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Manali to Padum Cycling

Overview

  • Durations: 5 Days

  • Destination: Chandra Taal Lake (4,270 m) – ethereal high-altitude glacial gem cradled by stark Himalayan ridges.

  • Daily Distance: 15–25 km/day.

  • Total Distance: ~180 km (outbound ~95 km, return ~85 km).

  • Elevation Gain: 400–900 m/day.

  • Terrain: Mix of tarmac, gravel, and loose moraine.

  • Support: Support vehicle recommended for luggage and emergencies.

  • Essentials to Carry: High-altitude gear, layered clothing, repair kit, 3L water/day.

  • Permit: Not required unless going through Rohtang Pass ( online via rohtangpermits.nic.in); Rs 550 per vehicle

  • Best Season: Mid-June to mid-September.

Itinerary

Day 1

Manali (2,050m) to Gondhla Village (3,160m) via Atal Tunnel

  • Distance: 85 km | Ascent: 1,200 m

  • Start from central Manali, cycle north on Leh-Manali Highway through Solang Valley.

  • Enter Atal Tunnel (9.02 km) at South Portal, emerge at North Portal near Sissu.

  • Continue along Chandra River, reach Gondhla Village with its historic wooden castle.

Day 2

  • Overnight in Gondhla

Gondhla Village to Jispa (3,300m)

  • Distance: 30 km | Ascent: 140 m 

  • Depart Gondhla, pedal alongside Chandra River with views of rugged cliffs.

  • Pass Keylong town (district headquarters), cross small streams.

  • Ascend gradually to Jispa, camp/riverside stay with starry skies and mountain backdrop

  • Evening: Rest legs; check brakes for tomorrow’s rough patches.

Day 3

Jispa to Kargyak (4,050m) via Shinku La

  • Distance: 75 km | Ascent: 1900 m

  • Steady climb to Shinku La Pass (5,091 m) with high-altitude desert views.

  • Leave Jispa, cycle through Darcha (last major settlement before Zanskar).

  • Descend into Zanskar region, reach remote Kargyak village.

  • Overnight in Homestay/tents

Day 4

Kargyak to Purney (3800m)

  • Distance: 35 km | Descent: 300 m

  • Cycle from Kargyak through dramatic Zanskar gorge and canyons.

  • Pass small hamlets like Testa and Table, follow Zanskar River.

  • Arrive at Purney, gateway to Phugtal Monastery (short detour possible).

Day 5

  • Overnight in Purney Village

Purney to Padum Village (3,570 m)

  • Distance: 40 km | Descent: 200 m

  • Final leg from Purney, ride along Zanskar River valley with lush fields.

Day 6

  • Pass Karsha Monastery en route, enter Padum (Zanskar's administrative center).

PADUM – LOCAL EXPLORATION

  • Karsha Monastery (10 km, 30 min) – Gelugpa sect, largest in Zanskar​​​​

  • Panoramic views of Padum Plain.

  • Sani Monastery (8 km) – oldest in Zanskar (2nd century Kanika Stupa).

  • Stongdey Monastery (12 km) – scenic drive along Tsarap River.

Day 7

  • Overnight: Padum.

PADUM – MANALI

  • Depart early from Padum, after loading MTBs in the vehicle

  • Lunch at your convenience, reach to Manali

  • End of expedition

Rs 9000

Starting From

Per person

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  • Duration: 7 Days

  • Location: Zanskar, Ladakh

  • Distance: 270km

  • Grade: Moderate

Stay

Includes

Support Vehicle

Mechanic

Inclusions

Accommodation on twin sharing basis

Support Vehicle

All Veg Meals during the expedition + Eggs

Medical Kit & Oxygen Cylinder

Mechanic

All necessary permits

Energy bars, Dry fruits & Jaggery etc

Puncture kit & basic tool kit

Walkie Talkie

Exclusions

Bicycle Rent

Meals during Hotel Stays

Any Kind of Insurance & emergency evacuation

Any expense of personal nature

Any extra costs incurred due to extension/change of the itinerary due to natural calamities roadblocks etc

Packing Essentials

  • Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermals – nights drop to 0°C)

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm

  • Trek shoes, raincoat, waterproof gloves, woolen cap

  • Power bank, headlamp, water bottle (3 L/day)

  • Diamox (start 24 hrs before 3,500 m), ORS, dry fruits

  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals

  • Helmet and Cycling Shorts

  • Pro Tip:  Carry cash 

:  Practice a lot before going to expedition

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