Solitude and mountain biking in India is pretty much the same thing! Do you want to experience the joy of wandering in the best places for mountain biking in India? If yes, then embark on a biking expedition and satiate your wanderlust soul. Choose to see the lush green landscapes and snow-capped peaks from a unique perspective. Try mountain biking in India and have some unique experiences.
For holidays with a fun frolic agenda with your group of wanderers, mountain biking in India is the answer. The sheer aura of feeling superman when you get close to nature on a mountain biking across snow-capped mountains is unparalleled. Have you ever tried wandering on the roads of the mountain biking destinations in India yet?
What Happens on Mountain Biking Trails in India?
Some adventure sports in India stimulates your body to release natural endorphins and make you feel good. So does the bike ride in the mountains in India.
When you embark on the mountain biking trails in India you command your neurotransmitter in the brain to boost serotonin which fights depression and anxiety. India has plenty of mountain biking trails ranging from Ladakh to Sikkim.
Going on mountain biking routes in India, you get to discover the breathtaking beauty of the snow-blanketed Himalayas. The mountainous trails at the famous hill stations in India are wrapped with lower and upper Himalayan foothills, perfect for riding a mountain bike. A few places brims with thick forests on both sides that make this adventure sport worth taking if you are a greenery lover.
Give Mountain Biking in India A Try to Fuel Your Wanderlust
India has a vast range of topography, even in the Himalayas. Some places remain under snow blankets half of the year while some brims with lush greenery and snow.
In the upper foothills of the Himalayas, the weather conditions mostly remain cold, and thus, a thick sheet of ice is formed on the road and valleys, which attracts mountain biking lovers.
When you pick mountain biking trip packages, you can spend the morning in the wilderness surrounded by picturesque landscapes with like-minded adventure enthusiasts.
You can test your endurance and challenge your limit while offroading. While in the lower foothills of the Himalayas, the biking trails are dotted with unblemished greenery.
People living in the metro cities find this kind of adventure sports a must-do activity with friends. Most of the mountain biking destinations or trails allow you to interact with locals from the village.
Capture the inhabitants milking cows, learn about the rural life of the villages en routing in your journey. It would be completely on you to manage to stay in their homestay to unfold a day with villagers. Thus, there are more than one reasons that personify why you should give mountain biking a try in India.
Browse through our drawn-up list of the 9 best places for mountain biking in India to taste one of the oldest adventure sports in the world.
1. Manali-Leh
Delhiites will agree that no other destinations for mountain biking in India sound more exciting as Manali – Leh route. Touted as the birthplace of mountain biking expeditions in India, Manali is magnificently sandwiched between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal peak.
Within Manali, there are plenty of picturesque valleys, charming villages, and offbeat trails that passes through lush deodar forests. You can take mountain biking trips within Manali and explore the valleys for a shorter duration.
If you have dedicated time to spend 12-14 days on the road, plan a Leh trip via Manali highway and stop overnight at different halting points namely Keylong, Jispa, and Sarchu.
Historically, Manali was the trade route to Ladakh, and even in today’s time, the adventure capital of Himachal Pradesh, Manali serves as a route to reach Ladakh and visit Khardung La Pass, Changla Pass, Baralacha Pass, Lachung La Pass, Rohtang Pass, and other high altitude mountain passes of the region.
Wow Factor: You get to enjoy mountain biking at an elevation of 2050 m to 4000 m (approx.).
Days Required: 13-14 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Destinations Covered: Manali – Marhi – Sissu – Jispa – Zing Zing Bar – Brandy Nallah – Pang – Tso Kar – Upshi – Leh – Khardungla – Leh
Tip: Plan your mountain biking expedition to Leh from Manali with a certified adventure holiday planner. Book only if you are getting an oxygen cylinder facility as inclusion because breathing is a bit concerned at such a high altitude.
Experience Thrill with Srinagar Leh Manali Bike Trip Package
[ Have a look at our 11 Days Manali to Ladakh Bike Tour Package. ]
2. Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Visualize yourself riding the mountain bike while enjoying the enchanting views of tea gardens, the mighty Dhauladhar Range, and pine, or deodar forests.
The whole motorbike circuit in Kangra Valley sprawls over 260 kilometers (approx.) and demands an exploration if you want to get amazed with the unblemished lush green vistas of the Kangra Valley. You will find steep slopes that will kick the adrenaline in yours!
All you just need to do is know the best time to visit mountain biking in Kangra Valley. Monsoon should be avoided and take special care of the type of mountain bike you are taking and from which operator.
Also read: How to reach Kangra
Wow Factor: You get to enjoy voyaging on the wheels at the home of one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world.
Days Required: 5-7 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to February
Destinations Covered: Bir – Jogindernagar & Barot – Rajgundha – Billing
3. Munnar, Kerala
If you are from South India and looking to embark on South India’s best mountain biking trails, then Munnar should be on your bucket list. The vast expanse of greenery in the form of tea gardens, spice plantations, Cardamom Estates, and Shola Forests are the elements that make Munnar the finest mountain biking destination in South India.
Within the Munnar, you can discover several waterfalls and camping sites on mountain bike expeditions. The journey will allow you to mingle with local villagers and photograph the farmers working in the tea garden hills. Mountain biking around Munnar is for both amateur and novice enthusiasts.
Wow Factor: The refreshment of passing through emerald tea garden hills can’t be summed up in words.
Days Required: 1-5 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: March to May, and December to February
Destinations Covered: Munnar – Periyar
[ Opt for our customized Munnar tour packages here. ]
4. Sikkim, North East India
Sikkim’s tourist circuit is a blessing for serious mountain biking lovers because it has multiple hairpin bends at high altitudes. The adventure starts at a minimum elevation of 1650 m (approx.) and stretches up to 2000 m (approx.).
The journey through lush green valleys, snow-capped mountain passes, and centuries-old monasteries that give respite from the city’s mundane.
You can surround yourself with the fresh mountain air of Sikkim and pass through plenty of remote hamlets. This fantastic India’s best mountain biking trail is considered the second famous mountain biking place in India next to Ladakh. The way to enjoy the journey is to start from the capital, Gangtok, and proceed further.
Wow Factor: The hairpins invoke the thrill, even inexperienced mountain bikers.
Days Required: 15-18 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: October to December, and April to June
Destinations Covered: Gangtok – Ranka – Martam – Sirwani – Temi – Ravangla – Maenam Peak – Borong – Tashiding – Yuksom – Khecheopalri Lake – Pemayangtse – Rinchenpong – Jorethang
Tip: Always carry a route map with you! Ask your trip planner about the safety measures in advance regarding breaking the problem at high altitude regions.
[ Check out our tastefully crafted Sikkim tour packages. ]
5. Shimla to Spiti Valley
You know about Shimla that it is the ‘white winter Queen of India,’ but what about Spiti Valley? Considered next to Ladakh when it comes to natural beauty and awe-inspiring roads, Spiti Valley the getaway into the country’s higher northern reaches.
Embark on a joyous ride to Spiti Valley from Shimla. Even if you are an amateur bike rider, the route we suggested will help you ascend gradually without the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
You will come across a bunch of beautiful places from Shimla to the Spiti Valley route, including Narkanda, Sarahan, Chitkul, Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Sangla, Nako Village, Tabo Village, Dhankar, and Kaza.
All places to visit on the Shimla to Spiti Valley trip are honored with breathtaking landscape beauty, snow-wrapped mountain views, and lush green valleys.
Wow Factor: You will witness the landscapes that look like they have come straight out of the storybooks.
Days Required: 3-5 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Destinations Covered: Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Kalpa – Nako-Giu Village – Tabo Village – Dhankar – Pin Valley (Mud Village) – Kaza
Tip: Avoid traveling in winters if you are not a novice traveler as the roads become challenging due to heavy snowfall.
[ Have a look at our 9 Days Spiti Valley Bike Tour Package. ]
6. Lansdowne
If you live in and around the capital and look for the best place for mountain biking in India in summer, look no further than Lansdowne. There are plenty of trails to ride Landowne, and the terrain of this hill station in the lap of the Himalayas is not that high, which causes problems for amateur riders. There are some great trails, but they still require a bit of experience in mountain biking.
Lansdowne trails are quiet, clean, and serene as it is a military cantonment area and is also one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers in India. The birds chirping, the views of the snow-wrapped mountains, lush greenery, and pristine lakes will rejuvenate your journey in the hills.
Wow Factor: Lansdowne could be visited on the weekend getaway from Delhi as it is only 280 kilometers and takes around 7 hours (approx.)
Days Required: 2-3 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: January to May, and October to December
Destinations to Cover: Bhulla Tal, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
Tip: While selecting accommodation with friends, bargain a little to grab the discounted deals.
7. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Mountain biking in Dharamshala is bliss and is worth all the hype because the Dhauladhar Ranges give the perfect backdrop. Whether you want to go with family or friends, this mountain biking place near Delhi is perfect for visiting all season.
Especially in winters, the snow-wrapped trees and trails are a sight to behold when you pedal your way! During summers, the valleys get carpeted in lush greenery. The trails in Dharamshala are made by nature for die-hard cycling enthusiasts.
For more info: Things To Do in Dharamshala
You can explore the nearby place on biking expeditions like Mcledoganj, Bir-Billing, and Dalhousie with several halts either at the homestays or the hotels.
Monasteries visit biking expeditions, waterfalls to relax, and camping sites to stargazing the millions of stars.
Wow Factor: The thick deodar cedar trees, snow-capped peaks, and the untrodden parts of the hills are inviting.
Days Required: 4-6 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: March to June, and October to February to know more visit here.
Destinations to Cover: Bhagsunath Falls, Naddi Village, Triund
Tip: Always carry a map with you or go on a pre-planned mountain biking journey with a certified tour operator.
[ Choose from our tailor-made Dharamshala tour packages here. ]
8. Guwahati to Tawang
The journey is of longer duration that starts from Guwahati to Tawang but is worth all the hype and efforts. Guwahati to Tawang biking expedition is one of India’s best mountain biking trails, starting from the Bhalukpong at the border of Assam – Arunachal.
In this journey, you get to tour the western regions of Arunachal Pradesh, including Jamiri, Bomdila, and Sangti. In the initial few days, you will gradually gain elevation on hills with lush tropical forest views. Visualize yourself passing through the Kameng River flowing next to you!
On a mountain biking expedition on Guwahati to Tawang, you will be passing three mountain passes, Nechiphu, Bomdila, and the magnificent Sela Pass, at an elevation of 4200 m (approx.). For many nomads who love to spend most of their time on the road, the Guwahati to Tawang expedition is nowhere less than the Manali mountain biking expedition.
Wow Factor: Crossing dozens of alpine lakes and riding on the 4600 m (approx.) Bum La Pass and 4200 m (approx.) Sela Pass is the highlight.
Days Required: 12-13 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Destinations Covered: Guwahati – Bhalukpong – Jamiri – Bomdila – Sangti – Dirang – Senge – Jang – Tawang – Bum La – Bomdila
Tip: Take several halts to get rid of Acute Mountain Sickness. Also, carry the basic medicines for headache, stomach pain, and vomiting.
9. Leh to Nubra Valley
As you embark in your thrilling Manali to Srinagar Bike Trip, make certain to include a visit to Leh, the vibrant capital of Ladakh and the epicenter of tourism inside the place.
Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is the base of tourism activity in Ladakh. Nubra in itself is the most beautiful region in Ladakh for sightseeing of double-humped Bactrian camels and warm hospitality. It is a high altitude cost desert with unique topography.
Enjoy the best of mountain biking in Ladakh by taking Leh to Nubra Valley journey. Get mesmerized with the brown hills, green patches, and beautiful Shyok River flowing beneath you! On this 160 kilometers (approx.) journey, landscapes change at every turn, making Leh to Nubra Valley one of India’s best mountain biking routes.
[ Have a look at our 11 Days Leh to Nubra Valley Tour. ]
Wow Factor: Biking in high altitude cold desert and visiting monasteries on the expedition is the highlight.
Days Required: 1-3 days (approx.)
Best Time to Visit: April to June, and October to February
Routes: Leh to Nubra via Khardung La, and Leh to Nubra via Wari La
Tip: Inner Line Permit is required to visit Nubra Valley, obtained from the DC office in Leh. You could ask your trip planner to arrange the permit for Nubra Valley.
When are you making mountain affairs on wheels? Which destination would you select for mountain biking in the Himalayas?
Akshay Negi
Copywriter with eagle eyes who writes copies backed by market research. Akshay uses the persuasive power of NLP to influence readers. Maybe that’s the reason why Akshay became a writer the way other people became monks and nuns. His approach geeks out on studying the personas of the human mind. Thrill yourself from head to toe by feeding your hunger for more travel-related content written by him.
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