Saach Pass Cycling Expedition

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

Saach Pass Cycling Expedition

BRS 6

Max Altitude

Himachal

10 Days

541 Km

Max 15

Brief Description

Grade:
Difficult

Location:
Himachal

Altitude:
4390 m

Duration:
10 Days

An offshoot of the ever popular Manali-Leh Cycling Expedition, this expedition is even more, thrilling with scantier crowds. The Sach Pass Cycling Expedition starts from the popular mountain town of Manali and ends at the spiritual hub of Himachal Pradesh, Mcleod Ganj. As one of the oldest routes used by locals to connect Chamba Valley to Pangi Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Sach Pass has been a popular trek. We saw an opportunity to make the adventure even more enthralling by adding a bit of thrill to the mix to make it a bit more challenging for anyone who wants to experience this high-mountain pass a different way! Resting at an altitude of 4,414M on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, cycling to this pass is one quest that will call out to those who hold a true spirit for adventure. This offbeat cycling expedition also remains one of the toughest roads to ride on and is on the top of the list for people who love exploring the Himalayas on two wheels.

Gallery

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2,050M)
Day 2: Manali (2,050M) to Marhi (3,360M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 3: Marhi (3,360M) to Sissu (3,130M) via Rohtang La (3,978M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 4: Sissu (3,130M) to Udaipur (2743M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 5: Udaipur (2,743M) to Purthi (2,287M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 6: Purthi (2,287M) to Killar (2,600 m) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 7: Killar (2,600M) to Sach Pass (4,414M) (Section 1) (Section 2)
Day 8: Killar (2,600M) to Bairagarh (2,149M)
Day 9: Bairagarh (2,149M) to Chamba (996M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 10: Chamba (996M) to Dalhousie (1,970M) (Click to View GPS data)
Day 11: Dalhousie (1,970M) to Dukhar to McLeod Ganj (2,082M) (Click to View GPS data)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2,050M)

The cycle expedition starts from Manali, which is a very popular tourist destination and hence extremely accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude backpacking center, this article (How to reach Manali) might come handy.

Day one is reserved for the participants to make their way into Manali and get settled into their accommodation in a Manali hotel. First half of the day is to get comfortable with the mountain air and our fellow riders. While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group and delve into the happenings of the next few days – schedule, what to expect, route, basic do’s and don’ts, how to maintain the sanctity of the environment and such matters of importance. It is a relatively easy day but very essential for what’s to come next!

Day 2: Manali (2,050M) to Marhi (3,360M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 37.5 km

Today marks the first day of our exit from Manali to ride towards our destination for the day – Marhi, which is a small town between Manali and Rohtang Pass. We are gaining 1,300M of altitude on our first day of riding in the mountains which can prove to be strenuous but is good preparation for the days to come. The route includes cycling up a series of hairpin bends on smooth, well laid-out roads. We also cross scenic mountain villages like Palchan, Kothi and Gulaba on our way today. We spend the night at Marhi which is just 16kms short of Rohtang pass. It offers some of the best views of the mountains in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas.

Day 3: Marhi (3,360M) to Sissu (3,130M) via Rohtang La (3,978M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 49.5 km

The day starts on a high as we ride the 16kms of slopes up to Rohtang Pass (3,978M). After waiting here for a bit to celebrate the crossing of the pass, to devour all the beauty that this high-mountain marvel has to offer, we start our journey onward. But not before we soak in all the gorgeousness of this terrain and the panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks in the region. The steady descent from Rohtang Pass is the definition of pure, unadulterated joy. This downward ride, with the breeze in your hair, takes you alongside Chenab River straight to Gramphu. From here we will encounter stretches of flat land as we cross the raging torrent of the river at Khoksar and continue the short and easy ride up to Sissu at the foothills of the Pir Panjal Range. Sissu (also known as Khagling) is a small town in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the right bank of Chenab River. This is where we spend tonight.

Day 4: Sissu (3,130M) to Udaipur (2743M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 70 km

We continue our ride today alongside Chenab River on the Manali-Leh Highway all the way till Udaipur which is a small town 53 kms to the north of Keylong. It is most popular for the temple of Markula Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The route today is a mix of easy and moderate patches. The first five kilometers from Sissu are gradual ups and downs followed by a 12 km long downhill ride till Tandi Bridge. Tandi Bridge is at the confluence of two rivers – this is where the Bhaga River merges into the mighty Chenab River. The area is extremely picturesque. From here on, the trails run slightly uphill but it’s a gradual incline and hence remains manageable. The route changes to humps that take you up and down the smooth roads of the National Highway, all the way into Udaipur. You will see patches of green all throughout the way as we pass small villages along the way. It should take close to 6-7 hours of riding to get to our destination. We rest our weary selves for the day at our campsite which is a massive ground surrounded by tall trees in the middle of a forest, by the river.

Day 5: Udaipur (2,743M) to Purthi (2,287M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 50 km

Today is an exciting day. Still riding alongside Chenab River, our constant companion on this expedition, we leave the smooth roads of the NH behind and turn this ride into a back-breaking off-road adventure. The route for today consists of continuous patches of gradual incline and descent. The road till 6 km before Purthi is fairly smooth but on an upward slope after which you will find yourself riding on kachcha trails up until the campsite. The trail takes us through multiple villages, border crossing and forests with tall Deodar trees. Its beauty lends to making this a breezy ride. The campsite for the day faces the village.

Day 6: Purthi (2,287M) to Killar (2,600 m) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 30 km

We continue our off-road adventure today from Purthi to Killar. With an approximate height of 315 M to be gained today, the trail alongside the river has gentle humps taking you up and down. The last 10 km to reach Khillar is a steady uphill ride. Killar, our destination for the day, is a small scenic village which takes you away from the river.

Day 7: Killar (2,600M) to Sach Pass (4,414M) (Section 1) (Section 2)

Distance: 74 km

Today, is going to be a very long and harsh day. We will leave our loyal companion, Chenab River to take its route while we make a diversion to go the other way. The pass lies at an altitude gain of almost 2000M covered across 40 km. The first 10 km out of Khillar is a downhill ride. The remaining route is all uphill on kachcha roads as you start to notice the tree line thinning out to slowly making an exit.

We lose all the altitude we had gained through the day as we make our downward journey back to Killar at 2,600M. The downhill climb requires some caution as it is an off-road route. Expect this day to be the longest yet as this 70 km ride is likely to take anywhere between 13-15 hours to complete.

Day 8: Killar (2,600M) to Bairagarh (2,149M)

Today we go further down to Bairagarh which lies at an elevation of 2,149M. On your way down, you start to notice the tree line making a reappearance.

Day 9: Bairagarh (2,149M) to Chamba (996M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 80 kms

We cover a long distance today but it is fairly easy for we will mostly be going downwards from an altitude of 2,149M all the way down to Chamba at the elevation of 996M. Close to 70% of the ride today is downhill and we cross the same river multiple times to keep things interesting. There are only 10-15kms spread across the day with patches of uphill climb. The route is very scenic and the roads, smooth, putting today in the category of easy but fairly lengthy. Expect to cover the distance today in 8 hours.

Day 10: Chamba (996M) to Dalhousie (1,970M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 44 km

Today is going to be hard but beautiful. Since a height gain of almost 1000M is on the agenda, it is going to be an uphill ride, through and through. After the first 30 Km, we reach the infamous open ground of expansive beauty at Khajjiar, which is regarded as the Mini Switzerland of India. From there on, the route gets more interesting by the kilometer. The ride up till Dalhousie is through thick forest lands that lead you directly into this popular hill station, which too wears the greens as its primary colour. Expect to reach Dalhousie within 6-7 hours of starting your ride.

Day 11: Dalhousie (1,970M) to Dukhar to McLeod Ganj (2,082M) (Click to View GPS data)

Distance: 57 km cycling + 69 Km Drive

The last day is a fairly straightforward one which goes by in a jiffy. Well, not really, but you know what we mean! The ride is smooth, the roads are smooth, and they all lead you into this neat town of Mcleod Ganj which is a spiritual hub and a very popular tourist destination with a lot to explore.

What’s Included

All Meals during the expedition ( Starting Lunch on Day 2 till Lunch on Day 10)
Entry Fee,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Camping Charges,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
All stays from Day 1 to Day 10
Support vehicle
Services of a First Aid certified expedition leader & Asst. Leader in group of 12.
Services of support team include expedition cook,helper.
Certified first aid support & kit includes Oxygen Cylinder.
1 bag, preferably a rucksack (Up to 80 liters), brought by the participant to be accommodated in the support vehicle. Please avoid suitcases and trolley bags.

What’s Not Included

Bicycle Rent
Meals during Hotel Stays in Manali & McLeod Ganj
Any Kind of Insurance
Any expense of personal nature
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with New Knight Adventure. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by New Knight Adventure on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
Woolen cap. Qty-1
Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
Plate. Qty- 1
Spoon.Qty-1
Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

Camera (Optional)
Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

FAQs

This expedition is suitable for participants with prior trekking or cycling experience and good physical fitness.

You should be able to perform endurance activities like cycling or running for long durations. Regular cardio and strength training is recommended.

Basic outdoor skills, stamina, and familiarity with equipment are helpful. No advanced technical skills are required for most participants.

Minimum age is 13 years. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by guardians. Participants above 60 must carry a medical fitness certificate.

The ideal season depends on the expedition, but most high-altitude adventures are conducted between May and September.

The expedition takes place in the Himalayan region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and high-altitude terrain.

Scenic mountain views, remote trails, challenging terrain, and a unique high-altitude experience make this expedition memorable.

Challenges include altitude, weather conditions, long distances, and physical endurance requirements.

Accommodation includes hotel stays in towns and camping in tents during the expedition.

Temperatures vary depending on altitude, ranging from mild during the day to cold or freezing at night.

The expedition is physically demanding but does not require advanced technical skills for most participants.

Participants are required to reach the base location independently. Pickup details will be shared before departure.

Network connectivity is limited in remote areas. Only certain networks may work intermittently.

ATMs are available in major towns before the expedition begins.

Pickup is usually arranged from the designated hotel or meeting point at the base location.

Return to the base location is generally by evening on the final day.

Basic expedition support, safety gear, and logistics support are provided as part of the package.

Participants should bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal essentials. A detailed packing list is shared after booking.

Basic items may be available locally, but it is recommended to carry all essential gear beforehand.

Nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are provided during the expedition.

Yes, required permits are arranged by NK Adventure and are included in the package.

Basic washroom facilities are available at camps and accommodations.

Charging points are available at base locations and hotels.

Our team carries first aid kits and is trained to handle basic medical emergencies and altitude-related issues.

Yes. NK Adventure ensures a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Emergency evacuation procedures are in place, and participants are taken to the nearest medical facility if required.

A valid ID proof and medical certificate are mandatory for participation.

Insurance is highly recommended to cover emergencies, evacuation, and medical expenses.

You will receive confirmation, preparation guidelines, and further details via email. A WhatsApp group is also created before departure.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.