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Ladakh,
India The Trans-Himalayan Expedition. The 490 km (306 mile) expedition from Leh (Ladakh) to Manali (or in reverse) is one of the ultimate challenges for the experienced mountain biker. Ladakh, situated above the Indus River at 12,000ft and isolated deep within the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, providing for the most spectacular and varied mountain scenery in the world. We start the trip by flying from New Delhi to Leh (Ladakh), situated above the Indus River at 12,000 feet. Isolated deep within the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges, the upper Indus valley is a dry windswept moonscape. The mesmerising shallow slopes of the valley consist of subtle layers of pale amber, ochre, and sandstone, which twist and turn in a subtle dance revealing the geological history of this ancient land. Known as "Little Tibet," Ladakh has a rich culture, which still supports numerous active monasteries. Perched on high cliffs and hilltops, these monasteries appear as guardians over the starkly beautiful landscape. We will spend several days acclimatizing in the valley prior to setting off on the Trans-Himalayan journey, visiting the famous monasteries (called gompas) of Hemis, Alchi, and Tikse. Travel will be by van the first day or two, but once we are reasonably acclimated to the altitude, we will get in some spectacular warm up rides along the valley's quiet well-paved roads. Crossing the Himalayas from north to south, the route traverses four of the world's highest passes, including the TaglangLa at 5328-m (world's 2nd highest pass) with an accumulated altitude gain exceeding 29,000ft - the equivalent of cycling to the summit of Mount Everest from sea level! The
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