ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi

18-Day Tour Arrival: Land at Delhi’s IGI Airport for a relaxed start to your adventure. The Off Beat Pedal team will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Take advantage of this extra day to explore Delhi’s vibrant sites, from the bustling Chandni Chowk to the majestic Humayun’s Tomb. Consider this your perfect jet-lag recovery and cultural immersion day!

14-Day Tour Arrival: Arrive at IGI Airport for a more focused beginning. After hotel transfer, you’ll have your bike fitting session and crucial pre-tour briefing. This condensed first day ensures you’re ready to hit the ground pedaling while still having time to settle in before the welcome dinner.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), Leh

Your epic journey concludes in the mountain city of Leh, where you’ll depart from IXL airport. Due to high-altitude conditions, flights typically operate in the morning hours only.

Pro Tips:

• Book early morning arrival for 14-day tour to allow time for bike fitting
• 18-day tour arrivals can be more flexible
• Leh departure flights are morning-only due to mountain weather
• Consider altitude guidelines when booking Leh departure

Note: We can assist with domestic flight bookings between Delhi and Leh! ✈️🏔️

Pack for everything because July in the Himalayas is nature’s mood swing season! During your Manali to Leh adventure, you’ll experience a fascinating weather rollercoaster. Daytime temperatures can swing from a pleasant 20-25°C (68-77°F) in the valleys to a chilly 5-10°C (41-50°F) at high passes. Expect afternoon showers (especially before Rohtang Pass), crystal-clear mornings, and possible snow flurries above 4,000m. The monsoon generally can’t cross the mighty Himalayan barrier, but you might catch some pre-monsoon drama in Manali. At Khardung La (5,359m), temperatures can dip below freezing even in summer! Layer up with everything from sunscreen and light cycling gear to warm thermals and rain protection. The golden rule? Be prepared for four seasons in one day – you might start in a rain jacket, strip to a jersey by noon, and end in a down jacket at the pass! 🌞🌧️❄️

Pro Tip: Pack lightweight, quick-dry layers and always keep a warm layer and rain shell in your day bag!

Must-Pack Cycling Gear:

• 2-3 moisture-wicking cycling jerseys
• 2 pairs padded cycling shorts
• Lightweight thermal base layers
• Waterproof cycling jacket
• Windproof gilet/vest
• Arm and leg warmers
• Warm cycling gloves + lightweight gloves
• Waterproof overshoes
• Cycling cap for under helmet
• Buff/neck gaiter (dust protection)

Critical Protection:

• Quality sunglasses (high UV protection)
• High SPF sunscreen
• Chamois cream
• Waterproof shoe covers

Essential Extras:

• Down jacket for high passes
• Warm beanie for evenings
• Quick-dry towel
• Portable battery pack

Pro Tip: Layer like an onion – you’ll be peeling layers off during climbs and piling them back on for descents! Don’t forget zip-lock bags to keep gear dry. 🏔️

Your Home Away From Home Your Himalayan journey features a carefully curated mix of accommodations that balance comfort with authentic experiences. In Delhi, rest easy in well-appointed 3-4 star hotels like the Radisson Connaught or Courtyard By Marriott, where modern amenities meet traditional hospitality. As we venture into the mountains, you’ll experience characterful homestays and high-altitude tented camps, each chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and unique charm.

Room Arrangements

• Double occupancy is standard (shared with another cyclist)
• Same-gender roommate pairing for solo travelers
• Single Room Option: Available for an additional supplement of [price]
• Premium hotels in Delhi and Manali
• Authentic homestays in mountain villages
• Comfortable tented camps at higher elevations

Pro Tip: Book single supplements early – they’re limited and popular, especially in mountain accommodations! 🏕️

Note: While mountain accommodations are simpler than city hotels, they’re carefully selected to provide comfortable rest after challenging days of cycling. Each location offers hot showers and clean, cozy beds to recharge for your next day’s adventure. 🌟

This Manali to Leh expedition is an epic high-altitude challenge that demands serious preparation and dedication. You’ll be tackling 535km (333mi) over multiple days, with a staggering total elevation gain of 11,500m (37,730ft) – that’s higher than Mount Everest from sea level!

Daily Demands:

• 40-75km per day of mountain riding
• 5-7 hours in the saddle
• Multiple high-altitude passes above 4,000m
• Longest climb: up to 40km of continuous ascent
• Altitude ranging from 2,000m to 5,359m

Fitness Requirements:

• Strong base fitness level essential
• Previous multi-day cycling experience recommended
• Comfort with long climbs and high altitudes
• Ability to ride consecutive challenging days
• Mental stamina for unpredictable mountain conditions

Pro Tips:

• Start altitude training 3 months before
• Practice long climbs where possible
• Include rest days in itinerary for acclimatization
• Listen to your body and ride at your own pace

Remember: This isn’t a race – it’s about steady pacing and respecting the altitude. Even fit cyclists need to adapt to the thin air! 🚴‍♂️✨

Absolutely! At Off Beat Pedals, they specialize in making your Himalayan cycling dreams possible, whether you’re a solo rider or part of a larger group. For groups of 13 people or more, they have enhanced support services tailored specifically for larger groups. Their team is well-equipped to handle the unique needs and dynamics of bigger parties, ensuring everyone receives personalized attention and care throughout the journey.

Enhanced Group Services Include:

• Dedicated support vehicles to accompany your group
• Additional experienced guides to maintain an optimal guide-to-cyclist ratio
• Tailored meal plans to cater to various dietary requirements
• Flexible itineraries to accommodate group preferences
• Enhanced logistical support for smooth transitions between activities and locations
• Customized rest stops and refueling points
• Flexible accommodation arrangements
• Modified itineraries to suit group dynamics
• Dedicated group coordinator

Your Only Job? Ride and Enjoy! They handle all the complex logistics so you can focus on what matters – pedaling through the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery, bonding with your fellow cyclists, and creating unforgettable memories. From the moment you land in Delhi until your final celebratory dinner in Leh, they’ve got everything covered.

Pro Tip: Book group tours 6-8 months in advance for best accommodation options and customization possibilities! 🏔️✨

Tour Choices:

• Full Experience: 18-day tour including Delhi exploration
• Direct Mountain Route: 14-day tour starting straight from cycling portion

Early Departure Policy While we strongly recommend completing your chosen itinerary for the full Himalayan experience, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. The remote mountain terrain and limited accessibility make mid-tour departures challenging but not impossible.

Important Notes:

• Advance notice is absolutely essential for any early departure arrangements
• Additional transfer costs may apply
• Limited exit points due to remote mountain locations
• Weather-dependent transport options
• Complex logistics in high-altitude areas

Why Complete the Full Tour?

• Better acclimatization progression
• Full experience of all major passes
• Group bonding and support
• Proper completion of the historic route
• Maximum value from your preparation

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the full duration, we recommend choosing the 14-day option rather than planning a mid-tour exit! 🏔️

Note: Emergency evacuations are always available if medically necessary, separate from voluntary early departures.

Absolutely! Off Beat Pedals understands that proper nutrition is crucial for your Himalayan cycling adventure, and they’re committed to accommodating your dietary needs. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or have specific food allergies, just let us know when booking. Our Club leaders works closely with Off Beat Pedals to ensure safe, suitable, and energizing meals throughout your journey. In larger cities like Delhi and Manali, we have access to a wide variety of dietary options, while in remote mountain areas, we plan ahead with specially prepared meals and supplementary snacks to match your requirements. We recommend bringing your favorite energy bars or supplements as backup, but rest assured – from high-protein vegetarian alternatives to gluten-free breads and dairy-free options, we’ll keep you well-fueled for those epic mountain passes! 🚴‍♂️✨

Pro Tip: The earlier you inform us about your dietary needs, the better we can prepare, especially for remote mountain sections!

Yes, We are Happy to Help! We understand you might want to extend your stay to further explore India before or after your cycling adventure. Off Beat Pedals can easily arrange additional nights at our partner hotels in Delhi or Leh to bookend your 14 or 18-day tour.

Important Details:

• Request extra nights at least 30 days before your tour
• Earlier requests give better room availability and rates
• Available in both start point (Delhi) and end point (Leh)
• Payment instructions will be provided promptly
• Airport transfers can be arranged for modified dates

Pro Tips:

• Consider extra days in Delhi to explore the city
• Allow time to adjust to the timezone before the tour
• Leh extensions great for monastery visits and local culture
• Book early during peak season (June-September)

Note: Want to explore beyond hotels? We can also recommend local experiences and day trips for your extended stay! 🌟

Tipping in India is a common practice in the tourism industry, but it’s important to approach it with cultural sensitivity and awareness. It is also important to get it right (not too much, not too little). We recommend the offerings below (if your budget allows):

Typical Currency Exchange from USD to INR (Indian Rupee): $1 USD to ₹84 INR

Use XE.com to convert currencies.

1. Tour Guides and Leaders:
   • It’s customary to tip your main tour guide or leader.
   • A suggested amount is around 750-1000 INR (Indian Rupees) per day, per person (if he is with you throughout)
   • For a 10-day tour, this would amount to approximately 7500-10000 INR per person.
2. Support Staff:
   • Consider tipping support staff such as drivers, mechanics, and assistants.
   • A typical amount would be 500 INR per day, per person, for each support staff member, especially when he is also a guide for the tour.
   • Otherwise, 300 INR per person per day.
3. Hotel Staff:
   • Houseboat crew – INR 100 – 200 per person per day.
   • For porters, a tip of 20-50 INR per bag is appreciated.
   • For housekeeping, consider leaving 50-100 INR per night in your room upon checkout.
   • At some hotels, there is central tipping – try to calculate how much you would have tipped individuals and then round it up if you have enjoyed your stay. If you know that the gardeners and cleaning staff are also getting a share, then it is nice to be generous as you know that your money is helping the lower-paid workers.
4. Restaurants:
   • Many restaurants include a service charge. If not, a 5-10% tip is generally sufficient.
   • In more upscale establishments, 10-15% is appropriate if service charge isn’t included.
5. Group Tipping Pool:
   • Often, tour leaders will organize a group tipping pool for shared staff.
   • This simplifies the process and ensures all support staff are fairly compensated.
6. Timing:
   • Tips are usually given at the end of the tour or when leaving a particular service.
7. Currency:
   • Always tip in Indian Rupees (INR). Foreign currency can be difficult for locals to exchange.
8. Discretion:
   • While tipping is appreciated, it’s not mandatory. Base your tipping on the quality of service received

Remember, these are guidelines, and you should feel comfortable adjusting based on your experience and the level of service provided. If you’re unsure about tipping in a specific situation, don’t hesitate to ask your tour leader for advice. They can provide context-specific guidance to ensure your gratuities are both appropriate and appreciated.

Visit our Explore Page of India, New Delhi, and Himalayas for more planning, important info, additional resources, and inspiration!