Cycling
Baralacha La, Nakee la, Tanglang La, and eventually the mighty Khardung la. This thrilling trip includes crossing over high mountain passes. The rugged hills, the high passes and the whole route provide stunning views of snow- capped peaks, and walking along this route can remind you that this is one of the world’s most amazing and picturesque landscapes. Launch your bike trip from Manali and start a 545 km mountain bike ride through the desolate and remote countryside, which includes climbing six major passes up to 5,600 m (18,414 ft.) tall, so both you and your bike must be in good shape.
- Check-in to the booked hotel or orientation camp set up by Snowbird Himalaya Adventures. Proceedings will start after lunch with a round of introductions for the participants and organizers. The tour leader will brief about the expedition and after that fellow cyclists will be free to explore around Manali. Overnight at the hotel/ camp.
- The first ascent of the trip prepares up for the tough ride ahead and takes you through the panoramic view of pine and deodar trees. We will take an early start to beat the traffic rush destined for Rothang Pass. One has to negotiate many hairpin bends to reach Marhi. Marhi offers picturesque camping sites and prepares up for the muddy ascent of Rothang Pass. Overnight in camps.
- We start the day by finishing the 18km ascent to the Rothang pass (3980m) and there are some lovely scenic views on the horizon of snow-covered peaks and glaciers of Spiti valley. After a refreshing halt at Rothang, a steady descent takes us to Gramphu on the highway along Chandra river. From here we will encounter some unmetalled stretches of flat road as we cross the raging torrent of the river at Khoksar and continue a short and easy ride to Sissu in the foothills of the Pir Panjal. Sissu (also known as Khagling) is a small town in the Lahaul valley and located on the right bank of Chandra river.
- The day starts with a steady climb up to Gondla, 244m above Sissu. From Gondla there’s a fast descent to Tandi which is situated at the confluence of the Chandra River (flowing down from the north) and Bhaga River, which merge to form the Chandra- Bhaga River that later becomes known as Chenab downstream in Jammu and Kashmir. We cross the towns of Tandi and Keylong and ride on a low gradient all the way up till Jispa, where the river opens out into a wide valley. We camp on the banks of the Bhaga River.
- The road climbs steadily to Darcha some 10km from Jispa and then the climb to Patseo begins. The terrain is much more arid and the road is dusty and rocky. We can now sense the isolation of the area, with a few sheep dotted around and begin to enter the territory of the Lamas. In the far horizon you can see the bleak and awesome spectacle of the higher Himalayan ranges. The steep ascent to Baralacha-La starts at Zing Zing bar.
- The day starts early and participants ascend the mountains up to the Baralacha La at 5030m. We cross Deepak Tal situated at 14,000 ft with the snow-capped Mulkila peaks forming a scenic backdrop. The pass is arid with no vegetation, the sides of the mountains looking more like a quarry covered with loose rocks and scree. The route descends gradually to the wide Sarchu Plains.
- The day starts with some relatively easy cycling but soon we are negotiating ‘21 loops of Gata’ that zigzag all the way to the summit of Nakila at 5050m. A short downhill section and you reach Whisky Nala. Camp here for the night.
- We start the day with a 7km ascent to Taglang La at 5150 followed by a long descent along a steep gorge to reach Pang. From Pang, an 8 km switchback climb leads us to the flat top of the Moray Plains at 4700m. This barren area is known for its extreme temperatures in the morning and evening, fast winds and sandstorms. The only sign of life is the hardy Nomadic Changpas who can be seen tending their yaks in this most desolate place. Our first choice for camping will be Tso kar lake which is short detour from Main highway. In case this route is closed due to some reason we will camp at Debring which is Just before the ascent of Tanglang La, world’s second highest motorable pass at 5,360m.
- A challenging climb that leads to the World’s second highest motorable pass in the world- Tanglang- La at 5360m. More vast openness and isolation from the rest of the world. This is a challenge indeed, but truly satisfying when you reach the top, before we set off down the exhilarating descent to the village of Lato. The first view of Lato will mesmerise you as you will watch the beautiful green patches of small Ladakhi farms, the Gompas, and barren mountains in the backdrop.
- As we continue the scenery changes dramatically, we arrive in a fertile valley that is dotted with pretty villages and Stupas. The awesome red and green coloured mountains that stretch for miles add to the beauty of the spectacular scenery. You can actually see the tectonic forces at work. Crossing the Indus River, the road improves dramatically as we follow the road towards Leh. This is an easy ride as we pass the Thiksey Monastery and the Chortens Garden entering Leh itself. Back to civilisation and all its home comforts. Congratulations you have just crossed four major mountain passes and ridden over 480 kms.
- We will set of for Khardung La early morning just as the sun comes up. Cycling 45km and gaining 2000m, this is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5359 m! the view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Saser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of the true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. After a small celebration the trip will end by the evening. Hotel stay on this day is included in the fee. You can return from Leh as per your convenience. Please book your return flight accordingly.
- Check-Out from the hotel/Guesthouse and continue your journey onwards.