Mountain Biking in Himalaya

 February 16 2010 | Category : Adventure | | (2) Comments Tweet

For the most adventurous among you what could be more challenging than a biking trip to the Himalayas. The majestic snow capped mountain where trekking itself is difficult could you give a thrill of biking which could end up as being the most memorable experience of your life. For a biking tour through these mountain passes only those who are young at heart and in perfect shape should venture as the exercise could be quite dangerous if you cannot pull it off well.

While lugging the bike through the icy passes could wear out even the toughest of trekkers, the sport could just be your thing if you are of a daredevil kind. Going through the grind is worth it as it gives to the correct taste of a mountain culture which is seen among the natives of the place. What could be more rewarding than a biking trip through the villages and settlements of locals while stopping at certain places to interact, learn and take tips on going ahead? The ever changing landscape and increasing altitude makes it an out of the world experience.

Some of the best places for mountain biking in India are stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and then through Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Each of these states abounds in immense verdant natural beauty.

Been a fan of Motorcycle Diaries? Biking trough could give you that experience which you have been craving for and more.

Ladakh
The icy desert land of Ladakh is the place from where all mountain biking experiences should start. The place with its icy feel and beautiful sight of the snow capped mountains would give one a cycling experience which cannot be surpassed by anything else. The biking adventure in Ladakh include an introduction to light and pleasurable cycling to biking through the age old trade routes which could be a grilling experience even for the best cyclists. Leh in Ladakh could be called the starting point of an adventurous expedition on cycles to higher Himalayas which are majestic yet dangerous.

Terai Region of Uttaranchal
The Terai forest along the foothills of Nainital is one of the places where cycling becomes a pleasure and a thrill. One should ideally start the cycle trip from Thakurdwara and cycle on to Ramnagar on the outskirts of Corbett Park. The scenic route which branches into the Sal and Teak woods could give the biker an ecstatic feel which will keep him/her going during the rest of the trip.  The cycle trip from here takes you to access point to the serene hill station, Nainital.

Some of the places which are not to be missed during this adventurous trip would be Ranikhet where cycling could be a pleasure with thick woods linings both sides of the road. The feel of the fresh breeze while one cycles through these passes cannot be equated to any other thrill in life. The trip should be taken en route Kosi River which runs through a scenic broad valley with richly cultivated fields on either dies. Someshwar, Kausani where the climate if cool and pleasant should not be missed. The snowy ranges where the trip takes a hard turn starts from Panch Chuli in the east and proceeds past Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Kamet and Chaukhamba towards the west.

Another not to miss spot is the Gomti River which leads to Bageshwar which lies at the bottom of a bowl, and from here onwards all routes involve a steep climb.

Himachal Pradesh to Uttaranchal
For mountain lovers Himachal Pradesh offers extremely attractive areas to cycle. He trip should start from Kumarhatti on the Shimla-Kalka road which runs through woods of pine. Taking in the sweet smell of pine trees one would reach the small town, Sarahan from where the ride down a steep road could give you the feel of a true cycling speed with wind in your hair and body completely relaxed only to hold the balance still.

A place not to be missed during the trip is Nahan, a small town which has old mansions and palaces with relics of the times of the rule of kings. Do stop by here to take in a whiff of mountain history. The trip from this place will give to the pleasant feel of cycling through banks of still and clear rivers which run through green and white valleys. Markanda River and Yamuna, the mythological river can be seen, touched and felt during these trips.

The places which are not to be missed include the Shivalik ranges where cultivation is seen in its richest form.  Dehra Dun the beautiful hill station and Dakpathar where Yamuna River emerges from the mountains should not be missed during the trip.

Photos by:
A2Z Adventures, Anton Jankovoy, Peter Akkermans , Stelzer, Jcimagination, Ruth998 , Abhishek.Patel, Devmalya