Manali Chandratal Cycle Expedition

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

Manali Chandratal Cycle Expedition

BRS 5

Max Altitude

Himachal

6 Days

128 Km

Max 15

Brief Description

Grade:
Difficult

Location:
Himachal

Altitude:
4250 m

Duration:
6 Days

A cycle expedition from Manali to the beautiful Chandratal lake. It takes you from the lush green lands of Kullu through the arid landscape of spiti & lahaul . The blue water of chandratal lake will take your breath away & reaching here on cycles gives you another level of high. A must do cycling trip for anyone who is into cycling . One of india’s best cycling route in terms of natural beauty. Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon) is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 Metres. Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape.

Gallery

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Manali, Distance: 0, Altitude: 1,980 m (6,400 ft)
Day 2: Manali-Marhi, Distance:38 kms, Altitude: 3,300 m (10,800 ft)
Day 3: Marhi-Chhatru, Distance: 50 kms, Altitude: 3200m (10,499 ft)
Day 4: Chhatru-Batal, Distance: 31 kms, Altitude: 4095m (13,435 ft)
Day 5: Batal-Chandratal, Distance: 14 kms, Altitude: 4300m (14,100 ft)
Day 6: Chandratal-Manali, Distance: 118 kms, Altitude: 3250m (10,663 ft)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Manali, Distance: 0, Altitude: 1,980 m (6,400 ft)

Check-in to the booked hotel or orientation camp set up by NK Adventure. Proceedings will start after lunch with a round of introductions for the participants and organizers. The tour leader will brief about the expedition and after that fellow cyclists will be free to explore around Manali. Overnight at the hotel/ camp.

Day 2: Manali-Marhi, Distance:38 kms, Altitude: 3,300 m (10,800 ft)

The first ascent of the trip prepares up for the tough ride ahead and takes you through the panoramic view of pine and deodar trees. We will take an early start to beat the traffic rush destined for Rohtang Pass. One has to negotiate many hairpin bends to reach Marhi. Marhi offers picturesque camping sites and prepares up for the muddy ascent of Rohtang Pass. Overnight in camps.

Day 3: Marhi-Chhatru, Distance: 50 kms, Altitude: 3200m (10,499 ft)

We start the day by finishing the 18km ascent to the Rohtang pass (3980m) and there are some lovely scenic views on the horizon of snow covered peaks and glaciers of Spiti valley. After a refreshing halt at Rohtang, a steady descent takes us to Gramphoo (3250m) on the highway along Chandra river. The day ends with camping at Chhatru. Tucked away hidden in the vast expenses of the rugged Himalayas, a tiny little hamlet Chatru stands out like an oasis in the middle of this “high altitude cold desert” of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

Day 4: Chhatru-Batal, Distance: 31 kms, Altitude: 4095m (13,435 ft)

We start early as the road condition from Chhatru to Batal is bad which means more time. Major part of this road is boulder strewn. There are many water crossings where vehicles get struck quite often, but nothing to worry with bicycles. The route goes along the Chandra river.We cross the small village of Chhota Dara (3640m) .After few hours of more paddling we arrive at Batal, where we have the hot lunch in our camps.

Day 5: Batal-Chandratal, Distance: 14 kms, Altitude: 4300m (14,100 ft)

From Batal diversion up to Chandratal is a gruesome climb. Climb is challenging but the views are equally rewarding. It will take 3-4 hours to arrive at Chandra Tal. The camping is not allowed at the lake but a few Kms before the lake there are good camping sites. We will spend rest of the day soaking in the natural beauty of this jewel in the mountains, Chandratal. Overnight in tents. The most surprising thing about this lake is that there is no visible source of this lake but there is a visible outlet of this lake which means that water to this lake comes from underground.

Day 6: Chandratal-Manali, Distance: 118 kms, Altitude: 3250m (10,663 ft)

The ride back will be in support vehicle . After an uphill ride to Rohtang, we will cruise along the downhill and will reach Manali by evening . The trip ends here & you can book your bus from Manali as per your convenience.

What’s Included

All Meals during the expedition ( Starting Lunch on Day 2)
Entry Fee,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Camping Charges,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
1 Night Hotel/Guest House Stay in Manali on sharing basis
Separate Camping Vehicle
One support vehicle per 6 Participants. 2 Support Vehicles in a batch of 12.
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.
Energy Bars, Dry Fruits & Refreshment during day ride.

What’s Not Included

Bicycle Rent
Meals during Hotel Stays
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 Leh Tso Moriri Cycle expedition 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 expedition. We have divided the items into two categories. Items in Category A are essential for everyone. Items in Category B are only for participants bringing their own bicycles for the expedition. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Category A : Clothes & Accessories

Cycling Helmet – 1
Cycling Jersey or Any Dry Fit T-Shirt or Cotton T-Shirts -2
Cycling Shorts -2
Track Pant (Preferably Warm & Quick Dry) -2
T-shirt full sleeves -2
Undergarments – ( 6 to 8 )
Rain Coat of Good Quality -1
Warm Jacket (Preferably Water proof jacket) – 1
Thermal Inners Upper & Lower – 2
Woolen Sweater – 1
Woolen Glove – 1 Pair
Riding Glove – 1 Pair
Woolen Cap – 1
Sweat Band or Bandana or Gamchha – 1
Hand Towels -2
Cotton Socks – (6 to 8 pairs)
Light Cycling / Sport Shoes – 1 pair
Sandals – 1 pair
Big Towel – 1
Water Bottle -1
Polaroid U V Sunglasses -1
Small Day Pack/ Waist Pack -1
Energy Bars or Chocolate Bar or Dry Fruits
Personal Toiletries
Lip Balm
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF – 50 or above)
Hand or Head Torch with Spare Batteries
Pan card or Passport or Voter Id Card or Aadhar Card (State govt. ID cards not accepted on the route )
Medication in plenty for specific conditions, if any. Consult your Physician about this.

Category B : For bike – Only in case you are not renting from us

Bike Reflectors Front & Rear – 1 each
Spare Tubes – 4 Nos.
Brake Shoes -1 Set
Brake cables – 2 Set
Gear cables – 1 Set
Spokes – 5 Nos
Lock (for cycle) – 1 Set
Spare Tyre – 1 No.

FAQs

Suitable for individuals with good fitness and endurance. Prior high-altitude or cycling experience is recommended.

You should be able to perform 30–60 minutes of continuous cardio like running or cycling. Strong leg endurance is important.

Basic cycling skills, stamina, and ability to handle uneven terrain are required. No technical climbing skills needed.

Minimum age is 13. Participants under 18 need a guardian. Above 60 requires medical fitness certificate.

Best season is June to September when roads are open and weather is stable.

This expedition takes place in the Himalayas starting from Manali to Leh.

High mountain passes, breathtaking valleys, remote landscapes, and a thrilling cycling journey.

High altitude, unpredictable weather, long cycling distances, and steep climbs.

June to September is ideal for safe and comfortable travel.

Hotels at base and tents during expedition.

Ranges from 25°C in plains to sub-zero temperatures at high altitude.

It is physically demanding but not technically complex.

Manali is well connected by road. Travel instructions are shared after booking.

Network is available in Manali but becomes limited in remote areas.

ATMs are available in Manali; limited beyond that.

Pickup details are shared before departure.

Drop-off is usually by evening on the last day.

Manali, Leh, monasteries, and high-altitude lakes.

Tents, sleeping bags, and safety gear.

Cycling gear and trekking essentials can be rented.

Usually at base location before start.

At the end of expedition.

Personal clothing, shoes, and essentials as per list.

Yes, in Manali.

Yes, support vehicle is available.

Yes, at base camp.

Nutritious vegetarian meals provided.

Yes, arranged by organizer.

Basic dry toilets at camps.

Certified and experienced leaders.

Yes, completely safe with trained staff.

Evacuation and medical support available.

You receive confirmation and WhatsApp group details.

Yes, mandatory.

Yes, required before expedition.

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.