Manali → Leh → Khardung La | The Ultimate Himalayan Cycling Expedition | CAI 2026
Cycle Adventures India · 2026

"The road from Manali to Leh doesn't just cross the Himalayas — it crosses something inside you."

Himalayan Bicycle Expedition

MANALI →
LEH →
KHARDUNG LA

534 kilometres. Six mountain passes. One summit at 5,359 metres. Eleven days that will define you.

534 km Total Distance
11 Days Duration
6 Mountain Passes
5,359 m Summit: Khardung La
Book — ₹47,999 View Itinerary
The Story

Why Manali–Leh Is the World's Greatest Cycling Road

There is a road in northern India that cyclists travel from across the world to ride. It begins in the lush green valleys of Manali, climbs through pine forests and alpine meadows, crosses five of the most dramatic Himalayan passes in existence, and ends 534 kilometres later on the outskirts of Leh — the ancient capital of Ladakh. It then goes one step further: to Khardung La at 5,359 m, one of the world's highest motorable passes. Riding this road changes people. Ask anyone who has done it.

The Manali–Leh–Khardung La Bicycle Expedition by Cycle Adventures India is an 11-day guided cycling journey through the heart of the Indian Himalayas. It is one of the most demanding, most beautiful, and most rewarding cycling challenges on the planet — and with CAI's full expert support structure, it is accessible to any cyclist who is willing to prepare seriously and commit completely.

Covering approximately 534 km with over 14,000 metres of total ascent, the expedition crosses Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakeela, Lachung La, and Tanglang La before the crowning summit ride to Khardung La. You'll ride the famous 21 Gata Loops, traverse the wind-scoured More Plains plateau at 4,700 m, descend alongside the ancient Indus River, and pass monasteries that have stood for a thousand years. This is cycling as exploration. Cycling as meditation. Cycling as transformation.

Manali 2,050m › Rohtang La › Baralacha La › Nakeela + Lachung La › More Plains › Tanglang La › Leh › Khardung La 5,359m ★

Whether you're a cyclist from Delhi dreaming of Ladakh, or a rider from Europe, Australia, or the Americas who has seen the photographs and felt the pull — this guide will tell you everything you need to know. The route. The altitude. How to train. What to pack. What to do and what never to do. And exactly why this expedition is worth every pedal stroke.

The Six Crowns

Every Pass You Will Cross

No other organised cycling route in India conquers more high Himalayan passes. Each one is a separate battle — and a separate triumph.

Day 2 · Pass 1 Rohtang La 3,978 m

The gateway between the green Kullu Valley and the stark Lahaul desert. Cold, often misty, always dramatic — your first true Himalayan pass crossing and the moment the expedition reveals its character.

Day 4 · Pass 2 Baralacha La 4,890 m

The great divide connecting Lahaul and Ladakh. Glacial streams, prayer flag cairns, and oxygen at roughly 55% of sea level. The descent to the Sarchu plains is one of cycling's most rewarding moments.

Day 5 · Pass 3 Nakeela Pass 4,739 m

Reached after the legendary 21 Gata Loops — 21 hairpin bends stacked vertically on the mountainside above Sarchu. One of the most iconic and feared climbs on the entire Manali–Leh route.

Day 5 · Pass 4 Lachung La 4,670 m

Directly following Nakeela, this back-to-back pass makes Day 5 the hardest riding day of the expedition. Extremely remote terrain, thin air, and no margin for error. Cross both and you'll know you can do anything.

Day 7 · Pass 5 Tanglang La 5,328 m

The penultimate giant. A long, relentless ascent with oxygen at near 50% of sea level — each pedal stroke a negotiation with your lungs. The descent to Rumtse rewards you with one of Ladakh's finest views.

Day 9 · Summit ★ Khardung La 5,359 m

The crown. The reason everyone is here. 80 km round trip from Leh, +1,900 m gain, and a summit view that justifies every hour of training, every difficult day, and every drop of sweat since Manali. Stand here and you have earned it.

Elevation Profile — Manali to Khardung La Summit

2,050m
Manali
3,300m
Marhi
3,978m
Rohtang La
3,070m
Keylong
3,800m
Patseo
4,890m
Baralacha La
4,300m
Sarchu
4,739m
Nakeela
4,670m
Lachung La
4,720m
Debring
5,328m
Tanglang La
3,500m
Leh
5,359m ★
Khardung La
Day by Day

Complete 11-Day Route Breakdown

Every stage — elevation data, terrain notes, what to expect, and what to feel.

–1

Day –1 · Delhi (Kashmiri Gate) — Overnight Bus to Manali

Overnight VolvoDelhi → Manali

Assemble at Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand, Delhi as per the reporting time shared 4 days before departure. The overnight Volvo (~13 hours) is your journey into the mountains. Sleep well — the expedition begins the moment you arrive. No meals are included on the transfer.

D0

Day 0 · Manali — Arrival, Bike Assembly & Acclimatisation

2,050m altitudeOptional 10–15km spinHotel stay

Check in to your Manali hotel. Bicycle assembly, tuning, and safety inspection follow. The expedition briefing covers daily route stages, high-altitude riding guidelines, hydration strategy, and support logistics. A short acclimatisation ride or walk helps your lungs adjust. Take in Manali's Beas River, the Old Town bazaar — enjoy it. The next ten days are all mountains.

1

Day 1 · Manali → Marhi — Into the Pine Forest

35 km+1,350m ascent2,050 → 3,300mCamping

Your first real riding day — a long, steady climb through dense Himalayan pine forest. The gradient is continuous but manageable, designed to build your confidence and establish rhythm. Alpine villages, prayer flags, and mountain air. Arrive at Marhi for your first camp night under a sky that begins to fill with stars. The Himalayan adventure is now fully, undeniably real.

2

Day 2 · Marhi → Keylong — via Rohtang Pass (3,978 m)

80 kmPass #1: Rohtang La 3,978m+900m / −1,100mHotel

The expedition's first big day — 80 km with Rohtang La as the centrepiece. Cold, often misty and windy at the summit, Rohtang marks the psychological gateway into the Himalayas proper. Descent takes you past Atal Tunnel and the Sissu turquoise lake into the Lahaul Valley — the landscape shifts from lush green to stark, otherworldly desert. Arrive in Keylong, district capital of Lahaul, for a well-earned hotel stay.

3

Day 3 · Keylong → Patseo — Bhaga River & the Last Town

~48 km+950m ascent3,070 → 3,800mTented camp

A steady, meaningful day along the Bhaga River through the wide Lahaul Valley. Pass Jispa — a beloved rider's halt — and continue to Darcha, the last proper settlement before the high passes begin in earnest. After Darcha, the terrain shifts: rougher, more exposed, more remote. Arrive at Patseo camp (3,800 m) for your first night feeling the altitude's full grip. Acclimatise. Rest. Tomorrow the passes begin.

4

Day 4 · Patseo → Sarchu — via Baralacha La (4,890 m)

~58 kmPass #2: Baralacha La 4,890m+1,200m ascentSwiss tents

The expedition enters a new dimension. A sustained climb into genuinely thin air brings you to Baralacha La — the great connector of Lahaul and Ladakh. Glacial streams, prayer-flag cairns, 55% oxygen, bitter cold at the summit. The descent to Sarchu is one of the great downhill rides in cycling — vast, open, and emotionally overwhelming. You camp tonight on the Sarchu plains at 4,300 m with stars filling the entire sky above your tent.

5

Day 5 · Sarchu → Whisky Nala — 21 Gata Loops + Two Passes

49 kmHardest DayPass #3: Nakeela 4,739mPass #4: Lachung La 4,670m

The day that earns legends. It begins with the 21 Gata Loops — 21 hairpin bends ascending visibly from the valley floor, one of cycling's most iconic and brutal climbs. At the top: Nakeela Pass at 4,739 m. The day is not finished. Continue across thin-air plateaus to Lachung La at 4,670 m — two passes, back to back, with an elevation base of 4,300 m throughout. Arrive at Whisky Nala camp exhausted, transformed, and holding a memory you will carry for life.

6

Day 6 · Whisky Nala → Debring — The More Plains

81 km+500m ascent4,450 → 4,720mHighest camp

Horizontal endurance after yesterday's vertical drama. The 45 km More Plains plateau is one of the most extraordinary cycling environments on Earth — a high-altitude desert at 4,500+ m stretching to every horizon, assaulted by ferocious winds and pierced by silence unlike anything most people have ever experienced. Pass through Pang village and reach Debring — the expedition's highest campsite at 4,720 m. Look up tonight. There are more stars here than you have ever seen.

7

Day 7 · Debring → Rumtse — via Tanglang La (5,328 m)

46 kmPass #5: Tanglang La 5,328m+750m / −1,200m

The final mountain pass before Khardung La, and the hardest of the route's five main crosses. A long, relentless climb to 5,328 m with oxygen near 50% of sea level. Your legs know the altitude now. Your lungs have adapted — partially. The summit is marked by prayer flags and a panorama of Ladakh that justifies every difficult moment since Manali. The long descent to Rumtse at 4,290 m is pure, fast, glorious joy.

8

Day 8 · Rumtse → Leh — Arriving in the City of the Moon

77 km+320m / −1,100mHotel in Leh

A triumphant, largely downhill arrival into Leh. The Indus River appears — wide, slate-blue, ancient. You pass white-washed stupas and the silhouettes of Thiksey and Hemis monasteries rising against the mountain walls. Arriving in Leh by bicycle — having pedalled every kilometre from Manali — is one of the great feelings in adventure cycling. Rest, eat, recover. Tomorrow the expedition's crowning summit awaits.

9

Day 9 · Leh → Khardung La → Leh — The Summit ★

~80 km round tripSUMMIT: Khardung La 5,359m+1,900m total ascent

This is everything. Pre-dawn departure from Leh in the cold and dark. A grinding, lung-burning, 40 km sustained climb gaining nearly 1,900 metres to Khardung La at 5,359 m — one of the world's highest motorable roads. The air is indescribably thin. Every pedal stroke is an act of pure will. And then you are there. At the summit. Prayer flags streaming in the Himalayan wind. The entirety of Ladakh spread below you in every direction. A long descent back to Leh. Celebration dinner. You are done — and you are different.

10

Day 10 · Departure from Leh — The Expedition Ends

Journey home

Bikes packed and stored. Certificates distributed. Mementos in hand. Farewells exchanged between people who have shared something extraordinary. Depart Leh for home carrying a story that will never lose its power. Leh airport connects to Delhi and other major cities. Arrange your return flights independently — or stay and explore the monasteries, valleys, and culture of Ladakh at your own pace.

Reasons to Ride

Six Reasons This Expedition Is Unlike Any Other

From Poland to Australia, riders cross the world to be part of this route. Here is why.

🔁

The 21 Gata Loops

An icon of world cycling — 21 hairpin bends stacked vertically above the Sarchu plains. You can see the entire series of loops from the valley floor. It's terrifying and beautiful in equal measure, and it's yours to conquer on Day 5.

🌬

The More Plains at 4,700m

45 kilometres of high-altitude plateau with nothing visible in any direction but mountains, sky, and road. The winds here are legendary. The silence between gusts is unlike anything you will find anywhere else on Earth.

🏔

Khardung La: One of the World's Highest Roads

At 5,359 m, Khardung La is what the entire expedition builds toward. Cycling to the summit — not driving, cycling — is a feat that a tiny fraction of the world's population will ever accomplish. You will be one of them.

🛕

Ladakh's Living Buddhist Culture

Thiksey and Hemis monasteries en route to Leh. Leh's own palace and fort overlooking the city. Thousand-year-old Buddhist culture still living and breathing in one of India's most extraordinary landscapes.

🌍

Riders Come From the World Over

CAI has welcomed cyclists from Poland, Germany, UK, USA, Australia, and many more countries. A rider from Poland crossed continents to cycle Manali–Leh with CAI. This is not a domestic tour. It is a global cycling destination.

🤝

Complete Expert Support

A dedicated Ride Marshal cycles with you every day. Support vehicles carry your bags. A technical team handles all bike issues. Medical kit and oxygen cylinder are always on hand. You ride free, knowing you are never alone.

Critical Safety

Altitude, AMS & Your Health

Multiple days above 4,500 m, with nights at 4,300–4,720 m. Understanding altitude is not optional — it is survival knowledge.

⚠ Acute Mountain Sickness — What Every Rider Must Know

AMS affects people regardless of fitness level. It occurs when ascending faster than your body can adapt, reducing oxygen delivery to the brain and organs. On this route, you will spend five consecutive days above 4,300 m — more than enough time for AMS to develop if you push too hard or ignore early signs.

The CAI itinerary is scientifically structured for gradual altitude gain. Trust it. Respect it. Never try to rush acclimatisation.

Know These AMS Symptoms — Report Any of Them Immediately

Persistent Headache Nausea / Vomiting Dizziness Unusual Fatigue Loss of Appetite Breathless at Rest Poor / Disturbed Sleep Mental Confusion Persistent Cough
"The golden rule: never ascend while experiencing AMS symptoms. Tell your Ride Marshal immediately. Descent is always the most effective and immediate cure."

🩺 Medical Support: Always Present

CAI carries a full first-aid medical kit and portable oxygen cylinders throughout. A Ride Marshal accompanies the group at all times. In any medical emergency, the team transports the rider to the nearest hospital immediately. Before the expedition, consult your doctor about Diamox (Acetazolamide) — a commonly prescribed AMS preventive. Blood iron and B12 levels should be checked; anaemia dramatically worsens altitude response. Diabetic riders and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions should seek specific medical clearance before registering.

Get Ready

Training & Preparation Programme

CAI recommends beginning preparation 6 months before departure. This is not a casual ride — it rewards systematic training.

🚴

Cycling Training (24 Weeks)

  • Months 1–2: base building — 3 rides/week, 40–60 km each on varied terrain
  • Months 3–4: gradient focus — 2 hill sessions/week, extend long ride to 80 km+
  • Months 5–6: expedition simulation — weekly 100 km, consecutive day rides every fortnight
  • Benchmark goal: run 10 km under 75 minutes weekly for one month before departure
  • Train with a loaded back pack (5–7 kg) to simulate touring conditions
  • Include dawn rides to simulate cold-start mountain conditions
  • Final 2 weeks: taper — shorter rides, priority on sleep and nutrition
💪

Strength & Conditioning

  • Squats, lunges, step-ups, single-leg deadlifts — leg power for sustained climbing
  • Core: planks (front + side), dead bugs, bicycle crunches — 3× weekly
  • HIIT intervals 1× weekly — VO2 max improvement critical for altitude performance
  • Hip flexors and hamstrings: stretch daily — essential for long saddle time
  • Swimming or stair climbing on non-cycling rest days
  • Yoga or foam rolling for lower back, IT band, and glute recovery
🥗

Nutrition Strategy

  • Altitude kills appetite — train your gut to eat while riding from Month 3
  • Practice on-bike fuelling: gels, banana, energy bars, salted nuts — find what works
  • Hydration habit: drink 3–4 litres daily at altitude — start building this habit now
  • Electrolyte supplementation daily during training and throughout the expedition
  • Carb-rich dinners before long training days; protein emphasis on rest days
  • Check iron and B12 — anaemia significantly increases AMS risk at altitude
  • Reduce alcohol 4 weeks pre-departure — it impairs acclimatisation severely
🧠

Mental Preparation

  • Visualise Day 5 clearly — the 21 Gata Loops plus two passes will be brutal. Accept it in advance.
  • Practice mindfulness and box breathing — essential for thin-air, high-stress moments
  • Prepare fully for 8 days of minimal/no mobile connectivity in the mountains
  • Watch CAI's Manali–Leh expedition vlogs on YouTube — builds familiarity and excitement
  • Connect with your fellow riders before departure — team spirit is a genuine performance factor
  • Understand that some days you will use the support vehicle — this is strength, not failure
🌡

Weather & Conditions

  • Late May: days 15–25°C in valleys; 0°C to −8°C at passes and during nights
  • Sudden afternoon storms: hail, rain, temperature drops — always carry rain gear on your bike
  • UV intensity at 5,000 m is extreme — SPF 50+ is not optional, reapply every 2 hours
  • More Plains winds can be ferocious and sustained — a windproof shell is non-negotiable
  • Dust and gravel throughout — buff, balaclava, and quality eyewear are essential
  • Road conditions change daily — rockfalls and waterlogging possible after overnight rain
🌍

For International Riders

  • Arrive in India 3+ days early — time-zone and heat adjustment critical before altitude
  • Inner Line Permit for Ladakh: arranged independently — CAI will advise; carry original passport
  • Travel insurance: mandatory — must cover high-altitude cycling to 5,359 m and helicopter evacuation
  • Indian SIM: Jio or Airtel prepaid SIM at Delhi airport — signal ends beyond Keylong until Leh
  • Cash: carry minimum ₹10,000 INR — no ATMs for 400+ km between Manali and Leh
  • Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus — consult your doctor 6 weeks out
What to Pack

Complete Gear & Kit List

Your main bag travels in the support vehicle. You ride with a compact day pack. Pack ruthlessly light — but include every item on this list.

🪖 Safety Mandatory

  • Certified cycling helmet — no exceptions
  • USB front headlight
  • USB rear tail light
  • Full-finger padded gloves
  • UV-protective sunglasses / goggles
  • Reflective vest (CAI provided)
  • Water bottles/sipper — minimum 1.5L capacity

👕 Riding Clothing

  • Padded cycling shorts × 3
  • Moisture-wicking jerseys × 4
  • Thermal base layer × 2
  • Windproof cycling jacket × 2
  • Packable rain jacket × 1
  • Stiff-sole cycling shoes
  • Dry-fit socks × 8 pairs

🧥 Camp & Off-Bike

  • Heavy fleece or down jacket (vital)
  • Warm hat and neck buff
  • Thermal long johns for camp nights
  • Comfortable trekking trousers × 2
  • Sandals / slippers (post-ride)
  • Warm breathable nightwear
  • Casual day clothes × 2 sets

🧴 Health & Hygiene

  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (large tube)
  • SPF lip balm — chapping is severe
  • Anti-chafing cream / Vaseline
  • Personal medications — waterproofed
  • Diamox if prescribed by doctor
  • Ibuprofen and paracetamol
  • Electrolyte tablets (personal brand)
  • Microfibre towels × 3
  • Sanitiser + wet wipes

🔧 Bike & Electronics

  • Large-capacity power bank
  • Bike multi-tool (own bike only)
  • Spare inner tubes × 2 (own bike)
  • Tyre levers + mini pump
  • Handlebar phone / camera mount
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Small drybag for day riding essentials

📋 Documents & Money

  • Passport (international) + 3 photocopies
  • Aadhaar / govt ID (Indian nationals)
  • Travel insurance policy printout
  • Emergency contact card in wallet
  • INR cash — minimum ₹8,000–10,000
  • Drybags and zip-lock bags
  • Compression sack for main bag
Packing Strategy: Keep your main bag under 15 kg — it travels in the support vehicle. Your riding pack should contain only: water, energy snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen, phone, and a small first-aid kit. Always keep rain gear accessible — mountain storms give no warning. Use drybags throughout — a wet sleeping layer at 4,700 m is genuinely dangerous. Heaviest items (tools, shoes) at the bottom of your main bag.
Rider Code

Do's & Don'ts

Twelve rules to ride by. Twelve to avoid at all costs. Every experienced Himalayan cyclist will tell you the same.

✅

Do's — Follow Every One

  • ✓ Hydrate constantly — 3–4 litres daily at altitude, drink before you feel thirst.
  • ✓ Report any AMS symptom to your Ride Marshal immediately — headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue.
  • ✓ Trust the itinerary's pacing — gradual ascent exists to protect your acclimatisation.
  • ✓ Eat at every meal even when altitude kills your appetite — your body needs the fuel.
  • ✓ Apply SPF 50+ every morning and reapply at each summit stop.
  • ✓ Carry layers on the bike always — valley warmth to pass cold can be a 20°C swing.
  • ✓ Use the support vehicle when you need it — listening to your body is wisdom, not weakness.
  • ✓ Ask permission before photographing locals, monks, or religious ceremonies.
  • ✓ Walk clockwise around all stupas, mani walls, and monastery compounds.
  • ✓ Carry INR cash — there are zero ATMs between Manali and Leh (400+ km).
  • ✓ Charge all devices every available opportunity — power supply is irregular in camps.
  • ✓ Support your fellow riders on hard days — camaraderie is part of what makes this expedition extraordinary.
❌

Don'ts — Non-Negotiable

  • ✗ Never consume alcohol during the expedition — it severely worsens dehydration and blocks acclimatisation.
  • ✗ Never ride ahead of the group alone — always remain in sight of the Ride Marshal or support vehicle.
  • ✗ Never dismiss a persistent headache at altitude — it is the primary AMS warning sign. Report it.
  • ✗ Never attempt Khardung La if you're experiencing any altitude symptoms — the summit can wait; your health cannot.
  • ✗ Don't underestimate Day 5 — two passes after the 21 Gata Loops is the hardest day on any organised cycling expedition in India.
  • ✗ Don't litter anywhere on the route — Ladakh's fragile ecosystem must be protected. Carry everything out.
  • ✗ Don't skip meals to save time — without fuel you will fade dangerously at high altitude.
  • ✗ Don't touch, move, or remove mani stones, prayer flags, or any religious objects.
  • ✗ Don't play loud music near monasteries or villages — respect the silence and the culture.
  • ✗ Don't wear revealing clothing in Ladakhi villages or monastery grounds — dress modestly.
  • ✗ Don't use single-use plastics — carry a reusable water bottle and refuse plastic packaging.
  • ✗ Don't ride hard on Day 1 — conserve energy. The mountains will punish overconfidence on any of the eleven days ahead.
Full Transparency

What's Included & What's Not

No surprises. Every item your expedition fee covers — and what you'll need to arrange independently.

Included in Your Fee

  • All accommodation — sharing basis (hotel / Swiss tent / camp)
  • All meals — veg & non-veg, breakfast, lunch, dinner + morning & evening tea/coffee
  • Volvo transfer Delhi/Chandigarh → Manali (one-way)
  • Dedicated Ride Marshal cycling with group throughout
  • Dietician-recommended high-altitude nutrition plan
  • Full first-aid kit + medical support + oxygen cylinder
  • CAI designer jersey + hoodie + memento + completion certificate
  • Full tour photography and video documentation
  • Bicycle overhauling and cleaning throughout
  • Goody bag: protein bars, ORS, coffee, biscuits, bandanna
  • Tour success celebration party in Leh
  • Pre-expedition training materials and video e-talks
  • Support vehicles for luggage throughout the entire route
  • Bicycle assembly on arrival & packing on return
  • Technical support team for all bike issues
  • Domestic permits and passes for the journey
  • Portable washrooms and changing facilities at camps
  • Reflective vest and safety tape for all riders
  • Tour coordinator with group at all times

Not Included

  • GST / Government taxes as applicable
  • Cycle accessories (personal safety gear)
  • Personal expenses during the tour
  • Return travel from Leh to home city
  • Flights or independent travel to Delhi
  • Inner Line Permits for foreign nationals
  • Alcohol, soft drinks, or off-menu meals
  • Single room upgrades (available at extra cost — request in advance)
  • Travel insurance — arrange independently (mandatory)
  • Bicycle rental (₹900/day × 11 days if required)
  • Airport drop in Leh (₹1,000/person — optional add-on)
  • Anything not listed under inclusions
Need to Know

Practical Information

📋 Permits & IDs

Indian nationals carry valid government ID (Aadhaar). Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Ladakh — not included in the tour price. CAI advises on the process. Always carry your original passport plus 3 photocopies on the route.

🚲 Bicycle Hire

Own bike must be an MTB or hybrid — road bikes cannot handle Manali–Leh terrain. CAI rents premium MTBs: Merida, Giant, Scott, Trek — ₹900/day. Security deposit: ₹2,000 + one ID proof, returned at end. Bike is assembled Day 0 and packed Day 10.

📶 Mobile Network

Signal exists in Manali and Leh. Intermittent in Keylong. Essentially zero from Darcha to Rumtse — approximately 380 km of total disconnection. Get a Jio or Airtel SIM at Delhi airport. Inform family before departure. A large power bank is critical.

🏨 Accommodation

Twin-sharing: hotels in Manali, Keylong, and Leh; Swiss tents in Sarchu and Whisky Nala; tented camps at Marhi, Patseo, Debring, and Rumtse. Single room upgrades at extra cost — request in advance. Camp nights are among the expedition's finest experiences.

🍽 Food & Diet

All meals follow a dietician-recommended menu calibrated for high-altitude exertion. Local Ladakhi food alongside standard Indian cuisine. Vegan, gluten-free, and Jain requirements accommodated if declared at registration. Allergies must be declared before departure.

💳 Money & ATMs

No ATMs between Manali and Leh — carry at least ₹8,000–10,000 in INR cash before leaving Manali. Leh has ATMs (sometimes non-functional). UPI works in Manali and Leh when signal is available. Tour fee is payable by UPI, wallet, or mobile banking.

👩 Women Riders & Safety

Zero-tolerance harassment policy. Women have participated in every CAI expedition. Portable changing rooms at all camp stops. Emergency support is always available. Menstrual health accommodations available — communicate needs in advance. This expedition is fully safe and welcoming for women.

🏃 Fitness & Age

Rated Difficult. Begin prep 6 months ahead. Benchmark: 10 km run in under 75 minutes, weekly, for 4+ weeks pre-departure. Riders in their 60s have successfully completed this expedition. Age is secondary to fitness and preparation. Not suitable as a first cycling expedition — build experience first.

Booking Policy

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Book early — and if plans change, act early. The sooner you cancel, the more protection you have.

Cancellation Window Batch Shifting Charge Refund Mode
30+ days before tour ✔ Allowed Free Cancellation Credit Note
21–29 days before ✖ Not allowed 25% forfeited Balance as Credit Note
15–21 days before ✖ Not allowed 50% forfeited Balance as Credit Note
0–14 days before ✖ Not allowed 100% forfeited No refund

Email info@cycleadventuresindia.com with booking reference to initiate a cancellation. Response within 48 hours.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for the expedition? ▼
WhatsApp or call CAI at +91 9988009290 to confirm seat availability. You'll receive a registration form link and payment instructions. Bicycle rental, single room upgrade, and airport drop can be selected during registration.
Can I bring my own bicycle, or do I need to rent? ▼
Both are welcome. Your own bike must be an MTB or hybrid — road bikes are unsuitable for Manali–Leh terrain. CAI rents premium MTBs (Merida, Giant, Scott, Trek) at ₹900/day. Your bike is allocated by frame size (height-based). A ₹2,000 refundable security deposit applies to rentals.
Is this expedition suitable for a beginner? ▼
This is rated Difficult and is not suitable as a first cycling expedition. 534 km, 6 passes, and multiple days above 4,500 m require genuine cycling fitness and high-altitude experience. CAI recommends starting with a shorter expedition (such as Dharamshala–Bir Billing) before attempting Manali–Leh–Khardung La.
I'm an international rider — what do I need to arrange? ▼
India visa, Inner Line Permit for Ladakh (CAI advises — cost not included in tour price), travel insurance covering high-altitude cycling to 5,359 m and emergency evacuation, flights to/from India, and a Jio/Airtel SIM card from Delhi airport. Arrive 3+ days early for acclimatisation. Carry a minimum of ₹10,000 INR cash — no ATMs for 400+ km on the route.
What if I get AMS during the expedition? ▼
Your safety is the team's absolute priority. Report symptoms to the Ride Marshal immediately. If needed, you travel in the support vehicle for that section. Oxygen cylinders and first-aid kits are always on hand. For serious symptoms, the team descends you to lower altitude and arranges medical support. No rider is ever left alone or unsupported on a CAI expedition.
What is the best month for this expedition? ▼
Late May to early June is the optimal window — passes have freshly cleared of winter snow, roads are most stable, and the weather before monsoon is at its most reliable. CAI's 24 May departure catches this prime period. July and August are also popular but bring more rain and rockfall risk. September offers excellent weather but colder nights.
How safe is this expedition for women cyclists? ▼
CAI maintains a zero-tolerance harassment policy and has supported women riders through every expedition. Support staff are trained for emergency response. Portable changing rooms are at all camp stops. Menstrual health considerations are fully accommodated — communicate needs before departure. Women riders are completely welcome and fully supported throughout.
Are there any shops or ATMs between Manali and Leh? ▼
Keylong has a small market. After that, there is essentially nothing until Leh — over 380 km through completely remote mountain terrain. Carry minimum ₹8,000–10,000 in INR cash from Manali. Do not rely on UPI or card payments outside of Manali and Leh. ATMs in Leh exist but are occasionally non-functional.
What type of accommodation is provided? ▼
All accommodation is twin-sharing. Hotels are in Manali, Keylong, and Leh. Swiss tents are used at Sarchu and Whisky Nala. Tented camps at Marhi, Patseo, Debring, and Rumtse. Single room upgrades are available for an additional charge — request this at registration. Camp nights at altitude are some of the expedition's most memorable experiences.
Cycle Adventures India · 24 May – 3 June 2026

MANALI → LEH
KHARDUNG LA

534 km · 11 Days · 6 Passes · 5,359 m Summit · Limited Seats

₹50,999 ₹47,999 6% OFF · Per Person
Book Your Slot Now WhatsApp Us +91 99880 09290

Bike rental available · Twin sharing included · Full expert support · Certificate & celebration party in Leh