Umling la Mountain Bike Expedition
Starting from 15 June onward
Trip package cost on twin sharing basis:- USD 4200 Per Person Single supplement USD 800 Extra |
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Duration: 15 Days
Starting Point: Leh
Ending Point: Leh
✅ Conquer Umling La (5,798m), the highest motorable road in the world.
✅ Cycle through remote, untouched regions of Ladakh.
✅ Experience the stunning landscapes of the Changthang Plateau.
✅ Ride along the beautiful Pangong Lake.
✅Test endurance at extreme altitudes & rugged terrains.
Here’s the daily ascent and descent breakdown for the Unlungla Mountain Bike
Expedition 2025 based on estimated elevation changes.
Key Takeaways:
• Highest Climb: Umling La (5,798m) on Day 9 (1,400m ascent)
• Steepest Descent: Chang La to Leh (1,900m drop) on Day 14
• Challenging Altitudes: Days 7-13 stay above 4,000m consistently
• Moderate Climbing Days: Days 3-6, 10-12 (~400-600m ascent per day)
Day 1: Arrival in Leh (3,500m) – Acclimatization
• Arrive at Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
• Transfer to hotel, rest, and hydrate to adjust to the high altitude.
• Evening: Short walks in Leh Bazaar or Shanti Stupa for gentle acclimatization.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Day 2: Acclimatization & Bike Setup
• Morning: Bike assembly and test ride around Leh (~10-15 km).
• Visit Thiksey Monastery (similar to Tibet’s Potala Palace).
• Explore Leh Palace and Magnetic Hill (optional).
• Ensure bikes are tuned and ready for the expedition.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Day 3: Leh – Drop at Upshi – Cycle to Hemis (3,600m) (~35-40 km cycling)
• Morning drive to Upshi (45 km).
• Begin the ride towards Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh.
• Gradual ascent through barren landscapes with views of the Indus Valley.
• Explore Hemis Monastery, then camp nearby.
Overnight: Camp at Hemis
Day 4: Hemis – Niernis (3,800m) (~50-60 km cycling)
• Ride along the Indus River, passing remote villages.
• Terrain: Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
• Small monasteries and Ladakhi settlements en route.
Overnight: Camp at Niernis
Day 5: Niernis – Nidar/Nyoma (4,000m) (~50 km cycling)
• Ride towards Nyoma, a beautiful village on the banks of the Indus.
• Pass through Nidar, a small settlement.
• Terrain: Gradual inclines with high-altitude desert landscapes.
• Nyoma has a small market & a monastery.
Overnight: Camp at Nyoma
Day 6: Nyoma – Dungti via Loma Bend (4,200m) (~55 km cycling)
• Ride through Loma Bend, where permits are checked for forward travel.
• Terrain: Flat sections along the Indus, then gradual climbing.
• Reach Dungti, a small settlement with a military presence.
Overnight: Camp at Dungti
Day 7: Dungti – Kuyul (4,300m) (~40 km cycling)
• Ride into more remote Ladakhi highlands.
• Off-road sections with some river crossings.
• Scenic ride along high-altitude plains.
Overnight: Camp at Kuyul
Day 8: Kuyul – Chusulmey (4,400m) (~50 km cycling)
• Challenging day with gradual climbs.
• Stunning views of Changthang Plateau, home to nomadic tribes.
• Arrive at Chusulmey, a small settlement near Chushul village.
Overnight: Camp at Chusulmey
Day 9: Chusulmey – Umling La (5,798m) – Return to Chusulmey (~40-50 km cycling, mostly ascent)
• The biggest challenge of the expedition – climbing Umling La, the
world’s highest motorable road.
• Steep switchbacks, thin air, and extreme altitude make this an
intense climb.
• Celebrate at 5,798m, then descend to Chusulmey.
Overnight: Camp at Chusulmey
Day 10: Chusulmey – Dungti (~50 km cycling)
• Descend back towards Dungti through high-altitude desert
landscapes.
• Less challenging than the previous days, but still a remote &
rugged route.
Overnight: Camp at Dungti
Day 11: Dungti – Stagala (4,200m) (~50 km cycling)
• Ride towards Stagala, a remote highland region.
• Expect some gravel sections and gradual climbing.
• Pass small streams and isolated army camps.
Overnight: Camp at Stagala
Day 12: Stagala – Chushul (4,300m) (~50 km cycling)
• Enter Chushul, a strategic military zone near the Indo-China
border.
• Ride through rugged, barren mountains with strong winds.
• Possible wildlife sightings: Kiangs (wild donkeys), marmots, and
eagles.
Overnight: Camp at Chushul
Day 13: Chushul – Pangong (Merak, 4,250m) (~55 km cycling)
• Cycle towards the stunning Pangong Lake, famous for its deep blue
waters.
• Terrain: Undulating roads, some rocky sections, and breathtaking
lake views.
• Arrive at Merak, a small village on the lake’s edge.
Overnight: Guesthouse/Hotel in Merak
Day 14: Drive Back to Leh via Chang La Pass (5,360m)
• Early morning drive from Pangong to Leh via Chang La Pass.
• En route:
• Stop at Chang La, one of the highest motorable passes in the
world.
• Visit Thiksey Monastery (optional).
• Rest and celebration dinner in Leh.
Overnight: Hotel in Leh
Day 15: Departure from Leh
• Transfer to Leh Airport for your flight to Delhi.
What Things do I Need to Carry?
Packing Checklist:
Cycling & Regular Clothing
7 Jerseys
3 padded Shorts
3 Full Length padded pants
Arm Warmer Sleeves
Leg Warmer Sleeves
Head Cap
Warm Bandana
3 pairs of night suits
2 Thermal top & bottom Pairs
6 Pair of cotton socks
2 pair of Warm Socks
Shoe rain cover
2 Jeans
4 T-shirts
Under Garments
1 Warm Jacket (Duck feather preferred)
2 pair of sports Shoes / cycling shoes Slippers
Other Essentials:
Torch / Flashlight With Spare batteries
Power Bank
Mini Tool Kit
Personal Medicines if any
Diamox for acclimatization
Pain killer (Flexon MR, Mobizox, Combiflam)
Aadhaar Card
Some Cash for your shopping or emergency situation
Neck Pillow
Personal Toiletries:
Light Weight Towel (Easy to dry)
Lip Balm
Shower Gel / Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Hair oil
Wet Wipes
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Skin Moisturisers
Vaseline / Anti chafing cream
Mandatory Items:
Helmet
Full Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair
Half Fingers Cycling Gloves Pair
Sunglasses UV protected
Front Light
Tail Light
Reflective Vest
Sipper Bottle
Windcheater
Rain Coat Upper & lower both
60 /70 Ltrs Rucksack
*Disclaimer: Rain & Snow Storm changes the story.
Which type of cycles are allowed in this ride?
As this ride is designed to test your endurance and explore the mountains,
MTB or Gravel bicycles are allowed. On mountains during the downhill the
bike needs more stability and controllability which can easily be achieved on
MTB or Gravel bicycles.
I will be riding for the first time . Am I advised to come on a gravel bicycle?
No, it is not advised to do your first expedition in the mountains on a gravel
bicycle as speedy downhills and sharp edged curves are there. If the skill of
controlling the bicycle is not built earlier, then the probability of skidding on
turns and getting disbalanced is there which may lead to injuries too.
Do you provide a cycle on rent, if yes then which bike you provide?
Yes, we do provide cycles on Rent. We have premium brand Polygon MTB
bikes available for rent.
Will I get the cycle according to my height for this ride?
As we have multiple cycles to offer on rent for all sizes ranging from S to XL,
so you will get the cycle of the right frame size for your ride.
What is included in the cost of cycle rental?
We give cycle only for rides, all other mandatory items and accessories you
want on cycle you have to bring yourself.
1. Accommodation
• Leh: 3 nights in a hotel (twin/triple sharing)
• Pangong: 1 night in a hotel (twin/triple sharing)
• Camping: 11 nights in high-altitude camps
• Includes: Tent, mattress, sleeping bag
2. Meals
• All meals included (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian):
• Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, and Dinner
• Freshly cooked meals prepared by a professional expedition cook
• Nutritional snacks during cycling
3. Cycling Support
• Cycle transportation and handling
• Technical assistance for minor bike repairs
• Backup support vehicle for emergencies
• Mineral water provided throughout the trip
4. Transport & Transfers
• Arrival & Departure Transfers: Leh Airport – Hotel – Leh Airport
• Bus Drop to Upshi (Day 3) for the cycling start point
• Pick-up from Pangong (Day 14) to Leh via Chang La Pass
• Support Truck for luggage, cycles, and logistics
• Camper Vehicles for staff and additional support
5. Camp & Logistics Support
• Kitchen Tent & Dining Tent Setup
• Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags, mattresses, and tents
• Experienced Staff:
• Expedition Leader & Cycling Guide
• Support Crew & Mechanics
• Cook & Kitchen Team
6. Permits & Permissions
• Inner Line Permits (ILP) & Special Area Permits for restricted
regions (e.g., Umling La, Chushul, Nyoma)
• Environmental & Camping Fees
• Hard drinks, alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
• Personal cycling gear (helmet, gloves, cycling shoes, etc.)
• Cycle rental (participants must bring their own or rent separately)
• Travel Insurance & Medical Expenses
• Airfare or transport to Leh
• Any additional meals, snacks, or drinks beyond what is provided
• Emergency evacuation or rescue costs (if required)
• Any cost incurred due to unforeseen circumstances like weather,
roadblocks, or political situations
Additional Notes:
• Fitness Level: This is a high-altitude expedition, requiring good
physical conditioning.
• Bike Recommendation: MTB or hybrid cycles with proper gearing
for climbs.
• Weather Consideration: Expect cold nights and strong winds,
especially at higher camps.