14-Day Cycling Tour in the Indian Himalayas from Shimla

Today our bike tour starts. Narkanda is a popular winter sports resort and a must for every visitor of Shimlas in summer. Dense forest, apple orchards and potato fields are on the way. We have a unique view of the snow-capped mountains and can enjoy the silence of the mountains. But before it gets really quiet, we set out on the ascent to Kufri (2600 m). Some vehicles of Indian tourists will also be on the road here.

We start with a magnificent descent from Narkanda down into the Sutley valley for 37 km and lose over 1700 meters of altitude. Down at the mighty Satluj, we are at almost 1000 m altitude and it gets a little warmer. Good that the 45 km long route to Jeori is relatively flat, with only a little ascent. The route is idyllic with orchards, small villages and green fields. From Jeori it goes for 17 km quite steep uphill to the beautiful mountain village Sarahan. In the heat, not such an easy challenge. Sarahan is dominated by the Shrikhand Mahadev summit (5777 m). It was the ancient capital of Rampur Bushehr, one of the largest empires in the mountains of Shimla. We can visit the Bhimkali Temple with its 6 silver gates. It consists of a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist elements and is world famous. In addition, Sarahan offers magnificent views and a pleasant climate.

Today we ride to one of the most beautiful Himalayan valleys- The Sangla Valley. Sangla means “pass of light” and we are actually very close to the Tibetan border. The Baspa River flows through the valley. Up to the valley entrance we have a relatively cozy ride in front of us. First it goes downhill from Sarahan back to the main road, from there on one of the most impressive sections partly slightly uphill, partly slightly downhill. Here the road is carved out of the rock far above the Satluj River! As soon as we turn into the Sangla valley, a 20 km ascent with 800 meters of altitude awaits us.

Today is a day to explore the beautiful Sangla Valley with a trip to the last village of the valley: Chitkul at 3450 m.

First we return for almost 20 km from the Sangla valley, where we come back on our main route through the Satluj valley. For about 10 km we now ride relatively flat, passing hydroelectric power plant projects and small villages until we come up to the road to Rekong Peo and Kalpa. A 17 km long ascent with about 900 meters of altitude awaits us. Rekong Peo is the capital of Kinnaur. Here we get our official permission to continue into the Spiti valley near the Chinese border. It is a long ascent up to the beautiful idyllic Kalpa. Kalpa is a good place for buying scarves and the typical Kinnauri hats.

Pooh is a beautiful 5000 inhabitants village with apple, apricot and almond trees. It is the first village that belongs to the “Higher” Kinnaur region and during today’s tour we notice a strong change in the landscape. While it was relatively green until Rekong Peo, the area is now much drier, with steep rocky slopes and high snow-capped mountains in the background. The road is being extended, but still runs steeply along the abyss of the Sutlej. The route goes uphill relatively moderately. Only the last 3 km climb to Pooh is a bit steeper. Inscriptions suggest that Pooh was an important trading center in the 11th century. There is an ancient temple dedicated to the Buddha and attributed to the great Buddhist translator Rinchen Zangpo. Today we stay with a family of friends, who provide us with very special local food.

Today we leave the Sutlaj river and follow the river Spiti. Nako, located at an altitude of 3662 m in the hangrang valley, is the largest village in the area. Here yaks, horses and donkeys graze peacefully next to each other. There will be a long 20 km ascent up to Nako. But after mastering the effort, we can enjoy the impressive village. Here there is not only a lake, but also an old monastery and a traditional village that invites you to explore.

On the right side of the spiti river is the ancient village of Tabo, flanked by high mountains on both sides. Here you will find one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries: more than a thousand years old, the Tabo Gompa has exquisite frescoes and stucco statues. After today’s very relaxed ride (it goes only a few meters uphill very leisurely, but over 1700 m downhill) we visit the monastery and can walk through the apple orchards. today we have reached the Spiti Valley.

m elevation gain In the early morning we can sit with the monks in the new monastery and see them studying. Then we will continue on our way. For a short distance we go on the “main road” in the direction of Kaza, then drive up on a branch to the village of Dhankar. Dhankar is the ancient capital of the Spiti king. The incredibly beautiful monastery is located between high rocks. After a visit, we continue on a small jeep runway to the tranquil village of Lalung. From here it goes downhill and then flat on to the district capital Kaza. In Kaza there is little more than a bus station and a market where people from the surrounding villages do their shopping. We take the opportunity to stay in a beautiful and country-type hotel.

1100 m Today there is the possibility to take a beautiful tour through the wonderful mountain world of the Spiti and visit some small villages on the way. The course can be extended as far as you like. If you prefer a rest day, you can also visit the villages by jeep.

For the ascent to Kibber we climb 700 meters of altitude – not so easy at these heights! First we go to ki monastery . The Ki Gompa is the largest monastery in Spiti and participating in the daily morning prayer is something very special! You should also try the traditional butter tea! Then we continue to Kibber. Kibber was for a long time the highest permanently inhabited village, which had electricity and was connected by road. Now it gets adventurous: you have to cross a gorge to the next village. Luckily no longer in the bucket bridge, but over a niegelnagel new bridge – the highest in Asia! Then we continue on a road off the main road to Losar (mostly downhill), the last inhabited place in Spiti. It is inhabited by 242 people, there are 4 shops, a school, a health center and even a post office!

vation gain Today we climb the Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and leave the Spiti valley. We enjoy the descent down the dirt road into the Lahaul valley and then turn to Chandratal Lake. “Chandra” means moon and Tal is lake. The beautiful lake has the shape of a crescent moon. today we live in a luxury camp. The tents have small bathrooms and proper beds.

Today is a challenge for us and the bike. It goes along the raging Chandra River. The unforefested road is crossed by streams and there is a lot of loose rock! We fight our way through the dry mountain desert and enjoy the beautiful view of the Shigri Glacier, the largest in the area. There is not a single village along the entire route, only some tented accommodations will pass us. Chatru itself is also a tent city. Today it goes almost exclusively downhill.

Today we go up the Rothang Pass (3950 m), the gateway to the Kullu valley. We enjoy the view of the green valley and set off for the fast descent down to Manali.