20 Beautiful Cycle Routes in the Himalayas

I have been biking, cycling and running through the Indian Western Himalayas since 2000 (25 years). This was before I started exploring them on foot in 2018. Most of these journeys are narrated on my blog. They say that you fall in love during your first visit. You get overwhelmed by the magnitude and natural beauty of the Himalayas. My last 800km run from Shimla to Kashmir through the Spiti and Pangi valleys made such an impact that I decided to quit my 20 year corporate career and start living.

Based on two decades of touring the Himalayas I mapped 20 beautiful cycling (biking, running) routes spanning 4000km through the Indian Western Himalayas in Open Street Maps. These routes touch the highest motorable passes from the border of Nepal to Kashmir covering both the alpine deserts of Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar as well as the lush green foothills of Uttarakhand, Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir. Formally mapping this network in OSM puts the Himalayas on the map of the international cycling community and offers an respectable alternative to the vast cycling network in Europe. See also my related post – Biking in the Himalayas – where you can download GPX files for planning your route.

Nostalgy

Two decades of riding, cycling and running through the Himalayas:

• Manali-Spiti bike 2000
• Manali-Leh bike 2001
• Manali-Leh bike 2008
• Manali-Leh-Srinagar bike 2011
• Shimla-Leh 1000K cycle ride 2013
• Shimla-Manali 600K run 2015
• Srinagar-Manali 700K run 2015
• Chamba-Zanskar 600K run 2016
• Shimla to Srinagar 800K 2017
• Manali-Killar-Manali in 2021
• Manali-Leh-Pangong Tso-Zanskar in 2024

Introduction

Open Street Maps allows you to map routes for different sports activities – hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, skiing… Routes can be both local, regional, national or international level / scope. Web sites like Waymarked Trail allow you to view these route networks and plan your next (hiking, cycling…) traverse with ease. Europe has a massive network of routes for both Hiking and Cycling from local ones to long-distance routes across the continent:

Mapping the Himalayas

The Indian Himalayas have a massive potential for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling (biking). Until 2020 this vast network of sports routes was not documented. In recent years thanks to a number of individuals a large network of 750 hiking routes spanning 13 thousand km of trails was explored and mapped for the Western Indian Himalayas in Open Street Maps. Over the years also I have explored the Himalayas by running, cycling and biking and put together a sizeable network of beautiful cycle routes in OSM putting India on the international map of cycling (biking) destinations.

Cycle Network

Recently I have been analyzing maps identifying high altitude cyclable routes and passes across the Western Indian Himalayas in order to formally map these in Open Street Maps. A list of 20 beautiful routes were formalized for the Himalayas which can be combined in longer-distance circuits. Alternatively you can also combine routes from the above cycling and the hiking networks into a multi-sports activity both route networks complimenting each other.

• Trans Himalaya (Nepal to Kashmir)
• Trans Uttarakhand
• Manali-Srinagar (Chenab)
• Manali-Leh (Ladakh)
• Leh-Pangong Tso (Shyok)
• Leh-Kargil
• Leh-Padum (2 routes)
• Manali-Padum (Zanskar)
• Tso Moriri-Pangong Tso
• Manali-Kaza-Rampur (Spiti valley) (3 routes)
• Manali to Chamba via Barot valley (2 routes)
• Manali to Srinagar (foothills)

Trans Himalaya

A 2250km cycle route that spans the entire length of the Western Himalayas from the border of Nepal across Uttarakhand, through the Spiti valley and across Ladakh to Srinagar. This is a seasonal route from May to Sep when the high passes of Ladakh are open. Alternatively you can also bypass Ladakh and follow a mid-altitude route via the Chenab river valley to reach Kashmir if the upper route is closed. More details on each section below.

Trans Uttarakhand

A 900km cycle route across numerous passes and river valleys from Himachal to the border of Nepal. Can start from Manali till Banbassa (border checkpost) and continued in Nepal. From Manali we hop across the Jalori pass into the Sutlej river valley (Kinnaur) (200km). We hop over the Sungri Gali into the Pabbar river valley (Rohru) continuing downstream to the confluence with the Tons river (Sainj). We cycle upstream the Tons till Mori where we climb up the Jarmola pass into the Yamuna river valley (Barkot). From Barkot we cycle up the Rari Ghati into the Bhagirathi river valley (Uttarkashi).

From Uttarkashi we hop over the Sankurana Khal and Charangi Khal into Jalkur Gad valley (Kamand). We cycle over the Anyar Khal to Bal Ganga valley (Budha Kedar). We continue cycling downstream towards confluence with the Billangana river (Ghansali). We proceed upstream along the Nyalchami Gad crossing the Chirpatya Khal and Jakholi pass into the Mandakini river valley (Agastamuni). Avoiding the busy Kedarnath highway we cycle high above the Mandakini via scenic hamlets till Ukhimath. Here we climb up the Chopta Chatti (3000m, Tunganath) descending into the Alaknanda valley (Gopeshwar).

We cycle downstream to Nandaprayag and Karnaprayag till the confluence of the Pindar river where we cycle upstream to Narayn Bagar and Debal. Here we could proceed further upstream along the Pindar if it was not for a disconnect in road between Kheta and Khati. Instead we reroute across the Gwaldam pass into the Gomati valley (Baijnath). Climbing over the Jiltoli pass into the Lahor Nadi valley till the confluence of the Sarju river (Balighat). We cycle upstream to Kalpot and Ritabagar where we optionally can cross the Karma Khal to Khati (Pindar valley). From Kalpot we cycle up the Jhopra Pass into the Ramganga valley continuing downstream till the confluence with the Jakuli Nadi (Tejam).

We continue upstream the Jakuli Nadi and climb up a 2700m pass (near Thamri Kund) to descend in the Goriganga valley (Munsyari). We now cycle downstream the Goriganga to Mathkot and Jaujibi where we reach the border of Nepal (Sharda river). Indians can proceed upstream here to Darchula to cross into Nepal. Others will have to cycle South to Pithogarh and Champawat till Banbasa in the plains which has a land border crossing and immigration into Nepal.

Summary of valleys & passes crossed: Beas – Jalori – Sutlej – Sungri Gali – Pabbar – Tons – Jarmola pass – Yamuna – Rari Ghati – Bhagirathi – Sankurana Khal – Charangi Kahl – Jalkur Gad – Anyar Khal – Bal Ganga – Billanganga – Chirpatya Khal – Jakholi pass – Mandakini – Chopat Chatti – Alaknanda – Pindar – Gwaldam pass – Gomati – Jiltoli pass – Lahor nadi – Raju – Jhopra Pass – Ramganga – Jakulni Nadi – Pass – Goriganga – Sharda

Manali to Srinagar

One of my favorite long-distance running route (440km) along the Chenab river / Pangi valley connecting Manali to Srinagar via an all seasons lower altitude route. Refer also my 2015 Pangi run, 2016 Pangi-Zanskar run, 2017 Spiti-Pangi run and 2021 Pangi bike ride.

We cycle from Manali to Tandi at the confluence of the Bhaga and Chandra rivers becoming the Chenab or Chandrabhaga river, one of the longest rivers in the Western Himalayas. We cycle downstream along the open Chenab valley with lush green step farms and small villages among the snow capped high ranges of Lahaul till the last main town of Udaipur. Here we can add an optional ride throug the Miyar valley (30km). From Udaipur the Chenab valley become more narrow and enters a sparse inhabited region with small villages every 10-20km.

A dirt track now continues along steep rock faces with the Chenab river running deep below inside a gorge surrounded by 5000m+ Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan snow capped ranges. Mid-way you leave Lahaul and enter the beautiful Pangi valley (sub-district of Chamba). Optionally you can explore three side-valleys – Pangi, Sural, Bhatori side-valleys of the main Chenab valley. You eventually reach Killar (main town of Pangi) connected via the Sach Pass (4400m) to Chamba and leave Himachal to enter Jammu at a remote police check post. You continue along the Chenab through a uninhabited stretch till you reach Gulabgargh (Bhut Nala valley) where road becomes better towards Kishtwar. From here you climb out of the Chenab valley across Sinthan Top (3800m) into the valley of Kashmir to Anantnag and Srinagar.

Manali to Leh

Manali-Leh (NH3) is the international classic route (470km) done by cyclists from all over the world over decades. Refer also my 2013 Shimla to Leh cycle ride.

It takes you across the alpine landscape of Lahaul and Ladakh. Starting in the lush green Beas river valley you hop across the 4000m Rothan pass (cycles are not allowed in the Atal tunnel) into the Chandra valley of Lahaul. At Tandi (confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers) we continue upstream along the Bhaga river to the 4850m Baralacha La into the Tsarap Chu river valley crossing into Ladakh (Sarchu). From here you cycle up the Gata loops to the 4750m Nakee La into the Wiskey Nala from where you ride back up to the 5060m Lachlung La to Pang in the Toze Chu valley. We drive across the More Plains to the 5330m Tanglang La into the Mundar Tokpo valley till Upshi where it joins the Indus river. From here we continue to Leh from where you can connect to multiple other routes (Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar). You can also choose an alternate route via Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso towards Leh.

Leh to Pangong Tso

A popular route (300km) among bikers is from Leh to the beautiful alpine lake Pangong Tso near the border with China. We start from the Indus valley climbing up to the Karding La (5360m) into the Shyok river valley. Here we can optionally visit Hundar (sand dunes) and the Nubra valley. We continue upstream to Agham. How there are two scenarios: during summer when the Shyok river floods the road you continue to the Wari La (5310m) to Shaki and hop across the Chang La (5360m) to Tangse. If the water flow is less then you can continue along the Shyok river directly to Tangse. From the Tangse river valley it’s a short ride to the magnificent Pangong Tso lake. Return to Leh goes via the Chang La back into the Indus river valley. Refer also recent post on alpinejourneys.org

Leh to Kargil

A logical continuation from the above Manali-Leh route is Leh to Kargil (211km) a high altitude cycle route down the Indus river valley across the Fotu La (4100m) into the Wakha Rong valley leading to Kargil. An alternate route is possible via the Sapi La (4380m) into the Suru valley towards Kargil. From Kargil you can choose to continue towards Padum in Zanskar or Srinagar in Kashmir.

Leh to Padum

This recently opened route (150km) takes you from Leh in Ladakh to Padum in Zanskar. You first cycle down the Indus river valley to Nimmu where you enter the Zanskar river valley towards Chilling. Optionally you can cycle the Markha valley (40km), traditionally a popular hiking destination where now a road is constructed. You continue into the Zanskar gorge where a road was recently finished (Frozen Chadar trek) to Nerak. Optionally you can visit Lingshed monastery and continue until the gorge opens up to a wide valley as you ride towards Padum, the administrative town of Zanskar.

Lamayuru to Lingshed

An alternative (and earlier constructed route) Leh to Padum goes via Lingshed and the Singge La 5000m. We first cycle down the Indus river valley from Leh across the Fotu La (4100m) into the Wakha Rong valley to the famous monastery of Lamayuru. Here we enter the Wanla Tokpo valley towards Wanla. We cycle across the Sir Sir La (4560m) to Photoksar and Singe La (5000m) to Lingshed – a remote monastery in Zanskar. From here you can descend via a steep dirt track in the Lingshet Tokpo into the Zanskar gorge and continue to Padum (above route). Refer a recent post on alpinejourneys.org

Manali to Kaza

A 200km cycle route from Manali in the Beas river valley across the 4000m Rothang pass (Atal tunnel is off limits to cyclists) into the Chandra river valley crossing Chandra Tal and across the 4500m Kunzum La into the Spiti river valley to Kaza. From lush green Kullu to the alpine deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. Extending this route with Kaza to Rampur and Rampur to Manali makes a beautiful 690km circuit through Spiti. Optional side-sections are the Pin river valley to Mud village (base of Pin Bhaba and Pin Parvati hiking traverses).

Kaza to Rampur

A internationally popular 290km cycle route through the alpine Spiti valley from Kaza to Rampur. Refer also my 2013 cycle ride from Shimla to Leh via Spiti.

A logical extension of the Manali to Kaza route this route completes the Spiti valley and can be further connected back to Manali via the Jalori pass (3130m). From Kaza we cycle downstram the Spiti river to the ancient capital Dhankar (monastery). Here we can add an optional side-loop into the Pin river valley to Mud village. From Dhankar we proceed to Tado (monastery) , Sumdo and across the Nako pass (4000m) to the confluence of the Sutlej river where we proceed downstream to Reckong Peo and Rampur. International cyclists need to obtain an inner line permit in either Reckong Peo or Manali to enter the Spiti valley.

Rampur to Manali

Completing the Manali – Spiti – Manali circuit is a 200km cycle route from Rampur to Manali. We start from Rampur in the Sutlej valley to Sainj where we ride upto the Jalori pass (3130m) into the Tirthan valley (Banjar). We proceed downstream along the Tirthan river to Aut village at the confluence with the Beas river. We now proceed true right bank of the Beas to Kull and then hop over to the true left bank to Manali avoiding largely the NH3 highway.

Manali to Padum

A recently finished 150km road from Darcha to Padum creates a beautiful cycle route from Manali to Zanskar which was previously only possible via Kargil. Padum is the central administrative town of Zanskar which connects to Leh (East), Kargil (North) or Manali (South). From Kargil we cycle through the narrow Tsarap Chu river valley to Purne with an optional side-visit to the beautiful Phugtal gompa. From here we continue upstream along the Kurghiak Chu river to Kurghiak in South Zanskar. We cycle up the Singho la (5050m) into the Jankar Nala valley to the confluence with the Bhaga river at Darcha. From here we can follow the popular NH3 Manali-Leh highway to Manali (see above). Refer a recent post on alpinejourneys.org.

Manali to Barot

A 150km cycle route from Manali to Barot follows the true left bank of the Beas river (avoiding NH3) to Bajaura where you cross over the Kandi pass (2050m) to Kamand crossing the Uhl river valley and climbing onto a beautiful ridgeline route towards Jatingri where you enter the scenic Barot valley. From there you proceed upstream to Barot a lesser known touristic town. You can ride further upstream into either the Lambadagh valley to Lohardi or Uhl river valley to Rajgunda. A logical extension of this route is the 400km Barot to Chamba route below. There are three optional sections along the way – Lug valley (Sarwari Khad), Parvathi valley and Malana valleys which can be included. Refer also my webinar on Barot and Lug valleys.

Barot to Chamba

A 400km cycle route from the Barot valley across the Chinna pass to Bir Billing riding through the foothills of the Dhauladhar via Bir, Bajinath, Palampur, Dharamsala across the Chamba Jot into the Chamba valley all the way till the last road villages of Kugti (Budhil Nala) and Laake Wali Mata (Ravi river).

Killar to Kishtwar

A stunning 260km cycle route connecting Killar in the Pangi valley with Kisthwar via the Chamba valley and Jammu. This is an alternate to the Killar to Srinagar route discussed above. From Killar we climb out of the Chenab river valley across the ancient road across the beautiful Sach Pass (4400m, open May-Sep) into the Baira river in lush green Chamba valley. At the confluence with the Ravi river we climb into the scenic but lesser know Siul river valley connecting Himachal with Jammu (Chamba, Doda districts) via the Padri galu (3030m). We cross the pass and descend into the Niru river valley (Bhaderwah) till the confluence with the Chenab river near Doda. From here we cycle upstream till we hit Kishtwar from where can either loop back to Killar or hop across the Sinthan top to Kashmir / Srinagar. Refer a 2021 bike ride post.

Kargil to Padum

A 230km cycle route through alpine Zanskar in the Suru and Stod Dada river valleys. We start from Kargil (reached via Leh or Srinagar routes) and cycle upstream into the Suru river valley crossing to the Pensi La (4400m) giving breathtaking views on the Drung Drung glacier. From there we enter the Stod Data valley towards Rangdum (monastery) and Padum.

Planning

Easy to use web site for you to plan your cycle route through the Himalayas is nakarte.me. Use the “Waymarked Cycling Trails” overlay map and import the GPX with all cycle passes. This gives an excellent visualization of the cycle route network and all passes touched. Create a new Track and start marking the route which you plan to take, possibly combining multiple individual routes mapped in OSM above.

Happy Cycling!