India is replete with many umpteen cycling routes. The joy of biking doubles when it comes to traversing the best cycling trails in the Indian Himalayas. Start pedaling solo or take your friend along with you, the enthralling experience is worth every effort. The laborious activity not only poses a challenge for the daring souls but also helps them enjoy pristine beauty of the mountains. Cycling helps you to experience everything in person. Be it the texture of the trail, aroma of wildflowers, the panoramic views, or the hairpin bends of the road – everything will leave you speechless.
So, if you’re an adventure enthusiast who wants to conquer the mighty Indian Himalayas, pick your bicycle now. Here are the best trails for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas!
Manali to Leh
The route from Manali to Leh is so exciting that mountain biking will become your obsession. Once you start paddling on this one of the popular cycling trails in the northern India, you will be desperate to conquer more. The stunning landscape is the major draw card of the route. Don’t wait much to share your experience of going past by some of the grueling passes with your loved ones.
Destinations covered
- Rohtang La
- Baralacha La
- Nakee La
- Lachulung La
- Taglang La
- The Zanskar range
Duration: 11 -13 days
Best Time
Best time to go for cycling from Manali to Leh is from June – September.
Leh to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar
Tso Moriri and Tso Kar are counted amongst the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh. Thus, cycling all the way to these marvelous natural wonders is worth every effort. This one of the best trails for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas consists of various twists and turns, making the journey memorable. Come into direct contact with nature and admire its beauty at the best. Don’t forget to spot Kiang, the Himalayan wild ass.
Note: One requires permission to visit Tso Moriri.
Destinations covered
- Sumdo Village
- Tso Kar
- Tso Moriri
- Mahe Bridge
- Chumathang
- Upshi
Duration: 3-4 days
Best Time
Best time to go for cycling tour from Leh to Tso Moriri is between June and September.
Dha Hanu
One of the best ways to know about various cultures that make the land of India so diverse is to embark on bicycle tour to Dha Hanu. Collectively known as the villages of Brokpa, Dha and Hanu are home to the Drogpa tribe. The cultural diversity that prevails here, can’t be seen anywhere else. Cycle along the furiously flowing Indus River to reach these beautiful hamlets.
Destinations covered
- Nimu
- Basgo
- Alchi
- Khaltse
- Dha
- Hanu
- Beema
- Skurbuchan or Sanjak
Duration: 8 days
Best Time
June to October can be considered for going on cycling tour to Dha Hanu.
Srinagar – Leh
Traveling across Srinagar- Leh on a bicycle can be a completely transforming experience for cyclists. Meandering through the green meadows, going past the beautiful lakes and soaking-in the nature’s bliss truly make you feel the paradise on the Earth. If you’re looking for where to go for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas, you can end your search and start your voyage from here. Listen to your heartbeat, yearning to go farther and farther on this route.
Destinations covered
- Sonmarg
- Baltal
- Zoji La
- Dras
- Kargil
- Lamayuru
- Khaltse
- Nimu
- Leh
Duration: 10 days
Best Time
June to October is the best time for cycle tour from Srinagar to Leh.
Leh – Pangong Tso
The barren roads from Leh to Pangong Tso add a thrill quotient to your cycling experience. Throughout the route, you will passing by a highly scenic area full of stunning vistas. Imagine, you’ll be paddling right up along the edge of the lake and marveling at spectacular sceneries on either sides of the road. To top it all is the bumpy ride which will make you enjoy your expedition fully to the core. Don’t forget to carry the Inner line Permit you require to visit the lake.
Destinations covered
- Chang La
- Spangmik
- Maan
- Merak
- Tangste village
Duration: 1 day
Best Time
From June till September is the best time for reaching Pangong Tso from Leh on a bicycle.
Nubra Valley
Riding at one of the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La, is the dream for many cycling enthusiasts. But, there is a lot more to discover than just that. Push your limits and paddle more to traverse the Nubra Valley circuit. Don’t be astonished to see the snow-covered mountains, green meadows and dessert all on the same trail. Titled as the best cycling trails in the Indian Himalayas, it demands a lot of physical strength of the cyclist.
Destinations covered
- Shyok valley
- Diskit Monstery
- Khardung La
- Diskit village
- Hunder village
- Turtuk
- Panamik
- Sumur
Duration: 3 days
Best Time
The best time to visit Nubra Valley for cycling tour is between June and September.
Leh to Khardung La
The cycling trail from Leh to Khardung La is one such trail which gives you ample of opportunities to perfect your art of mountain biking. Overcome various challenges posed in front of you. The reward you will earn in the form of proud moment to reach one of the highest motorable road in the world should better be felt than read. Perched on a very high altitude, the pass can be reached after crossing various ethereal views. It would be great to follow the best trails for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas to reach the most-visited place in Ladakh, one of the highest mountain passes in the world.
Destinations covered
- Leh
- Phyang
- South Pullu
- Khardung La
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best Time
May to October is the best time to reach Khardung La on a cycle.
Spiti Valley
Ride through an area which fascinates with unique history and culture. Spiti Valley is not just one of the best destinations for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas, it is a paradise away from the chaotic city life. The entire voyage will be full of amazing feeling of coming across various ancient monasteries, fluttering flags, chortens and quite obvious scenic vistas. The incredible rock formations en route will give you a chance to ponder over the incredible craftsmanship of the nature.
Destinations covered
- Manali
- Chandratal
- Kunzum Pass
- Spiti Valley
- Kibber
- Tabo
- Sang La
- Sarhan
- Shimla
Duration: 10 days
Best Time
April – mid-May and September to mid-October is the best time to visit Spiti Valley for cycling expedition.
Kangra valley
Cycling in the Kangra Valley is the dream for many adventure bikers. The most visually breathtaking ride experience in the Dhauladhar range makes Kangra valley one of the best destinations for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas. During the ride, you can revel-in the eye-catching views of pine and tea gardens.
Shrouded in serenity, the valley is like no other! The beautiful environs are a magical display of nature’s splendor. Other popular adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, camping etc. can be clubbed with cycling to make the voyage worth remembering.
- Bir
- Jogindernagar & Barot
- Raj Gunda
- Billing
Duration: 5 days
Best Time
The best time to visit Kangra Valley for an amazing cycling experience is from mid-May – mid-June & September – October.
Sikkim
Small yet fascinating! Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the best destinations for cycling tour in Indian Himalayas. Learn about the cultural heritage and amicable lifestyle of the Sikkimese.
The dramatic and rugged terrain of the state take you to the beautiful monasteries. Spare some time to witness the exotic Himalayan wildlife. Get rid of your weariness by tasting freshly brewed tea at some of the oldest tea estates.
Destinations covered
- Gangtok
- Rumtek
- Yuksom
- Pelling
- Darjeeling
- Rinchenpong
Duration: 9 days
Best Time
October to March is the best time for cycling tour in Sikkim.
The joy of conquering Himalayas on cycle is one such feeling that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Choose your favorite cycling trails in the Indian Himalayas and start pedaling now!
[Also Check Our Collection of Adventure Tours to India]
Diksha Khiatani
A writer by day and a tsundoku at night. Emerging from an Engineering background, Diksha is a travel freak and anxious to explore different cultures and religions. Inclined towards the off-beat places, she wishes to uncover the secrets on her Scooty (if possible). She always grabs some time to take a quick nap, listen to music, skating and eat a brownie.
nice article…beautiful photos…keep sharing
Hi Susmita
Thank you for your kind words. Keep following our blogs to know about some more interesting places.