Here are some more details on our cycling holidays in India
Indian Himalayas
The redspokes Manali to Leh cycling holiday is one of the most demanding and exhilarating mountain bike tours in the world. It is an extreme challenge through the heart of the Indian Himalayas on some of the highest accessible roads on the planet, but the rewards are immense. You will enjoy some of the finest riding an adventure cyclist could wish for – encountering switchback after switchback, ascending to an altitude of 5,000m. And the captivating scenery of soaring snow-capped peaks, rugged mountain passes and remote valleys will make all your exertions worthwhile.
This Indian Himalayas cycling tour from Manali to Leh begins in Delhi. Our journey to Manali offers a fascinating insight into the sights and sounds of this incredible country. We spend a couple of days acclimatising in Manali, a picturesque hill station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at 1,950m (6,398 ft) it is a popular year-round tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
After time to acclimatise, our adventure begins with a ride out of Manali. We cycle through an evergreen area of pine and deodar trees, tackling the first set of many hairpin bends and switchbacks on our way to the Rohtang Pass. Over the pass, our surroundings become more barren as we continue cycling into more remote areas with just a few sheep dotted here and there. On the horizon you will see the bleak, magnificent spectacle of the higher Himalayan ranges as we traverse a high-altitude desert to reach the isolated mountainous Ladakh region, so remote and stark it is barely populated.
Riding mountain passes and river valleys, we are soon tackling the 21 zigzag Gata Loops 15,030ft up the canyon wall to reach the Lachulung La, the second highest pass on the Manali to Leh road at 5,059m. After skirting the Tso Khar salt lake, we ascend the world's second highest pass, Taglang La at 5,328m. Over the pass, we descend through more verdant terrain with a few more climbs and downhills to reach Leh. We have a rest day to draw breath and explore well-known sites such as the Leh Palace and the Sakar Gompa Monastery.
Our cycling route from Manali to Leh in Ladakh covers 476km (296 miles) over 8 days and includes 5 major passes. The Manali to Leh road is an old trading route and, although described as a highway, is extremely narrow in places. For much of the year it is closed due to extreme weather conditions.
CYCLING THE HIGHEST ROAD IN THE HIMALAYAS
Reinvigorated after our well-deserved rest day in Leh, we face the ultimate challenge of the tour: the Khardung-La. Starting at 3,600m (11,500 feet) in Leh we cycle to the top of the pass at a breath-taking height of 5,359m (17,583 feet) in just 39km (24 miles). This is one of the highest roads in the world accessible by motor vehicles. The redspokes Manali to Leh cycling holiday ends back in Leh.
NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED - THIS IS CYCLING WITH EXTREME ALTITUDE!
View Cycle Tour
India - Kerala
Kerala in India, commonly known as 'God's own country' is home to one of the world's oldest civilisations and makes for a memorable destination. Kerala is included in the National Geographic Traveller as one of the world's 50 must-see destinations. Kerala has long held a fascination for travellers, what better way to explore rich and varied cultures this wonderful region has to offer than on a redspokes cycling holiday?
The terrain here is geographically diverse, with the Arabian Sea to the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats to the east. redspokes Kerala and Tamil Nadu cycling holiday offers a great variety of cycling. Beginning in Kovalam, you will visit stunning beaches on the Malabar coast, before taking a train to Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The journey will give us an insight into South Indian daily life. We journey along dense palm tree lined track, with views from our carriage of village women tending to their washing and men playing cards outside brightly painted houses. We ride from the plains up into the mountains visiting lush green hill stations shrouded in mist, sloping tea plantations, blue lagoons and tropical rainforests. We cycle down through the Cardamom Hills from Chinnakanal to Kumily. before riding on inland exploring the fascinating and beautiful waterways. The serene ambience of the Alleppey backwaters is one of the unique attractions of Kerala. Our tour includes the unforgettable experience of a staying on board a luxury houseboat or 'Kettuvallam' and the next morning we enjoy a leisurely cruise through the tranquil small lakes and amazing surroundings.
Another highlight of our Kerala cycling holiday is the food. Distinctive Keralan cuisine is flavoured with diverse natural herbs and spices, great for vegetarians and far less fiery than the style of curry to be found further to the north of India. Dosa and Vada curry are two popular Tamil Nadu dishes you will enjoy on the tour.
Cycling through Kerala and Tamil Nadu with redspokes will give you a great insight into this fantastic region and its culture, all from the unique vantage point of a bicycle.
View Cycle Tour
India Custom Tour
If our advertised dates don’t suit you, if you’re looking for a shorter/longer tour or simply want the enjoyment of travelling on your own or with friends, why not let us create a customised itinerary for you? We can organise private tours for groups of 2 or more people. This will usually be the same cost as for our advertised tour if there are 6 or more and 20-80% higher for smaller numbers.
We have years of experience working in adventure cycling and providing our clients with customised itineraries. A tour with redspokes will capture the imagination and leave lasting memories of this fascinating country.
View Cycle Tour