Mountain Bike Trip Ladakh

MTB Ladakh: The lowdown

The 490-kilometer journey from Leh (Ladakh) to Manali is one of the ultimate challenges for the experienced mountain biker. Crossing the Himalayas from north to south, the route traverses four high passes, with an accumulated altitude gain exceeding 29,000 fit - the equivalent of cycling to the summit of Mount Everest from sea level.

We start the trip by flying from New Delhi to Leh (Ladakh), situated above the Indus River at 12,000 feet. Isolated deep within the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, the upper Indus valley is a dry windswept moonscape. The mesmerizing shallow slopes of the valley consist of subtle layers of pale amber, ochre, and sandstone, which twist and turn in a subtle dance revealing the geological history of this ancient land. Known as "Little Tibet," Ladakh has a rich culture, which still supports numerous active monasteries. Perched on high cliffs and hilltops, these monasteries appear as guardians over the starkly beautiful landscape.

We will spend several days acclimatizing in the valley prior to setting off on the Trans-Himalayan journey, visiting the famous monasteries (called gompas) of Hemis, Alchi, and Tikse.

Travel will be by van the first day or two, but once we are reasonably acclimated to the altitude, we will get in some spectacular warm up rides along the valley's quiet well-paved roads.

Itinerary:

1 Fly Delhi to Leh, transfer to Hotel in Stok, Guide will meet you at Delhi airport for all ticket/flight handling.

2. Day in Leh, drive & return by bike.... sightseeing .

3. Leh > bike to Shey & Thiksey Monasteries

4. Drive/cycle to Alchi Monastery, return to Stok by bike

5. Stok > Bike to Poplar Camp.

6. Rest day at Camp, and optional cycle to Hemis Gompa

7. Bike to the base of the first major pass - Taglang La..... camp

8. Climb the Taglang La Pass (5300m/17384ft) and descend to the more plains camp at Drukpa encampment

9 Drukpa encampment > bike to Pang.....camp

10 Pang > bike to Sarchu, crossing pass #2 the Lachung La, on route

11 Sarchu > bike to Bharatpur

12 Bharatpur > rest day or optional day hike, near to the summit of the Baralacha La

13 Bharatpur > bike to Jispa, crossing pass #3 the Baralacha La and camp at Jispa

14 Jispa > bike to Gramphoo via Keylong

15 Gramphoo to Manali, crossing pass#4 the Rohtang La

16 Rest Day & party in Manali...... overnight bus to Delhi

17 Arrive Delhi, transfer to international airport or to hotel depending on clients schedule.

This is not a trip for the faint-lunged! But the strenuousness of the trip is more than compensated for by what is arguably the most spectacular and varied mountain scenery in the world. Moreover, the areas traveled through - Ladakh, Zanskar, and Lahoul - represent some of the last places on earth where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives.

Included:

• Guide/mechanic, Local driver for the support vehicle and (importantly) very familiar with the route
• All meals
• Transport around Leh & throughout the expedition & rest days ( as required)
• Full camping support during the Leh- Manali sector
• Hotels & meals Leh & Manali- (twin shared basis)
• Bus transport to Delhi
• English, Nepali, Indian speaking Guide/mechanic
• Bike tools for general servicing ( not spare parts for personal bikes )
• Domestic Flight – one way.