MANALI TO LEH RIDE

Our Clients’ Reviews

• 

  REBECCA LAWRENCE

  MANALI TO LEH RIDE

  

  Written September 2011

  Our trip was reversed due to a land slip near Manali to give chance for the road to be repaired so we flew into Leh and cycled to Manali.  This is a classic trip along one of the worlds most awesome roads.  Not for the faint hearted - cycling days were long and the temperature varies from boiling hot to freezing and can change rapidly, and of course the altitude makes it feel that much harder, but a must do for anyone who loves cycling and is confident about their fitness. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of the worlds highest pass at 5600m and second highest pass at 5300m! Quite an achievement on a push bike! Also the 30 miles of downhill into Manali!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good, very professional with good organisational skills.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You do get cumulatively tired as the trip progresses - if your trip is reversed like ours was (I think Exodus were thinking of permanently reversing it which I think is a good idea as it means less overall climbing) don't burn yourself out on the first couple of days which involve the longest climbs at the highest altitude.

  Camps are generally by streams so there is the opportunity to wash when you get to camp.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This has to be one of the most awesome cycling trips I have done for the sheer scale, and the fabulous journey along one of the worlds highest motorable roads. It was especially good as whilst cycling you go from A to B with no mandatory road transfers so you get to cycle the whole way from Leh to Manali if you want to.  It was VERY well organised and catered for people going at different speeds with enough guides to cope with this so there was no pressure to hang back if you want to go fast or pressure to speed up if you want to go slower and stop to take photos etc. 

  You don't have to be a fitness fanatic, as long as you are confident about the long days on a bike, and have some basic off road skills as the roads are quite bad in places.  It is tough though - wake up tea whilst camping is at 6am, cycling at 7.30am, and then a long day, so don't expect lie ins or leisurely starts, and do expect to feel quite tired after this holiday.  It is fully supported however and there is an option to go on the bus at any stage.