Leh Cycling Tour

Arrival at Leh airport and transfer to hotel. On arrival check in at hotel. We will meet and acquaint with team members, prepare for the cycling tour ahead, and complete paperwork formalities. We will takeit easy on this first day in the high Himalayas as we acclimatize. If you are up for it, you can wanderover to the abandoned Leh Palace, the former seat of the Ladakhi Royal Family, which resemblesPatala Palace in Tibet. Take in the panoramic view from atop the palace. and then head back into townto visit a local market where Tibetan antiques, Chinese silk, Buddhist ornaments, turquoise stones, andsilver jewellery are for sale. Overnight at Hotel.

Today we will take it nice and slow as we try out our bikes (and lungs!) at high altitude for the first time. Beginning directly from our hotel in Leh we’ll cycle out of town for 10 km towards the banks ofthe Indus River. Our first stop is Spituk monastery, a serene and scenic ancient Buddhist sanctuary etched into the hillside. From there we’ll cross to the other side of the Indus for a gentle 20 km ride along the riverbanks concluding at Thiksey Gompa, one of the largest Tibetan-style monasteries in Ladakh. We’ll spend some time touring the expansive compound, the highlight of which is huge statue of the Maitreya (future) Buddha. Return back to Leh.

After an early breakfast we will transfer by vehicle to the town of Nimo (45 minutes), which is thestarting point for our ride today. Heading out of Nimo town and past the scenic confluence of theIndus and Zanskar Rivers, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by a spectacular gorge, riding for 31 kmalong a newly built, black-topped road skirting the Zanskar River. The ride concludes in the village ofChilling where, taking our cue from the place name, we will chill, sip on some chai (tea) and take in thescenery. Once we’re ready we will transfer by van for an hour to the peaceful village of Alchi where we will spend the night. Alchi is home to a fascinating 12th century monastery with stunning muralspainted by Kashmiri artists.

Today we embark on a delightful ride from Alchi to the ancient capital of Ladakh, Tingmosgang. Departing from Alchi, the journey begins with a 5 km stretch along the highway before taking a lovelyroute which follows a mountain streamlined with thick willow and poplar trees. After a pitt stop in a local village, we’ll then continue along the newly built link road that leads all the way to Tingmosgang village. This area was once the site of the ancient capital of Ladakh and the ruins of its fort and monastery stand as a stead fast backdrop to the village. You can explore the fort and neighboring village as well as visit Tseskarmo monastery.

Cycling on Day 5 begins with the downhill ride of 5km we ascended the previous day. Thereafter startsthe 70 km journey towards our destination, Leh. Over this distance we begin to gain altitude slowly. Arrive Leh by the evening. Rest of the time free to rest. Overnight at hotel.

Our journey to the “Roof of the World” kicks into high gear today as we begin our gradual climb upthe Nubra Valley. Departing from Leh in the morning we’ll zip along the Manali highway beforeturning into the peaceful mountain pass that leads up to the ethnically Tibetan village of Sakti.Theroute dissects the clean and fresh Himalayan countryside, with houses scattered amongst the farmland and mountain streams lined with willow bushes. Other than the odd jeep or bus, you won’tencounter too many other vehicles in this remote part of India. As we approach Sakti, you’ll begin tosee the towering peaks of the Wari La Pass in the distance. Wari La will be our destination tomorrow - tonight, we rest in Sakti.

Today will be challenging, exhilarating and rewarding all at once. Continuing from Sakti, we have along and steady climb ahead towards Wari La Pass (5,195 m/16,972 ft). The climb to the top isstrenuous but well worth the effort as the expansive view across the Himalayas from the top will leaveyou in awe. After indulging in the panorama and crisp mountain air we’ll start to descend down atarmac road leading us to the villages of Tangyar and Khyungru (4,100 m/13,451 ft). These villages are a testimony to the harsh living conditions that people in this region have adopted to - the inhabitantsremain engaged in their farming and cattle rearing during the short summer months when they mustgrow and gather as much as possible to survive the winter. The surrounding landscape is the winterhabitat of the elusive snow leopard. Spending the night here will give you a true window into life deep in the Himalayas.

Today we will witness the unfolding of a remarkable visual shift as we ride into one of the world’s highest altitude deserts. We begin with a downhill blitz on a tarmac road, passing traditional Ladakhihomes, before climbing gradually to Khalsar, a small bustling village with a cluster of tea and noodleshops. From there we ride downhill to the Shyok valley floor, were wild lavender and sea buckthorn bushes grow. We’ll skirt along the Shyok River to a bridge, concluding with a gentle climb on a good tarmac road to the cold desert village of Hundar (3,048 m/10,000 ft). Here you will find sand dunes,Bactrian camels, and star filled night skies. Overnight at Hundar Village.

Today’s ride will be the longest on the trip, but as we are cycling on the valley floor there are no steep climbs. Our journey will have us traversing a fascinating terrain of sand dunes and expansive flood plains, interspersed with villages, orchards and groves, in the shadow of the Karakoram Mountain range. This area of the Nubra Valley was once a node on the silk road and some of the paths we will cover today were trodden by traders carrying riches from east to west centuries ago. We will cycle from Hundar to the village of Sumur from where a final 5 km stretch will have us arriving at our final destination, Kyagar village. This is a quiet and rustic village giving us a window into the rural life ways of the Nubra Valley. If you’re up for a little more riding in the afternoon, you can bike to sacred Yarab Tso Lake near the village. Overnight at Kyagar Village.

Today is off the saddle. We’ll enjoy our morning in Kyagar and then transfer by Tempo to the area around the village of Khardung, which will be the base from which we complete the grand finale ride back to Leh on the following day. The drive there involves sightings of huge rocky spires and amazing rock formations as the road snakes its way around the desolate mountain side. Today's pace is free and easy as we give ourselves a break before conquering Khardungla Pass.

Today we will navigate the world’s highest motorable world. This is not a small feat, but it will be absolutely worth it. After a quick transfer from Khardung to North Pulu, the ride begins with a 14 km uphill meander along switch back roads leading to the top of Khardungla Pass (5,359 m/17,582 ft).Once at the top, we’ll marvel at the panoramic views of valleys and snow-capped peaks. As we havenow reached the highest mountain peak on the trip, the only way to go is down! We’ll enjoy an exhilarating 39 km downhill cycle all the way back to Leh. We’ll spend our final evening in the city.

After breakfast transfer to Leh airport.