The Manali-Leh Cycle Expedition
!!! The best form of experiencing the mystical journey to Ladakh Himalayas !!!
This cycling expedition takes us over the Himalayan range from the southern lush green valley of Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the arid high mountain desert of Ladakh. The dramatic changes in the landscape are best enjoyed on this cycling journey. The journey takes us over some high passes, such as Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La & Tanglang La. Tanglang La is the second highest motorable pass in the world at 5360m / 17585ft, next only to Khardung La.
The climax of the expedition is to finish the journey by cycling to WORLDS HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD POINT – ‘ KHARDUNG LA’ – 5602m / 18380 ft.
While passing through the small villages in Lahaul on the banks of Chandra & Bhaga rivers, through the peas & potato fields to no man land & never ending plateaus of Sarchu & Pang, to the flat deserted plains of Indus valley, we cross over from Kullu district to Lahaul district of Himachal & finally into Ladakh after crossing Baralacha La. Interaction with the locals and the nomads on the way only enhances our experience to a real unforgettable moments of Life!!!
Total Cycling : Approximately 600 Kms.
Grade: Tough and High Altitude cycling. Practice essential.
Maximum Altitude 5602 Mtrs. / 18380 feet.
Dates: 22nd July to 5th August 2012
ITINERARY
Day 01: ARRIVAL IN DELHI-
Arrival in Delhi , assembly and travel by bus to Manali. Dinner on way.
Day 02: ARRIVAL IN MANALI/SOLANG-
We reach Solang early morning next day. Afternoon just relax and Get acclimatized.
Day 03: SOLANG ACCLIMATIZATION STAY-
Altitude: 1915m / 6319Ft
A half-day trek to Anjani Mahadev (4200 m / 13780 ft), to get acclimatized faster for the height gain. The journey takes us to a beautiful shiva temple in a scenic spot location. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 04: SOLANG TO MARRHI-
Altitude: 3281m / 10827ft
Cycling Day 1 Distance: 33kms
This is first day of our cycling expedition. Easy road till village Palchan 4 kms from Solang. From Palchan the climb begins towards Rohtang Pass. Being the first day we suggest camp at Marrhi 12 km before Rohtang Pass. Camp overnight.
Day 05: MARRHI TO GONDLA/SISSU-
Altitude: 3102m / 10237Ft
Cycling Day 2 Distance - 59kms
We start our day by finishing our final climb of 12 kms to Rohtang Pass 3978m / 13052ft. From the top if the weather is clear we get beautiful views of the glaciers & snow clad mountains of Chandrabhaga Range on the other side of the pass. The road descends 22 kms down to Khoksar village & then a flat road of 15 kms along the Chandra River to Sissu village . Camp overnight.
Day 06: SISSU TO JISPA/DARCHA-
Altitude: 3181m / 10500Ft
Cycling Day 3 Distance - 56kms
Easy day since the road continues along the Chandra River with gradual gradients in-between till Tandi. At Tandi we leave behind the Chandra River & continue up along the Bhaga River climbing up to Keylong, the district place of Lahaul. We continue further along the Bhaga River for 21km to reach Jispa. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 07: JISPA TO PATSEO TO ZIGZINBAR/BASE OF BARALACHA LA PASS-
Altitude: 3790m / 12504Ft
Cycling Day 4 Distance - 50kms
The difficult section of our trip begins today. We would be staying for next 3-4 days on an average altitude of approx 4400m / 13200ft and above.
From Jispa the road continues along the Bhaga River till Darcha. From Darcha the road climbs in switchback turns & gradually leads to Patseo. From Patseo the road continues up and down all the way upto zinzingbar and then 5 kms of climb to the base of BaralachaLa where we camp overnight.
Day 08: BASE OF BARALACHA LA PASS TO BRANDY NULLAH-
Altitude: 4230m / 13954Ft
Cycling Day 5 Distance - 52kms
The hard climb begins for next 20 kms to Baralacha La 4880m / 16011ft. We pass two small but beautiful lakes of Deepak Tal & Suraj Tal on our way.
The views from the pass are rewarding. Then all the downhill road upto Bharatpur, for a nice tea and hot snacks to resume cycling to the plains of Sarchu all the way to Brandy nallah. Camp overnight.
Day 9: BRANDY NALLAH TO KANGLA JAL-
Altitude: 4100m / 13518Ft
Cycling Day 6 Distance - 57kms
Another tough cycling day. Road okay. Gata loops of 10 kms and on up to Nakee La Pass all climbing. The surface-just loose rocks, rutted, most looks as if it's never been tarmacs & then descend to Whispy Nallah. And again climb to Lachung La 5065m / 16618ft to descend to Pang. This is going to be the toughest day of our expedition. Camp overnight.
Day 10: KANGLA JAL TO PANG TO TSO KAR-
Altitude: 4603m / 15191Ft
Cycling Day 7 Distance - 53kms
Today road gives you stunningly beautiful sights and locations, real feast for nature lovers. Flat or slightly downhill from Kangla Jal to pang and then after the short climb from Pang up continue on the arid road of More Plains to the base of Tanglang La at Tso Kar... probably the finest location for camping. Stay overnight in Camp.
Day 11: TSO KAR TO DEBRING TO UPSHI-
Altitude: 4673m / 15421ft
Cycling Day 8 Distance- 79Kms
A huge climb to the top of Tanglang La – World’s Second Highest Motorable Road Pass - 5360m / 17586ft. Road mostly good, except loose rocks for a few km at the Taglang La, starting 1km below the summit, Manali side. Big climb to the top of the Taglang La, 35 kms downhill on the other side! Stay overnight in Camp.
Once on the top you are rewarded by some awesome views of the never-ending mountain ranges. From Tanglang La descend for 29km to Rumtse, & then the road continues in a narrow gorge with extremely colorful mountains on both the side, till we exit at Upshi on the banks of Indus River. The arid mountain views on both the sides of the road is a feast!. Camp overnight.
Day 12: UPSHI TO LEH-
Altitude: 3480m / 11484Ft
Cycling Day 9 Distance- 60kms
Easy flat road section till Leh. One can make stopovers to visit Thiksey monastery & Shey Palace ruins on way to Leh. Overnight stay in a hotel, for well deserved rest!
Day 13: LEH TO KHARDUNG LA AND BACK-
Cycling Day 10 Distance- 78Kms
Cycling to Khardung La (5602m / 18380ft), the world’s highest motorable pass (39 kms), and return. Overnight in the hotel in Leh. A gala party at the Hotel.
Day 14: LEH TO OPTIONAL-
One Day visit to Pangong Lake (154 kms one way) or Relax in Leh and just chill-out, shop at the Tibetian Market, eat Local Cuisine and meeting locals etc.
Day 15: LEH TO DELHI RETURN BY FLIGHT-
Transfer to the airport for morning flight to New Delhi and onwards….
INCLUDED FACILITIES:
1. Tents – twin sharing, Sleeping bags, pillows and carry mats.
2. Excellent food suitable for cycling and as per choice.
3. Complete camping facilities – Toilet tents, Bath tent, Dining Tent.
4. Tour Guide & Manager, Cycle Mechanic, Cook and camp helpers.
5. Logistic vehicles and Jeep / Utility Van as backup to follow the members.
6. Good Quality Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in Manali / Solang & Leh,.
7. Drinking Water all through-out the expedition.
8. Inner line permission.
EXCLUDES:
1. Travel & Transport upto Delhi and travel cost of Leh to Delhi.
2. Visit to PangGong lake or any other destination, by bus / jeep etc.
3. Personal expenses
4. On route drinks ( other than drinking water ) while biking & at the camps, hotel.
5. Tipping, Camera Fees, wherever applicable.
6. Sightseeing & Entrance Fees, wherever applicable.
7. Cancellation, Insurance and Risk and Release, Emergency evacuation costs.
8. There will be no refund of payments one week prior to the Expedition commences, for any reasons
whatsoever.
LIFECYCLE BIKE TOURS
LEH - PANGONG NUDRA - LEH CYCLING - 2012
!! Cycling to Pangong Lake - An Experience of Life-Time !!
Pangong Lake (or Pangong Nudra; Nudra: Ladakhi for lake) is admittedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,270 ft). It is 134 km 
(83 mi) long and extends from India to Tibet. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water. Going there on Cycle surely is a Life Time Experience as the entire journey is full of some of the world's real scenic spots and also ensuring there is enough challenge for a good cyclist.
This cycling expedition starts from Leh going through the lush green Indus valley via Monasteries like Thiksey, Hemis & Chemray en route. After Chemray, the tough climb of Chang La ( Third Highest Motorable Road in the World !! ), we enter into the Spagmik region going towards Pangong. After the visit of Pangong, we enter into the Shyok Valley , another virgin area of Ladakh where no tourists dare to go. The dramatic changes in the landscape are best enjoyed on this cycling journey.
The climax of the expedition is to finish the journey by cycling to WORLDS HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROAD POINT - KHARDUNG LA 5602m / 18380 ft from the North Side entering into Leh.
Total Cycling : Approx. 500 Kms.
Grade: Tough and High Altitude cycling. Practice essential.
Maximum Altitude 5602 Mtrs. / 18380 feet.
Dates: 5th August to 15th August 2012
ITINERARY :
5th August 2012
Day 01: Arrival in Leh & Greetings at the airport.
Arrival in Leh , transfer to hotel and the remaining day complete rest, as essential part of acclaimatisation process. This is very important for being fit and strong on the entire journey. So take it seriously and rest all the day long.
Day 02: Leh Accalimatisation Stay 6th August.
Another day for total rest at the Hotel itself. Afternoon checking cycles, and continue to just relax and enjoy, Get acclaimatised fully.
Day 03: Leh to Shakti / Chemray 7th August
[ Cycling Day 1 Distance - 65 kms ]
This is first day of our cycling expedition. Easy road passing through the Indus River basin, covering some of the important locations such as Sindhu Darshan, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery. Camp overnight at Shakti / Chemray
Day 04: Shakti / Chemray - Chang La - Tangste ( 17300 ft) 8th August
[ Cycling Day 2 Distance - 71 Kms ]
The day begins with a high and tough climb of Chang La ( Third Highest Motorable Road in the World ) and then coming downhill for a long distance all the way towards Darbuk and then to Tangste. Camp overnight.
Day 05: Tangste - Spangmik / Pangong Tso . 9th August
[Cycling Day 3 Distance - 42 kms ]
The the most wanted sight is in front of You !! Pangong Nudra..... Wow... the first sighting of Pangong Lake is stunning. Go Crazy clicking all the way... Camp overnight at the Pangong Lake .
Day 06: Pangong Nudra - Tangste
Non Cycling Day..
Easy day.. We get up easy, spend as much time as we can at the Pangong Nudra. Have a nice Breakfast and possibly a quick dip into the Pangong Cold !! waters. After Lunch at the Pangong Nudra banks.. we are go to Tasgste by arranged vehicles and reach the destination for onwards journey. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 07: Tangste - Durbuk - Shyok
[ Cycling Day 4 Distance 30 kms]
We are relaxed this day and the journey is very small passing though some of the most beautiful peaks of Karakoram Range Hills in our front. Camp overnight at Shyok river bank.
Day 08: Shyok - Agyam - Rongjuk
[ Cycling Day 5 Distance - 62 kms ]
The journey even this day is not high climbs of extreme endurance. In fact some of the raod along the shyok river is all flat and very enjoyable for cycling. Its all fun road cycling with some climbs till we arrive at Rongjok water base.. Camp overnight.
Day 9: Rongjuk - Khalsar - Khardong Village
[Cycling Day 6 Distance - 65 kms ]
Another tough cycling day. Road is goad but almost all thoughout a slow gradient climb road all upto Khalsar and then upto Khardung Village . Camp overnight.
Day 10: Khardong Village - Khardung La - Leh (4603 m / 15191ft )
[ Cycling Day 7 Distance - 73 kms ]
Today is the final day of cycling and a feat we wil be achieving. We are climbing the World's Highest Motorable Road Point - KHARDUNG LA from the North side and a quick break at the top for picture, a hugh downhill all upto the hotel in Leh... The cycling ends today with a gala party of celebration of having done Khardungla and the entire expedition !!
Day 11: Leh -
Day free in Leh and just chill-out / shopping / meeting locals etc.
Day 12: Leh to Delhi return by flight..
Transfer to the airport for morning flight to New Delhi and onwards.
INCLUDED FACILITIES:
1. Tents - twin sharing, Sleeping bags, pillows and carry mats.
2. Excellent food suitable for cycling and as per choice.
3. Complete camping facilities - Toilet tents, Bath tent, Dining Tent.
4. Tour Guide & Manager, Cycle Mechanic, Local Supervisor, Cook and camp helpers.
5. Logistic vehicles and Jeep/ Utility Van as backup to follow the members.
6. Good Quality Hotel accommodation in Leh on twin sharing basis.
7. Drinking water all through-out the expedition.
9. MERIDA or TREK or similar make MTB Cycles with 3 X 8 gears, front suspension.
10. Inner line permission.
EXCLUDES:
1. Travel & Transport to and from Leh.
2. Arranged visits during the free day in Leh to any destination around Leh.
3. Personal expenses,
4. On route drinks ( other than bottled water ) while biking & at the camps, hotel.
Tipping, Camera Fees, wherever applicable.
5. Sightseeing & Entrance Fees, wherever applicable.
6. Cancellation, Insurance and Risk and Release, Emergency evacuation costs.
7. There will be no refund of payments once the Expedition commences.
GAYATRI JOSHI ............. +919881473092
NACHIKET JOSHI ........... +919975520268
ULHAS JOSHI................... +919822023850
LIFECYCLE MALL – 1056, Shukrawar Peth, Tilak Road, Pune 411 002. INDIA.
Ph: - 020-30523386
Email to : ulhasjoshi@gmail.com OR nachiketjos@gmail.com
Website: www.lifecycleonline.in