9 days Umling La Pass Bike Challenge

Overview

This extraordinary bike tour is a real adventure for ambitious cyclists. In just nine days, it takes you through the impressive high mountain landscape of the Indian Himalayas to the world’s highest motorable pass – the Umling La Pass at 5883 m. This trip is an ideal complement to the Manali-Leh bike tour or the Zanskar bike tour. If you want to prepare yourself even better for the altitude, you can plan additional acclimatization days in advance or add an exciting cultural programme to the trip.

 

Program

After arriving in Leh at an altitude of 3,500 metres, there is time to acclimatize. The town offers cultural treasures such as the Thiksey Monastery and the Leh Palace. Accommodation: Jigmet.

A relaxed group tour around Leh helps you acclimatize to the altitude and gives you a first impression of the surroundings. Accommodation: Jigmet.

The first long stage takes you through the picturesque Indus Valley with its impressive mountain landscapes. Accommodation: Homestay.

 

The route becomes more challenging, but the impressive high mountain landscape makes up for any effort. Accommodation: Homestay.

 

Hanle is known for its famous observatory, which offers a breathtaking view of the starry sky. Accommodation: Homestay.

 

A challenging stage with an overnight stay in a camp at high altitude.

The crowning glory of the trip! The Umling La is the highest drivable pass in the world. Then transfer back to Hanle. Accommodation: Homestay.

After an eventful tour, you return to the capital of Ladakh. Accommodation: Jigmet.

Departure with unforgettable memories of a spectacular cycle tour.

Services

  • Transfer to and from all airports within India
  • All entrance fees during sightseeing tours
  • All overnight stays during the tour (Jigmet Hotel in Leh, homestays and guesthouses during the bike tour, one night in a tent)
  • Meals as mentioned (all meals included, except during the Leh days)
  • Accompanying support vehicle
  • Local guide and mechanic
  • Water during the bike tours
  • Mountain bike, you can also bring your own bike: €100 discount
  • All permits
  • Flight
  • Visa
  • Meals and drinks not listed
  • Tips

Tour Highlights

Dates & Prices

Fixed Dates:

July 05 – July 13, 2025 (possible as a follow-up tour to the Zanskar trip)
August 30 – September 7, 2026 Possible as a connecting tour to the Manali Leh Highway trip)
This tour can also be organized privately according to your own schedule and in variations!
The recommended time is between June and September.
Prices 9 days tour:

Participants

1 participant
2-3 participants
from 4-16 participants
single room and one-man tent surcharge (not applicable for only 1 participant)
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Tour Info

Requirements

The route is never steep, but always either uphill or downhill with some flat sections. Nevertheless, the climbs are sometimes very long and you need good stamina. Due to the altitude, the tour will be particularly difficult for you. The “thin air” is clearly noticeable and you may experience symptoms such as mild headaches and deep breathing. For more severe symptoms of altitude sickness, measures such as canceling the trip must be considered. The descents can sometimes be quite fast and you should be careful. This tour is suitable for anyone who wants to cycle safely, enjoyably and for a long time. Mountain biking skills are not required.

Bicycles

We provide good mountain bikes with hydraulic brakes and gears as well as a helmet. If you need pedal plates, please bring your own, also if you prefer your own saddle.
This is not a mountain bike tour, but due to the poor road conditions, broken asphalt, some off-road sections or roads under construction, a bike with wide tires and good suspension is preferable.
It is possible to bring your own bike.

Options

These tours can be combined with the Ladakh bike tour:
Great Zanskar bike tour
Manali Leh Highway Tour
The acclimatization period can also be shortened by one day in Leh or extended at your own risk!

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in beautiful, comfortable guesthouses and hotels, but also stay with simple host families and in permanent camps in luxury camps
All the villages and areas we stay in are very remote and sometimes only offer basic amenities.