Trip Highlights

The Manali–Leh Highway is the crown jewel of Himalayan adventure — a journey that every cyclist dreams of conquering.

This 16-day expedition lets you pedal from lush valleys to barren highlands, crossing some of the highest motorable passes in the world — Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La — before arriving in Leh, the heart of Ladakh.

Every day brings new challenges and new colors — pine forests, icy rivers, desert plateaus, and starlit skies.

Supported by Alpine Clutch’s expert crew, this journey combines endurance, raw beauty, and Himalayan spirituality in equal measure.

🧭 Route:

Manali → Marhi → Sissu → Jispa → Zing Zing Bar → Sarchu → Pang → Tso Kar → Rumtse → Leh

Total Distance: ~480 km

Highest Altitude: 5,328 m (Tanglang La Pass)

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

“Sixteen days, five passes, one legend — pedal your way through the Himalayas.”

🌄 Major Highlights

• 480 km through the Great Himalayan Range

• Cross 5 legendary passes

• Ride through Lahaul, Zanskar, and Ladakh regions

• 24x7 support crew, backup vehicle & medical assistance

• Fully serviced camps and nutritious meals

🧭 Best Season

• Mid-June to September

• (Once passes open after snow clearance)

🏕 Accommodation

• Camps (Manali–Tso Kar)

• Guesthouses at Keylong, Rumtse

• Boutique stay in Leh

💪 Ideal For

Experienced cyclists, adventure groups, and endurance riders aged 18–55

Day 1 – Arrival in Manali (2,050 m)

Arrival at Manali; meet your Alpine Clutch cycling crew. Bike fitting, safety briefing & acclimatization ride to Old Manali.

Stay: Hotel or boutique lodge

Day 2 – Acclimatization & Local Ride (Manali Loop – 20 km)

Easy warm-up ride to Solang Valley & Vashisht Hot Springs. Evening: Explore Manali town, final gear check.

Stay: Manali

Day 3 – Manali to Marhi (35 km | 3,300 m)

Your journey begins with a steady climb through pine forests. First test of endurance with moderate ascent.

Stay: Camp at Marhi

Day 4 – Marhi to Sissu via Rohtang Pass (51 km | 3,980 m)

Cross Rohtang La (13,050 ft) — your first Himalayan pass. Steep climb followed by descent into Lahaul Valley.

Stay: Riverside camp at Sissu

Day 5 – Sissu to Keylong (35 km | 3,080 m)

Ride through small villages and Buddhist monasteries. Gentle gradient day; rest & photography opportunities.

Stay: Guesthouse at Keylong

Day 6 – Keylong to Jispa (22 km | 3,200 m)

Short scenic ride along the Bhaga River. Evening acclimatization walk and preparation for higher altitudes.

Stay: Camp or lodge in Jispa

Day 7 – Rest & Acclimatization Day (Jispa)

Full rest day for altitude adjustment. Short optional ride to nearby villages.

Stay: Jispa

Day 8 – Jispa to Zing Zing Bar (35 km | 4,270 m)

Gradual ascent with stunning views; altitude now noticeable. Camp in open meadows surrounded by peaks.

Stay: Adventure camp at Zing Zing Bar

Day 9 – Zing Zing Bar to Sarchu via Baralacha La (60 km | 4,890 m)

A challenging day — climb to Baralacha La (16,040 ft) then descend to Sarchu. You enter Ladakh territory today!

Stay: Fixed camp at Sarchu

Day 10 – Sarchu to Nakee La Base (45 km | 4,500 m)

Cross wide Sarchu plains and begin ascent towards Nakee La. Ride through the famous Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends).

Stay: Camp at Nakee La base

Day 11 – Nakee La to Pang via Lachulung La (54 km | 4,700 m)

Cross Nakee La (15,547 ft) and Lachulung La (16,616 ft) — breathtaking and intense day. Descend to Pang.

Stay: Camp at Pang

Day 12 – Pang to Tso Kar Lake (54 km | 4,600 m)

Ride across the More Plains, one of the highest plateaus in the world. Reach the serene Tso Kar Lake, famous for its reflective beauty.

Stay: Eco camp near Tso Kar

Day 13 – Rest & Exploration Day at Tso Kar

Relax, hydrate, and explore the salt lake & Changpa nomadic settlements. Perfect day to recover before the last big climb.

Stay: Tso Kar

Day 14 – Tso Kar to Rumtse via Tanglang La (52 km | 5,328 m)

Your final and toughest climb — Tanglang La (17,480 ft), the second-highest pass on the route. Epic views and celebration at the summit. Descend to Rumtse.

Stay: Guesthouse or camp

Day 15 – Rumtse to Leh (80 km | 3,500 m)

Final ride to Leh, descending into the Indus Valley. Pass monasteries, stupas, and the changing hues of Ladakh’s mountains. Evening celebration dinner.

Stay: Boutique hotel in Leh

Day 16 – Departure from Leh

Morning free for exploring Leh Market or Thiksey Monastery. Drop-off at Leh Airport. Expedition concludes with certificate ceremony.