Tour de Umling La | World's Highest Motorable Road Bicycle Expedition | CAI
World Record Ride

Khardung La was once considered the highest. Then humanity built a road 531 metres higher. You are about to cycle it.

World Record · BRO Certified · Highest Motorable Road on Earth

Tour de
Umling La

5,890 metres
19,300 ft · The Summit Above All Summits · Ladakh, India
5,890m World's Highest Road
198 km Total Cycling
8 Days 7 Nights
40–45% Oxygen at Summit
Book — ₹46,999 View Itinerary

Khardung La at 5,359 m was long celebrated as the world's highest motorable road. Then the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) built a road to Umling La in the Demchok sector of Ladakh. At 5,890 metres — 19,300 feet — it is officially the highest motorable road on Earth. Only a handful of organised groups have ever cycled it. This is CAI's Tour de Umling La — an 8-day expedition based out of Leh that takes you higher than any other cycling road in the world.

The World Record

Why Umling La Is the Ultimate Cycling Frontier

At 5,890 metres above sea level, Umling La Pass in the Demchok sector of Ladakh holds a record that every serious cyclist on Earth knows: it is the highest motorable road in the world, officially certified by the Border Roads Organisation of India. It stands 531 metres higher than Khardung La — itself already considered one of the most extreme cycling destinations in the world. Cycling to Umling La is not simply an expedition. It is a record-level achievement that permanently joins your story.

The Tour de Umling La by Cycle Adventures India is an 8-day expedition based entirely out of Leh. It is meticulously structured with mandatory acclimatisation days, a progressive altitude build, a sightseeing acclimatisation ride around Leh on Day 2, a scenic drive through the Changthang Plateau to Hanle on Day 3, and two consecuive cycling stages — the approach via Photi La (5,524 m, itself higher than Khardung La) and the summit bid to Umling La at 5,890 m — before a same-day vehicle return to Leh for celebration and recovery.

The numbers speak for themselves: oxygen at the summit is approximately 40–45% of sea level — roughly half the air you breathe at home. Temperature at the top can drop to −5°C even in June. The terrain beyond Hanle is remote beyond imagination: vast open plateaus, no traffic, no infrastructure, no margin for error. This is why CAI deploys 4×4 backup vehicles, a technical team, oxygen cylinders, a portable hyperbaric GAMOW bag, and first-aid medical support at every stage of this expedition. You come to cycle. CAI ensures you can.

5,359m Khardung La
Previously "Highest"
5,524m Photi La
Day 4 of This Expedition
5,890m Umling La ★
World Record — Day 5

This expedition is for experienced Himalayan cyclists only — riders who have already done Manali–Leh or Srinagar–Leh, understand altitude and AMS intimately, and are ready to push to the absolute frontier of what cycling on a motorable road can mean. If Khardung La was your first summit, Umling La is your masterpiece. The world record is yours to claim.

What Makes It Extreme

Six Facts That Define Why Umling La Stands Alone

This is not Khardung La. Every comparison you have used for extreme cycling before needs to be recalibrated.

🌍

BRO-Certified World Record

Umling La at 5,890 m (19,300 ft) is officially certified by India's Border Roads Organisation as the highest motorable road on Earth. It is 531 m higher than Khardung La, 362 m higher than Tibet's Marsimik La, and higher than any motorable road on any other continent. There is no higher road on Earth for cyclists to ride.

🫁

40–45% Oxygen at the Summit

At sea level you breathe 100% effective oxygen. At Khardung La it is about 50%. At Umling La it is approximately 40–45%. Every pedal stroke at 5,890 m is a physiological negotiation with an environment your body was never designed for. This is what makes the summit simultaneously the hardest and most extraordinary cycling achievement possible.

⛰️

Photi La is Already Above Khardung La

Day 4 of the expedition crosses Photi La at 5,524 m — 165 m higher than Khardung La, the pass most riders consider their Himalayan pinnacle. On this expedition, the approach pass is already a world-class summit. The day after, you go 366 m higher still. This is the most vertically ambitious cycling expedition in India.

🔭

The Hanle Astronomical Observatory

En route to the Umling La staging area, you pass through Hanle — home to one of the world's highest astronomical observatories, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The Changthang Plateau's clear, dark skies at 4,300+ m are among the finest stargazing environments on the planet. The expedition includes a visit to the observatory vicinity.

🦬

The Changthang Wildlife Plateau

The drive from Leh to Hanle crosses the Changthang Plateau — Ladakh's vast high-altitude grassland, home to Tibetan wild ass (kiang), snow leopard, black-necked crane, bar-headed goose, and nomadic Changpa herders. It is one of the wildest and most pristine ecosystems in Asia. Your approach to Umling La passes through this extraordinary landscape.

🏅

Only a Handful of Groups Have Done This

Unlike Khardung La or Manali–Leh, which now see thousands of cyclists annually, Umling La is cycled by only a handful of organised groups each year because of the extreme altitude, remoteness, mandatory medical support, and permit requirements. Completing this expedition places you in a tiny global community of riders who have achieved the highest summit in cycling.

5,890mSummit Altitude
19,300ftIn Feet
+531mAbove Khardung La
5,524mPhoti La (Day 4)
198kmTotal Cycling Distance
40–45%Oxygen at Summit

Altitude Profile — Day 0 to Summit & Return

3,500m
Leh D0
3,500m
Leh D1
3,300m
Sangam D2
4,500m
Hanle D3
5,524m
Photi La D4
4,850m
Chisumle D4
5,890m ★
Umling La D5
3,500m
Leh D5
3,500m
Leh D6
—
Depart D7
Day by Day

The Complete 8-Day Expedition Breakdown

Every stage in full — elevation data, what happens, what to expect, and what the experience means.

D0
Day 0 · Mandatory Rest · No Cycling

Arrival in Leh — Complete Rest & Acclimatisation

3,500m Altitude NO CYCLING — Non-Negotiable

Arrive at Leh Airport and transfer to your hotel with CAI assistance. This day is entirely about recovery from the sudden altitude gain of flying to Leh. At 3,500 m, your body needs time — do not rush this. No cycling is scheduled and none should be attempted. Hydrate relentlessly (3–4 litres minimum), eat light, avoid alcohol completely, take short gentle walks only. An optional evening stroll through Leh Market is the maximum physical activity. Early dinner and sleep. Your body is adapting to an altitude most of humanity never visits. Give it the respect and time it deserves.

D1
Day 1 · ~10 km · Briefing & Shanti Stupa

Leh — Expedition Briefing, Bike Fitting & Acclimatisation Ride

~10 km 3,500m · +230m ascent Medical Assessment

Morning expedition briefing: detailed route overview, altitude safety protocols, emergency procedures, AMS management, GAMOW bag usage, and support vehicle protocols. Bicycle fitting, gear inspection, and final adjustments by the technical team. A short acclimatisation ride to Shanti Stupa — a gradual, manageable gradient that tests bike comfort, breathing, and cadence at 3,500 m. This ride is primarily diagnostic: the team evaluates every rider's altitude response before the expedition begins. Any concerning signs are addressed immediately. Return to hotel for rest. This day sets the foundation for everything that follows.

D2
Day 2 · 74 km · Sightseeing & Altitude Conditioning

Leh Sightseeing Cycling Ride — Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame

74 km 3,300m–3,600m range Full Leh Circuit

A purposeful, enjoyable 74 km cycling loop around Leh that serves dual purpose: altitude conditioning at 3,300–3,600 m and cultural immersion before the extreme stages begin. The circuit includes the Indus–Zanskar Sangam (confluence of the two rivers), Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (sacred Sikh shrine with a legendary founding story), Magnetic Hill (the famous optical illusion), and the Hall of Fame (India's Army war memorial and museum). Mostly flat to gently rolling terrain. Support vehicle available throughout. This is your final easy cycling day before the high-altitude stages. Arrive back in Leh by afternoon. Rest, nutrition, and early sleep are critical tonight.

D3
Day 3 · Vehicle Transfer · No Cycling

Leh → Hanle — Drive Across the Changthang Plateau

Vehicle Transfer 3,500m → 4,500m Optional: Hemis / Thiksey / Shey

Depart Leh early for the spectacular drive across the Changthang Plateau — Ladakh's great high-altitude grassland, one of Asia's wildest and most pristine ecosystems. Optional en-route monastery stops: Hemis (Ladakh's largest monastery, famous for its June Hemis Festival), Thiksey (resembling a miniature Potala Palace), and Shey Palace. The plateau landscape is extraordinary: wide open vistas, high-altitude wetlands, nomadic Changpa herder camps, Tibetan wild ass (kiang), and black-necked cranes. Arrive at Hanle (4,500 m) by evening. Visit the vicinity of the Indian Astronomical Observatory if time permits. Dinner and overnight — your body is now at 4,500 m without physical exertion. Start Diamox tonight if your doctor has prescribed it. Hydrate. Sleep.

D4
Day 4 · 49 km · Photi La 5,524m — Already Above Khardung La

Hanle → Chisumle — via Photi La Pass (5,524 m)

49 km Photi La — 5,524m (Higher than Khardung La) 4,500m → 4,850m · +1,280m ascent Medical Monitoring Essential

The expedition enters extreme territory. From Hanle at 4,500 m, the gradual ascent toward Photi La begins on remote, traffic-free mountain roads with vast open views and total silence broken only by wind. Cold temperatures and strong gusts are probable. The air is thin enough to demand strict pacing — no surging, no heroics. Photi La at 5,524 m is already 165 m higher than Khardung La, the mountain pass most riders consider their Himalayan pinnacle. The summit here is your warm-up for tomorrow. Medical monitoring by the support team is continuous. Summit halt for photographs, recovery, and hydration. Descend into Chisumle valley (4,850 m) for overnight stay in basic accommodation. Early sleep. Tomorrow is the world record.

D5
Day 5 · ~50 km · WORLD RECORD SUMMIT ★ 5,890m

Chisumle → Umling La Summit (5,890 m) → Return → Leh

~50 km round trip ★ UMLING LA — 5,890m — World's Highest Motorable Road +1,040m from Chisumle Continuous Medical & O₂ Support

Pre-dawn start. Everything you have trained for, travelled for, and endured for the past five days converges in this single ascent. From Chisumle at 4,850 m, the 25 km climb to Umling La gains over 1,000 m in conditions of extreme altitude where oxygen is roughly 40–45% of sea level. The terrain is vast, silent, alien — sparse plateau interrupted by rock and sky. Every pedal stroke is a deliberate, medicated, monitored act of will. Medical monitoring is continuous. Oxygen support is immediately available. The GAMOW bag is on standby. At the summit — Umling La, 5,890 metres, the highest motorable road in the world — prayer flags, a BRO marker, and the most extraordinary view of Ladakh that any road can offer. Documentation, photographs, and a moment of silence for what you have achieved. Careful descent to Chisumle. Same-day vehicle transfer all the way back to Leh. Arrival in Leh late evening. The achievement is permanent.

D6
Day 6 · Recovery & Celebration

Leh — Expedition Ceremony, Certificates & Success Party

3,500m — Safe Altitude Full Rest Day

Late wake-up and full rest morning. The expedition completion ceremony: certificate distribution, group photographs, and the acknowledgement of what each rider has accomplished — the world's highest motorable road, cycled. The CAI success celebration gathers the entire team: riders, Ride Marshals, support crew, and medical staff. This is the celebration the summit deserved but was too cold and too thin for. The afternoon is free for Leh's markets, monasteries, or simply sitting with a cup of butter tea watching the mountains that yesterday you rode above. Final overnight in Leh.

D7
Day 7 · Departure

Leh Airport Transfer — The Expedition Ends

Airport Transfer Assisted

Breakfast at the hotel. CAI team assists with your transfer to Leh Airport. Leh connects directly to Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and other major cities — book your return flights independently. As your flight climbs and the Ladakhi mountains shrink below you, you will see the plateau you crossed. You will know which point, on which ridge, is Umling La — and you will know that you cycled there. That is yours permanently. No one can take a world record from the riders who earn it.

Extreme Safety

Altitude, AMS, HACE & HAPE — The Full Picture

This expedition reaches 5,890 m. At this altitude, the risks are categorically different from any other cycling expedition. Every rider must understand them fully.

⚠ The Extreme Altitude Reality at 5,890 m

Standard high-altitude cycling expeditions peak at 4,500–5,400 m. This expedition peaks at 5,890 m — an altitude at which the oxygen partial pressure is so low that even fully acclimatised, fit athletes are working at the limits of human physiological tolerance. The standard AMS warning rules apply here — but so do the more severe conditions: HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), which are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate descent and oxygen therapy.

CAI deploys a portable hyperbaric GAMOW bag for this expedition — a pressurised chamber that simulates descent by increasing atmospheric pressure, providing critical emergency treatment capability in remote locations. Oxygen cylinders are carried on the support vehicle at all times. Medical monitoring is continuous from Day 3 onwards.

This is not alarmism. This is the full reality of what cycling the world's highest motorable road requires. CAI prepares riders comprehensively. Riders who prepare honestly and follow protocols reach the summit. Riders who cut corners or ignore warnings do not — and should not.

Effective Oxygen Availability by Altitude

100%
Sea Level
80%
Leh 3,500m
70%
Hanle 4,500m
60%
Khardung La 5,359m
54%
Photi La 5,524m
40–45%
Umling La ★ 5,890m

Recognise These Symptoms — Report Any Immediately

Persistent Headache Nausea / Vomiting Severe Fatigue Loss of Coordination Confusion / Disorientation Breathless at Rest Chest Tightness Rattling Cough Inability to Walk Straight Severe Dizziness
"At 5,890 m, the rule is absolute: no symptom is too small to report. HACE and HAPE can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening emergency in hours. Tell your Ride Marshal. Trust the team. Descent is always the correct decision."

🩺 Medical Infrastructure at This Expedition Level

CAI's Tour de Umling La deploys a fully equipped medical support system: portable oxygen cylinders at all times from Day 3 onwards; a GAMOW portable hyperbaric bag (the standard emergency tool for HACE/HAPE at extreme altitude); a full first-aid medical kit; 4×4 support vehicles positioned at critical points for emergency evacuation; and a medical support team throughout the Hanle–Chisumle–Umling La stages. Before joining this expedition, a mandatory medical certificate confirming fitness for extreme high-altitude cycling is required. Begin Diamox (if prescribed) 24–48 hours before Hanle. All riders must complete a minimum 2 nights of acclimatisation in Leh — this is built into the itinerary and non-negotiable.

Extreme Preparation

Training & Preparation for the World's Highest Road

This expedition requires the most serious physical preparation of any CAI ride. Begin 6 months before departure. Ideally, complete Manali–Leh or Srinagar–Leh first.

🚴

Cycling Training (24 Weeks)

  • Months 1–2: base building — 3–4 rides/week, 40–60 km each; consistent aerobic base is everything for altitude performance
  • Months 3–4: gradient focus — 2+ hill sessions/week, weekly long ride to 80–100 km minimum
  • Months 5–6: expedition simulation — consecutive riding days every fortnight; simulate Day 4 (49 km, 1,280 m ascent) in training
  • Prerequisite strongly recommended: complete Manali–Leh–Khardung La or Srinagar–Leh–Khardung La before this expedition
  • Benchmark: comfortably ride 80 km with 1,500 m elevation gain without significant distress
  • Include high-altitude training (Mussoorie, Shimla, any hill station ride at 2,000+ m) in final 2 months if possible
💪

Strength & Conditioning

  • Leg power: weighted squats, Bulgarian split squats, single-leg deadlifts — 4× weekly minimum
  • Core: planks, anti-rotation exercises, dead bugs — critical for efficient pedalling at extreme altitude where every movement costs oxygen
  • Breathing exercises: box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing — practice daily from Month 3
  • VO2 max training: weekly HIIT intervals — your VO2 max directly determines performance in thin air
  • Cardiovascular base: swimming or running 3× weekly alongside cycling throughout preparation
  • Final month: yoga and flexibility training — reduces oxygen cost of movement
🥗

Nutrition & Hydration

  • Altitude suppresses appetite severely — train your gut to eat while riding from Month 2 without reliance on hunger signals
  • Iron and B12 supplementation: get blood levels tested 3 months before departure and correct any deficiency — anaemia is catastrophic at extreme altitude
  • Hydration: 4+ litres daily at altitude — begin building this habit months before departure
  • Electrolytes: daily supplementation throughout the expedition, especially in the Hanle–Chisumle stage
  • Eliminate alcohol completely 4 weeks before departure — alcohol dehydrates, impairs acclimatisation, and worsens AMS risk
  • High-carbohydrate diet for the 3 days before the summit — carbohydrates require less oxygen to metabolise than fats
🧠

Mental & Medical Preparation

  • Mandatory medical certificate required — obtain from a physician familiar with high-altitude sports medicine
  • Consult your doctor about Diamox (Acetazolamide) — begin protocol 24–48 hours before Hanle as instructed
  • Get blood pressure, cardiac health, and respiratory function assessed before registering for this expedition
  • Watch CAI's Umling La expedition video on YouTube — understand exactly what Days 4 and 5 look and feel like
  • Practice visualisation of the summit climb — mental fatigue at extreme altitude is as real as physical fatigue
  • Build psychological tolerance for absolute remoteness — Day 4 and 5 terrain is more isolated than anywhere most riders have been
🌡

Extreme Altitude Weather

  • Leh in June: days 15–22°C, nights 2–8°C — manageable
  • Hanle at 4,500 m: days 12–18°C, nights −2 to 5°C — cold; heavy fleece and down layer essential
  • Photi La and Chisumle: days 5–12°C, nights −5 to 0°C — genuinely cold, wind chill adds severity
  • Umling La summit: 0°C to −5°C in June with strong winds — full down layer, balaclava, summit gloves mandatory
  • UV radiation at 5,500–5,890 m is extreme — SPF 50+ every exposure, glacier goggles recommended
  • Weather can change in under 30 minutes at extreme altitude — never leave camp without full cold-weather kit on your person
🌍

International Riders

  • Arrive in India 3–5 days early — do not fly directly Leh; acclimatise in Delhi (250m) then Leh in stages if possible
  • India tourist visa + medical certificate for extreme altitude cycling (mandatory at registration)
  • Travel insurance: mandatory — must cover high-altitude cycling to 5,890 m, emergency helicopter evacuation, and repatriation
  • Inner Line Permit (ILP) for foreign nationals: required and not included in tour price — CAI advises on the process; carry original passport
  • Cash: carry minimum ₹10,000 INR from Leh before heading to Hanle — zero ATMs or facilities beyond Leh
  • Indian SIM (Jio or Airtel) from Delhi airport — signal in Leh, zero beyond; power bank is critical
Extreme Altitude Packing

Complete Gear & Kit List

At 5,890 m, kit is not about comfort — it is about survival. Every item on this list was put here for a specific reason. Pack all of them.

🪖 Safety — Zero Exceptions

  • Certified cycling helmet
  • Front headlight — USB rechargeable
  • Rear tail light — USB rechargeable
  • Reflective vest (CAI provided)
  • Full-finger padded gloves (riding)
  • Extreme cold summit gloves (separate)
  • UV-protective glacier goggles / sunglasses
  • Water bottles / sipper — min 2L on bike

👕 Riding Kit

  • Padded cycling shorts × 3
  • Moisture-wicking jerseys × 4
  • Thermal base layer (top + bottom) × 3
  • Windproof cycling jacket × 2
  • Packable rain jacket × 1
  • Bib tights / thermal cycling leggings × 1
  • Stiff-sole cycling shoes × 1
  • Dry-fit technical socks × 8 pairs

🥶 Summit & Extreme Cold

  • Down jacket (600+ fill) — mandatory for summit
  • Balaclava for Umling La summit (wind chill ≤ −10°C)
  • Neck buff × 2
  • Warm thermal hat
  • Toe warmers or thermal boot covers
  • Hand warmers (chemical, single-use) × 8
  • Warm windproof trekking trousers
  • Heavy down sleeping liner (basic accommodation at Chisumle)

🧴 Health — Critical at This Level

  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (large — reapply constantly)
  • SPF lip balm × 3 — altitude windburn is severe
  • Anti-chafing cream / Vaseline
  • Diamox (if prescribed) — with doctor's instructions
  • Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (personal supply)
  • Personal medications — waterproofed and labelled
  • Electrolyte tablets — personal brand, large supply
  • Microfibre towels × 3 (quick-dry)
  • Sanitiser + wet wipes packs

🔧 Bike & Electronics

  • Very large power bank (2–3 charges minimum)
  • Bike multi-tool (own bike riders)
  • Spare inner tubes × 2 (own bike)
  • Tyre levers + mini hand pump
  • Handlebar phone / camera mount
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Small drybag for day essentials
  • Satellite communicator (recommended for solo protection)

📋 Documents & Money

  • Passport + 3 photocopies (international)
  • Medical certificate — mandatory for this expedition
  • Aadhaar / Govt ID (Indian nationals)
  • Travel insurance printout
  • Emergency contact card in wallet
  • INR cash — minimum ₹10,000 from Leh
  • Inner Line Permit (foreign nationals)
  • Drybags throughout all bags
⚠ Extreme Altitude Packing Note: Your main bag travels in the support vehicle. Your riding pack must carry: water (min 2L), emergency snacks, down jacket (accessible immediately), rain layer, SPF, phone, and personal medications. At 5,524 m on Day 4 and 5,890 m on Day 5, temperature can drop from riding warmth to dangerous cold in minutes when you stop. The down jacket must be reachable within 30 seconds without dismounting. Chisumle accommodation is basic — bring your sleeping liner. Chemical hand warmers and foot warmers for the summit are not optional.
The Rider's Code

Do's & Don'ts — Extreme Altitude Edition

At 5,890 m, mistakes carry consequences they do not carry at lower altitudes. These rules exist because riders before you found out why.

✅

Do's — Follow Every One

  • ✓ Complete a minimum of 2 full rest nights in Leh before the Hanle departure — this acclimatisation is built-in and non-negotiable.
  • ✓ Begin Diamox protocol as prescribed by your doctor 24–48 hours before reaching Hanle.
  • ✓ Hydrate 4+ litres daily from Day 0 — even at rest, even when you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration at extreme altitude is silent and dangerous.
  • ✓ Report any symptom — any at all — to the Ride Marshal or medical support immediately and honestly.
  • ✓ Eat every meal and every scheduled snack, even when altitude removes your appetite entirely. Your body burns extraordinary fuel climbing to 5,890 m.
  • ✓ Pace yourself consciously on Days 4 and 5 — slow and controlled ascent dramatically reduces AMS risk at extreme altitude.
  • ✓ Carry your down jacket accessible at all times on the bike from Day 4 onwards — stop and put it on the moment you stop cycling.
  • ✓ Get your medical certificate from a physician who understands high-altitude sports medicine before registering.
  • ✓ Carry and charge your power bank daily — connectivity near zero, but GPS and emergency communication matter.
  • ✓ Respect the Ladakhi landscape and nomadic Changpa culture of the Changthang Plateau — this is their home.
  • ✓ Celebrate every partial achievement — reaching Hanle, crossing Photi La, reaching Chisumle. Each stage at this altitude is an achievement in itself.
  • ✓ Trust the CAI medical and support team — they have run this expedition before and their protocols exist to get you to the summit safely.
❌

Don'ts — Non-Negotiable at This Altitude

  • ✗ Never consume any alcohol from Day 0 through Day 7 — at extreme altitude, alcohol is medically incompatible with safe acclimatisation.
  • ✗ Never attempt to rush the acclimatisation days (Days 0 and 1) — no amount of fitness can replace the time your body needs to adapt to 3,500 m.
  • ✗ Never ride alone without the Ride Marshal or support vehicle — on Days 4 and 5 you are in genuinely remote, high-altitude terrain with no infrastructure.
  • ✗ Never hide or minimise symptoms — at this altitude, what feels like a manageable headache can progress to HACE within hours.
  • ✗ Never attempt the summit on Day 5 if you experienced significant AMS symptoms on Day 4 — the summit will be there next year; your health is irreplaceable.
  • ✗ Never remove your summit cold layers at the top for photographs and then stand still — at −5°C with wind, hypothermia can set in within minutes.
  • ✗ Never skip Diamox if your doctor has prescribed it — it is not a crutch; it is a standard tool for safe extreme altitude performance.
  • ✗ Never litter anywhere on this expedition — the Changthang Plateau and the approach to Umling La are among the most pristine environments in Asia.
  • ✗ Never disturb wildlife on the Changthang Plateau — kiang, snow leopards, and black-necked cranes share this landscape; observe only.
  • ✗ Never fly directly to Leh after intense exercise — rest 48 hours before any high-altitude flight.
  • ✗ Never attempt this expedition without having previously completed at least one other Himalayan cycling expedition above 4,500 m.
  • ✗ Never photograph Indian Army installations, checkpoints, or security infrastructure — this is a strategically sensitive border area.
Full Transparency

What's Included & What's Not

Complete clarity on your expedition fee — and what you arrange independently. No surprises.

Included in Your Fee

  • All accommodation — twin sharing (hotel in Leh + basic accommodation at Chisumle)
  • All meals — veg & non-veg, breakfast, lunch, dinner + tea, coffee, snacks, and fresh fruit throughout
  • Ride Marshals cycling alongside the group at all times
  • Dietician-recommended daily nutrition plan for extreme altitude exertion
  • Full first-aid medical kit + oxygen cylinders throughout
  • CAI jersey + hoodie + achievement memento + completion certificate
  • Goody bag: protein bars, ORS, coffee, biscuits, bandanna
  • Complete tour photography + video + full expedition journey video
  • Bicycle overhauling and cleaning throughout
  • Tour success celebration party in Leh
  • Pre-expedition training materials + video e-talks
  • 4×4 support vehicles for luggage and emergency at all stages
  • Bicycle assembly on arrival + packing on return
  • Technical support team for all bicycle issues
  • All permits and passes for the expedition route
  • Portable washrooms and changing facilities
  • Reflective vests and safety tape
  • Leh Airport transfer (on arrival and departure)

Not Included

  • GST / Government taxes as applicable
  • Personal cycle accessories (helmet, gloves, lights)
  • Personal expenses during the tour
  • Inner Line Permits for foreign nationals (CAI advises — not in price)
  • Flights or transport to/from Leh
  • Alcoholic beverages (not permitted on this expedition)
  • Single room upgrade (available at extra cost — request in advance)
  • Travel insurance — arrange independently (mandatory)
  • Medical certificate — obtain from your physician (mandatory)
  • Bicycle rental — ₹900/day × 8 days if required
  • Airport pickup — ₹1,000/person (optional add-on)
  • Airport drop — ₹1,000/person (optional add-on)
  • Extra stay nights — ₹3,999/night (optional add-on)
  • Anything not explicitly listed under inclusions
Need to Know

Practical Information

📋 Permits & Medical Certificate

A mandatory medical certificate confirming fitness for extreme high-altitude cycling is required for all riders — obtain from a physician. Indian nationals carry valid government ID. Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for this area of Ladakh — not included in price; CAI advises on the process. Always carry original passport and 3 photocopies.

🚲 Bicycle & Rental

Own bike must be a well-maintained MTB or hybrid — thoroughly serviced before departure. CAI rents premium MTBs: Merida, Giant, Scott, Trek at ₹900/day. Frame size allocated by rider height. Security deposit: ₹2,000 + one ID proof (refunded at expedition end). Bike is assembled Day 1, packed Day 7. CAI technical team handles maintenance throughout.

📶 Connectivity & Power

Good signal in Leh. Zero mobile signal from Hanle onwards through the entire Chisumle–Umling La stage and return. Inform family before Day 3 departure with your expected return date. A large-capacity power bank (minimum 20,000 mAh) is essential — charge every opportunity in Leh. Satellite communicator is a recommended personal investment for international riders.

🏨 Accommodation

Hotels in Leh (Days 0–3 and Days 5–7). Basic tented or camp-style accommodation in Chisumle (Day 4) — facilities are minimal; bring your sleeping liner and personal essentials in a separate small bag. Twin sharing throughout. Single room upgrades available for Leh nights at extra cost — request at registration.

🍽 Food at Extreme Altitude

All meals follow a dietician-recommended plan calibrated for extreme altitude exertion. Appetite suppression at 4,500+ m is significant — CAI's nutrition plan specifically addresses this with high-carbohydrate, easy-to-digest meals. Vegan, gluten-free, and Jain requirements accommodated — declare at registration. Food allergies must be communicated before departure without exception.

💳 Cash — Critical at This Level

Leh has ATMs and UPI works well. Beyond Leh — absolutely nothing until you return. Carry a minimum ₹10,000 INR in cash from Leh before the Day 3 departure to Hanle. Chisumle has zero financial infrastructure of any kind. Tour fee is payable by UPI, wallet, or mobile banking. Book early with ₹15,000 deposit to secure your slot.

👩 Women Riders

CAI maintains a zero-tolerance harassment policy. Women have participated in every expedition. Portable changing rooms provided at all stops. Medical support team is fully briefed. Menstrual health accommodations available — communicate at registration. This expedition's remote terrain requires all riders to have a very high level of physical and mental self-sufficiency — appropriate preparation is non-negotiable regardless of gender.

🏃 Who Should Apply

Rated Extremely Difficult. Previous Himalayan cycling experience above 4,500 m is strongly recommended — ideally Manali–Leh or Srinagar–Leh. Mandatory medical certificate required. Begin preparation 6 months ahead. Age is secondary to genuine fitness and altitude experience — riders in their 50s have completed this expedition with full preparation. First-time Himalayan riders should not attempt Umling La.

Booking Policy

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Book early with ₹15,000 deposit to secure your slot. Act early if plans change — the earlier you cancel, the more protection you have.

Cancellation Window Batch Shifting Cancellation 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

Secure your slot now with ₹15,000 deposit. Pay balance 30 days before tour date. To cancel, email info@cycleadventuresindia.com with booking reference.

Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register and what is the deposit amount? ▼
Call or WhatsApp CAI at +91 9988009290. You can secure your slot now with just ₹15,000 — pay the balance 30 days before the tour start date. You'll receive a registration form link, payment details, and pre-expedition briefing materials. Bicycle rental, airport pickup/drop, and extra stay can be added during registration.
Is a medical certificate mandatory, and what should it cover? ▼
Yes — a medical certificate is mandatory for the Tour de Umling La. It must be obtained from a qualified physician and confirm fitness for extreme high-altitude cycling to 5,890 m. The certificate should ideally cover: cardiovascular fitness, respiratory health, blood pressure, absence of epilepsy, and confirmation that no contraindications to Diamox exist. Riders with cardiac conditions, severe respiratory issues, or recent surgery are advised to seek specialist clearance. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
Do I need prior Himalayan cycling experience for this expedition? ▼
Prior Himalayan cycling experience above 4,500 m is strongly recommended. CAI specifically suggests completing Manali–Leh–Khardung La or Srinagar–Leh–Khardung La before attempting Tour de Umling La. The Day 4 pass (Photi La, 5,524 m) is already higher than Khardung La — riders who have never experienced true high-altitude cycling are at significantly elevated risk. This is not a beginner or intermediate expedition.
What exactly is the GAMOW bag and why is it important? ▼
A GAMOW bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber — a sealed inflatable bag with a pump that increases air pressure inside to simulate lower altitude. It is the standard emergency treatment tool for HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) in remote high-altitude environments where descent is not immediately possible. CAI carries a GAMOW bag on the Tour de Umling La specifically because the Chisumle–Umling La area is extremely remote. It is a critical safety investment for an extreme-altitude expedition.
Is the Umling La area restricted? Do I need special permits? ▼
Yes — the Umling La area (Demchok sector, Ladakh) requires special permits due to its proximity to the China border. CAI arranges all required permits and passes as part of the tour fee for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which is not included in the tour price — CAI advises on the application process. Always carry original passport and 3 photocopies on the route. Army checkpoints will require documentation.
I am an international rider. Is this expedition accessible to me? ▼
Yes — with the right preparation and permits. You need: India tourist visa; Inner Line Permit for the Demchok sector (CAI advises; not included in price); travel insurance covering extreme high-altitude cycling to 5,890 m and emergency helicopter evacuation (mandatory); mandatory medical certificate; flights to/from Leh; minimum 3–5 days acclimatisation time before expedition start; and ₹10,000+ INR cash. CAI has successfully organised this expedition for international riders. Arrive early, acclimatise fully, and prepare comprehensively.
What happens if I can't complete the summit on Day 5? ▼
Your health is always the absolute priority. If AMS or other medical reasons prevent the summit attempt, the support vehicle takes you back to Leh immediately. There is no shame in this — the extreme altitude and conditions of Days 4 and 5 are amongst the most demanding cycling conditions in the world. You can choose to attempt the expedition again with your Credit Note, or discuss with CAI about joining a future batch. No summit is worth a medical emergency.
What accommodation is available at Chisumle on Day 4? ▼
Chisumle is a remote, basic settlement. Accommodation is simple camp-style or basic guesthouse — minimal furniture, basic washing facilities, no room service. Bring your sleeping bag liner, personal toiletries in a small accessible bag, and any essentials you'll need for one cold night. This is part of the expedition's authentic character — the discomfort of Chisumle makes the summit of Umling La the following morning all the more earned.
What are the add-on options and how are they booked? ▼
Available add-ons at registration: Bicycle rental (₹900/day × 8 days); Airport pickup at Leh (₹1,000/person); Airport drop at Leh (₹1,000/person); Extra stay nights in Leh (₹3,999/night). All add-ons must be selected during registration — last-minute additions cannot be guaranteed. The security deposit for bicycle rental is ₹2,000 + one ID proof, refunded at expedition end when the bike is returned.
★ World's Highest Motorable Road · BRO Certified · Leh Based · 8 Days ★

Tour de Umling La

5,890 metres · 19,300 feet · The highest road a bicycle has ever ridden. Yours to claim.

₹49,999 ₹46,999 6% OFF · Per Person

★ Book now with just ₹15,000 deposit — pay balance 30 days before tour ★

Book Your Slot Now WhatsApp Us +91 99880 09290

Bike rental · Airport transfer · 8 days fully supported · GAMOW bag · Oxygen · Certificate · World Record