You may have already heard of some of the famous Ladakh cycling routes. But did you know that Ladakh has the highest cycling route in the world and some of the toughest and longest climbs you’ll find in this part of the Indian Himalayas? Zanskar is a sub-district of extremes; we have the mountains and the steep climbs. You’ll never be bored of the views here either. Even if they’re shrouded in mist, there might just be a snow-covered mountain, abandoned monasteries, or herd of highland yaks around the next corner.
One of the Indian Himalayas’ most spectacular, diverse, and challenging bicycle trips! Our Great Zanskar cycling trip passes through remote, sublimely beautiful regions of northern India – the Chandra Bhaga and Zanskar River valleys, Atal Tunnel, Buddhist central Lahaul & Zanskar, a hike to Phuktal monastery and Zanskari villages and its people – ending this epic cycling trip in the Ladakh moon land at Lamayuru, we stay on tents occasionally homestays and tour the Khardung La, the perfect end to an amazing bicycle adventure!
Enjoy the views out to Gonbo Rangjun peak, and Phuktal Gompa is the most spectacular sight in Zanskar, built under a huge cave and situated on the rock above the Tsarap River. Stops for a tasty lunch prepared by our camp cook every day. Travel from Kurgiakh the first village of Zanskar southern highland to the ancient capital of Padum. Soak up the stunning mountain scenery as you cycle through the plains of Padum, and Thongde before being rewarded with a panoramic view of the central Zanskar Mountains. The stunning (but challenging) loop northwest of Zanskar travels through some of the region's wildest and most idyllic landscapes. See famous mountains such as Singe La, Sirsir La, Lingshed monastery, and Zanskar River gorge, as well as a tranquil area of Zangla creating the best experience for cycling in Zanskar mountains.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi or Chandigarh airport, to Manali.
Day 2: Manali
Day 3: Manali (2050m) - Palchan (2300m) – Solang (2430m) - Dhundi (2850 m) - Atal Rohtang Tunnel (3070m) – Sissu (3060m) – Tandi (2870m) – Kardang (3120m) – Lapchang (3200m); 77 km / +1,150m climb;
Day 4: Lapchang (3,200m) – Chheling (3050m) - Gumling (3000m) – Stingri (3170m) – Jispa (3280m) – Darcha (3360 m) - Palamo (3,640m); 45 km /+640m climb; -200m descent.
Day 5: Palamo (3640 m) - Zanskar Sumdo (3,920m) - Shinkun La (5040m) - Kurgiakh (4,120m) – Khi (4050m) 51 km, +1,400m climb; -990m descent.
Day 6: Khi (4,050m) to Purney (3,800m) - Khangsar (3860 m), 22 km / - 250m descent, Hike to Phuktal (3900 m) 8 km, 3-4 hrs. Khangsar (3860 m) – Cha (4050 m) – Raru (3760m), 44 km/ +250m climb/-290m descent.
Day 7: Raru (3760m) to Padum (3,600m), 17 km/-160m descent. Rest Padum.
Day 8: Padum (3,600m) to Zangla (3450m) – Junction of Lingshed (3330m) to Junction of Murgum La & Lingshed (4220m) to Lingshed gompa (3920m). 83 km/+890m climb; 300m descent.
Day 9: Lingshed (3920m) to Murgum la (4,400m) – Singe La (4995m) – Sengge La base (4,300m) – Bumiktse La (4000m) to Photoksar (4180m), 61 km/ +1075 climb; 815m descent.
Day 10: Photoksar (4180m) – Sirsir La (4,800m) - Hanupatta (3,740m) – Wanla (3160m) - Lamayuru (3550m), 66 km/ +1010m climb; -1640m descent.
Day 11: Lamayuru (3550m) to Khaltse (2940m) - Uleytokpo (3080 m) – Magnetic hills ( 3540m) – Nimmu (3150m), 80 km, +600m climb; -390m descent.
Day 12: Nimmoo (3150m) to Leh (3600m), 33 km, + 450m climb.
Day 13: Leh
Day 14: Leh (3,400m) – Kardung La (5,363m) – Leh (3,400m); 78 km / +1,900m climb;
Day 15: Leh – Delhi flight and onward flight back home.
"Our privately organized MTB-cycling tour with Potala Adventures was gorgeous! We cycled from Manali to Leh via Zanskar region within around 2 weeks. Driving up to remote passes and picturesque villages, with scenic views. The equipment (bikes and support car) and especially our support team were excellent. We were always supported by our most motivated team with support vehicle and backup bike. Driver Tarum did his very best in staying close ...
TRIP FACT
Activity: MTB Cycling tour
Region: Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous
Max altitude: 5,363 m/17,595 ft
Max sleeping altitude: 4180 m
Lowest cycling altitude: 2050m
Trip length: 15 days from Delhi
10 days Manali to Leh
11 days of cycling, 9 nights of camping
Best time: May end to September end.
HIGHLIGHT
658 km of MTB across Zanskar mountains
4 high passes and 2 above 5000 m
Stunning view of Zanskar valley
Spectacular view of Phuktal
Chandra, Bhaga, Zanskar and Indus River valleys.
