Manali - Leh Khardungla Pro Cycling Expedition

Tour Overview

If you’re a cyclist who craves excitement and thrives on challenges, this is your playground. Our Pro – series is all about taking your passion for cycling to new heights and exploring the world from a unique perspective – the saddle of your bike!

Imagine riding through breathtaking landscapes, challenging yourself against the clock, and achieving goals that once seemed impossible. In the Manali-Leh Pro Series, we’ve crafted an experience that combines endurance, timing, and pure adventure.

Here’s the best part – we take care of all the logistics, so you can focus solely on the thrill of the ride. Our team is dedicated to provide the required support and ensures the safety to conquer every challenge along the way.

Get ready to push your limits and create memories with us that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive in Manali Stay: Hotel Stay

- Once you reach Manali, our ground team will coordinate with you and update you about the meeting point.
- After reaching Hotel, you can take some time to rest before gathering for a delicious lunch.
- Post Lunch, we will head out for a short orientation/acclimatization ride.
- In the evening, enjoy a refreshing HI-Tea followed by a briefing by the Dare2Gear team to provide important information and tips for the upcoming 7 days cycling expedition.
- Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner before retiring early to ensure our bodies are well-rested and prepared for the journey ahead

DAY 2 - Manali to JIspa | 92 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 92 km | Altitude: 3350 Meters

- We will start early. Get ready and have a healthy & delicious morning breakfast.
- We will be starting our Manali-Leh + Khardungla cycle tour from the hotel itself.
- Hop on your bikes and get ready to begin this memorable cycling expedition.
- You will come across the Solang Valley The hub for adventure sports activities like paragliding, rope courses, horse Riding, etc.
- We will cross through Atal Tunnel, the longest tunnel at a length of 9.02 km, it is the highest highway single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world.
- Then, the route will cover an easy and gradual climb followed by an exciting downhill to Tandi. This is the place where the river “Chandra” and the river “Bhaga” meet. This place is a holy place in Hindu belief.
- We will move towards Kyelang (also spelled Keylong) a beautiful town and the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti districts is home to most of the government offices and facilities in Lahaul.
- Then move towards the final destination of the day, Jispa and check in to a Yak hotel or similar. This is the border of the Low oxygen area and green belt.
- Upon reaching the Hotel, gather for a relaxing HI-Tea followed by dinner.

DAY 3 - Jispa to Sarchu | 82 km

Stay: Swiss Hut | Cycling: 82 km | Altitude: 4255 Meters

- Today a rusty rocky landscape is waiting for us when we pass the tiny hamlet town of Jispa. There is much descent before the climb towards Patseo.
- Today will be the first time of this expedition, where we will experience complete isolation from the outer world, and we will also be riding in the low oxygen region.
- After reaching Patseo, it will be a gradual and easy climb to the upper ZingZingBar.
- We gradually ascended towards the 2nd pass of this route, Baralacha La, via the Zing zing bar.
- We do our climb mostly on a tarmac surface, with less traffic. After crossing the Naughty Baralacha La, the entire topography of the region changes and we get the first glimpse of the Mountain Desert.
- Thereafter we descend to Bharatpur and from there, we will take the rolling terrain toward today’s destination, Sarchu.
- Upon reaching the Hotel, gather for a relaxing HI-Tea followed by dinner.

DAY 4 - Sarchu to Debring | 128 km

Stay: Guest House | Cycling: 128 Km | Altitude 4835 Meter

Brace yourself up, for today’s adventurous and challenging ride, as we are going to cross two mountain passes in a single day.
From our campsite, it’s a rolling terrain till the start of the Gata Loops.
From here, we will start climbing. After climbing up to 21 Loops, we can have a relaxed ride, as we are going to pedal on the rolling terrain for a few km, just before we again ascend to the 3rd Pass on this route NakeeLa.
We will also be passing through the ‘Lachlung La’ pass. The view en route is so mesmerizing and you will sense that your hard work pays off. From the ‘Lachlung La’ pass, we will descend to Pang.
Then we will have a 5 km climb and you will touch the most beautiful route of your journey called Morrie plains.
Scenic beauty with the full metal and well-maintained roads. This region has a wide horizon where on your left and ride for approx 2 km you will find plains and then the huge multi-color mountains.
Upon reaching today’s destination Debring, which is the only place in the entire journey for a common sharing dormitory stay.
After reaching, we will have a relaxing HI-Tea followed by dinner and sleep well to get ready for the next 17000+ feet climb to Tanglang La.

DAY 5 - Debring to Leh | 122 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 122 km | Altitude: 3600 Meters

We will start early. Get ready and have a healthy & delicious morning breakfast.
We will start while crossing the Tanglangla pass. The Tanglangla is the second highest motorable road of this expedition. You will witness long roads and a continuous climb of approx 15 km. The Tanglang La pass is 5328 meters from sea level, which leads to a scenic descent towards Lato.
Then, a zippy 60 km downhill ride awaits us, dropping us to Upshi.
Then, cycling along the River Indus, we will be riding from Upshi into the main town of Ladakh Leh.
On the way, we would be crossing some of the monasteries of the Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey regions and might visit a few of them depending upon the timelines.
Upon reaching the hotel in Leh, freshen up and gather for a relaxing HI-Tea, followed by dinner.

DAY 6 - Leh to Khardungla | Local Sight Seeing | 80 km

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 80km | Altitude 5360 Meters

Stay: Hotel | Cycling: 80km | Altitude 5360 Meters

We will leave early in the morning at 6 am for the Khardungla pass, the world’s highest mountain pass.
Breakfast will be packed from Hotel and we will eat on enroute.
We cycle through the scenic valley on the world’s second-highest motorable road to the top of this journey with a sense of achievement that has no parallel.
Celebrate this moment of pride and success with your bike and your fellow riders.
Ride back to our hotel in Leh for the Hi-Tea and dinner celebration and to celebrate the completion of the tour.

DAY 7 - Return Day

Today’s morning post-breakfast, you are free to plan your return. Participants can take a flight and return to their homes or they stay there to roam in and around Leh. The call is completely yours, in case you need any assistance in planning, we are here to help you out.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Gallery

FAQ?

What Things do I need to Carry?

Mandatory Items:
Helmet
Full Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair
Half Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair
Sunglasses UV protected
Front Light
Tail Light
Reflective Vest
Sipper Bottle
Wind Cheater
Rain Coat Upper & lower both
60 /70 Ltrs Rucksac

Packing Checklist:
Cycling & Regular Clothing
4 Jerseys
3 padded Shorts
1 Full Length padded pants
Arm Warmer Sleeves
Leg Warmer Sleeves
Head Cap
Warm Bandana
3 pairs of night suits
2 Thermal top & bottom Pairs
4 Pair of cotton socks
2 pair of Warm Socks
Shoe rain cover
2 Jeans
2 T-shirts
Under Garments
1 Warm Jacket (Duck feather preferred)
2 pair of sports Shoes / cycling shoes
Slippers

Other Essentials:
Torch / Flashlight With Spare batteries
Power Bank
Mini Tool Kit
Personal Medicines if any
Aadhaar Card
Some Cash for your shopping or emergency situation
Neck Pillow

Personal Toiletries:
Light Weight Towel (Easy to dry)
Lip Balm
Shower Gel / Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Hair oil
Wet Wipes
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Skin Moisturisers
Vaseline / Anti chafing cream

What is the criteria to participate in this cycling expedition?

To participate in this cycling expedition your average riding speed should be greater than 25 km/hr for at least for 100 km in plains.

If I used to ride 100 km at 25 km/hr six months back. Will I be eligible to participate in this tour?

We need a minimum of three rides of at least 100 km/ ride with a minimum average of 25 km/hr in each ride done in the last 3 months.

Which type of cycles are allowed in this ride?

As this ride is designed for riders who like to challenge themselves to cover the maximum distance in the shortest span of time. You can say it is a ride against time. So Gravel/Road/Hybrid cycles types are allowed for this ride.

How to Reach manali?

By Air (Delhi/ To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by air, Bhuntar is where the nearest airport to Manali is located which is about 50 km from Manali. But a little problem is that flights from Delhi to Bhuntar are very infrequent and mostly get cancelled. So the best way and the most preferred way is to fly down to Chandigarh from Delhi and then go to Manali by road. Once you get down at the airport, you will surely find some taxis or can ask us we will provided extended services to our registered members.

By Road (Delhi To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by road, The total distance by road from Delhi to Manali is 12 hours. A network of state-run and private buses connects Manali to some of the most well-known tourist destinations, including Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala, and New Delhi. The majority of buses depart from Delhi‘s ISBT Kashmiri Gate. The bus trip from Delhi to Manali is more comfortable if you choose an air-conditioned Volvo coach. The best one to take would be the Himachal state transport buses because of its good frequency and cheap price.

By Rail (Delhi To Manali)

If you wish to go to Manali from Delhi by rail, You cannot directly reach Manali directly from Delhi because Manali does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station from Delhi to reach Manali is Chandigarh or Pathankot. You can simply catch a train to Chandigarh or Pathankot, whatever suits you and then opt for a bus or taxi from there.

Can you share the insights about climate?

In Mountains weather is one thing which is most unpredictable but on the basis of old patterns in the last 7 years of experience sharing the insights on climate.

When you reach Manali, the temperature is pleasant around 24 degree celsius and morning and evening are cold around 5 degrees.
The similar kind of weather we will get till Jipsa with a drop of 2 -3 degrees in temperature. Post Jispa Cold deserts area begins where you need to be in warm clothes and temperature during the day will be around 18-20 degrees and at night can drop to 0 degrees also till we don’t cross Tanglangla pass.

The Day we will enter Leh will be a little hot as compared to previous days and temperature will be between 25-30 degrees during day and night and early morning are pleasant with 4 – 5 degrees temperature.

When we go to attempt khardung-la we have to cover ourselves with warm layers as we will be again gaining the height and touching more approx. 18000 feet of height.

*Disclaimer: Rain & Snow Storm changes the story.

If I forgot to bring any of the mandatory things you have mentioned, will I be allowed to ride?

No, without any of the mandatory things as mentioned above you are not allowed to ride. So either bring them along or can purchase from us.

Does tour cost cover our medical insurance also?

No, tour cost doesn’t include your medical insurance.

What are the safety rules for this Tour?

1) It is compulsory to wear a helmet for the entire duration of the ride. Riders without a helmet will not be permitted to ride.

2) Every rider must use their own lights for riding in dark times, and bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights attached firmly to the vehicle. Lights must be fully functional. if lights will not be working you are not allowed to ride.

3) All riders must wear a reflective vest that clearly places reflective material prominently on the front and back of the rider. If you will not be wearing reflective vests you are not allowed to ride.

4) This ride is open to any amateur cyclist regardless of his or her cycling affiliations. Riders (under the age of 18) must get a consent form signed by their parent or legal guardian

5) Each rider must be covered by liability insurance, either by a group policy or by a personal policy. 6) Our Sikh brothers – We have RELAXED THE MANDATORY HELMET RULE for Sikh Riders. But the rider must either wear a full Turban and not just a Patka.

Will I get medical support and be also there for riders?

Yes FIRST-AID shall be provided immediately to the rider as and when needed. In case any critical emergency rider needs to visit the hospital that shall be taken care of by us. But the expense of the hospital shall be taken care of by the rider only.

Q. Do you have to submit any medical fitness certificate for this Ride?

Do you have to submit any medical fitness certificate for this Ride?

Yes, for our expeditions we need a self-declaration as well as a medical certificate stamped and signed by MBBS. Or a higher degree holder doctor.

I am under 18 can I also join the ride?

Yes, you can also join the ride with the consent of your parents. You have to get a disclaimer form signed by your parents and submit it before the ride with us.

I have already accepted terms and conditions and I still need to fill the waiver form?

We understand at the time of registration you have accepted the terms and conditions. But there is a probability that due to a shortage of time any of the important information may get skipped to read so a hard copy of the signed document is a must.