Al Downie

Hiya,

I'm starting to organise a cycle trip (starting Aug 23) around the Ladakh region in India. My first thought was to try to cycle northwest from Leh, as far as a line between K2 and Nanga Parbat - my maps show roads & tracks in that direction, but I'm guessing some of them might be very steep and rough tracks, not suitable for cycling. I'd be grateful for advice from anyone who's been in that area. I'm also aware that this involves entry from India into 'disputed territory' - will this cause visa problems? Is it simply impossible to enter that area from India?

So. If that plan doesn't come to fruition, I guess we'll end up doing the Leh/Manali traverse, and I'm wondering if anyone can advise about which direction is best? Which way does the wind blow??!! I've seen both recommended, for reasons to do with logistics or weather, but I'm keen to collect as many opinions/facts as I can.

Thanks very much in advance,

Al

brunop

i'd go leh to manali as you can luxuriate more in manali. hot tubs and apple pie and all.

Creamcrackered

Hot tubs and apple pie are pretty important, but Manali - Leh might be slightly better in terms of acclimatisation, i.e starting at a lower altitude and leaving the 5,000m+ passes to the latter half of the trip.

invisible

but i spent abut 10 weeks in and around leh. i took a bus from manali to leh, so i can tell you what is better for bikes specifically, but if it comes down to hot tubs and apple pie, leh has the best apple pie ive ever eaten. additionally, manali is lower than leh and to ride from manali to leh would allow for better aclimitization, which is important. once you get to leh, if you can fly out i would recommend it, as you will fly over the himalya and see what you have come over, while flying in may make the task a bit more daunting. the disputed territories are also armed by guards, though they are friendly i would advise against riding deeper into disputed lands. the road to the border of the disputed lands may be a fun one though, as it is the highest motorable pass in the world. if youve made up your mind already, i dont really think you can go wrong, im envious!