Himalayan High: Manali-Leh Info

Is This Trip For You?

While average distances are not long the altitude makes for a considerable challenge. Some of the riding is above 5000m and anyone regardless of their fitness level can find the going tough up here. There is always the option to enjoy the scenery from the bus if things start to feel too tricky. A good level of fitness is definitely required to maximise your enjoyment of one of all the time classic cycle journeys.

India Visa
You can apply for an E-Visa starting from 30-Days

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html 

Medical

Get in touch with your GP or Travel Clinic well in advance of your departure for latest information on vaccinations and any other medical considerations.  There are no mandatory vaccination requirements whilst current recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. For riding above 3000m there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to aclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected.

For additional information please visit: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

You might want to consider bringing your own personalised 1st aid/medical kit to supplement our medical and 1st aid supplies.

Insurance
Get insured. It is a condition of our trips that you are adequately insured. Policies must cover cycling. If your usual insurance doesn’t cover cycling then consider specialist coverage. We need a copy of your insurance ready for us on arrival or you can send us on a copy via e-mail prior to the trip.

Ride Clothing/Shoes

Better to wear over shorts rather than cycle britches to minimise any unwanted attention and ease of walking into places of interest on route. Cycle shoes are usually better with a non-exposed cleat so you can easily  have a walk around  mid-ride at stops and places of interest..

Kit to bring

Gloves x 2 Full length for cool morning starts
Helmet
Head torch (For camping)
Warm Clothes: duvet jacket, trouser inner, nights can get cold.
Lightweight Sleeping bag or liner.
Waterproof Jacket
Mix of long sleeve and short sleeve riding tops in case of sunburn
Universal electric plug
Mosquito Repellent
High factor sun-cream
Sunglasses
Lip salve
Swimwear
Sandals/flip flops
A water bottle – this should be a standard size to fit into a normal water bottle cage on the bike
Hydration pack/small ride pack for storing extra layers.

Bringing Your Own Bike

A short travel hardtail MTB is the bike we recommend for this trip. Please ensure it is in top condition, if you have any doubt about any part of your bike surviving the trip then get it replaced. Please let us know in advance what bike you are bringing out so we can make sure we have all spares covered.
If you are bringing your own bike then please bring
Spokes specific to your bike
Spare Mech Hanger
2 extra sets of brake pads
1/2 tubes

Renting A Bike

We have Scott MTB Hardtail’s available for this trip at £200 for the trip duration. Please contact us in advance for availability and bike sizing.  Please bring your own pedals and compatible shoes if you are riding SPD. All bikes will come supplied with saddles  which might be a bit on the sporty side so it could be worth bringing your own if you have a comfortable saddle that your are used to.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners taken at camp are included.  Dinner is not included in Delhi/Mandi/Manali and Leh were there are a  range of restaurants serving a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food including Tibetan, Indian, Chinese and Continental. Manali and Leh. Campsite food is simple and plentiful with breakfasts including  porridge, cereals, eggs and toast with plenty of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Lunches are usually taken on route either at local restaurant or a picnic set-up with noodles, bread, roti daal etc and plenty of energy snacks.  There will be afternoon tea and biscuits on arrival at camp followed later by  dinner so expect  soup, pasta, rice or potato based main course with fresh vegetables, followed by dessert, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Weather

Generally the weather is good in Ladakh during the summer time, with warm to hot sunny days (temperatures can reach up to 30ºC), and cool to cold nights depending on the altitude, possibly below freezing on occasions. There is, however, always a possibility of rain and  even snow at higher altitudes particularly around Manali and the Rothang Pass. You will need to carry gloves and warm waterproof layers on the cycling days. Delhi in the summer months is very hot and humid.

Altitude

The trip spends considerable time at altitude so we run this trip south to north as it provides better aclimatisation and allows riders a better chance to complete and enjoy the trip without spending time in the backup vehicle.

Accommodation 

Nights spent on the tour are a mix of excellent hotel rooms,  characterful local guest houses and camping which is on a full-service camping basis, camp staff set up the tents and cook the food etc. We also have a dining tent complete with table and folding chairs, and at least one toilet tent (usually two).

Included

All accommodation
All scheduled transfers
Leh to Delhi Flight
All breakfasts/lunches/All Evening meals except those listed below
Tour leader
Guides
All scheduled entry fees
Vehicle support
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Snacks, soft drinks etc
Personal expense
Tips, gratuities
Evening meals in Delhi/Mandi/Manali and Leh

Vehicle Support

We have full vehicle support on for the duration of the tour. Riders who are tired or just wish for a quick break from the cycling will be able to take time out in the support vehicle.

Finances

ATM’s are available in Delhi, Mandi Manali and Leh. Visa is the most widely accepted. Food items, snacks, gift items are all well priced so expect to pay £5 for an evening meal or just over £3 for an alcoholic drink.  Airport exchange rates are usually very poor so if you are exchanging money here then just change small amounts. You can change larger amounts of cash at good rates in New Delhi on arrival day.

Connectivity

Delhi/Chandigarh/Manali and Leh have phone and internet connectivity whilst coverage on the rest of the tour is patchy.

Local Time

India’s Timezone: (GMT +05:30)

Electricity/Battery Charging

India’s Electricity: 230/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. 2 pin type.
There are recharging facilities at all the hotels and usually for short periods on camping nights. The electricity supply is not 100% reliable but it is usually only off for short periods of time. If you have camera/Gopro etc then consider bringing extra batteries or a power bank for charging.

Tipping

Our Mountain Bike Kerala do not expect tips but our riding guides, drivers and local staff would greatly appreciate them if the service is excellent. For a rough guide then consider from £50 to cover riding guides and back up team and £2-£5 per day for hotels/campsite staff etc if the service and food has been great.