Mountain Cycling
Biking
on Himalayas
If you believe in exploring forests, mountains, rivers, and meadows by
the means of a vehicle, mountain biking is a sport for you. Whole of
Himachal Pradesh is the playground for those who love to pedal and move
on rocky terrains. With the invention of light weight and durabel metal
alloys, bikes have taken a totally new look and shape than what they
were earlier. Now more sophisticated bikes mean more flexibility and
better biking on mountains. The rugged Himalayas provide immense
oppurtunity to the bikers. Most of these mountain bike tracks involve
some single track riding and demand technical skills. The biggest
attraction is riding down the tricky terrains, but if you want to choose
the terrain region be sure that you are skilled enough to ride over
there. Off - road trips are cheaper because they involve camping or
stays in fairly off beaten path accommodations. In general, mountain
biking trips focus on those who are born to be wild.
Biking an
d Camping
Biking and Camping is a combination, which most of the bikers opt for.
The real fun of camping can be enjoyed when one gets real close to
nature. A combine trip may last longer than a biking trip. Imagine
biking in the thick woods for whole day, finding a suitable camping site
in evening, and preparing your food in the camp in nights, and sleeping
in lap of nature. The sheer pleasure of camping and biking can be
enjoyed only undertaking such a trip. Basic stuff like foldable tents,
eatables, cloths, and other basic items of daily usage can be carried in
backpacks.
Major Biking Zones
The Manali-Leh Highway (485 kms)
The Manali Leh Highway is the second highest highway in world. Total
distance of the highway is 485 kms, and it offers toughest of the
challenge to the bikers. The passage passes through the altiudes as high
as 5328 mts, in Taglang La Pass. The other passes along the highway are
the Lachlung La, the Baralacha La and the Rohtang pass. You need to push
your endurance to the limits to accept the challenge offered by this
dangerous high-altitude trail. In spite of all the dangers involved, the
Leh-Manali, highway rewards you with spectacular and picturesque
landscapes. Totals time to cover this route will cross 10 days, but
these 10 days are worth spending on bike.
Nalagarh-Manali (255 km)
Manali in Himachal Pradesh is at an altitude of 1896 m above sea level
and situated at the northern end of Kullu valley. Manali is a
picturesque little town, and is the most popular place in Himachal
Pradesh. It is typical small town bustling with activity during the
summer season. The path from Nalagarh to Manali is lavishly filled by
natural beauty, which include forests, waterfalls, green slopes rivulets
and souring snow-covered mountain peaks. Biking through this treks is a
special experience
Kalka Shimla Route (90 kms)
The Kalka Shimla route, which is famous for its Toy train journey, is
also a paradise for biking lovers. The link road runs through a forest
of pine, rising and falling. The uphill journey takes bikers through the
small towns of Taksal, umman and Dharampur. Picturesque Barog and Solan
are the next major towns. One can also visit Paonta Sahib, the holy
pilgimage for Sikhs. Taradevi and Jutgoh are next enroute Shimla. Whole
path seems like a chapter of fairytale, very gently put on earth. But
the bikers must also remember that this is an uphill journey, so it
becomes a test for endurance.
Manali-Naggar-Kullu (42 kms)
Biking to Kullu via Naggar on left bank of Kullu Valley is another
Biking option in Himachal Pradesh India. The Beas Valley, its luxuriant
atmosphere is very special.
Equipment and Information
A mountain bike is a sophisticated vehicle and you will need to carry
necessary equipment for ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Apart from
the bike, there are many basic items to be kept. Biking shoes, bike
helmet, waterproof gloves, cycling bags, bottles, collapsible water
bags, first aid kit, sunglasses, insect/bug repellents and sunscreen
lotions must be accompanied. A cycle repair kit should also be kept.
Accessories like speedometer, bike rack for carrying 90 lb (40 kg)
weight, batteries, instruction manuals, maps and flashlights can also be
used on long trails. Suitable clothings, depending upon the weather
conditions can be kept. A mountain bike trip is better enjoyed in a
group. Foldable tents, for camping must be carried. Though the luggage
can be shared by the group members, jeeps are also available to carry
your luggage.
