Cycling and riding a motorbike in Leh at a high altitude of 11,800 ft? Enjoying the view of snow-clad mountain peaks? This sounds straight out of a Bollywood film?
Several city-based cyclists and motorcyclists are planning to head to Leh on an expedition in the coming weeks. July to September is considered an ideal time to visit Leh.
Mayank Rungta, who cycled 420 kilometres from Manali to Leh in July 2010, said that cycling to and in Leh was a recent trend, although biking had picked up much earlier. “We spent 10 days and cycled from Manali to Leh. Every day was a new experience. The first day started at Rohtang Pass, which was filled with greenery, and as we moved forward, the colour of the rock kept changing. While on one day it was cold, on the other days it was bright and sunny,” he said. Several organisations such as the Youth Hostels Association of India and Cycling And More (CAM) are organising trips in August and September. Sreeharsha Srinivas, founder of CAM, a group that organises cycling events in and around Bangalore, said that CAM would host an 11-day expedition from Manali to Leh, taking cyclists over six major passes. However, he added that cyclists needed to be well-prepared for this trip.
“We organise practice rides for those who come to the trip. A minimum of three months practice is necessary. It would also help if the cyclists undergo weight training at the gym,” he said.
