Leh Mountain Biking is one of the best routes of YHAI cycling programmes with scenic valleys of Ladakh and a meandering Sindhu River flowing along.
Breif Description Of The Program :
Leh Mountain Biking is one of the best routes of YHAI cycling programmes with scenic valleys of Ladakh and a meandering Sindhu River flowing along. Leh is the land of medieval Gompasat High Altitude, vast cold deserts & high passes. The towering icy peaks of Stok Kangri blesses the city of LehIt is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the country. The people are a mix of the Tibetan, Balti, Dard, and Aryan ethnic strains. Your biking route from Lamayuru located at 10,800ft has the famous Moon-Land Mountains&ancient 10th century Lamayuru Monastery. Your campsites are in rustic villages surrounded with apricot trees, gushing crystal clear streams and you will also be riding through Batalik Sector, Leh-Srinagar Highway, and a towering Fotula Pass (13479 Ft.). At night, billion stars will shine above you in the dark sky and the stellar view of our Milky way will leave you with bliss and wonder.
Purpose : The purpose of the expedition is to introduce the YHAI members to Mountain Biking as an outdoor adventure sport and also to make use of it as a Green transport in cities reducing congestion and pollution. Also after swimming this is the second-best non-impact exercise in the world. Also, we aim to inspire the spirit of National integration with the fun of adventure sports.
Schedule Of Programme :
Day – 1 : Reporting At Leh (11,500 Ft.)
The first day of the expedition is for reporting. You can report at the camp early and take rest for the whole day to acclimatize with the weather and high altitude.
Day – 2 : Training & Acclimatization(11,500 Ft.)
Starting the day with breakfast, you will be briefed about the program by the camp leader. You will then take an acclimatization walk to the Shanti Stupa. You will get a picturesque view of the monastery, the Leh Palace, Leh city, the magnificent Stok Kangri and Stok village and the mighty Khardungla Pass. The serene beauty of white domed Shanti Stupa is a treat to the heart and soul. Explore the local Leh markets with its myriad offerings and Tibetan art market.Also pack your bag for 4 days of ultimate high altitude mountain biking experience. Sleep early as you need good rest for next day’s travel to Lamayuru camp.
Day – 3 : Transfer to Lamayuru by vehicle and trial cycle ride in the afternoon (11,000 Ft.)
The participants will be taken to Lamayuru by bus on the next day. Enjoying the unique landscape of the valley with Indus River flowing through it, the stunning views of Ladakh starts unveiling itself to you. Reaching the camp at noon you will be taken for a trial ride after lunch. Time to get used to High Altitude Mountain Biking. The splendid sunset from the Zero point is a mesmerizing view. Hot soup awaits you at camp and after a healthy dinner time to show your talent in the campfire at night.
Day – 4 : Ride to Skurbuchan (44km –10,000 Ft)
The trail from Lamayuru to Khaltse is all downhill. Cycling through the lunar landscapes of Moonland, The barren mountains of Ladakh offers you one of the most thrilling experiences in your life. At Khaltse you will be greeted by the scenic Indus River and an undulating trail which takes you towards Skurbuchan. Pedal by this historically significant river under the clear sunny sky and fall in love with the beauty of this mystical land. The Lunch point is at a gushing stream flowing from melted glaciers quenching your thirst with the purest of mineral water that also at no cost. Your campsite is surrounded by Apricot trees and with tall mountains towering above your camp. Sleep well under the swaying apricot trees inside a tent.
Day – 5 : Ride to Chiktan via Sanjak Bridge(38 Km – 10,550 Ft)
Today Sindhu river gives you company for the major part of the ride. Pedaling down the valley with greenery on both sides, Cycling through the meandering roads with its hairpin bends, it is a route filled with adventure and excitement. The local children playing in the villages (such as Sakar 2) greet you on your way to Chiktan is one of the best memories you will have on this journey. Their excited greetings on seeing the cyclists will give you the strength to conquer this high-altitude expedition. By the evening, you will reach the beautiful hamlet of Chiktan.
Day – 6 : Ride To Heniskot via Khangral (25 km – 11,400 Ft)
The sixth day of journey will take you through an ancient fort and vertically walled valleys to the beautiful Heniskot camp. Golden wheat fields line up either side as you reach towards Khangral, a check post on the Leh- Srinagar Highway, and then taking left towards Heniskot through an undulating trail, it’s one of the most picturesque journeys. Cycling through the villages, it gives you a real taste of the local culture and simple lifestyle of the village people. You will also be cycling on NH1 with occasional crossings of convoys of our Indian Army. Mutual respect for our soldiers fill our heart at this high altitude route. Your campsite is at a beautiful tourism bungalow at Heniskot.Early dinner and rest well as next day the climb of Fotula Pass awaits to test your stamina and endurance.
Day – 7 : Ride to Lamaruyu crossing Fotu La (27 Km – 13479 Ft – Highest peak between Srinagar &Leh) Transfer to Leh Camp & Certificate Distribution.
Get ready for the highest climb and most challenging day of the expedition. Today is the last and the most enthralling ride to the Fotu La Pass (13,479 ft.)Buddhist Flags flying in the wind and cinematic view from the highest point makes it a perfect place to capture your memories with your co-riders. A sense of achievement and happiness engulfs you at the summit of the pass. After a long downhill you are back to Lamayuru. After lunch at Lamayuru, transfer by bus back to Leh camp. On your way to base camp, you will be passing by Magnetic Hill, Sangam (confluence of River Indus and Zanskar) and Pattharsahib Gurudwara; some of the well-known tourist spots in Leh. In the evening, the bikers will be felicitated with certificates for successfully completing the expedition. The evening will be spent amidst laughter, music and games to celebrate the journey.
Day – 8 : Camp breaks after Breakfast (09-00 a.m.)
The riders will check out after the Breakfast on the eighth day with memories of an epic journey through the pristine valleys of Ladakh.
Who can Participate : This expedition is open to YHAI members – Preferred age group is 18 years to 60 years and has excellent mental and physically fit conditions. This condition will be adhered to strictly. Underage will not be considered in any case. They must also be willing to undertake the rough conditions of camp life and smile through the stress and strain in high altitudes (less oxygen). The right of selection is reserved with YHAI.
Note : The program schedule and route of the expedition are subject to change without prior notice.
How To Reach :
By Bus :
Route-1: from Srinagar 434km via Sonmarg, Zozila Pass &Kargil. J&K State Road Transport Corporation operates regular bus services between Srinagar and Leh on this route with overnight halt at Kargil.
Route-2: from Manali 474km via Keylong, Baralacha, Tanglangla&Upsi. Himachal Pradesh Tourism, HRTC and J&K SRTC operate daily Deluxe and ordinary bus services between Manali and Leh. The bus journey between Leh and Manali with an overnight halt at Keylong or Darcha.
By Air : Major Airlines operate daily flights from Delhi/Jammu/Srinagar to LEH
By Train : The closest railway stations are Jammu, Pathankot or Chandigarh, both at least three days away by bus.
Note : There is no prepaid mobile service availability in Leh- Ladakh region, only postpaid services are functional. (mostly BSNL& AIRTEL)
All participants are required to bring their original Photo ID proof as it will be required at various check posts during the program.
How to Join :
Members desirous of joining this program may apply online through our website http:www.yhaindia.org, or, by the prescribed registration form (DOWNLOAD) duly supported by a Medical Certificate (DOWNLOAD), along with a DD of requisite amount ie Rs.11,550/- (Rs. 50 postage charges) in favour of “Youth Hostels Association of India”, payable at New Delhi. The DD May be sent to the following address along with the trekking registration form.
Trekking Division, National Office
Youth Hostels Association of India
5, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri. New Delhi – 110021,
Contact No.: 7827999000
Members can also apply through the State Branch or Local Unit of YHAI.
As we have limited seats, preference will be given only to that YHAI member who has previous experience in YHAI National Himalayan Biking/Trekking Expedition. To participate in the expedition, fitness levels have to be high, and the YHAI reserve the right to reject any entry based upon the doctor’s report.
What Participants Should Bring Along :
Dress code : Cycling shorts/three quarters/tracks, dry-fit / quick-dry T-shirts, light Jackets, thermals/base layers Trekking Shoes, extra socks, Raincoat with hood
Accessories : Cycling Goggles ,Sipper/1 Ltr water bottle/ hydration bag, Small tiffin box, Enamelled or Steel Mug / tumbler, Plate, Spoon, pen knife, Cold Cream / Vaseline, Soap, Toilet Paper, Towel, Medicines (As per your personal requirement, which you regularly use at home and Crepe Bandage 4in*1, Micropore tape 1/2inch*1, Bandaids, Cough lozenges/ Kanthil or other, Vicks Vaporub, Coldarin, Clortrimazole cream and powder, Paracetamol*10 Mupirocin cream, Diclofenac gel, Lopamide*10, Azithromycin and Electral), Camera.
Accommodation Facilities : Tented accommodation on sharing basis/ Guest House.
Food & Water Supplies : Simple, Nutritious Meals,Clean Drinking Water
Important Instructions For Participants :
01. You must bring your Original Photo I-card for verification at various Army check posts during the programme. Without I-Card you will not be allowed to participate in the programme. (Like Voter ID Card, Driving License or Pan Card,aadhar card.)
02. You must be physically fit & must bring your original Medical Certificate (As per YHAI format which is available with the registration form / our website www.yhaindia.org ) at the time of reporting at Base Camp, Leh.
03. You must take at least 6 hours to rest immediately after reaching Leh (At reporting Base Camp) due to climatic condition.
04. You must have enough practice over any Normal / Geared Cycle.
05. Inner Line permit is required by the Non-Resident-Indians and Foreigners. They need to obtain inner line permit from local authorities in Leh. Without Inner Line permit such participants may not be allowed at Base Camp Leh.
Equipment Provided By Yhai : MTB cycle /Helmet /Knee & Elbow guard /Cycling Gloves /Rucksacks /Reflector jackets.
Personal Cycling gloves/helmets can be brought along but we are providing the same.
Additional notes
Cycle safety & discipline : The cycles given are to be kept safe. Any damage/theft of cycles due to negligence of participant ,the cost will be borne by the participant.
Behavior during camp : Participants are expected to behave cordially with each other and staff. Any misbehavior/harassment will be a cause for check-out from camp and also being Blacklisted from further YHAI camps.
Drugs/Liquor/smoking : Intake of Alcohol/drugs and smoking is strictly prohibited during camp. Anyone found doing the same will be immediately checked out from the camp premises.
Certificates : Participants, who successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the program, will be awarded certificates.
Special Casual Leave : No special casual leave is applicable for the mountain biking program.
For any further information, please contact at below details:
Trekking Division, National Office
Youth Hostels Association of India
5, Nyaya Marg, Chankayapuri. New Delhi – 110021, Contact No.: 7827999000
Notice for Participants :
1. Smoking, use of alcohol and narcotics of any description is strictly prohibited during the course of the program.
2. Deviation from the set route of the program is not permitted. If participants may wish to join any other activity, they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the program and checking out.
3. Stay other than YHAI Camp is not allowed for the entire duration of the camp.
4. This is an environment-friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trial in any way. In case you find any wrapper, plastic bag, or anything left by trekkers on the way, please carry the same with you and deposit it at the base camp.
5. Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited. Import of any bio Non- degradable Material in J & K is an offence.
Safety And Security : Extensive and painstaking preparations have gone into the planning of mountain biking routed for your safety. Our field staff and experienced camp leaders have been visiting the area to check all details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, the Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.
Cancellation Rules :
(1) In case you are unable to join the programme due to any reason, you will get a 100% Credit Shell of the participation fees which will be valid till December 2023. The request for cancellation or transfer or postponement must be received by us by email or any written mode before 7 days from the reporting date of your program. After that no request of transfer or refund or postponement will be considered. No refund will be applicable for any cancellation of a seat and credit shell will be provided only.
(2) If the next programme opted by you is cheaper, you may use the balance amount in any of the Trek till Dec 2023.
(3) If the next opted programme is costlier, the trekker has to pay the differential amount.
(4) If the trekker opts for the same programme that was cancelled, he/she will not be charged extra even if the price goes up next year.
(5) You may transfer your seat to your family members and friends also.
Note: No medical issues, natural calamity or any sort of personal reasons will be considered as cancellation reason and will be considered for refund.