| Trip package cost on twin sharing basis:- USD 4200 Per Person Single supplement |
|---|
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Level: Active Rider
Tour Starts: Manali
Tour Ends: Leh (Ladakh) J&K
Ladakh – the land of high passes is a magnetic place with thin and scattered population in the regions in Jammu and Kashmir of India.
Sandwiched between two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and Karakoram, summer’s in Ladakh rarely exceed 27 degree Celsius while winters may be mean to plummet to minus 20 degree Celsius.
It is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. The culture and history of Ladakh are closely related to that of Tibet and the Ladakhis are predominantly Buddhists.
With Travel with Tapesh, when you ride your bike through the remote mountains and rare beauty of Ladakh, you feel FREE, HAPPY and STRONG. Our rides make you feel liberated, cut through the noise of day-to-day life as you get to ride through solid dependable silence.
Cycling through the magnetic and magnanimous Ladakh feels like you’re on your horse, your fighter-jet, and this place is your island, your friend. Together, we shall conquer that hill and thereafter the world!
Day 1 Delhi, overnight bus to Manali
Day 2 Acclimatization in Manali 2050 m short ride around Manali.
On a short walk we explore the green Kullu Valley with its tranquil villages, waterfalls and temples. In addition, the bikes are distributed and checked. Overnight stay in Guest house/ Hotel
Day 3 Start of the bike tour: Manali to Tandi , 3000 m, 63 km via ATUL Tunnel, 3000 m
Our first day on the bike starts with a 30 km continuous ascent from 100 m to 3000 m to the Rothang Tunnel. On this part of the route, it can still happen that we get caught in a monsoon rain. We first drive on a small village road through apple orchards until we turn 9 km onto the highway. We pass the Solang valley and finally reach the tunnel. The new 9 km long tunnel represents an extreme advantage for the locals of the Lahaul Valley, who are no longer cut off from the rest of the world during the long winter. Arriving at the other end, a completely different mountain world appears before our eyes: The lush green of the Kullu Valley is now being replaced by pastel colors. The mountains here are a bit higher, the sky suddenly wide and clear. We are now on the Manali-Leh Highway. The road is very well developed and yet quiet. We roll in light waves through the fascinating landscape consisting of small villages, cabbage fields, waterfalls and glacier peaks. After a long descent down to Tandi, we cross the bridge and have a final seven-kilometer climb to Keylong ahead of us. We spend the night in the district capital. If you like, you can stop by a traditional scarf factory. Overnight stay in Camp
Day 4 Tandi to Zanskar Sumdo, (3920 m), 57 km
The first 30 kilometers are uphill and downhill on the Manali-Leh Highway along the Bhaga River to Darcha. After the checkpoint we leave the highway and turn towards Zanskar. Up to Zanskar Sumdo it is an easy but steady ascent along a river. Every now and then we drive past small villages. We set up our first camp in Zanskar Sumdo, a confluence of streams. Today we are still driving on a very good new paved road. We spend the night at an altitude of almost 4000 m. Overnight in the camp
Day 5 Zanskar Sumdo to the village of Kurgiak (4130 m) via Shingo La (5090 m) approx. 40 km
Today we have to cross our first and highest (!) Pass. The good news: The 18 km up to the pass is steadily uphill, but most of the ascent is freshly paved. The snow-covered giants rise up around us – all over 6000 m high! After we have crossed the pass, we enjoy the fast off-road piste to the tea house on the north side of the pass. The first yaks can be spotted. After refreshment, we cross a river, it’s another 15 km slightly downhill to the first village of Zanskars Kurgiak. On the way we make a small stop at the mighty Gomo Rongjong rock, which rises steeply in front of us.We camp near the village and take an evening stroll through the small settlement. Overnight in the camp
Day 6 Kurgiak to Purne (3950 m) 22 km and 12 km hike Phuktal monastery (4300 m) 3 hours
The apparently short 22 km drag on, because it continues on the undeveloped jeep track, sometimes uphill, sometimes uphill. It’s good that the many small villages distract us while we cycle along the Kurgiak Chu River. At noon we reach the village of Purne, which consists of only three houses. We will have a traditional lunch with a host family before going on a small afternoon excursion to the spectacular 2500 year old Phuktal Monastery. The 5 km long path leads us to the monastery, which was built into a rock. Even today the monastery can only be reached on foot. While we’re on the road, our team sets up our camp in the fields of our host family. Overnight in the camp
Day 7 Purne to Padum (3559 m) 50 km
We continue by bike to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar. At the beginning we have a short ascent, otherwise the jeep track leads us mostly downhill, partly along a deep gorge. The last few kilometers we switch to a paved road and enjoy rolling to Padum. The valley is now wide and green. Overnight in the camp
Day 8 Padum rest day / sightseeing by car
A whole day in which we give our legs some rest. We visit the Karsha Monastery and the Sani Lake and the waterfall in the village of Sheela are also worth a visit. In addition, there is time for a rest, washing clothes and maybe a warm shower in the adjoining guest house? Overnight in the camp
Day 9 Padum to Margum La Base, 80 km
Today we have an impressive route along the Zanskar River ahead of us. The first thirty kilometers are through the wide Padum valley on a paved road. Then the valley and the road become narrower and we cycle through the Zanskar gorge, sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill. Today we won’t come across any more settlements, but with a bit of luck we will spot blue sheep and ibexes.After a
few kilometers after leaving the Zanskar Gorge, we set up our camp at the foot of the Margum La Pass. Overnight in the camp
Day 10 Lingshid Base to Margum La (4400 m), to Singge La (5009 m), to Singge Base (4300 m), 50 km
Today we probably have the queen’s stage ahead of us: There are two passes to cross. The 10 km high to Margum La are impressive and over a very sandy slope. You actually think you’re in a desert. From the not too high pass we have a nice view of the Lingshid village. Up to the base of the next pass, it first goes into a small hollow. Here in a village we rest in the tea tent. Then it goes steadily uphill again to the 5009 meter high Singge La Pass. The view is impressive. The descent to the camp at a bridge is really fun again. Overnight in the camp
Day 11 Singge Base via Sir Sir La (4832 m) to Hanupatta village (3715 m), 50 km
First it goes up to Photoksar first slightly uphill and then downhill. From Photoksar we then drive up our last pass, de Sri Sri La.
Then finally we just roll downhill. In Hanupatta, our first village in Ladakh, we set up camp by the stream and enjoy the greenery around us. Overnight in the camp
Day 12 Hanupatta via Wanla to the end point, 40 km (3100 m), visit the Lamayuru monastery (3500 m) and drive by jeep to Leh, 140 km by jeep
The last kilometers on the Darcha – Lamayuru route we roll down through a fascinating gorge to the end of the road. We cross the village of Wanla. Here we climb up to Lamayuru monastery.Then it goes over the Alchi monastery to Leh. A soft bed and dinner in the restaurant await us here. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh
Day 13 Leh Khardungla Leh
We will set of for the Khardung – La Pass as soon as light comes up. Cycling 26 miles and gaining 2,000m (6600 feet), this is the ultimate challenge of the trip. It is the highest motorable road in the world taking you to a dizzy 5,600m! The view from the top is spectacular, stretching from the Indus valley in the South over the endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range to the giants of the Saser Massif in the North. You can feel proud of a true achievement as you finish the trip with your final satisfying descent. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14 Leh Airport drop
Tours and service ends here!!
The cost will be USD 4200/- per person minimum 4pax
The cost will be USD 4000 /- per person 4 to 6
The cost will be USD 3800/- per person up to 10
MEETING TIME AND LOCATION
On the first day of the trip, Y our T rip Leader will meet you at Manali.
You will need to obtain a VISA to enter the country .PREP ARING FOR YOUR TRIP
Getting Active
BRINGING YOUR OWN GEAR
Don’t forget to bring your helmet and water bottle !
Y ou are welcome to bring your own gear , such as pedals, seat, helmet, toe clips and cyclometer , to use with bicycle.
However , please inform us in advance if you choose to bring any of your own things.
Y ou have option to bring your own bike.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
ESSENTIAL BICYCLING CLOTHES & GEAR
✓Cycle helmet (Compulsory on this trip)
✓Loose over shorts
✓4 season sleeping bag
✓Sleeping Mat
✓Warm Jacket
✓ sunglasses
✓Sunhat
✓Buff
✓Overshoes
✓ Head lamp (torch , light)
✓Warmer layers for the late August trips
✓Snakes for long days
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm long fingered fully waterproof gloves as well as a half fingered gloves
✓ bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers
✓ bicycling shorts
✓ brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T – shirts
✓ lightweight jacket or vest
✓ non-cotton base layers of varying weights (tops & bottoms); choose a fabric such as
polypropylene, Capitoline or Cool-max
✓ synthetic bicycling socks
✓ Soft kitbag for camping – please note that this trip is camping. A large hard, wheeled suitcase is not recommended
for camping. We suggest you to bring a soft kitbag.
OTHER NECESSITIES
✓ wallet (credit cards, bank cards, ID, cash)
✓ one quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag to carry all liquids, gels and aerosols in carry- on luggage (and liquids, gels
and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers)
✓ medications and copies of prescriptions
✓ toiletries
✓ insect repellent
✓ sunscreen and lip ointment
LUGGAGE
Please limit your luggage to one soft-sided medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your
name, address and phone number .
Please not that on the flight from Leh to Delhi you will be allowed to check in 22kg during internal flight.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHES & GEAR
✓ mid-weight short-sleeved, synthetic undershirt (base layer)
✓ fleece jacket/vest or warm sweater
✓ synthetic mid-weight socks
✓ arm and knee/leg warmers (for biking)
✓ windproof outer gloves (worn over biking gloves)✓ heavier-weight long-sleeved, synthetic undershirt
✓ long-sleeved cycling jerseys and synthetic T -shirts lightweight but warm cycling cap that fits under helmet (skullcap)
✓ headband that covers ears (wear under helmet)
Please Note our company recommends that you not bring valuable personal electronics
including, but not limited to, IP AD, laptop computers and expensive cameras. While we will
transport them from place to place during the trip as a convenience, we do not assume
responsibility for any damage, loss or loss of function to the devices. This policy also applies to other items such as
expensive jewelry , fur coats and fragile and delicate accessories, whether purchased on the trip or otherwise.
APPENDIX-I
ABOUT OUR CYCLING TRIPS
A T ypical Day: We like to start early , so our clients are normally up by about 6:30 a.m. Y ou will be woken up with bed
tea/coffee and get a bowl of hot water to wash up. After a sumptuous breakfast you will set out on the day’s ride by
about 8:00 a.m. normal day you will ride for about 6-7 hours to reach the campsite. En route you will have packed
lunch.
Y ou will be at the campsite around 3:00 p.m. This gives you enough time to relax, take pictures, arrange your luggage
and enjoy cups of tea/coffee. Y ou will get an evening snack which is followed by dinner at about 7:30 p.m. Clients
normally spend some time together in the mess tent or outside chatting up before retiring for the day at around 9:00
p.m. We have the support vehicles with us so on any stretch if one is not feeling up to it one can hitch a ride in the
vehicle.
APPENDIX-II
ACCOMMODATION
All stays in the hotel will be good, clean and comfortable. For camping we use the best quality 3/4 season expedition
tents. We carry a mess tent which becomes a place for everyone to sit together and enjoy a meal or have a
conversation. T ents will be prepared before arrival at the campsite by the ground handling crew . Also provided are
camping stools, tables & lamps. Clients are encouraged to bring their sleeping bags and we will provide sleeping
mattress (foam). Equal emphasis is given on campsites. We try to pitch camp at unique locations for the clients to have
a good time. Where we’re not camping we book our clients in the best possible hotel/guesthouse. For a group of 12
riders there will be 2 toilet tents.
*MEALS
Our kitchen team travels with the clients and dishes out hot and tasty meals. We normally provide an early breakfast
after which clients are given their packed lunches. Once at the campsite clients are given evening snacks, unlimited
tea/coffee, soup followed by a sumptuous dinner . Our cuisine is a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental & local. A typical
day’s meal would look like
Breakfast: Porridge/Poha/Upma, T oast/Paranthas with butter , Peanut butter , Cheese, Jam, Eggs, Banana,
T ea/Coffee/Hot chocolate, porridge, protein bars, etc.
Packed Lunch: Hot soup, Indian bread with vegetables, Sandwich, Apple, Juice, Chocolate etc.
Evening Snack: T ea/Coffee with cookies & Indian fries.
Dinner : Hot meal of the day combination of vegetable and non vegetable.
CLIMATE
T emperatures and climate vary according to the altitude. The summer days are warm with brilliant blue skies (max
25°C. min 06°C), but the weather in mountainous areas can be very unpredictable. Come prepared for chilly evenings
and a small possibility of rain. Early morning starts and descents at altitude require good quality weather gear .
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever
the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of
very high specificationsAPPENDIX-III
TERRAIN AND CONDITIONING TIPS
The terrain varies from rolling to high hills. T o get ready for this trip, we suggest biking regularly beforehand and
hitting a few hills whenever you can. We want you to have the best possible vacation, and while there’s no need for
hardcore training, you should feel comfortable riding at least 25–40 miles each day and still have the strength and
enthusiasm to get up and do it all over again the next day .
T o ride safely along the narrow and sometimes trafficked roads, it is important to ride single file and to develop good
balance on your bike. Balance can only be developed by riding on the road.
We recognize that not everyone lives in an area conducive to outdoor riding, but please keep in mind that while
running, riding a stationary bike, spinning and other aerobic exercise will help improve your strength, endurance and
cardiovascular health, these activities will not help with balance.
STAYING COMFORTABLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
comfortable, and padded.
really no need to purchase a pair of biking shoes just for this trip. Any athletic shoes — provided they have stiff
soles—will be sufficient.
travel. Y our best bet for staying comfortable during a shower is to wear quality rain gear that is both waterproof and
breathable. A jacket and pants made of Gore-T ex will keep you dry even in the fiercest downpour .
wear three basic layers of lightweight clothing: underwear (to wick moisture away from your skin), insulating garments
(for warmth) and outerwear (toprotect against wind or rain) .
RULES OF BICYCLING SAFETY
while cycling.
when riding downhill.
that the front brake is more powerful than the rear . Gently pump your brakes on long descents for maximum
effectiveness. Check brakes frequently to make sure nothing is loose or dangling.
Down hills. Wet brakes must be dried by pumping before they have an effect, so start braking early in damp weather .
turning, slowing down or stopping. Ride on the extreme left side of the road, at a safe distance from traffic
guards. If you decide to bike across them, do so at right angles. Avoid potholes, metal grates, glass, rocks and thorns.
Ride at a safe distance from parked cars and watch for vehicles pulling out and/or doors opening in your path.
bike across the road. Never follow other cyclists when turning without confirming for yourself that it is safe to do so.
without swerving.)● We do not cycle after dark on trips. If you decide to do so on your own, you must bring your own bike equipped with
a white light on the front, a red light on the rear and reflectors on the spokes and pedals.
keeping the bike between you and the animal.
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Level: Active Rider
Tour Starts: Manali
Tour Ends: Leh (Ladakh) J&K
