4 Best Cycling Trails in the Himalayas

Have you ever imagined what it would feel to travel the country cycling? Cycling along the pristine beaches and the magnificent coastal line, cycling across meadows with lined up alpine trees and beside the rivers with winds in your hair ,isn’t it just mystical? There’s no other replacement compared to exploring India on a cycle. The country has some of the best cycling routes passing through the most phenomenal scenery and how could we forget the Himalayas! One of the best and most traveled cycling routes in India is the Himalayas. Given below are the best cycling trails in the Himalayas. Choose one you would love to experience.

Leh-Srinagar Highway

The ever first and only route connecting to Ladakh was the Leh-Srinagar Highway. You will find the route fascinating initially while crossing the captivating Zanskar and towering Gompas of Basco, Likir, Lamayuru and Alchi. The route covers a distance of 271 miles offering you stunning vistas all the way.

The roads are well-maintained and serve to be the military road as well. Post Kargil, the road spans crossing the Line of Control between Pakistan and India. AS you cross the scenic marvel on your cycle, you will come across some cautionary boards on the way say, “Caution. You are under enemy observation.” To reach Srinagar, you will pass through some strong militarized areas of Kashmir.

Starting Point: Leh

End Point: Srinagar

 Altitude: 4105 (Maximum)

Route: Leh , Nimmu , Saspol , Lamayuru , Fotu La , Namika La , Mulbekh , Kargil , Drass , Zozi La , Sonmarg , Srinagar

Manali-Leh Highway

Manali -Leh Highway is considered as one of the most breathtaking trails of the Himalayan cycling expedition. The trail is extremely barren and of a fascinating height when it comes to skillful cyclists and adventurers. However, a trekker might take little time to reconcile with it, so keep it in mind. To just make you ready what’s coming across you, almost 1/4^th of the cycling route is mud-packed. Ensure you have good expertise to deal with such tracks.

The trail has a number of streams to cross which you can get through walking holding your cycle. However, if you are a skilled cyclist, crossing the streams by riding your cycle won’t be difficult for you. No permanent habitation is to be found on the route. From the high altitude Nubra Valley Desert to the remote kingdom of Ladakh, this Himalayan cycling trail has got everything to make it worth exploring on a cycle.

Starting Point: Manali

End Point: Leh

Altitude: 5350 meters (Maximum)

Route: Manali , Rohtang Jot , Kokhsar , Tandi , Keylong , Jispa ,Darcha , Baralacha La , Bharatpur , Sarchu ,Gata Loops , Nakee La , Lachulung La , Pang , More Plains , Tanglang La , Upshi , Karu , Leh

Manali to Spiti Valley

The road taking you to the splendid Spiti Valley starts from the spectacular Manali. Cycling in Manali is the best way to explore the majestic mountains, placid lakes, planes and valleys. What makes this cycling trail special is the dazzling Chandra Tal Lake en route. You might find the road little bumpy but this won’t be much painful with the sight of the magical Kunzum La. As you hop on your bicycle and start riding towards Spiti, spellbinding landscapes, imposing Budhist Gompas will welcome you.

The road condition is not quite good which clearly indicates that novices are not advised to try their hands on this Himalayan cycling tour. However, the veterans are going to have great fun and adventure all the way from Manali to Spiti Valley testing their endurance level.

Starting Point: Manali

End Point: Shimla

Altitude: 4567 meters (Maximum)

Route: Manali , Chandratal , Kunzum Pass , Spiti Valley , Kibber ,Tabo , Sang La , Sarhan , Shimla

Zanskar Cycling

Lying on the South of Ladakh, Zanskar is a mesmerizing place taking tourist closer to the Zanskari culture and vivid mountains. Do not forget to carry eatables with you as you won’t find anything to eat in the route from Kargil to Padum. The adventurer in you will be surprised to see the magnificent monasteries on the way. The most highlighted threads of the trail is overnight camping in the phenomenal valleys and cycling to the freezing Nun and Kun.

As you reach Kargil, you need to take the Srinagar,Leh Highway. Following this route, you will cross Suru River reaching Penzi Pass. From this point, you must follow River Stod up till Padum. After Padum, the next 40 kilometers is an upstream road along River Tsarap. Once you cross the river, starts one of the thrilling route of cycle trekking in India. It is a 5,day cycle trek which requires riding on a horse to get through Shingo Pass taking you to the initial point of Zanskar Sumdo road. It is from here that the 20 kilometers downhill road begins to take you to the destination, Darcha.

The Zanskar cycling route is one of the most difficult cycle treks in India and the roads too are not in very good conditions. However, veterans will find it a fascinatingly challenging route as they pass the magnificent ambience and panoramic views along the way.

Starting Point: Kargil

End Point: Darcha

Altitude: Around 4000,4,500 meters (Maximum)

Route: Kargil, Lankerchey , Sanku, Damsna, Panikar, Padum, Mune, Raru, Dorzong , Phuktal Gompa , Lakhang Sumdo , Shingo La Base Camp , Jispa , Keylong , Khaltse , Sherlog , Darcha

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