Land of the Monks

This stunning section begins in the small, friendly town of Leh nestled in the beautiful but barren landscape of Ladakh. The cyclists will spend time acclimatizing together in Leh, as well as, after a vehicle transfer, by cycling 3 days from Mulbeck, by the Kashmir border, back to Leh. We will then depart Leh for a final time, heading east, to set out on the spectacular stretch to Manali. Over 6 days, the riders will cross two 5000m passes and spend most nights sleeping at altitudes well above 4000m. The route, especially on the first day, will take them past remote forts and Gompas (Buddhist Monasteries) perched dramatically above the Indus River.

At the small village of Upshi, the riders will leave the Indus and follow the incredible Leh-Manali Highway through the Pang Valley. The road itself is only open 4 ½ months of the year and has an average elevation of over 4,000m. The cyclists will splash through icy, glacial streams and be captivated by some incredible rock and sand formations, always with the snow-capped Himalaya looming in the background. They will climb over the Talang Pass (5328m) and descend 500m through the 22 hairpin turns of the famous Gata loops. On the last day, the weary but exhilarated riders will spin down into the verdant Manali Valley for a well earned rest day.

Surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards Manali, one of the Indian Himalaya’s most pleasant hill stations, marks the start of this delightful section. The riders will pedal back up into the arid Himalayan plateau and follow first the Chenab River before climbing over the Kunzum Pass (4590m) where they will marvel at the otherworldly Kunzum Stupas. The route then descends to the Spiti River and on into easygoing town of Kaza.

This area is known for its wildlife – wolves, snow leopards, golden eagles, ibex, marmots and blue sheep – so the riders should keep their eyes open. A short cycling day will take the riders into Tabo and its Gompa, one of the most significant in Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed in 996AD, it is has been mentioned as the place where the current Dali Lama will retire. The route now takes the riders through the scenic Kinnaur region whose old capital, Kapla, is said to be the winter home of the Hindu God, Shiva. Finally, a long, steady climb will take the riders up to Shimla, perhaps the most famous of the Indian hill stations and the end of this amazing section.

Highlights

• Srinagar
• Cycling 5000 m Passes On The Leh - Manali Highway
• Remote Forts and Gompas (Buddhist Monasteries)
• British Hill Stations in Manali & Shimla