Manali Leh Khardung La Cycling 2026

Cycle through some of the world’s most challenging and scenic terrain from Kullu-Manali to Leh. Kullu-Manali: Nestled in the “Valley of Gods,” surrounded by orchards, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Leh-Ladakh: A cold desert with stunning sights like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Khardung La Pass.

Share:

Hightlight tour

Itinerary

State: Himachal Pradesh

Location: Kullu

Duration: 13N/14D

Valid Age: 18 – 60

Support Contact: 01145999000

Reporting Point: Dobhi Base Camp Dist- Kullu (H.P.)

 

Overview

National Mountain Cycling Cum Training Expedition Manali Leh Khardung La 2026

Expedition Coordinator: YHAI INDIA

📞 7259631579 / 011-4599015

About the Program:
Cycle through some of the world’s most challenging and scenic terrain from Kullu-Manali to Leh.

  1. Kullu-Manali: Nestled in the “Valley of Gods,” surrounded by orchards, meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
  2. Leh-Ladakh: A cold desert with stunning sights like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Khardung La Pass.

Purpose:
This 13-day MTB expedition aims to promote national integration through adventure. Participants will cycle over 5 high-altitude passes, making it one of the best low-impact endurance activities after swimming.

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Reporting Location: Dobhi Base Camp, Kullu (H.P.)

How to Reach Base Camp:

  1. From Kullu ISBT: 3 km to Dobhi via Left Bank Road.
  2. From Manali-bound Bus: Get off at Gammon Bridge (2 km from base camp).
  3. Transport: Taxis and autos are available from both points.

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar

Railheads: Chandigarh / Ambala

Bus Services: Regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Punjab to Kullu-Manali.

Note: Only postpaid BSNL & Airtel work in Leh.

Important Note:

  1. Route and schedule are subject to change due to local conditions.
  2. Please keep at least 1 buffer day for return travel.
  3. This expedition is not subsidised by any government or donors.

What to Bring:
Clothing:

  1. Quick-dry T-shirts, cycling shorts/track pants, jacket, trekking shoes, sun cap, socks.

Accessories:

  1. Goggles, water bottle/sipper, small tiffin, steel mug/plate/spoon, penknife, towel, soap, toilet paper, cold cream/Vaseline.

Medicines (Personal + Suggested):

  1. Paracetamol, Diclofenac gel, Azithromycin, Electral, Vicks, Clotrimazole, band-aids, crepe bandage, micropore tape, etc.

Optional: Camera.

Equipment Provided by YHAI:

  1. MTB cycle, helmet, cycling gloves, knee/elbow guards, reflector jackets, rucksack.
  2. (You may bring personal cycling gloves/helmet if preferred.)

Day Wise Schedule

Day 1: Reporting at Dobhi Base Camp

  1. Report at Dobhi Base Camp before 3 p.m.
  2. Evening at leisure for a stroll or rest in tents.

Day 2: Acclimatisation and Test Ride

  1. Bike and gear allocation.
  2. Acclimatisation ride to Nagger Castle.

Day 3: Dobhi to Marhi (3360m) – 49 km

  1. Challenging ride to Marhi, a relentless climb considered the hardest stretch of the Manali-Leh journey.

Day 4: Marhi to Sishu (3100m) – 45 km

  1. Ride via Rohtang Pass. After crossing, enjoy a downhill ride to Sishu Base Camp.

Day 5: Sishu to Jispa (3200m) – 53 km

  1. Scenic ride through massive peaks. Camp by a river in Jispa for a relaxing night.

Day 6: Jispa to Zing Zing Bar (4270m) – 31 km

  1. Easier ride with a mix of downhill and flat sections, followed by a climb as you reach Zing Zing Bar.

Day 7: Zing Zing Bar to Sarchu Plains (4290m) – 54 km

  1. Ride through Baralacha La Pass, then downhill and flat terrain. Enter Ladakh after crossing the pass.

Day 8: Sarchu to Whisky Nala (4700m) – 48 km

  1. Ride past Gata Loops and Nakeela Pass. Enjoy a downhill ride to Whisky Nala campsite.

Day 9: Whisky Nala to Debring (4240m) – 79 km

  1. Cross the Lachung La Pass and ride downhill. Continue through the Martian-like Morey Plains to Debring.

Day 10: Debring to Rumtse (4100m) – 46 km

  1. Uphill ride to Tanglang La Pass, followed by downhill hairpin bends to Rumtse.

Day 11: Rumtse to Leh (3500m) – 76 km

  1. A relatively easier ride to Leh with mostly downhill and flat terrain.

Day 12: Leh to Khardung La Pass (5359m) – 40 km

  1. Single-day ride to Khardung La Pass and return to Leh Base Camp.

Day 13: Checkout Post-Breakfast

  1. After an adventure-filled journey, check out post-breakfast and depart.

Facts

Eligibility

  1. Open to YHAI members aged 18–60 in excellent physical and mental health.
  2. Strict age limit; underage applicants will not be accepted.
  3. Must be willing to handle rough camp conditions and high-altitude stress (low oxygen).
  4. Selection is at YHAI’s discretion.

Participants Over 60

  1. May be considered offline only if medically fit and a regular cyclist.
  2. Must submit a Rs 100 Indemnity Bond with registration.
  3. Final approval is subject to management and seat availability.

How to Register
Online Registration

  1. Register at: www.yhaindia.org
  2. Pay the fee via net banking, debit/credit card.
  3. After payment, download and carry:
  4. Admit Card
  5. Medical Fitness Certificate
  6. Membership Card (printout of temporary card accepted)

Offline Registration

  1. Send the following to the National Office:
  2. Trekking Registration Form
  3. Medical Certificate
  4. Demand Draft of ₹32,000 in favor of “Youth Hostels Association of India”, payable at New Delhi
  5. Address:
  6. Trekking Department,
  7. Youth Hostels Association of India,
  8. 5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
  9. 📞 7827999000
  10. Confirmation depends on seat availability.

Note:
Without an Admit Card and a Medical Certificate, your registration is not valid.

Important Instructions
Eligibility Criteria (Must Meet All):

  1. Experience in multi-day cycling expeditions.
  2. Knowledge of geared MTB cycles.
  3. Good balance on rough terrain.
  4. Capable of cycling 30–40 km/day over tough climbs/descents.
  5. Minimum 4 months of rigorous training.

test ride will be conducted. Only those who pass will be allowed.

No refunds for disqualification due to failure or medical reasons.

Documents to Carry

  1. Original Photo ID (mandatory at checkposts)
  2. Admit Card
  3. Medical Certificate
  4. YHAI Membership Card

Facilities Provided by YHAI

  1. Tent accommodation (shared)
  2. Nutritious vegetarian meals
  3. A medical team with an ambulance
  4. Oxygen at every camp
  5. Support vehicle
  6. Group insurance (for accidental death or permanent disability only)

Personal insurance is strongly recommended.

Rules & Conduct

  1. Smoking, alcohol, and narcotics are strictly prohibited.
  2. Do not deviate from the set route.
  3. No outside stays are allowed during the program.
  4. Be eco-friendly: Do not litter; carry back waste.
  5. Campfires: Burning wood is not allowed.
  6. Plastic import in J&K is a punishable offence.

Risk Factors

  1. High-altitude sickness
  2. Falls/injuries
  3. Natural disasters (landslides, cloudbursts, storms)

While YHAI ensures maximum safety, it is not liable for accidents or unforeseen events.

Cycle Safety & Behaviour

  1. You are responsible for any damage/theft of the cycle.
  2. Misconduct or harassment will lead to immediate expulsion and blacklisting.

Certification
Participants who complete the expedition and follow the rules will receive a certificate of participation.

Reporting Dates

02-07-2026

Cancellation Policy

✅ Cancellation Method:

1️⃣ Participants booked online will do online cancellation minimum 10 days prior to your reporting date.

2️⃣ Participants booked offline will inform their cancellation by email to 📧 trekking@yhaindia.org minimum 10 days prior to your reporting date.

⚠️ Only cancellation done as per above method will be eligible for credit shell/refund. The below cancellation policy will however not be applicable if the request reaches short of 10 days prior to the reporting date and shall not be eligible for credit shell/refund.

📜 Cancellation Policy:

The Participant, who cancels the programme by serving request minimum 10 days prior to his/her reporting date as per above terms and conditions of “Cancellation Method”, is eligible to get the credit shell or refund as follows:

(a) Credit Shell:-

✔️ 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 31st December 2026.

✔️ If the next programme opted by you is cheaper, you may use the balance amount in any of the Trek till Dec 2026.

✔️ If the next opted programme is costlier, the trekker has to pay the differential amount.

⛔ Program opted using the Credit Shell cannot be cancelled again.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 You may transfer your seat to your family members and friends also. The seats thus transferred cannot be retransferred or cancelled.

🎯 The credit shell can only be used in booking of adventure programs organised by YHAI. The credit shell will not be used in taking memberships and hostel bookings.

OR

(b) Refund:-

💵 Participants can opt for a 50% refund instead of 100% credit shell if they wish to. The conditions of “Cancellation Method” will be the same as mentioned above. The participant has to inform either offline or online minimum 10 days prior to his reporting date. If the request reaches short of 10 days prior to the reporting date the refund request shall not be considered.

📝 Note: If any program will be cancelled due to 🌪️ Natural Calamity / 🏛️ Government Restriction / ❌ Cancellation of Permission or any other reasons, YHAI will be accountable only for program fees and not other expenses which participants have made for joining the program. In these circumstances the decision for participation fees will be considered by the YHAI and will be bound to all.

From 32,000

Map

Write a review