Himachal Cycling Adventure

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later we will be transferred to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals: Nil)

Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station for train to Chandigarh. Meeting on arrival at Chandigarh railway station and drive to Mandi (5 – 6hrs drive). Mandi is a beautiful township situated on the banks of the Beas River and also is known as the “Kashi of the hills” because of its famous temples. NOTE: It is advisable to arrive a day earlier to help with better acclimatization. (Meals: Breakfast)

After an early breakfast, we check our bikes for last moment adjustments, followed by a briefing session by the tour leader. We then take a short around of the town on our cycles to get accustomed with the bikes. We then start to cycle towards Larji, following the Beas river in the lower parts of Kullu Valley. The mountains rise steeply on either side as we trace the contours and climb some steep sections, with terraced fields and the famous Kullu orchards becoming more dominant. We leave the main Kullu Valley road as we come to Larji (975m), a small hamlet and an excellent spot for trout fishing. Upon arrival we check into the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 45 kms / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Today is a challenging day of cycling. From Larji we begin to gradually climb, riding along the fringes of the Great Himalayan National Park, home to bear, leopard, wild cats and surrounded by temperate forest of pine, oak, horse chestnut. We pass through Banjar – a small village with attractive wood-fronted shops lining the narrow street. From Banjar, the ride steepens to Shoja (2,600m) – a picture postcard village on the mountain overlooking the valley, with apple groves, long wooded walks and distant views of the Pir Panjal range. (Cycling distance: Around 27 kms / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Another tough day of pedaling as we ride toward the Jalori Pass (3223m). We start with a steady climb which turns into a rather steep final ascent. We start cycling through cool-temperate forests of fir and spruce or oak, which changes to sub-alpine zone of birches and rhododendrons as altitude increases and finally diminishing in size as the tree line is approached. The Pass, which marks the dividing line between the Inner and Outer Saraj, offers splendid views of the Pir Pinjal and Tibetan peaks. From here it is an exhilarating downhill ride, passing through Ani and eventually reaching the gorge of the great Sutlej river. Upon arrival at Luhri we check into the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 58 kms / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast we start cycling on a continuous ascent out of the Sutlej valley. The route is very beautiful with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks. En-route we pass through the Kotgarh Valley, famous for its world class apples. Upon arrival at Narkanda we will check into the hotel. Narkanda is a popular skiing destination, surrounded by Shiwalik range. (Cycling distance: Around 35 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

Today is the final day of cycling. From Narkanda we follow the main route contouring around the hills through the last of the villages and pine forest. There are great views of the deep Sutlej Valley and snow-capped peaks all through the route. We cross a small col at 2450m before descending to the sprawl of Shimla. Most of the route is level or gently undulating. Upon arrival at Shimla we will check into the hotel. Cycling Trip Ends Rest of the day is free to explore the colonial town on your own. Shimla is known for its Victorian architecture which is reflected in the areas of the Mall and The Ridge. (Cycling distance: Around 50 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

Late morning we will be transferred to Kalka railway station for evening train to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at the New Delhi railway station and later transfer to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning transfer to the airport for onward international flight back to home country. (Meals: Breakfast)