from 5 reviews
10 Nights / 11 Days
Specific Tour
15 people
English, Hindi
As you know every mountainous excursion demands a precise planning, a planning with adequate pliability of observing and tackling situations, held all as by overcoming mind body and soul throughout the incredible Himalayan journey.
So here are some aspects regarding Manali Spiti Kinnaur Cycling trip preparation:
Physically – A trek demands physical endurance, to prepare for each trek you should work out a month before joining a program. Build up the adequate strength in your legs by running and exercising every day to boost up your endurance. Stop smoking and boost your lungs doing breathing exercises at routine basis two times a day, which will help acclimatize the conditions while being resilient on the trek. Take active part in outdoor games, Yoga and any other cardiac exercises.
Mentally – Mental preparation is key, equally as important as physical training requisite for a trek. Before joining any trek take pleasure in your daily routines, eat well, take rest properly and relax. Do not stress your mind by unnecessary predictions about the trek. Be with your best friends to get motivated and relax your mind. Because pre trek assumptions are not worthy because once you join the trek and meet with rest of the pack will bring encouragement and excitement. The mental preparedness will build through the entire trek conditions. And the physical drawbacks will affect the mind. So pay close attention to various parts of the body and consciously let them loosen up as you trek. When you trek try to relax your body, especially your hips. If you’re on a winding downhill trail or on a panicking slant, think of each step as part of a simple dance and enjoy the natural rhythms that the terrain and your body can find together cautiously. Experiment with different ways of walking as a way of finding enjoyment beyond the goal of reaching a destination. The main key to stay mentally fit is to enjoy the route and not to pressurize the mind.
Technically- Gear up yourself with perfect size trekking shoes and walk with it. Use 60ltr. Backpack in a daily routine with some weight inside it, so you become used to carrying loads. Buy a trekking pole, water bottle, warm socks, thermals, fleece, feather jackets, trousers, poncho, flip flops, electronics such as power bank, camera (DSLR or digital camera).
Day 1: Arrive in Naggar and report to Journey Casa. (1800m)
Arrive in Naggar, complete any outstanding paperwork, then shop for trip-related supplies. Acclimatize with a short ride into the background in the afternoon. The overnight stop will be at a hotel.
Day 2: Naggar-Manali-Marhi (3,300m) (35km.)
Get up early, pack your belongings, eat breakfast, and then take a vehicle to Manali. Begin cycling on the tarmac from Manali past towns, apple orchards, and gorgeous green forests all the way up to Marhi. The road is in fair condition, although considerable traffic causes traffic jams and delays throughout the summer. Although bicycles are not a problem, one must be cautious while riding and maintain his side. The road winds through some of the most stunning conifer, birch, and oak woodlands. As one climbs the slope, one is treated to stunning scenery. The path is mostly uphill with a moderate incline. The distance for today's ride isn't very long, but it's a decent acclimatisation ride. We arrived in Marhi after a long ride. The night will be spent in Marhi's temporary hotels/camps.
Day 3: Marhi – Rohtang Pass (3,980m) – Chhatru (3200 metres) – Chota Dara (65km.)
Today's ride is somewhat upward for about 10 kilometres until we reach the Rohtang Pass, following which the road is completely downhill until we reach Gramphoo. We turn right at Gramphoo and enter the Spiti valley. Beyond Gramphoo, the terrain is completely off road, but the ride is modest. The scenery is so barren and lonely that it is difficult to adjust after leaving Manali's verdant valleys. We'll cross some chilly streams along the way before arriving in Chhatru, a popular stopping point for travellers and trekkers. We'll continue on a difficult trail until we reach Chhota Dara, where we'll set up tent. Chhota Dara is a pleasant location surrounded by snow-capped rock and sandstone mountains.
Day 4: Chhota Dara – Batal (13,435 feet) – Chadratal Lake (4,300 metres) – Batal (45km.)
The following morning, one will continue through some similar stopovers till reaching Batal. En way, there may be several chilly rivers flowing over the rough roads that must be crossed. There are no communities beyond Batal till we cross the pass and reach the opposite side. Throughout the day, the road ahead is made up of rocks and gravel. After a few kilometres, we will turn left at the point where the trail splits into two, one leading to the lake and the other to the Kaza. Several private adventure firms have set up tents along the way to Lake to assist guests. The road is only 2 kilometres from the lake, but our mountain bike can get us there. Because of its crescent form, Chandratal Lake is also known as 'Moonlake,' and when the full moon rises on the mountains, it generates wonderful reflections on the lake with bright milky light encircling the valley. We'll spend some time at Chandratal before returning to the Batal in the afternoon. Spend the night in the camps, staring at the beautiful stars in the clear sky.
Day 5. Batal –Kunzum Pass - (4,551m) Losar (4000m) (40km.)
An early start will aid in climbing and negotiating Kunzum pass. The route is hard and steep until you reach the pass, which is surrounded by gravel and stone. After crossing the Kunzum la, we'll see amazing rock formations and spectacular sandstone terrain. The rocky road ends with a moderate climb as we approach the Kunzum pass's base. The road then travels through wide arid valley communities till we arrive in Losar. It is a modest community in a clean world. There is a monastery near the settlement where one can pay their respects. We will camp or stop in a home stay room to allow our riders to get a close look at indigenous life.
Day 6. Losar - Kaza – Key – Kaza (3,280m) (60km)
Today's travel from Losar to Kaza is stunning, with vivid colours on both sides of the valley and fresh air filling one's lungs, making one feel grateful. The road is easier than the previous day's ride along the Spiti River. As we ride further, nature provides us with breathtaking views of colourful meadows and desolate mountains. It will be an exciting ride on rocky roads to tarmac after days of off-roading. We will stop at Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti Valley, which is surrounded by old Bhuddist monasteries such as Dhanker, Ki, and Kibber. We'll visit some of the monasteries near Kaza after we've rested and refuelled. The nights will be spent in homestays or camps.
Day 7. Kaza – Tabo (3040m) (48km)
The desert riding conditions continue from Kaza to Tabo. In between, the path undulates with modest rises. The ride will follow the Spiti River, encountering some sliding slants. The terrain will leave you breathless and entranced with torrential rivers, rock hard cold desert mountains, and icy cold winds. One will take into consideration the sparsely populated villages along the way. Tabo is a high-altitude desert that is home to the Himalayan region's second-most prominent Bhuddist monastery. The Tabo gompa is located at a height of 10,500 feet and offers a breathtaking sight. Visit the Tabo monastery, which is famous for its murals. It is also known as Ajanta of the Himalayas. Spend a night at Tabo taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Day 8: Tabo – Nako (3,625 metres) (63km.)
Begin cycling towards Nako after breakfast. The topography is initially uphill until Sumdo, after which the route is a mix of mediocre and good ride. Before Shialkhar, a terrible stretch of shooting stones will pass through Sumdo. The rest of the path is excellent, with only one landslide spot. As we enter Kinnaur's Hangrang valley, the terrain begins to alter once more. Nako is a lovely town on the shores of a lake. The valley in which Nako is located is known as the Hangrang Valley. Chango, Leo, Hango, Shalkar, Sumra, Yangthang, and Malling are some of the other villages in the valley. Only Nako has grown as a tourist destination with standard amenities. One can visit Nako Lake and the historic village to view the architecture and way of life that the inhabitants of this high altitude location have chosen. Spend the night at Nako at a hotel or a tent.
Day 9: Nako – Pooh (2,262 metres) – Rekong Peo (2,290 metres) (102km.)
The route from Nako to Khab is in generally good shape. After Khab, the road is a combination of good and bad, with some landslides along the way. At Khab, one can observe the confluence of the Satluj and Spiti rivers. After several hours of cycling, one will arrive at Pooh. Pooh is a little historic town where the ancient Lotsaba-bai-lha-khang temple can be found. The course alternates between rugged and damaged roads. The path is initially downhill but gradually turns softer. The ride is long on this day, but the terrain is moderate. If time allows, explore the area around Rekckong Peo. Reckong Peo, commonly known as Peo, is the administrative centre of the Kinnaur district and is located in the heart of the Himalayas. The community is peaceful and well-known for its apple orchards. From Reckong Peo, one can see the two biggest beauties of the Himalayas, the Kailash Mountain and the Shivaling Rock.
Day 10: Rekong Peo – Sarahan (2100m) – Rampur (1100m) (110km)
Today, one will journey to one of Himachal Pradesh's most beautiful valleys, Shimla, through well designed roads that connect various villages in Kinnaur to Shimla. We will drive via Sarahan, a small but lovely village in the Sutlej Valley surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by the Shrikhand Mahadev peak (5227m). Sarahan is also known as the entry point to Kinnaur. It was the ancient capital of Rampur Bushehar, one of the Shimla highlands' largest princely republics. Visit the historic Bhimakali Temple, which has six silver-coated doors. The temple combines Hindu and Buddhist architectural influences. Several travellers from all over the world are drawn to visit such a magnificent place. Cycling forward will take us to Rampur, our destination for the day. Rampur is one of the largest towns in Himachal Pradesh and is well-known for its annual Lavi Mela in November. The majesty of the ancient structures reflects the Himalayan architecture all around the town. The night will be spent at a camp/hotel.
Day 11: Departure from Rampur
Today is the day to leave Rampur with a bag full of great memories. After breakfast, we will disband for further travel. We hope you had a wonderful trip and will continue to pursue your Himalayan aspirations.
How to Reach Manali
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 to 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 8 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,200 to 1,800 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 8 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
How to reach Naggar:
From Manali, Naggar is 18 km. far and there are multiple buses running in every 15 minutes or one can get off at Patlikuhal which is 5 km. far from Naggar on the right bank highway. Patlikuhal lies in between of Kullu Manali. You can club a taxi or travel by a local transport from Manali or Patlikuhal to approach Naggar.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar. which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1500 to Rs.2,500. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.
Shoes: You can buy a proper cycling shoe or can carry sport shoes. Sport shoes are light and breathable which is convenient during the ride, a pair of Flip Flops worn at the campsite.
Clothing: Bring cycling shorts, sweat proof t shirts, a fleece, Down feather jacket, Woolen Cap, Hat, Cycling Gloves, underwear.
Sanitary: A sunscreen containing SPF 30-50, Sun scream cream, Lip balm, Cold cream, Moisturizer, Body lotion, Hand Sanitizers, Toilet Papers, Wipes, Antibacterial powder, tooth brush & toothpaste, Quick dry towel. toiletries etc.
Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woolen socks to be worn at night.
Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
Sunglasses: Bring UV protected sunglasses used during rides.
Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle or Hydration Pack of their own. Garbage Bag / Plastic Bags,
Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet during rides.
Cycling Gear: Extra Tube, puncture kit, helmet, head lamp, Hydration pack, elbow and knee pads.
Day Pack: with water proof cover. 25 to 30 ltr.
Electronics: Camera (optional), USB Cable/USB Solar charger, Charger / Earphones,
Energetic dry ration: Chocolate Bars, Lemon Bars, Gels, Dry fruits,
Mandatory Documents:
a)Registration Form
b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor)
c)NOC form (by trekker)
d) 2 Passport size photo
e) Photocopy of Valid id proof (PAN is not allowed)
Vishakha