11 Options for Cycling in Ladakh For Adventure

The delight of the peculiar shaded mountains, age-old monasteries, some of the driest coldest deserts and harsh climates all illustrated while you are on a cycle is an experience that stands unparalleled and unsurpassed.

Not only are the sights that one passes a delight but the constantly changing views and the challenging pathways for cycling are the real climaxes of an experience of cycling in Ladakh. Venture onto a cycling trip in Ladakh from the list of some of the best cycling trips in Ladakh below and witness this exceptional episode for yourself.

11 Cycling in Ladakh Tours to Go For

1. Manali to Leh

Stunning landscape and unpredictable weather conditions are the core of the fun of this cycling trip. The bad condition of the roads does make the journey a little more challenging and exhilarating all at the same time, but it definitely is an experience to look out for.

This route is among the most alluring for tourists from around the world. The availability of a number of makeshift restaurants and camps along the way, provide quite an aid to the people wishing to travel light.

2. Leh to Pangong Tso

Another one of the routes for cycling in Ladakh is the route from Leh to Pangong Lake. Along the route fall three villages, Spangmik, Maan and Merak, all about 10kms apart each.

These villages are excellent options for a homestay along the way. The Changla pass is the biggest challenge along the route, but the destination, the Pangong Lake is a complete delight.

3. The Monastery Circuit

Leh is blessed with a number of monasteries and some of the most spectacular of these monasteries can be covered along with a route encircling Leh along the Indus River.

Hemis and Matho are some of the popular stops and monasteries along the way. Clustered along the Indus River these monasteries can be covered by a bicycle quite conveniently over a few days.

4. Leh to Tso Moriri

Another cycling trip, to another of the famous lakes of the region, the Leh to Tsomoriri cycling trip can be covered in about 3-4 days. From Tsomoriri, the track along the Tsokar can also be opted for heading back to Leh. This route is among the roughest routes in Ladakh.

Tsomoriri proves to be quite a destination for this trip, making the trip furthermore alluring for avid cyclists.

5. Leh- Dha/Hanu- Chiktan- Lamayuru- Leh

Another one of the varied Leh Ladakh cycling experiences takes you through some of the vivid cultures of the region. The route starts in Leh and heads off along the Indus River to a village named Dha Hanu then further to Chiktana then finally to Leh through Lamayuru.

This route takes the cyclist through the ‘moonland’ landscapes.

6. Leh- Khardung La- Nubra Valley

A completely different route promising impeccable views and varied ascents and descents is the route to Khardung La and then further to the famous Nubra Valley. Khardung La is known to be the highest motorable road in the world.

Therefore the trip to this pass can seem quite challenging in terms of its ascent, but from there on, there is a rather steep decline along the road to the Nubhra and the Shyok Rivers which are collectively known as the Nubra Valley. The abundant greenery of the Nubra Valley region is a welcome change from the harsh terrains of Leh.

7. Leh to Alchi

Another one of the cycling routes that take you to a monastery is the Leh Alchi route. The distance between these destinations is about 64kms and takes the cyclist through an enchanting trail including astounding twists and turns to the home of the some of the ancient monasteries of the region in Alchi.

The Alchi monastery route can also be categorized as a part of the monastery circuit around Leh.

8. Pangong Lake

Leh is blessed with three beautiful lakes, all of which work wonders at winning the hearts of the tourists but the Pangong Lake among these three wonders is an ideal destination for cycling. Around this lake, there is a 30kms dirt road which gives panoramic views of the region in addition to being exceptionally convenient to bike.

9. Chang La Pass

Though it is the Khardung La pass which is the highest motorable road in the world, yet the Chang La pass is the greater challenge. If looking for a tough challenge of Leh Ladakh cycling, the Chang La pass has to be your pick, hands down. To make it easier for many cyclists hitchhike to the pass and then start off the cycling tour.

10. Khardung La Pass

Another pass in the Leh region that has to be experienced through cycling is the Khardung La pass, this road is named to be the highest motorable road in the world and makes for a challenging ride with mesmerizing views of the mountains around the place.

11. Lukung

Giving some mind-blowing sights, the road in Lukung is another lace for biking in Ladakh. This destination has two ends one of which is a well-kept road and other a dirt track of jeeps.

Offering the pleasure of both the types of terrains, Lukung proves to be a good destination when it comes to experiencing cycling in Leh. The Spangmik village around Lukung proves to be a good option for meeting some interesting people.

Challenge and skill at its best, an experience of cycling in Ladakh has to be the one to be remembered through life. Do share any such experiences that you have had in the past in the region in the comments section below. Any suggestions for the trips above are also welcome.