MTB Ladakh |
Country: India / Ladakh |
Description |
The
490-kilometer
journey
from
Leh
(Ladakh)
to
Manali
is
one
of
the
ultimate
challenges
for
the
experienced
mountain
biker.
Crossing
the
Himalayas
from
north
to
south,
the
route
traverses
four
high
passes,
with
an
accumulated
altitude
gain
exceeding
29,000
fit
-
the
equivalent
of
cycling
to
the
summit
of
Mount
Everest
from
sea
level.
This
is
not
a
trip
for
the
faint-lunged!
But
the
strenuousness
of
the
trip
is
more
than
compensated
for
by
what
is
arguably
the
most
spectacular
and
varied
mountain
scenery
in
the
world.
Moreover,
the
areas
traveled
through
-
Ladakh,
Zanskar,
and
Lahoul
-
represent
some
of
the
last
places
on
earth
where
Tibetan
Buddhist
culture
thrives.
We
start
the
trip
by
flying
from
New
Delhi
to
Leh
(Ladakh),
situated
above
the
Indus
River
at
12,000
feet.
Isolated
deep
within
the
Karakoram
and
Zanskar
mountain
ranges,
the
upper
Indus
valley
is
a
dry
windswept
moonscape.
The
mesmerizing
shallow
slopes
of
the
valley
consist
of
subtle
layers
of
pale
amber,
ochre,
and
sandstone,
which
twist
and
turn
in
a
subtle
dance
revealing
the
geological
history
of
this
ancient
land.
Known
as
"Little
Tibet,"
Ladakh
has
a
rich
culture,
which
still
supports
numerous
active
monasteries.
Perched
on
high
cliffs
and
hilltops,
these
monasteries
appear
as
guardians
over
the
starkly
beautiful
landscape.
We
will
spend
several
days
acclimatizing
in
the
valley
prior
to
setting
off
on
the
Trans-Himalayan
journey,
visiting
the
famous
monasteries
(called
gompas)
of
Hemis,
Alchi,
and
Tikse.
Travel
will
be
by
van
the
first
day
or
two,
but
once
we
are
reasonably
acclimated
to
the
altitude,
we
will
get
in
some
spectacular
warm
up
rides
along
the
valley's
quiet
well-paved
roads.
|
Itinerary |
The
Trans-Himalayan
journey
to
Manali
starts
with
an
ascent
of
the
Taglang
La
Pass,
the
second
highest
motorable
road
in
the
world
at
17,600
feet,
and
the
highest
pass
of
the
trip.
Early
mornings
and
evenings
will
be
cool.
Once
the
sun
is
out,
however,
you
can
strip
down
to
riding
shorts
and
a
lightweight
jersey.
Full
camping
and
vehicle
support.
You
carry
nothing
more
than
a
water
bottle
and
windbreaker.
The
light
bike
and
camping
support
allow
you
to
take
full
advantage
of
the
incredible
biking
terrain.
A
trained
bike
mechanic/
guide
keeps
everyone
rolling.
1
Fly
Delhi
to
Leh,
transfer
to
Hotel
in
Stok,
Guide
will
meet
you
at
Delhi
airport
for
all
ticket/flight
handling.
2. Day in Leh, drive & return by bike.... sightseeing
.
3.
Leh
>
bike
to
Shey
&
Thiksey
Monasteries
4.
Drive/cycle
to
Alchi
Monastery,
return
to
Stok
by
bike
5.
Stok
>
Bike
to
Poplar
Camp.
6.
Rest
day
at
Camp,
and
optional
cycle
to
Hemis
Gompa
7.
Bike
to
the
base
of
the
first
major
pass
-
Taglang
La.....
camp
8.
Climb
the
Taglang
La
Pass
(5300m/17384ft)
and
descend
to
the
more
plains
camp
at
Drukpa
encampment
9
Drukpa
encampment
>
bike
to
Pang.....camp
10
Pang
>
bike
to
Sarchu,
crossing
pass
#2
the
Lachung
La,
on
route
11
Sarchu
>
bike
to
Bharatpur
12
Bharatpur
>
rest
day
or
optional
day
hike,
near
to
the
summit
of
the
Baralacha
La
13
Bharatpur
>
bike
to
Jispa,
crossing
pass
#3
the
Baralacha
La
and
camp
at
Jispa
14
Jispa
>
bike
to
Gramphoo
via
Keylong
15
Gramphoo
to
Manali,
crossing
pass#4
the
Rohtang
La
16
Rest
Day
&
party
in
Manali......
overnight
bus
to
Delhi
17
Arrive
Delhi,
transfer
to
international
airport
or
to
hotel
depending
on
clients
schedule.
|
Departure |
| Delhi,
India |
|
on
the
road |
Thikse
|
Leh
|
Shanti
Stupa
|
Included |
Guide/mechanic,
Local
driver
for
the
support
vehicle
and
(importantly)
very
familiar
with
the
route,
All
meals,
Transport
around
Leh
&
throughout
the
expedition
&
rest
days
(
as
required),
Full
camping
support
during
the
Leh-
Manali
sector,
Hotels
&
meals
Leh
&
Manali-
(twin
shared
basis),
Bus
transport
to
Delhi;
Tibetan,
English,
Nepali,
Indian
speaking
Guide/mechanic,
Bike
tools
for
general
servicing
(
not
spare
parts
for
personal
bikes
);
Domestic
Flight
–
one
way.
|
Departure Dates |
|
Departure Dates in 2008: 7th June to 24th June; 27th June to 14th July || 16th July to 3rd August (Manali to Leh)
You need to arrive in Delhi one day prior to start.
|
|
