Markha Valley

 

 

 

Manali-Leh Highway

This is the classic ride of the Indian Himalaya. The second highest road in the world winds from the pine-clad Kullu Valley through breathtakingly raw, high altitude scenery to the stark moonscape of Ladakh, 475km later. Over half of the route traverses a landscape so high and so barren that there’s no human habitation at all – only marmots, wild donkeys and birds of prey. Weird, wind-eroded landforms loom out of the surrounding mountains - arches, turrets and antennae in pinks, greens and oranges. The five passes, two of which cross 5,000m, drop down to grassland plateaus - perfect for camping. For all its remoteness, there are the odd flashes of 'civilisation' - a video hall at an army camp, or bunkbeds of roadworkers at Zing Zing Bar watching a pirate copy of Jurassic Park.

Time 7-10 days.
When to Go June – October. Road is guaranteed open each year from 15 June to 15 September.
What to Take For speedy cycling, you can leave the tent and stove behind. Dhabas, guesthouses and parachute tents en route can rustle up a rug and hot meal, if you can do days long enough to reach them on the remoter stretches. However, it’s really worth taking camping kit as this must be some of the most spectacular camping in the world, and it’ll give you the freedom to explore the stunning lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri on the Tibetan plateau.
Permits Not required for the main highway, though an alternative (and more demanding route) from Upshi to Pang via Mahe Bridge, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar currently requires an Inner Line Permit, only available in Leh. Areas are opening up all the time so check, as this is a beautiful and extremely remote region.
Road Conditions Roughly 75% of the Leh-Manali Hway is tarmac. Tar-blackened roadcrews and rock-cracking women crouched at the side of the road will become a familiar sight. Early in the summer, river crossings can be wild and wet, though landslides are infrequent.
Direction Despite the fact that Leh lies 1,500m above Manali, most cyclists do it the hard way by starting from the south. For many, the road stands as a rite of passage from the crowds of the Indian subcontinent to the remote and ancient kingdom of Ladakh, high in the Himalayas. Apart from its romantic appeal, this direction allows for proper acclimitisation. Beginning in the south, the passes rise steadily from 3978m (Rohtang), to 4883m (Baralacha La), 5060m (Lachlung & Namika La) and peak at 5328m (Taglang La). And it’s not as masochistic as it seems – tentless cyclists from Leh face a 2,000m climb from Upshi to Taglang La, followed by a sprint across the Morey Plains before reaching the first food and water at Pang, 125km away.
Planning Many cyclists travel to the Indian Himalaya specifically to cycle the Manali-Leh Hway. 3 weeks is sufficient time to arrive in Delhi, reach Manali then ride - once in Leh, daily flights across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges return to Delhi, weather permitting. See General Info for details of travel agents who run cycling trips from Manali - Leh.

 

 
 

Zanskar Valley


Spiti Valley


Manali - Leh Hway

Lahaul Valley


Manali-Leh