Manali-Leh Himalayan Epic Tour
Beautiful Ladakh is the home of one of cycling’s epic journeys. Riding over some of the highest passes in the world this cycle journey takes us from the forested foothills of the Himalaya to the spectacular lunar landscapes of Ladakh. Our route weaves crosses the Indian Himalaya passing dramatic monasteries and the timeless beauty of a genuinely untouched land.
Highlights
Key Info
Day 1: Mandi. Morning train to Chandigarh: 4 hour drive to delightful Mandi for overnight stay in the former home of the Maharajah of the Kingdom of Mandi.
Day 2: Mandi-Manali.It’s a 4 -Hour scenic to the gateway to the Himalayan getaway of Manali (2020m). Bike build and plenty of time to explore Manali’s famed colourful bazaars and temple. Overnight Manali.
Day 3: Manali Hampta Pass Ride (32km). Stretch the travel out of your legs with a beautiful acclimatisation ride to the base of the Hampta Pass Trek returning back to Manali. Overnight Manali.
Day 4: Manali-Khoti (42km). We roll out from our Manali hotel through Old Manali on the East side of the Beas river climbing gently to our overnight halt at beautiful Khoti.
Day 5: Khoti-Sissu (77km). We start climbing right from our hotel door in Khoti through cedar and fir forests on route to the Rohtang Pass. The Rohtang La (3946m) is the dramatic gateway to the stark mountainous desert of Ladakh. From the top we descend almost 1000m to Khoksar from where we follow the beautiful Chandra Valley to our homestay near Sissu.
Day 6: Sissu-Jispa (53km). A steady short day in the saddle as we approach the Great Himalayan Range riding through pastureland through Keylong (3358m) and onto the beautiful riverside town of Jispa sprawled along the banks of Bhag River.
Day 7: Jispa- Palamo Zampa-Jispa (48km). A stunner of a of a ride as we break away from the route to Leh and take a detour up the Zanskar Valley to Palamo Zampa at 3700m and return back to overnight at Jispa.
Day 8: Jispa- Sarchu (78km). Another magical day of cycling as we cross the Himalaya to Sarchu. We start with a long ascent to the Baralacha La Pass (4933m) passing the Suraj Kund; an isolated high altitude lake; on the epic climb to the top, the views are breathtaking. From the pass it’s mostly a descent to our dramatically situated campsite at Sarchu.
Day 9: Sarchu-Pang (80km). Today is definitely one for the climbers. It’s a steady 32km across the Sarchu Plains before the climbing starts in earnest at the Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends, and then on to the top of our first pass, the Nakli La at (4948m) With a short respite down to Whiskey Nallay it’s another pedal spinner up to the Lachalung La (5059m) crossing the Zanskar Range and down through incredible rock formations to our overnight stay at Pang.
Day 10: Pang-Tsokar Lake (55km). Morning starts with a heart thumping 8km climb to the Mori Plains (4778m) and Rupshu, the waterless high altitude desert plain of the Tibetan Plateau, home to the hardy Changpas; tent dwelling Tibetan nomads who graze flocks of sheep and yaks in this endless landscape. A few more hours pedaling takes us to Tsokar Lake and our camp for the night near Pongunagu. Tsokar means ‘white lake’, and there are white salt deposits ringing the water. Look out for the ‘kiang’, the wild asses which roam the surrounding hills.
Day 11: Tsokar Lake-Lato (72km). Another great pass lies ahead as we make our way over the mighty Tanglang La which, at 5350m, affords unbelievable views of both the Himalaya and the Karakorum Mountains. From the top it’s a belter of a descent through fields of barley and potatoes before reaching our hotel at Lato.
Day 12: Lato-Leh (77km). A super day in the saddle lies ahead as we follow the Kyamnar River down to the Indus Valley and all the way into Leh visiting the dramatically located Thikse Monastery and passing the white washed Shey Palace into our destination, Leh.
Day 13: Leh Rest Day. A well deserved rest day gives us a chance to relax and explore the sights of Leh, from the timeless feel of the bazaars and narrow back streets to the other-worldly Old Royal Palace. Leh is a truly unforgettable place.
Day 14: Leh-Khardungla Pass-Leh (78km). Legs refreshed its time for perhaps the greatest challenge of the trip the ride to the Khardung La (5602m) which lays claim to be ono the highest road pass in the world. Outlandish views are a constant as we climb and climb again to what feels like the roof of the world.
Day 15: Leh-Delhi. An early morning transfer to Leh airport for the dramatic flight across the Himalaya back to Delhi. Time for a stroll around Delhi and it’s famed historical sites.
Day 16: Return Flights/Onward Travel. Transfer to airport/further travel.
*E -Bike and Standard MTB Hardtail Rent Available On This Tour
Manali-Leh Himalayan Epic Tour 15 Nights
2026 June 20th £1795/£1995 Limited Places
2027 June 19th £1795/£1995 Available
*Double/Single Occupancy
