Cycling in Ladakh
Posted on 30. Dec, 2011 by Thrillchimp in Activities, Adventure, Ladakh, Mountain Biking, Must do Adventure
Cycling is one of the most eco friendly methods of travelling around and which also doubles up as an adventurous and refreshing means of holidaying and looking around a place. Ladakh is a paradise for adventure seekers, be it trekking in Ladakh, camel safari in Ladakh or a Yak safari in Ladakh. Ladakh has lots of options for tourists. Cycling is yet another adventure option available here.
Most popular cycling routes in Ladakh:
Cycling in Ladakh Himalayas has its own unique appeal. You have a number of route options to choose from. Some of the most preferred cycling routes liked by tourists are:
Leh to Alchi – The distance between these two places is 64km. The exciting route takes you through an enchanting zigzag trail including some hairpin turns of the Himalayan roads. The village of Alchi is the home to one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, the Alchi Monastery.
Leh to Hemis – The distance between these two places is 45 km. At the onset of the journey from Leh to Hemis, you witness the breathtaking view of the magnificent gompas at Thikse, Shey and Stok. The cycle tour follows the bank of the Indus River until Karu where you have to pass over a bridge to get to the village of Hemis.
Through Khardungla Pass – Doesn’t the thought of cycling through the highest motorable pass in the world, excite you? Well, live your dream as you cycling through this enthralling route which is sure to be an adventure you would remember for the rest of your life!
Other Options – There are several other cycling routes in Leh, the Jispa-Gondla route, the Marhi-Manali route etc.
Important tips for enthusiasts wanting to cycle in Ladakh: Ladakh is a combination of mountains and valleys and thereby the roads are full of ups and downs criss crossing each other. To cycle on these Zig-Zag roads in Leh, technical knowhow of biking is important. You must be perfect in your biking skills and prior experience of riding on rugged terrain and rough paved roads is needed.
Cycling trips in Leh-Ladakh usually stretches over ten to twelve days and also camping at uncertain spots are part of the plan. Hence you would have to carry your luggage with you as you travel. For this purpose, a support car to carry your luggage while you ride on without any load is the ideal thing to do in order to enjoy the great Himalayan range without any worry.
You would be riding through some monasteries and religious buildings along the many cycling routes in Ladakh, remember to follow the code of conduct and observe the rules while you are cycling through Ladakh Himalayas as the locals are very sensitive about their traditions and religion.
Best time for a cycling trip in Ladakh: The best time to ride around this beautiful place would be when the weather is just perfect without any snow. The duration between mid of June to the end of September is considered ideal of cycling in Leh.
