Himalaya Biking 2003

Manali to Leh by Mountain Bike

(my personal dream tour I planed since 1996 became true in 2003)

The 500-kilometer journey from Manali to Leh (Ladakh) is one of the ultimate challenges for the experienced mountain biker. Crossing the Himalayas from  south to north, the route traverses four high passes, with an accumulated altitude gain exceeding 29,000 feet - the equivalent of cycling to the summit of Mount Everest from sea level.

This is not a trip for the faint-lunged! But the strenuousness of the trip is more than compensated for by what is arguably the most spectacular and varied mountain scenery in the world. Moreover, the areas traveled through - Ladakh, Zanskar, and Lahoul - represent some of the last places on earth where Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives.

This ride is one of the most spectacular in the world.  It begins in Manali, a hill station situated in the foothills of the south side of the Himalayas.  It then winds its way across the main Himalayan range, crossing four passes in transit from the alpine scenery around Manali to the high altitude desert scenery of the Tibetan plateau, finally ending 500km away in Leh, Ladakh.

The ride finished in Leh, Ladakh where we stayed for three nights, gave us a chance to sightsee and soak up the wonderful Ladakhi culture – and, take a ride up the Kardung La (5600 meter), the highest motor able road in the world!  With 40 kilometer and an altitude gain of 2100 meter starting at 3500  meter, it is one of the toughest climb in the world.

enjoy the pictures