Grasshopper Grasshopper Magazine June | Page 26

Cover Storyy ing nali - Leh Mountain Bik View of Gata Pass, Ma A s the name suggests, mountain biking is no child’s play. The most popular one being Manali to Leh. Leh is situated at a distance of 472 km from Manali. Mountain biking from Manali to Leh ain’t no touristy stuff. It is once in a lifetime event that cyclists in the world dream of. When I say Leh, the city needs no introduction. The snow-laden peaks, rivers like Indus and Chandra-Bagha will leave you awe founded. The expedition starts from the door to heaven of Himalayas i.e. Manali and goes through 5 passes out of which Khardung La Pass is situated at the maximum altitude of 5602 meters. All the 5 passes are unique in their own stature. Having said that Bara Lachha La Pass is one of the loopy passes, Naki La & Lachu Lung Pass are similar 24 g June, 2018 Mountain Biking from Manali to Leh in manner and are located alongside each other. Rohtang Pass is the highest pass in Manali and is said to be the most unpredictable of them all. Tanglang La Pass is the toughest one and obviously most difficult to cross. The expedition has a lot more than this to send a chill up your spine and give you the adrenaline kick you are looking for. The Gata loops have 22 curves which look exciting to see from the top. The Moray plains are one of the highest and coldest deserts in the world. Expressing the beauty of this expedition in words would not do justice for what it actually offers. It is also close to impossible to express it in words, one has to go to experience it.