An epic high-altitude bicycle journey over some of the world’s highest motorable passes, Manali to Leh.
Beyond the main Himalayan range lies Ladakh, a cold desert of staggering scale on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Here you trek between ancient gompas and prayer-flag passes, climb accessible 6,000 m peaks like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, or walk the frozen Zanskar in deep winter. Everything starts from Leh, and the short summer season runs June to September.
Over 12 days, the trail reaches a high point of 5,358 m at a Challenging grade. The best window is Jun–Sep.
Enquire about this trek →We haven’t published the detailed schedule for this trek yet. Send a quick enquiry and we’ll email the complete day-by-day — altitudes, stays and the next departure dates — usually the same day.
Request the itinerary →The best months for this trek are Jun–Sep.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
A difficult, high-altitude undertaking for experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers. Serious fitness and previous time at altitude are strongly recommended.
It tops out at 5,358 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Ladakh treks set off from Leh. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
Most Indian Himalayan treks need forest, wildlife-sanctuary or trekking permits, usually arranged for you by the operator. Some high or restricted routes also require a registered guide.
Pack light but ready for mountain weather — warm by day, cold by night. Rent bulky gear if you’d rather not buy; own anything that touches your skin. The essentials:
This trek reaches 5,358 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
It is graded Challenging, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.
The best window is Jun–Sep. Avoid the July–August monsoon unless the trek is specifically a monsoon route.
It is strongly discouraged. The route involves real altitude and serious terrain, and permits plus local knowledge make a guided trip far safer.
The best months are Jun–Sep, when days are pleasant. It still gets cold at night near 5,358 m, so pack warm layers regardless of season.
Plan for 12 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
Costs vary with group size, season and inclusions — send a quick enquiry and we will share a current, all-in price for Manali to Leh Cycling Expedition.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek