THE CLASSIC LEH TO MANALI MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAVERSE

Transcription

1 TRAVERSE A mountain bike adventure holiday across the Indian Himalaya Bike the 3 highest road passes in the world Spectacular flight across the Indian Himalaya to Ladakh Cycling around the Buddhist Monasteries of the Indus The ultimate bike descent from the Khardung La HOLIDAY CODE INMB India, Cycling, 15 Days 5 nights camping, 8 nights hotel, 1 night hotel with swimming pool, 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners, max group size: 15, 10 days biking, 600 km (375miles), 35% off-road, 100% vehicle supported, max altitude metres

2 PAGE 2 VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE Introduction Our classic high level bike traverse holiday provides real challenge and adventure, beginning with the truly spectacular flight over the Indian Himalaya to the Ladakhi capital of Leh where we spend the next 5 days acclimatising. From Leh, we'll enjoy a series of exploratory day rides to visit some of the many Buddhist monasteries in the upper Indus Valley. Easy rides and more challenging rides, such as our ascent to the Wari La (5159m), will provide great preparation for the traverse of the Indian Himalaya. Our time in Leh culminates in the epic ascent to (and speedy descent from) the Khardung La which is the world's highest road pass, at 5380 metres. Leaving Leh, this giant rollercoaster ride to Manali follows what is unquestionably one of the greatest mountain roads on the planet. The Leh to Manali highway crosses the main Himalaya Range by a series of very high passes, including the Taglang La (5280m), the second highest road pass in the world. This brilliant route offers exposure to a tremendous variety of landscape and culture, linking the strongly Tibetan influenced high plateau of Ladakh with the semi arid plains of Lahaul and the lush greenery of the Kulu-Manali Valley. Once on the main route we will have the constant back up of a support vehicle and any of the group who feel the need to hitch a lift for any section of the journey will be able to do so. From the crests of the passes, there are superb views of the major peaks of the Ladakh, Zanskar and Chandra-Bhaga ranges. We are not in a race; there will always be time to rest, take photographs and to cool hot brakes before the next amazing hairpin descent! After crossing the final pass, the Rohtang La (3900m), we reach the town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh and from there drive back to Delhi. Is this holiday for you? ADVENTURE CYCLING. A mountain bike fitted with semi-slick tyres is ideal for this trip. We will encounter some sections of hard-packed dirt road during our acclimatisation and exploration in and around Leh. Once we set off on the trans-himalayan ride, we will be on tarmac pretty much all of the way, with some potentially rough and broken sections high up, where winter's freeze-thaw action has had an effect. This is not a technical trip, unless you choose to ride some of the footpaths that short-cut the road switchbacks. Altitude is a real factor, although our time in Leh provides excellent acclimatisation. Covering 600 kilometres (375 miles) with almost 6000 metres of ascent and 11,000 metres of descent, means that this is a tough trip, and you'll need a good level of stamina and fitness to enjoy it to the full. Cycled in its entirety, this trip will challenge the strongest of riders. But, remember that the support vehicle is nearly always available. Average 60 kilometres per day. BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE LOCALLY. Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Delhi. Transfers from Delhi Airport are provided. Meet at the group hotel in Delhi. Delhi Airport transfers are provided for those arriving on Day 1. KE group package services begin with lunch at the hotel. The afternoon is free for sightseeing or relaxing at the hotel, which has pleasant gardens and a good swimming pool. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL MEALS LD

3 PAGE 3 Day 2: Fly to Leh and transfer to the group hotel. Afternoon free, with optional stroll around the town. It s an early start today as we return to the airport (this time to the Domestic Terminal) for the early morning domestic flight to Leh. The hour-long flight is simply spectacular and provides close views of the 7000 metre peaks of Nun and Kun. Arriving at Leh Airport, we transfer to our hotel and should plan on taking it easy for the rest of the day to assist with the acclimatisation process. In the afternoon we can slowly assemble our bikes in the shade of the hotel courtyard. There is the option to take an easy walk into Leh s colourful bazaar, with its roadside stalls selling Tibetan artifacts. HOTEL Day 3: Drive to Stok Monastery with the option to cycle back to Leh via the monastery at Thikse. Still acclimatising, we ll have a leisurely morning in Leh. After an early lunch we then take a 30-minute drive to Stok Monastery on the other side of the Indus Valley. There are impressive views back across to Leh and beyond to the Khardung La itself. The monastery also has an interesting museum to look around. Now we can try out our biking legs with a short climb around Stok Village, before dropping back to the Indus and contouring along on a jeep track to Stakpa Monastery. Here, we will cross the Indus again and ride back along a tarmac road to Thikse Monastery. We will have a guided tour of this impressive Buddhist monastery, which sits in a commanding position atop a small hill. From here, we will probably load up our bikes and drive back to our hotel. If time allows we ll stop to visit the Lingshed Hostel. The hostel is a relatively new venture and is being supported by KE and The Juniper Trust. Initially set up by a local monk, the hostel provides a home for children aged between 5-15 years old who come to attend school in Leh from the remote Lingshed area of Zanskar. For those of us who have acclimatised sufficiently there is the chance to tackle the additional (and challenging) 13 kilometre climb back to Leh. HOTEL DESCENT 100M ASCENT 100M TIME 1-2 HRS CYCLING HOUR DISTANCE 16KM Day 4: Drive to the Tsermangchen La (3750m) and bike via Likir Monastery to Nimo. Return to Leh. After breakfast we travel north-west again along the Indus Valley. It s a 2-hour drive past the village of Likir to the top of the Tsermangchen La (3750m). From here, we will bike downhill past huge mani walls to the remote village of Hemis Shukpachen, where we will have time to look around before climbing back up to the pass, with its excellent views, for lunch. We then have another dirt road descent to Yangthang, with an alternative section of interesting singletrack. From Yangthang, there is a new section of tarmac single lane road that winds it way for 27 km (17miles) around to the impressive Likir Monastery which is overlooked by a giant golden Buddha. From here, it s virtually downhill all the way to Nimo, the ancient capital of Ladakh. HOTEL DESCENT 1465M ASCENT 895M DISTANCE 55KM Day 5: Drive to the top of the Wari La (5159m) and bike down via Hemis Monastery. Return to Leh. Today we head off by jeep for 2 hours or so, in the opposite direction, south-east up the Indus Valley. Reaching the village of Kharu, we turn off the main route and climb to the top of the Wari La (5159m) which is, according to the Indian signs, the third highest road pass in the world. This road has only recently opened and is an alternative route into the remote Nubra Valley. There may be snow on the top and the first section is fairly rough but it s a

4 PAGE 4 fantastic descent back down the track to Kharu with a wicked off-road version for those looking for extra thrills. We eat our picnic lunch looking across to Tak Tak Monastery, before reloading our bikes and taking a detour to the impressive Hemis Monastery. Time to check out the most famous of the region s monasteries, before returning to Leh. HOTEL DESCENT 1820M ASCENT 70M DISTANCE 29KM Day 6: Drive or bike (from the half-way point) to the Khardung La (5380m). Mega downhill blast back to Leh. This is the big day of our acclimatisation programme and, for some, the biggest day of the trip. The 5380 metre Khardung La is the highest motorable pass in the world and the challenge of cycling to the top is almost irresistible. Alternatively, of course, there is the option of driving to the top and simply enjoying the downhill all the way back to Leh. The group will take a jeep ride as far as the check post at 4500 metres and from here those that like a challenge can begin biking. Three hours' riding eventually leads to the crest of the pass and, despite the extreme altitude, the riding is not as bad as you might expect. Alternatively, you can make a very early start from Leh to cycle the whole ascent to the top of the Khardung La. The obligatory photograph at the summit beside the sign, which says, you have reached the top of the highest motorable pass in the world is only part of the reward for this achievement, as the views are spectacular. In the distance we can see the Central Karakoram peaks and, nearer to hand, the Eastern Karakoram peaks of Rimo and Saser Kangri. The 45 km (28 miles) of surreal downhill biking back to Leh really is grin-inducing - you just have to do this one! HOTEL DESCENT 1740M ASCENT 880M DISTANCE 52KM Day 7: Drive to Upshi and start our trans-himalayan ride. Overnight at Rumpsti below the Taglang La. The first day of our classic ride towards Manali begins with a jeep ride! We have already cycled this part of the road during our acclimatisation programme, so we make the best use of our new support transport, a coaster bus, to take us along the main road to the turn off to Manali - at the check post town of Upshi (3450m). The afternoon's ride is through amazing Ladakhi scenery with huge rock walls towering either side of the road as we cycle the 30 km (19 miles) of tarmac road, through small villages, to our camp just past the village of Rumpsti (4370m) which is half way to the Taglang La. This is one of the most beautiful campsites (as well as our first) of the trip. CAMPING ASCENT 920M DISTANCE 30KM Day 8: Bike up to the Taglang La (5280m) then down across the Moray Plains into the Pang Valley. The Taglang La (5280m) is the second highest road pass in the world and is the first major pass on our journey to Manali. For those who do not fancy the challenge there is the option of taking the support bus to the top. But, for the majority, it is an early start for the 30 km (19 miles) of steady uphill to the summit of the pass. The scenery becomes more impressive as we move slowly southwards towards the snow-covered peaks that make up the watershed of the main Himalaya range. At the crest of the pass, we can briefly celebrate that we have now been to the summit of the world s three highest road passes and pose for yet another picture alongside the sign that reads, you have reached the second highest road pass in the world. We ll not want to spend too long on the summit, as today is a long day, so we set off quickly down to the Moray Plains, which are geographically a part of the Tibetan Plateau despite it lying completely within India. The colours generated by the low afternoon light, splashed across

5 PAGE 5 this high plateau, create an enchanting atmosphere for the final 30 km (19 miles) of riding. The plateau ends with a sudden drop into the rift valley of Pang, which is almost as spectacular as the Grand Canyon. Stopping a short distance beyond Pang, we make camp on the banks of the river. As the light finally disappears, the shapes and forms of the surrounding mountains take on a completely different perspective under a sea of stars and we savour yet another day of Himalayan mountain biking magic. CAMPING DESCENT 1505M ASCENT 1670M DISTANCE 100KM Day 9: Cycle across the Lachalung La (5065m) and via the 22 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops to Sarchu. The giant rollercoaster continues and today we set off for the Lachalung La (5065m) and the Nakli La (4900m). The slopes on either side of the road have tall rock pillars eroded into fantastic shapes and at one point the road has been blasted through the side of a cliff in the most improbable place. The magnitude of this feat of engineering, and the effort required to build this road, should never be taken for granted, especially as it allows us hedonist mountain bikers the chance to witness this beautiful part of our planet from the comfort of a bike saddle. After cresting the Lachalung La, we make a short, fast descent and then a short climb to the Nakli La. From this pass we begin a brilliant descent to Brandy Nullah (crossing Whiskey Bridge) through a series of 22 hairpin bends called the Gata Loops. Many of the hairpins can be short cut in true mountain bike style by using the footpaths created by the hardy road workers. The final part of the ride is on a relatively flat road along the Tsarap River to our campsite just past Sarchu, which is on the border between the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. A long but unforgettable day s riding. Altitude at camp is 4400 metres. CAMPING DESCENT 1450M ASCENT 1370M DISTANCE 88KM Day 10: Bike up to the Baralacha La (4880m) and descend through Jespa into the Lahaul Valley. We start the day with a 2 to 3-hour climb, gradually gaining height, up to the saddle of the Bara Lacha La (4880m) where our reward is close-up views of the peaks of the Chandra-Bhaga Range. The Bara Lacha La stands at the crossroads of the Spiti, Zanskar, Lahaul and Rupshu areas of the inner Himalaya. We now have a long descent of 45 km (28 miles) to Jespa (3400m), on the banks of the Bhaga River in the Lahaul Valley. From the high desert, we then enter an alpine climate with green hillsides and forested slopes - a welcome change from the dry, desert scenery of Ladakh. We camp overnight at Jespa. CAMPING DESCENT 1810M ASCENT 710M DISTANCE 71KM Day 11: Continue cycling through Keylong and Tandi to Khoksar at the base of the Rohtang La. We continue our bike ride on broken tarmac for 25 km (16 miles) to Keylong, the main town in Lahaul, gently losing altitude. After lunch at Tandi, where the Chandra and Bhaga streams join to form the Chandrabhaga or Chenab River, we have a 30 km (19 mile) ride to the check post at Khoksar, at the base of the Rohtang Pass. The land becomes increasingly greener as we get closer to the watershed of the Himalaya and we could easily imagine ourselves to be in Switzerland, such is the beauty of the alpine scenery. We ll make camp here at an altitude of 3150 metres.

6 PAGE 6 CAMPING ASCENT 1030M DISTANCE 69KM DESCENT 1140M Day 12: Bike up to the Rohtang La (3990m) before making the 50 plus kilometre descent to Manali. Now fit and full of confidence, we start our last climb to the Rohtang La, which is at the relatively modest altitude of 3990 metres. The semi-arid Lahauli valleys give way to lush green slopes and from the top of the Rohtang (if the weather is clear) we can glimpse the green, forested slopes of the Kulu-Manali Valley. The monsoon rains that are deposited on the southern slopes of the Rohtang completely transform the scenery. A mind-blowing 52 km (32 mile) downhill blast to Manali, with 2000 metres of descent, completes the main part of our trip. We overnight at a comfortable hotel in Manali. HOTEL DESCENT 2000M ASCENT 1000M DISTANCE 52KM Day 13: Long drive to the Nalagarh Fort Resort at the base of the Shivalik Hills. After breakfast we make the 8 hour drive - stopping for refreshments en-route - to the Nalagarh Fort Resort, located at the base of the Shivalik Hills and spread across acres of lush greenery. The fort was built in 1421 and was originally a palace and is now a hotel. After dinner, we can relax in the surroundings of this impressive old fort, perhaps with a couple of G&T s in the bar. HOTEL Day 14: Complete the drive to Delhi, arriving at our hotel by late afternoon. We depart Nalagarh and drive to Delhi. It should take around 7 to 8 hours and the roads improve after the initial couple of hours. We should arrive at our centrally located group hotel in Delhi by late afternoon. HOTEL Day 15: Departure day. Transfers to Delhi Airport are provided. KE Land Only package services end after breakfast at the hotel. Airport transfers are provided for all client departing on this day. There are lots of extensions that can easily be added to your holiday in india. Why not prebook a 1-day excursion to the fabulous Taj Mahal, or a multi-day Rajathan experience, or a beach hotel break in Goa or Kerala. Contact our office for details. MEALS B Extend Your Holiday Extensions When booking your holiday, you will be able to 'add an extension option'.

7 PAGE 7 Once we have received your booking we will contact you to discuss additional services required for the extension and to take any additional deposit. Agra And The Taj Mahal 1 Day Tour The Taj Mahal is the most famous man-made wonder of the world. Easily accessible from Delhi, the Taj can be visited in just one day. This one-day tour departs Delhi at 6am on the Shatabdhi Express train. On arrival in Agra you will be met by your driver and guide for your full day of sightseeing. With its laid-back lifestyle and immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable cities in the world. Read more In the morning you will visit Agra Fort on the sands of the river Yamuna. After lunch at the Taj View Hotel you will visit the world famous Taj Mahal. There will also be time for souvenir shopping in the bazaar close to the fort. Agra is famous for its handicrafts, mostly inlaid marble-work, leather goods, jewellery and textiles. Return journey to Delhi is by private car or train - depending on whether you are departing Delhi the same night. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them. Agra and the Taj Mahal 1 day tour 1 day From 250 per person Agra, The Taj Mahal And Jaipur 3 Day Tour The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most famous man-made wonder of the world and easily accessible from Delhi. Our 3 day tour visits Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and the Amber Fort. You will depart Delhi on the early morning express train to Agra where a full day's guided sightseeing includes the Agra Red Fort and the Taj Mahal and stay overnight in a hotel. In the morning you depart Agra by private car

8 PAGE 8 to Jaipur, stopping en route at the 'ghost' city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur you check-in to your hotel and have time to explore the famous 'Pink City'. Read more The following morning you visit the Jaipur City Palace and Palace of the Winds. After lunch you leave Jaipur for the impressive Amber Fort, a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside overlooking a lake, reflecting its terraces and ramparts. In the late afternoon, you will make the 4-hour drive back to Delhi. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them. Agra, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur 3 day tour 3 days From 510 per person Delhi Sightseeing Tour - Full Day Old Delhi is centred on the Red Fort and is a labyrinth of narrow, bustling streets including Chandni Chowk bazaar. Must-sees here include the Red Fort, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, and Hummayan's Tomb, built in similar style to the Taj Mahal. Also worth a visit is Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi was the creation of the British Raj who wanted to show their ascendency over the former Mogul rulers with many grand buildings designed by the greatest ever British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Driving by this area will give a glimpse of this interesting aspect of India. Delhi Sightseeing Tour - Full day 1 day From 0 per person

9 PAGE 9 Delhi Sightseeing Tour - Half Day Old Delhi is centred on the Red Fort and is a labyrinth of narrow, bustling streets including Chandni Chowk bazaar. Must-sees here include the Red Fort, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Also worth a visit is Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi was the creation of the British Raj who wanted to show their ascendency over the former Mogul rulers with many grand buildings designed by the greatest ever British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Driving by this area will give a glimpse of this interesting aspect of India. Delhi Sightseeing Tour - Half day 1 day From 0 per person Agra And The Taj Mahal 2 Day Tour The Taj Mahal is the most famous man-made wonder of the world. Easily accessible from Delhi, this 2-day tour departs Delhi at 6am on the Shatabdhi Express train. You will have 2 days to explore the fascinating city of Agra. You will stay overnight at a (minimum) 3 star hotel on B&B basis. On day 1 you will visit Sikandra, Agra Fort and have a tour of the city. There will also be time for souvenir shopping in the bazaar close to the fort. Read more Agra is famous for its handicrafts, mostly inlaid marble-work, leather goods, jewellery and textiles. On day 2 you will visit the world famous Taj Mahal and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, a superbly well-preserved, four hundred year old, temple and palace complex built by the third Mughal Emperor Akbar. Return to Delhi by private car. Note: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India (including the Taj Mahal). This organisation will occasionally undertake work to restore the various monuments, but often without notice, so it is difficult to forewarn our customers of this work. It is possible that, at any time, monuments on this trip could be having work done on them.

10 PAGE 10 Agra and the Taj Mahal 2 day tour 2 days From 0 per person The Dalai Lama And Dharamsala You will be picked up at your Delhi hotel and taken to the airport for the short flight to Dharamsala in the Indian Himalayan foothills state of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala is a former British Raj hillstation in the Dhaula Dhar mountain range and currently home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Over the next 3 days you will be able to sample a flavour of life in Tibet and enjoy visits to the Dalai Lama s temple complex, the Norbulingka Institute, Tibetan children s village and visit a local Gaddi Tribal village to experience the life of the people who traditionally inhabit the lower reaches of the Dhaula Dhar. Your extension will end with a return flight to Delhi Airport. The Dalai Lama and Dharamsala 4 days From 0 per person The Dalai Lama And Dharamsala. You will be picked up at your Delhi hotel and taken to the airport for the short flight to Dharamsala in the Indian Himalayan foothills state of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala is a former British Raj hillstation in the Dhaula Dhar mountain range and currently home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Over the next 3 days you will be able to sample a flavour of life in Tibet and enjoy visits to the Dalai Lama s temple complex, the Norbulingka Institute, Tibetan children s village and visit a local Gaddi Tribal village to experience the life of the people who traditionally inhabit the lower reaches of the Dhaula Dhar. Your extension will end with a return flight to Delhi Airport. The Dalai Lama and Dharamsala. 4 days From 0 per person Holiday Information What's Included

11 PAGE 11 An experienced KE Indian biking leader The internal flight from Delhi to Leh Delhi Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 15 of the Land Only itinerary All land transport involved in the itinerary Support vehicles and drivers in Leh and during the journey from Leh to Manali All accommodation as detailed in the trip dossier All meals What's Not Included Travel insurance Indian Visa Delhi Airport transfers (other than on the group arrival and departure days) Tips for drivers and other staff Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc. Bike Carriage on the flights - please check with your carrier for charges Joining Arrangements & Transfers Transfers from Delhi Airport to the group hotel in the city are provided for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and transfers back to Delhi Airport are provided for all clients departing on Day 15. If you are arriving or departing outside of these dates, independent Delhi Airport transfers can be arranged at additional cost. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation. Meal Plan All meals are included in the trip price from lunch on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary to breakfast on Day 15. Food & Water India is famous for it s fragrant and spicy cuisine. The food served during the trip is a mixture of lndian and Western mostly purchased in India and cooked for us by highly trained camp cooks. The emphasis is on providing a tasty, high-carbohydrate diet with a good vegetarian selection, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. When we stay in hotel accommodation we will mainly use the hotel s own restaurants which generally offer a variety of Indian and Western style dishes. It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Accommodation The group will have one night at a pleasant and conveniently located hotel, close to Delhi Airport, at the beginning of the trip and a second night at the same hotel at the end of the holiday. In Leh we stay in a centrally located hotel for 5 nights. We also stay in hotels for 1 night in Manali and 1 night in Nalagarh. All accommodation is allocated on a twin-sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Whilst on the ride between Leh and Manali there will be 5 nights camping. It is possible to hire a single tent for these nights at additional cost - please note that single tent hire does not include single rooms in hotels. Depending upon availability, it may also be possible to arrange single room occupancy in Delhi and in Leh. For additional hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the dates and prices page of the trip on our website.

12 PAGE 12 Group Leader & Support Staff The trip will be led by an experienced KE Indian biking leader. In addition the group will be accompanied by vehicle support, drivers and an Indian camp crew. Altitude This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. Unless you have previous experience of trekking above 4000 metres you should consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies. Spending Money Approximately 200 (or the equivalent in euros or US dollars) should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including crew tips and soft drinks, etc. There are several opportunities to buy souvenirs on this trip. It is not necessary to purchase local currency (Indian Rupees) before you travel. Sterling and US dollars are readily exchanged in Delhi. Since you will be changing the majority of your spending money into local currency on the day of arrival, we recommend taking this in cash. Credit and debit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Delhi and are particularly useful for more expensive souvenirs. It is possible to withdraw cash (rupees only) from cash machines in certain banks in Delhi, Leh and Manali using credit and debit cards. Guidance On Tipping Tipping is an accepted, and expected, part of Indian culture. However, you should only tip for services that are well done. The total amount that you can expect to pay in tips for your local crew and drivers is approximately 50 (in Indian rupees). The KE leader will help to co-ordinate these payments and decide on an appropriate level of tipping for each crew member. Your Bike If you are taking your own bike, we suggest that a hardtail mountain bike with front suspension is appropriate for this holiday. It should have a good range of gears and we recommend you fit fast-rolling all-rounder or semi-slick tyres which work well on the surfaced roads and non-technical trails typically found on our Adventure Cycling holidays. Since you are depending on your bike to transport you throughout your holiday, it s important to ensure it is in good working order. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bicycle dealer to service it for you. Please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your bike. Bike Hire Bike hire is available locally for this holiday. Our local agent has a range of Merida (Matts 40 and Matts 20 hardtails). These bikes generally have Shimano Acera and Altus components. They have Tektro Disc Brakes and 100mm front suspension and 26 inch diameter wheels. They are available in a range of frame sizes - from 13 to 21 inches. Bikes can be reserved, subject to availability, at a cost of 160 (march 2017 subject to change). Payment

13 PAGE 13 must be made locally in cash (either in GBP or in the rupee equivalent) and does not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. This cost also includes bike carriage from Delhi to Leh. Contact the KE office if you want us to reserve a bike for you. Your hire contract will be with our local agent and KE cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from bike hire. If you do hire a bike, we recommend that you take your own shoes, pedals and possibly even your saddle, which will go a long way towards making it feel like your own bike. You must also take your bike helmet, which you will wear whenever you are biking. One final issue with regard to the hire bikes is that they are fitted with regular knobbly tyres. If you would prefer to ride on fast-rolling, semi-slick tyres (the great majority of this route is on tarmac) you should consider taking a pair with you. These can be fitted to the bike for you before the first day s ride. Travelling With Your Bike Airlines require that you pack your bike properly for travel and for this holiday we recommend that you use a purpose-made soft bike bag. These can be relatively inexpensive. They are also light in weight, easy to handle and, most importantly, can be packed into a small space to allow easy transportation in the support vehicle. You will need to partially dismantle your bike to pack it in your bag. PLEASE DO NOT USE a purpose-made rigid bike box for this holiday. We do not have the space in the support vehicle to transport these bulky items. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding travelling with your bike. Vehicle Support Throughout this trip we have the back up of one or more support vehicles. Each morning our main baggage will be loaded onto the support vehicle which will follow the group on the day's ride. The KE biking leader and the support vehicle driver will watch over the group and the support vehicle can pick up any group members who wish to take a break from cycling at any time. We want everyone to enjoy their cycling experience on this trip and we recognise the importance of group members being allowed to cycle at their own pace. So, although the group will become split up at times, we have regular stops to ensure that it's never long before we regroup. Free KE Gift We would like to give you a free gift as a way to say thank you when you book your holiday. Choose from exclusive KE branded t-shirts, caps, neckwarmers, trek bags* and more. Alternatively you can choose to make a 10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity. You can make your selection in your MyKE account after booking. You will need to select your free gift at least 6 weeks before you depart and all items will be posted out at 5 weeks prior to departure. For all late bookings, we will endeavour to send your FREE gift to you before you travel, however this cannot always be guaranteed. Please visit our Free KE Gifts page for more details of all our KE Branded goodies on offer. * A trek bag is one of the free gift options available for this holiday. Delivery outside of the UK will be charged. Baggage Allowance Apart from your bike in its bag (if you are taking your own bike), you should travel with one main item of luggage, such as a KE Trek Bag or similar holdall, as well as a small day pack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack. The day pack can be used to carry valuable items such as cameras and GPS devices whilst travelling and will also carry your day-ride essentials during the rides.

14 PAGE 14 Your baggage allowance on the flights will depend on your airline. When choosing your flights, whether booking them directly or through KE, you will need to consider the cost of carrying your bike. These costs are your responsibility. Group Size & Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in Dates and Prices table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements. Recommended Outdoor Retailers Many of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 15% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers. >> Find out more General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. Visa India All nationalities require a visa. The visa fee for UK and US citizens is $100 and you need to apply for this online prior to departure at Please download the detailed information document: Visa PDF India Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at

15 PAGE 15 Currency The currency of India is the Indian Rupee. Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Preparing For Your Holiday The better conditioned you are the more you will enjoy your trip. We suggest that you adopt a sensible weekly exercise regime and fit in a number of long cycle rides in hilly country to ensure you are physically capable of taking part in this trip - this will also provide you with an opportunity to make sure all your riding kit is tried and tested before you travel. Cycling is obviously the best activity to prepare for this trip, however, running, squash and swimming are also good for developing aerobic fitness and stamina. Climate During July and August the temperature in Delhi will be hot (35 degrees Centigrade) and humid. On the high plateau of Ladakh, the maximum daytime temperature low down on our trip (and at Leh) will be around 15 degrees Centigrade, with night-time lows around 5 or 10 degrees Centigrade. At our highest camps, the night-time temperature may be as low as minus 5 or even minus 10 degrees Centigrade. At high altitude, the sun has a very strong effect and it will feel hotter than the indicated temperatures. Ladakh is not affected by the monsoon and we can usually expect stable, weather. However mountains do generate their own weather systems and some rain or snowfall cannot be ruled out. As we cross the Rohtang La and descend into the Kulu Valley, we should notice an increase in temperatures and humidity and we may encounter some rain. Travel Aware As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Single Use Plastic KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use. We have pledged to AITO s Project Protect that 70% of our agents stop using single use plastic bottles.

16 PAGE 16 Books Trekking in the Indian Himalaya. Lonely Planet India. A Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet Exploring the Hidden Himalaya. Kapadia and Mehta Leh and Trekking in Ladakh. Charlie Loram Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia. Janet Rizvi Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. Flight Inclusive Notes The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London (Heathrow) to Delhi. Outbound flights will usually depart from the UK in the evening and arrive in Delhi in the morning of the following day (Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary). Return flights will usually depart from Delhi in the afternoon of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK later the same day. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection. Land Only Notes The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Delhi. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Delhi Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to the 'Joining Arrangements and Transfers' for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'. Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Operating since 1984, KE Adventure Travel has some of the most experienced staff in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Everyone has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or , or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.

17 PAGE 17 KE can guarantee the very best in trip support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and other accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE. Group Tour Leaders All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, mule-herders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. Sustainable Tourism Since we ran our first trip in 1984, we have been committed keeping the world's most beautiful places pristine by minimising our environmental impact. Recognising the fragility of the world's wilderness environments, we keep our groups small and operate according to a Mountain Code, which is provided to all groups, trek leaders, agents and staff. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment of the places we visit and take every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. Our philosophy of 'leaving nothing but footprints' has been integral to KE's approach right from the start over 30 years ago. In recognition of our efforts we are proud to have achieved the highest award of 5 Stars for Sustainable Tourism by AITO. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: KE's Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too! Booking Your Holiday The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally 200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form. Adventure Travel Insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition

18 PAGE 18 Campbell Irvine Direct cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m. We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.

19 PAGE 19 Equipment List For this holiday you will need your usual cycling clothing, including shoes, cycling gloves and helmet (which must be worn at all times when cycling). Whether you are hiring a bike or taking your own, we recommend that you take the usual day-ride essentials of: mobile phone, multi-tool, mini-pump, tyre levers, spare tubes and puncture repair kit. Bike Wear Cycling helmet Cycling shoes Neopreme or similar overshoes for extra warmth Daypack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack (e.g. Camelbak) Water bladder - min. 2 litres water capacity (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic) Padded (baggy) cycling shorts Long leg cycling trousers and leg warmers Base-layer short sleeve cycling tops Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling tops Fleece jacket or jumper Lightweight windproof top Lightweight waterproof jacket Regular biking gloves Winter biking gloves or warm overgloves Warm hat that fits under your helmet Buff Sunglasses Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose) Camera Other Stuff Travel and off-the-bike clothing and footwear Warm down jacket for evening wear at altitude Sleeping bag (comfort rated - minus 15 C) Thermarest camping mattress Lightweight, loose-fitting trousers to cover up on village visits Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash Headtorch and spare batteries Basic First Aid kit and personal medication Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone) Water purification tablets Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags) Spares If you are hiring a bike you do not need to bring any spares. The hire bikes are provided in good condition and a supply of spares is carried. You may be asked to pay directly for any spares used, especially in the case of crash damage or damage by mis-use. If you are taking your own bike, you should consider taking a minimum of spares,

20 PAGE 20 including a couple of spare spokes (for each wheel if they are different), spare brake blocks (or brake disc pads), chain links/chain connector, rear derailleur hanger and any non-standard parts specific to your bike. Repairs Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs to your bike e.g. changing an inner tube and fixing a puncture. Your bike guide will be happy to help with repairs and general maintenance, but being able to carry out a simple repair yourself could save the inconvenience of having to wait for assistance. Hydration And Energy Snacks You should take suitable water bottle(s) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic) or a hydration pack and you should also consider taking a small supply of the gels, power bars or sports drink mix that you would normally use on a ride at home. Please contact us if you have any questions about your equipment. Please note: This document was downloaded on 16 Nov 2018, and the trip is subject to change.