Wheeling Through The Himalayas

Cycling in the Himalayas really involves a combination of travelling by bus, walking and cycling. There are sections of one’s journey which involve long, uphill climbing which are best covered by mounting one’s cycle onto a bus so as to arrive at the starting point of one’s real journey. For instance, the road sections from Kalka to Shimla or Kathgodam to Nainital, or Chandigarh to Manali where the road climbs steadily upwards for kilometre after kilometre and where bus and car traffic are heavy, give no pleasure to the mountain cyclist.

Cautions While Cycling

But first, choice of a cycle. There are a wide variety of models in the market from which one can choose. There are cycles with sprung suspensions to cushion one against the bumpy roads, cycles with broad deep threaded tyres to grip the road more firmly, cycles with slim sporty trims for greater lightness. One can choose any of these.

However, one essential feature that is required is that the machine should be equipped with multi speed gears to enable one to deal comfortably with the climbs and slopes of the mountains. In addition, one should carry with one the wherewithal to repair a puncture and a spare set of brake shoes.

Suitable Mountain Cycling Routes

The main trunk routes, which enter the Himalayas, are not suitable for the recreational cyclist. The truck and bus traffic that flows along them almost throughout the year makes cycling hazardous and unpleasant. But there are dozens of less frequented routes in the mountains where travelling by cycle is an entirely joyful experience.

Himalayan Mountain Bike Safari

About The Tour: A 17 night mountain bike tour including 13 days of unlimited fun on bikes to one of the remotest regions of Himachal Pradesh in Kinnaur & Spiti valley. It involves visiting remote valleys, villages and crossing over high mountain passes Kunzum Pass (4550 m) providing spectacular views of picturesque snow capped peaks, rugged terrain and old monasteries. Before you venture into the journey of exploring the beauty and tranquility of Kinnaur & Spiti valleys, take a small break in Shimla, which was once the summer capital of India during the British era. The tour ends in Manali, which has an alpine feel.

The right machine for the journey is really a question of preference. Mountain bikes fitted with 26 x 1.5 tyres, which will have you speeding along on the paved sections (about 50% of the road is sealed). Come prepared for every type of weather imaginable from scorching sunshine to freezing blizzards, even in mid-summer.