Spiti and Lahaul Epic jeep-supported

Spiti is quiet, wild and very off the beaten track. Culturally, it’s similar to Ladakh (Buddhist and a strong Tibetan influence) but sees a lot less visitors. There are very few maps of the area; it's taken us a couple of years to perfect the route, much of which doesn't feature on any of the local maps. We've worked in a couple of shorter days to acclimatise, so bring along your trail shoes if you want to get some great hikes in too.

The journey begins in Manali, magnet for Indian honeymooners and chilled out backpackers alike. To limber up after the long journey, we head out and ride the local trails, taking in the lush forests and waterfalls of the Kullu Valley. Then it's time for the first monster climb of the trip - 52km, no less. Fortunately it's well surfaced, and we'll split it into two to make life a little easier. Cresting Rohtang Jot at 3950m, the descent is well worth the toil, with some sweet singletrack options linking the long, looping switchbacks.

Branching off along the quiet Chandra River, the adventure unfolds as we wind our way towards Kunzum La pass at 4550m - marked with a small shrine, a multitude of prayer flags and views to glaciers gouging their way down the mountains. The going is very rough in places, mitigated by a superb side trip to the high altitude lake of Chandra Tal, and the singletrack that encircles it. Those who wish to brave it can even take a (quick) dip, and dry off watching the reflected mountains hypnotically change the colour of its waters.

Into Spiti

Spiti Valley itself is nothing short of breathtaking - a vast, high altitude bowl dotted with fertile pockets of land and age-old monasteries clinging to the rockface. Plummeting down to Losar, we head off on the 'main' road to the tiny settlement of Chicham (4200m), with its typical Tibetan-style architecture. Time for a Herculean lug of the bikes back up to Kibber, linking us with a network of jeep tracks through high altitude meadows, overnighting in a family homestay. Bone dry ochre settings are offset by rich meadows and white capped peaks - the riding here is truly epic, and all but unexplored by mountain bikers. Slithers of noodly singletrack link one valley to the next - though you can always stick to the jeep tracks that wrap their way round the mountains, keeping an eye out for Himalayan eagles and ibexes.

Then it's time to drop the saddles and plummet in altitude on a trail we've dubbed "Unfeasably Steep", thanks to dozens of tight singletrack switchbacks that snake their way down to Lalung. Don't worry, we'll talk you through the technique of riding tight singletracks. Looping back to Kaza, we hop in the jeep to retrace our steps, jumping out at Rohtang pass to enjoy one last turbo descent. After a hot shower to wash off all that Spitian dust, a farewell dinner and a wander around the shops for souvenirs (or one last ride...) we head back to Delhi for the plane home.

What to expect on tour

We do want to stress that while we have a jeep to carry luggage and a cook to rustle up evening feasts, the ethos of the trip is to be as minimal as possible, in order to maintain the essence of independent travel. Anyone who needs a day off can get a ride in the jeep, though we won’t necessarily be meeting up with it during the day. In fact, some of the tracks we’ll be riding can’t be reached by vehicles - daypacks with all the necessities need to be carried.

Our Spiti and Lahaul Epic is for those with less time to spare but a big appetite for adventure. It's a physically challenging trip, with plenty of time to relax too. Infused with more of an MTB flavour, most of the riding is on quiet roads, tracks and trails that see almost no traffic – bar goat tailbacks - and about 80% is unpaved. Be warned though: while the majority is on decent jeep tracks, it can be very rough and untamed in places. Though conoisseurs of singletrack will enjoy the technical stretches, there's generally the option of sticking to more straighforward terrain if you prefer. Hard tails and short travel full sussers are recommended - but with around 8000m of high altitude ascent, make sure it's a machine you're happy climbing on. As usual, don't expect a Shimano service centre to hand - the nearest bike shop with western spares is a couple of thousand kilometres away...

We plan to run this trip with 8 people, plus the two of us.

Want to see some pictures from 2005? Click here

Testimonial

Ivan came to Spiti in 2005 and had lots of very nice things to say about the ride, including:

'You couldn't have picked a better name than "Out There Biking". The chance to experience this part of the world on two wheels, reaching places that few others get to even on jeep trips, coupled with Cara & Cass' enthusiasm for the area (and their seemingly limitless good spirits), as well as the small group size and informality make this trip truly special.

Be under no illusions, this trip is tough, even 'hardcore' at times. The daily distances belie the scale of effort, with at least 1000m of climbing per day, but climbing through some of the most awe-inspiring and wild scenery on the planet. Every climb has its pay-off: big, big descents (18 - 36 - 52km, anyone?), some sublime remote singletrack, high altitude villages and monasteries, always with a welcoming glass of Chai....don't expect dinner to be laid out on crisp white table cloths (or even on a table!) and your bedding ironed.... the feel is much more of an expedition, befitting the wilderness that you're discovering. Oh, and did I mention the scenery, the virgin singletrack, the people....?  Homestays add an interesting cultural dimension to the trip and the warmth of feeling from the local people throughout can't help but make you smile!' 

He rounded it off by adding,

'I think a fine measure of the trip is that I can remember sitting down at the end of each day and thinking - "wow - how great was that!" and "I want to do it again!". I think I might.'