Umling La Pass Cycling Expedition

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

Umling La Pass Cycling Expedition

BRS 6

Max Altitude

Ladakh

10 Days

390 Km

Max 12

Brief Description

Grade:
Difficult

Location:
Ladakh

Altitude:
5883 m

Duration:
10 Days

Climbing a 6000M peak is definitely an adventure but cycling to the same height is a high unparalleled. In 2017, the BRO gifted mountain cyclists a new route to explore with the construction of a road between the high-altitude regions of Chisumle and Demchok in Ladakh. The road, called the Umling La Road, takes you through the highest motorable pass in the world, the Umling La Pass, which is at an elevation of a massive 5,883M! This is close to 300M above the height of Khardung La Pass which you cross as part of the Manali Leh cycling expedition. If you are thinking going up to this height on a cycle sounds nuts, it absolutely is. This 390 kms ride in the Himalayan landscape gradually taking you up to the height of some of the tallest mountains in the region on two wheels is one that will leave you panting and with a great story to tell. Going through some of the remotest regions of Ladakh, some mostly hidden from the tourist eye, it is a journey both terrifying and thrilling at the same time.

Stay on this page for more information on Umling La Pass Cycling Expedition.

Gallery

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)
Day 2: Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)
Day 3: Leh (3,500M) to Tirido (3,750M) via Upshi (3,610M)
Day 4: Tirido (3,750M) to Nyoma (4,180M) via Chumathang (3,950M)
Day 5: Nyoma (4,180M) to Hanle (4,500M)
Day 6: Rest and Acclimatization at Hanle (4,500M)
Day 7: Hanle (4,500M) to Chisumle via Nirbula Pass (5,310M)
Day 8: Chisumle to Umling La Pass (5,883M) to Hanle (4,500M)
Day 9: Hanley to Leh
Day 10: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)

This cycling journey starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh that is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence fairly accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude hub of mountaineering, this article (click here) might be useful.

Day one is reserved for the cyclists to make their way to Leh and get settled into their accommodation. Since cyclists will be coming to this altitude from sea level, the body will need time to get comfortable with the mountain air.

Day 2
Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)

Day two is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the altitude. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the city market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain city and visit some places nearby. A little movement around the city would be good for acclimatization. Also, use this time to go through your checklist and do some last-minute shopping for what you might be missing for the expedition. Leh has the best market for trekking essentials.

While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group for a debriefing session. In the evening, our expedition leader will take us through important details, safety and health pointers that we should bear in mind throughout the expedition. We are then introduced to our mountain bikes, which will take us all the way to Ladakh in the next nine days. The expedition leader then explains a few basics about the bike before we take it for a test ride.

It is important to get a good feel of the mountain bike before we begin our expedition in order to ensure that we have a smooth experience. In the event that you face any discomfort with the saddle or any other aspect of the bike, it is best to bring it to the notice of the expedition leader so that it can be adjusted to your needs. Once we are all back from the test ride and confident about our bikes, the expedition leader takes us through the route and how each day is going to look so that we have a broad understanding of what to expect.

Day 3
Leh (3,500M) to Tirido (3,750M) via Upshi (3,610M)

Distance: 95 kms

Duration: 5-6 hours

Today we start out early as it is our first day out in the high mountains with our bikes. After an early breakfast we gear up. The route starts out amongst a green valley with fields. A couple of hairpin bends of the Indus Valley bring us 50 kms from Leh to a small town named Upshi. Post lunch, we get back up on our cycles to make our way to Tirido. The entire route for today is on narrow, winding roads with sharp ascents and descents. It is going to be physically challenging but the landscape of Ladakh is more than a great distractor!

Once at Tirido, we rest our weary selves. There is also enough time to explore this small village if you are up for it.

Day 4
Tirido (3,750M) to Nyoma (4,180M) via Chumathang (3,950M)

Distance: 95 kms

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today’s journey is as taxing as yesterday’s, if not more. We have now created some distance between the crowd of the city and ourselves. With lesser vehicles and wider landscapes, the surroundings seem a lot more refreshing but at the same time, the altitude has made the air thinner. There is respite in a few downhill slopes after pedaling on steep uphill sections.

Our destination for the day rests at the foothills of Hanle.

Day 5
Nyoma (4,180M) to Hanle (4,500M)

Distance: 75 kms

Duration: 7-8 hours

This is one of the most beautiful days of the expedition. The road to Hanle takes us through Loma and presents some of the most captivating visuals of Ladakh. Today’s route is when you will truly see the expanse of the landscape of this region.

The night sky at Hanle is one to watch out for.

Day 6
Rest and Acclimatization at Hanle (4,500M)

Day 6 is meant for rest and acclimatization. Use this time to explore the mesmerizing locale of Hanle including the monastery, nunnery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory. It is also meant to give our bodies a break from the continuous exhaustion of cycling and to give it a chance to acclimatize to this altitude better to make the rest of the journey a little more enjoyable.

Day 7
Hanle (4,500M) to Chisumle via Nirbula Pass (5,310M)

Distance: 75 kms

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today’s ride is a true test of grit. With an elevation gain of 800M in one go, the ride is going to be extremely challenging. The terrain is mostly rugged and the roads, non-existent. This off-road ride is going to be a difficult one to forget for a long time to come.

Day 8
Chisumle to Umling La Pass (5,883M) to Hanle (4,500M)

Distance: 50 kms

Duration: 8-10 hours

The climax of the expedition starts today. Watch out for weather changes and high winds which are common at this altitude. Remember to keep it slow and steady; it is the last 6 kms to the pass that are the hardest. The air and the view from the top of the pass can make any exhaustion seem like a thing of the past. After spending some time at the Pass, we cycle back down to Hanle to end the ride on a high!

Day 9
Hanley to Leh

After that grand adventure, we use our support vehicle to get back down to Leh. Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 10
Departure from Leh

What’s Included

All Meals during the expedition (Starting Breakfast on Day 3 till lunch on Day 9)
Entry Fee, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
2 Nights Hotel/Guest House Stay in Leh on sharing basis
Camping /Support vehicle during expedition
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 Leh
Any Kind of Outdoor Insurance
Any expense of personal nature
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
ILP Permit fees of INR 700 per participant

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 only for experienced participants who have prior high-altitude experience and have completed at least one BRS 5 level trek or equivalent.

You should be able to ride 35–40 km on inclined terrain in a day. Weekly endurance rides and strength training (squats, lunges, push-ups) are recommended.

With consistent training, you can achieve this fitness level within a few months.

You should be comfortable using a mountain bike, including gears, brakes, and basic repairs. Knowledge of camping basics and high-altitude endurance is essential.

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

The best time for this expedition is from June to September.

This expedition takes place in Ladakh at Umling La Pass (5,883 m), the highest motorable road in the world.

A 390 km high-altitude ride through remote Himalayan terrain, offering extreme altitude exposure and breathtaking landscapes.

Extreme altitude, steep climbs, unpredictable weather, low oxygen levels, and long-distance endurance make this expedition highly demanding.

Yes. It involves high-altitude cycling with steep inclines, rough terrain, and physically demanding conditions.

Day temperatures range between 10°C to 20°C, while nights can drop to 0°C or below depending on altitude.

This is a Leh-to-Leh expedition. Participants must reach Leh independently. Pickup will be from the hotel.

BSNL and Airtel work best in Ladakh. Only postpaid connections work. Network is limited and intermittent during the expedition.

ATMs are available in Leh.

Return to Leh is expected by late evening on the last day.

Hotel stay in Leh and twin-sharing tents during the expedition. Single tents are available at extra cost.

A support vehicle is provided for logistics, maintenance, and emergencies. Cycles can be rented at additional cost.

Carry proper cycling gear, warm clothing, gloves, helmet, and personal essentials. A detailed packing list will be shared.

Three vegetarian meals per day with snacks and tea are provided. Eggs are included on select days.

Yes. NK Adventure arranges all required permits, and costs are included in the package.

Charging points are available at hotels in Leh.

Our team carries first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and is trained in emergency response and altitude sickness management.

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

Emergency evacuation is done via road to the nearest medical facility. Insurance is recommended for coverage.

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.