates, this price might vary).

Also Included

  • Cycling guide
  • Local guide in Leh
  • Support vehicle following riders (it will also carry extra bikes in case something happens to yours)
  • Camping, permit, and entrance fees
  • Supplies and support including tents, cook, insulation mats, toilet tent, dining tent, and a kitchen tent
  • Support vehicle for equipment
  • Cycle support vehicle
  • Cycle mechanic
  • Firefox Target bike

Not included

  • Flights to and from Delhi
  • Accommodations before and after the tour
  • Tour guide gratuities
  • Personal expenses such as laundry or telephone calls

Optional Extras

  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Extra night in Delhi or Leh before or after the tour

Frequenty Asked Questions about Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh

How hard is the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh?

This tour is rated as a 5/5. The route from Manali to Leh has you cycling at very high altitudes for 35-90 km a day, multiple days in a row. The route is mostly paved, but of poor condition. The high-altitude levels and harsh weather conditions will make it very challenging. A high level of fitness and experience mountain biking is recommended.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh?

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 13 dinners are included on this tour. Light snacks, refreshments, and water will be provided as you cycle. Do note that some lunches will be packed.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover mountain biking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Delhi to start this tour?

You can fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, where you will be met by your guide.

Is the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh in English?

Yes, the tour guides speak English.

Where does the Himalayan Cycling Tour: Manali to Leh end?

The tour ends at the airport in Leh. You can connect to an international airport from here to travel home.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes- the price for this tour includes bike rental.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, please ensure it is a mountain bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to India?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for India?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to India for this tour?

The best time to travel to India for this tour is July and August when the weather in the Himalayas tends to be the warmest and mildest.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.7
93 ratings
5 star
78
4 star
9
3 star
3
2 star
2
1 star
1

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

93 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Prices

From $1,652USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotels and camping

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

This tour is rated as a 5/5. The route from Manali to Leh has you cycling at very high altitudes for 35-90 km a day, multiple days in a row. The route is mostly paved, but of poor condition. The high-altitude levels and harsh weather conditions will make it very challenging. A high level of fitness and experience mountain biking is recommended.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Rajiv

New Delhi, India

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs