The Pedal the Himalayas: Manali–Zanskar–Leh Cycling Tour is a challenging and scenic Manali Leh cycling tour across the Indian Himalayas. Riders from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia join this high-altitude expedition for dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters and iconic Himalayan passes. This Manali Leh cycling tour offers long climbs, remote villages, ancient monasteries and unforgettable scenery across Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh. Supported by expert guides and backup vehicles, this expedition is crafted for passionate cyclists who want a true Himalayan adventure.
This Manali Leh cycling tour crosses major Himalayan valleys and remote high-altitude terrain.
Many riders choose this Manali Leh cycling tour for its challenging climbs and dramatic scenery.. As the tour progresses, cyclists enter the raw, high-altitude desert terrain of Zanskar and the open mountain landscapes of Ladakh. Riders pass remote villages, cross major Himalayan passes, explore ancient monasteries and ride through some of India’s most spectacular valleys. Each day offers steady progression, altitude adaptation and dramatic scenery.
The expedition includes full support with expert guides, backup vehicles, hydration and nutrition planning and wilderness safety systems. With decades of experience in Himalayan expeditions, Into Wild Himalaya Expeditions ensures safe navigation, accurate pacing and culturally respectful travel. This multi-day Himalayan cycling tour is designed for passionate riders seeking a world-class adventure in one of the highest and most beautiful regions on Earth.
Most international guests arrive via Delhi Airport, with pricing available in INR, USD, EUR, GBP and AUD. This tour is perfect for global cyclists seeking a challenging, scenic and deeply immersive Himalayan journey.
Learn more about Zanskar here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanskar
For more cycling adventures, visit our Cycling Tours India & Himalayas page. https://iwhexpeditions.com/tour-activity/cycling-tours/
HIGHLIGHTS:
⭐ Ride 658 km across the Indian Himalayas
⭐ Cross four major passes, including two above 5,000 m
⭐ Explore Lahaul, Zanskar and Ladakh
⭐ Visit Phuktal Monastery and ancient gompas
⭐ See Lamayuru’s Moonland and the turquoise Zanskar River
⭐ Experience homestays, camps and remote Himalayan hospitality
🏔️ Altitude of Delhi: 216 meters /709 feet
🗻 Altitude of Manali: 2,050 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,850 m
Arrive at Delhi or Chandigarh Airport and enjoy a scenic drive to Manali through mountain roads and apple orchards. In the evening, meet your cycling leader for a trip briefing before checking into your hotel in Manali.
🗻 Altitude: 2,050 m
📉 Altitude Loss: N/
Assemble and test your bikes, explore Old Manali, or enjoy a warm-up ride along the Beas River before spending the night at a comfortable hotel in Manali.
🚴 Distance: 77 km
🗻 Altitude: 3,200 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,150 m
Ride past Solang Valley, cross the Atal Tunnel, and enter the dramatic landscapes of Lahaul before camping near the ancient monastery village of Kardang at Lapchang.
🚴 Distance: 45 km
🗻 Altitude: 3,640 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +640 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 200 m
Follow the turquoise Bhaga River past remote villages and climb steadily to Palamo, where you camp beside alpine meadows.
🚴 Distance: 51 km
🗻 Altitude: 5,040 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,400 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 990 m
Conquer the first high pass – Shinkun La – with panoramic views of Zanskar Valley before descending to camp in Khi village.
🚴 Distance: 22 km (main) + 44 km (extra)
🗻 Altitude: ~3,850 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +250 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 540 m
Ride to Purney and take a short hike to the spectacular Phuktal Monastery, then cycle via Khangsar and Cha to reach your campsite at Raru.
🚴 Distance: 17 km
🗻 Altitude: ~3,690 m
📈 Altitude Gain: N/A
📉 Altitude Loss: 160 m
Enjoy a short ride to Padum, the main town of Zanskar, where you spend the night in a welcoming guesthouse.
🚴 Distance: 83 km
🗻 Altitude: ~3,950 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +890 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 300 m
Ride through Zangla Palace, remote valleys, and high passes en route to Lingshed, a picturesque village dominated by an ancient monastery.
🚴 Distance: 61 km
🗻 Altitude: 4,995 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,075 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 815 m
A day of epic climbs and descents, crossing Murgum La (4,400 m) and the mighty Singe La (4,995 m), followed by a thrilling ride to Photoksar.
🚴 Distance: 66 km
🗻 Altitude: 4,800 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,010 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 1,640 m
Climb over Sirsir La Pass (4,800 m) before descending into Sham Valley. End the day in Lamayuru, famous for its ‘Moonland’ landscapes.
🚴 Distance: 80 km
🗻 Altitude: ~3,500 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +600 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 390 m
Ride past the Indus River and through charming Ladakhi villages before arriving at Nimmu, a cultural hub at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.
🚴 Distance: 33 km
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +450 m
📉 Altitude Loss: N/A
A short but scenic ride brings you to Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh. Afternoon free to explore Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the bustling bazaar.
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m
Relax, shop for souvenirs, or visit nearby monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Shey. Prepare for your grand finale – the ride to Khardung La.
🚴 Distance: 78 km
🗻 Altitude: 5,363 m
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,900 m
📉 Altitude Loss: 1,900 m
Conquer Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Leh.
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m (Leh) → 200 m (Delhi)
📉 Altitude Loss: 3,300 m
Board a morning flight over the Himalayas to Delhi for your onward connection home.
Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) OR Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (Chandigarh).
Departure From Leh, Ladakh
Trek 3–4 Series mountain bike with mechanical support & spare parts
All ground transfers as per program in private vehicle
Support crew: cook, drivers, assistants
Support vehicle (for groups 6+)
Accommodation: best available hotels & tented camps (twin sharing)
All Meals: breakfast, lunch, tea/snacks, soup, and dinner
Single room/tent option available at extra cost
Emergency Kit: first aid and oxygen canister
Mandatory travel/repatriation insurance
Visa fees
International & domestic flights
Optional insurance for delays, baggage, cancellations
$100 refundable bike security deposit (damage costs deducted if applicable)
Airport taxes, tips, drinks, personal expenses
Monument/temple entry fees (optional visits)
Rental gear available at: Into Wild Himalaya Shop
Safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained First Aid Responders and prepared for high-altitude situations. Every trek, expedition, and motorbike tour includes a comprehensive first aid kit tailored for remote and high-altitude environments.
Core Medical Supplies
Wound Care: Bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
Blisters & Burns: Moleskin, burn gel, petroleum jelly
Fractures & Sprains: SAM splint, triangular bandage, compression wraps
Medications: Painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, ORS, antacids, Diamox
Tools: Tweezers, scissors, gloves, CPR face shield, thermometer, pulse oximeter, whistle, mirror
Additional (for Remote/Extended Treks)
Tourniquet, emergency bandages, quick-clot gauze, sterile eye wash, foil blanket, water purification tablets
Optional Add-ons (As Needed)
Personal meds (inhalers, insulin, EpiPen)
Snake bite kit (in high-risk zones)
Tick remover (for forested routes)
High-Altitude Protocol
Above 4500 meters: A portable hypobaric chamber is always carried for emergency altitude management.
More than 30 days before your trip: 90% refund
15–30 days before: 50% refund
7–14 days before: 25% refund
Less than 7 days or no-show: No refund
Custom/private trips: Booking advance is non-refundable. Last-minute changes are subject to availability and costs.
For more details on our cancellation policy, please refer to the following link:
https://iwhexpeditions.com/cancellation_policy/
