Cycling the Himalayas

While many talk of climbing the Himalayas, others venture out to cycle the mountain range which has been accessible to people around the world since 1989. Amidst beautifully sculpted mountains, extreme temperatures, and makeshift villages, the Himalayas provide adventurers with the experience of a lifetime. Let’s explore four of the most popular tracks and journey with the brave upon their journeys.

Manali to Leah

This 500km track takes cyclists about 10 days to finish; there are substantial muddy slopes created by the monsoon rains combined with the snowmelt. The extreme weather conditions lead to mudslides and unstable roads that can be treacherous to navigate, making the bicycle a good choice. You will cut through the Chandra Valley, which won’t be as green as expected. The road through the Kashmir region is more often deserted unless you count the goats and sheep! Ascending upon Baralacha to the village of Patseo is no small feat – your legs will have to work extra hard even as it gets harder for you to breathe at this high altitude. Luckily you can take a breather near the small lake near the top of the pass.

At night-time, our fortuitous cyclists mostly set up camp on riverbanks or within small villages for a well-deserved rest. The makeshift camps offer shelter and a beautiful view of the peaks. From the highest point, cyclists ride into the Indus valley to be greeted by mud homes, green fields amidst Buddhist monasteries teetering on top of mountain summits. Reaching Leah, you have the option of embarking on yet another track. 

Annapurna circuit

The Annapurna circuit often described as not only challenging but one of the most gorgeous trails. It usually takes around 2 weeks to complete and winds through one of the world’s highest mountain ranges. The mountainsides are dotted with small villages. However, it isn’t just mountains that you’ll be surrounded with – you see, the trek changes environments as you travel through it. You start in the jungle and rice fields. It’s only after a few days that you hit the mountains and begin the steep ascent through pine-covered canyons. After all this, you begin the long climb into the peaks of the Himalayas, then you’ll find yourself on the roof of the world. In every direction, all you will be able to see is mountain peaks!

Another plus to trekking the Annapurna circuit is that you will get to meet people from all over the world. Germans, Japanese, Belgians, and many other nationals make up the visits to this remote part of Nepal. Don’t worry about crowds, when you do this trek, you’ll find that everyone is pretty spaced out due to the scale of the route – no need to worry about rush hour.

The best time to cycle these treks is in October. The weather is very pleasant, and you’ll always find clear skies. If you attempt to go at any other time of the year, be aware that there is usually a lot of rainfall and you’ll want to avoid the Monsoon season. 

Make sure you plan your trip carefully and prepare well. You will need vaccinations and the right permits to compete for your trip across Nepal. As you plan and organise your trip why not get a taste for Nepal by playing on Himalayas: Roof Of The World Slot at Lucky Pants Bingo – enjoy the view.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.