| The Himalayas, undoubtedly, make the best Indian | | | | driver, but to try out biking on the rugged and |
| adventure options. Just like the European | | | | rough Indian terrain, you need to be physically fit. |
| countries, biking has recently gained high rank in | | | | You require to attain good balancing, which is |
| the popularity charts of adventure sports in India. | | | | must to climb steep pitches. Another factor to |
| Biking has always been a pleasure for a person | | | | keep in mind is control over the speed. While riding |
| who loves adventure and sports. When it comes | | | | the Indian mountainous region, going uphill seems |
| to 'Mountain Biking', Ladakh proves to be an | | | | to be more challenging. That is why you should |
| unbeatable destination. Apart from being a land of | | | | keep your speed slow. |
| scenic beauty and rugged landscapes, it boasts of | | | | Things To Carry |
| offering various adventure sports. Mountain Biking | | | | To enjoy a safe ride over the mountains in |
| is quite popular in the states of Uttaranchal | | | | Ladakh, you should carry a proper riding kit. Carry |
| (Almora, Nanital, Ranikhet, Rishikesh) and Himachal | | | | those things only that you are going to use in |
| Pradesh (Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, Manali, | | | | your riding expedition. Your kit should contain a |
| Shimla) also. | | | | first aid box, and basic bike repairing equipments |
| Biking tours in Ladakh generally involve a 12 to | | | | like tire levers, pump, patch kit/tubes, chain tool, |
| 13-day bike ride, which takes you to the steep | | | | crescent wrench, zip ties, duct tape etc. While on |
| hills, astounding glaciers and snow-capped | | | | a long ride, you may also carry things like cables, |
| Himalayan ranges. Rohtang pass, Lahaul valley, | | | | brake pads, food, water, a bigger first aid kit, |
| Keylong, Darcha, Tang lang La (world's second | | | | crank remover, spare spokes and extra clothing. |
| highest Pass at 5,360 m), Lachung La (5,065m), | | | | Usually, the best of Indian mountain biking can be |
| Baralach La and Khardung La are popular biking | | | | experienced in Ladakh in the months of |
| routes in Ladakh. Besides that, 520 km long | | | | October-December and late June/July to August. |
| Manali-Leh route (Army Road) is also favourite | | | | This adventure sports lets you to explore the rich |
| among tourists. Another difficult ride begins with | | | | biodiversity of the Himalayan heritage and most |
| the climb to Baralcha (4,880m), after the | | | | exotic sights of the Himalayan region, including the |
| Manali-Leh route. | | | | ancient trade routes and the mystifying rural life |
| Things To Remember | | | | of the hilly towns and villages. |
| Although you are a regular and an experienced | | | | |