350 km of high-altitude cycling through the cold desert of Spiti — the hardest, most rewarding ride of your life
The Spiti Valley is one of the last truly remote places on earth — a high-altitude cold desert at 3,800–4,500 metres ringed by dramatic mountain scenery. This 10-day cycling expedition covers 350 km from Shimla through Karcham, Tabo, Dhankar, Key Monastery, and Kaza to the Kunzum Pass (4,551 m). You will cycle on roads with almost no traffic, pass 1,000-year-old cliff monasteries, and share meals with Spitian villagers.
6 reasons travellers pick this trip
Cycle 350 km through the high-altitude cold desert of Spiti — one of India's most remote landscapes.
Cross Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) — the spectacular gateway between Lahaul and Spiti — on two wheels.
Visit Key Monastery (Ki Gompa) — a 1,000-year-old cliff monastery perched at 4,166 m with a sweeping valley panorama.
Sleep in traditional Spitian village homestays — chai, home-cooked meals, and stories under the stars.
Explore Tabo Monastery (996 AD) — the Ajanta of the Himalayas for its ancient murals and clay sculptures.
Support 4×4 vehicle follows the group — carrying bags, snacks, and anyone who needs a rest.
Follow the route
D1 · Shimla → Narkanda (Acclimatisation) 65 km · Drive ▼
Drive from Shimla to Narkanda in the support vehicle. Easy 10 km cycle around apple orchards for acclimatisation. Group briefing and bike fit check.
D2 · Narkanda → Rampur 68 km cycling · 1,000 m descent ▼
Stunning descent through pine and deodar forest to the Sutlej River. Arrive Rampur by mid-afternoon. Explore Padam Palace.
D3 · Rampur → Karcham → Sangla 90 km cycling ▼
Cycle along the Sutlej to Karcham, then into the spectacular Sangla Valley. First taste of the Kinnaur landscape — apple orchards and stone-terraced fields.
D4 · Chitkul → Recong Peo 70 km cycling ▼
Visit Chitkul — the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Cycle back into the Kinnaur Valley to Recong Peo.
D5 · Recong Peo → Tabo 120 km cycling ▼
Longest cycling day — mostly flat along the Spiti River. Landscape becomes increasingly stark. Arrive Tabo, visit the famous 996 AD monastery.
D6 · Tabo → Dhankar → Pin Valley 50 km cycling ▼
Visit Dhankar Gompa — clinging to a near-vertical cliff. Side trip to Pin Valley National Park — habitat of the snow leopard. Homestay dinner.
D7 · Pin Valley → Kaza 45 km cycling ▼
Arrive in Kaza — the capital of Spiti. Explore the local monastery. Afternoon rest — you've earned it.
D8 · Key Monastery & Kibber Village 20 km cycling ▼
Cycle up to Key Monastery — the most photographed building in Spiti. Continue to Kibber (4,270 m) — one of the highest villages in the world with a motorable road.
D9 · Kaza → Losar → Kunzum Pass → Gramphoo 90 km cycling ▼
The climax. Cycle from Kaza to Losar, then the brutal 20 km climb to Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) with views of Bara-Shigri Glacier. Descend to Gramphoo.
D10 · Gramphoo → Manali → Shimla (Drive) 300 km · Drive ▼
Support vehicle drives you through the Rohtang Tunnel to Manali and on to Shimla. Last dinner together as a group.
What your price covers
✓ Included
- ✓ 9 nights guesthouses and village homestays throughout
- ✓ All meals (breakfast and dinner daily; packed lunches on cycling days)
- ✓ Quality hybrid/MTB bicycle with helmet, gloves and repair kit
- ✓ Dedicated support 4×4 vehicle carrying luggage and spare riders
- ✓ Experienced cycling guide and mechanic
- ✓ Inner Line Permits for restricted areas of Kinnaur and Spiti
- ✓ All monastery entry fees
✕ Not included
- ✕ GST on total package amount
- ✕ Train or flight to / from Shimla
- ✕ Personal travel and accident insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✕ Tips for guide and support crew
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be for this cycling expedition? +
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What guests say
The hardest thing I've ever done. Also the most rewarding. Standing on Kunzum Pass after 9 days of cycling — indescribable. Not for the faint of heart. Absolutely recommended for serious cyclists.
Key Gompa blew my mind. The Spitian family homestays were the soul of the trip — simple food, warm hearts, incredible stories.