Roughly 474 km from Manali to Leh across ten days and six mountain passes, from Manali at 2,050 m to the Khardung La summit at 5,359 m — one of the highest motorable roads on Earth.
Manali to Leh is the ride that most serious cyclists in India have on their list. Over ten days you cross six passes — Rohtang at 3,978 m, Baralacha La at 4,890 m, Nakee La at 4,739 m, Lachulung La at 5,059 m and Tanglang La at 5,328 m — before the optional summit day to Khardung La at 5,359 m. The road climbs out of green Himachal and spends most of its length above 4,000 m in high-altitude desert.
This is a hard expedition and we are honest about that. Several stages exceed 4,500 m, the air holds roughly half the oxygen of sea level at the high points, and weather at the passes changes quickly. What makes it achievable is the structure: the itinerary gains altitude in stages with acclimatisation built in, and a support vehicle carries all baggage so you ride with nothing but water and a jacket.
We keep groups small, ride with a guide and a mechanic, and carry a first aid kit and oxygen. Riders who have trained for a few months beforehand and have some hill experience finish this route regularly — it rewards preparation far more than raw speed.
Ten days from arrival in Manali to the Khardung La summit, with acclimatisation days built into the schedule.
2,050 m · Rest day · No cycling · Easy
Arrive via Delhi or Bhuntar airport. Collect your expedition bicycle for fitting and inspection, then a short test ride in Old Manali. Evening briefing covers the route, safety protocols and high-altitude health.
~36 km · ~1,310 m gain · 3,360 m · Hard
The expedition begins with a climb through pine forest with about 1,300 m of elevation gain. Physically demanding, but every switchback opens up more of the range.
~52 km · Rohtang La 3,978 m · End 3,120 m · Hard
Cross the Rohtang Pass among snow-capped peaks, then a long descent into the Lahaul valley to Sissu. The transition from green to barren begins here.
~48 km · Gradual · End 3,260 m · Moderate
A recovery day through the Lahaul valley following the Bhaga River — gradual climbs and flat stretches against a constant Himalayan backdrop. Preparation for the harder stages ahead.
~39 km · End 4,270 m · Hydration critical · Moderate
A high-altitude transition day. The valley narrows and vegetation thins as you climb towards 4,270 m. Hydration and pacing matter more than speed from this point on.
~47 km · Baralacha La 4,890 m · End 4,290 m · Hard
Over Baralacha La at 4,890 m, then down onto the Sarchu plain. The first of the truly high passes and a serious day at altitude.
~78 km · Nakee La 4,739 m · Lachulung La 5,059 m · Gata Loops · Hard
The Gata Loops — 21 hairpin switchbacks — lift you from about 4,190 m to Nakee La at 4,739 m, then over Lachulung La at 5,059 m before the drop into Pang. Two major passes in one day, and the stage most riders name as the hardest.
~78 km · Morey Plains ~4,700 m · End 4,630 m · Hard
Out onto the Morey Plains, a long high-altitude plateau at around 4,700 m with the road running dead straight for miles. No pass today, but the wind and the monotony grind riders down more than any climb does.
~96 km · Tanglang La 5,328 m · Longest day · Hard
The longest stage, over Tanglang La at 5,328 m and then a very long descent into the Indus valley to Leh. The hardest and most rewarding day of the expedition.
5,359 m · Optional summit day · Hard
The optional final climb from Leh to Khardung La at 5,359 m, one of the highest motorable roads on Earth. Riders who prefer to rest in Leh can take the day off.
It is one of the hardest cycling routes in India. You cross six passes, spend most of the expedition above 4,000 m and cover roughly 474 km to Leh plus the Khardung La summit day. You should be training for several months beforehand with regular long rides and hill work. That said, the itinerary is built around gradual acclimatisation and a support vehicle carries everything, which is what makes it achievable for committed amateur riders rather than only for racers.
It is the main risk on this route and we take it seriously. The itinerary gains altitude in stages with acclimatisation built in, which is the single most effective prevention. Our guides are trained to recognise the symptoms of AMS, we carry supplementary oxygen and a first aid kit, and the support vehicle can descend rapidly at any point. Descent is the treatment that works, and we will always choose it over pushing on.
The road is generally open from mid-June to mid-September. Late June to early July and the first half of September usually give the most stable weather. The passes can hold snow into June and close from late September, and the exact dates shift each year with conditions.
Yes. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit and foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for the Khardung La section. We help arrange these — send us your passport or ID details when you book and we will handle the paperwork in Leh.
A geared mountain bike prepared for high-altitude expedition use, fitted to your height and serviced by our mechanic each evening. If you would rather bring your own bike we can arrange that instead and adjust the price — many riders on multi-week trips prefer their own fit.
Most riders fly out of Leh, which has daily connections to Delhi. Book that flight with some flexibility, since weather occasionally delays departures. We can also arrange a road transfer back to Manali if you would prefer, though it is a long two-day drive.
We keep groups small so the guide and mechanic can give everyone attention, and so the support vehicle has capacity for anyone who needs it on a given stage. Minimum two people to run the expedition. Ask us about current dates and how many riders are already booked.
Enquire Now
This is a serious expedition and we would rather talk it through properly. Tell us your dates and cycling background and we will give you an honest assessment of the training you will need.