The allure of the mountain ranges in the Indian Himalayas has a way of drawing you closer. Cycling in India on the Leh to Srinagar highway has long been one of my dreams, especially to cycle tour the rare stretches of asphalt in the Northern parts of India.

The snow-peaks, the contentment, the thin clear air and general sense of exhilaration teaches you to slow down and appreciate the many colours of nature. You get a kick from carrying whatever little belongings you have, leaving away the luxury of your 21st-century life to seek the contentment of nature and thrill of riding on a bicycle.

With the Manali to Leh stretch being increasingly popular with Royal Enfield bikers, we decided to try cycling a shorter route in India that will take us from Leh to the Lamayuru Monastery on to the Leh to Srinagar highway covering 114km.

Also Read: To Nothingness: A Leh Ladakh Bike/Road Trip For Thoughtful Travellers

Cycling in India: Tripping on the Indian Himalayan Mountains

Riding out, we noticed men on Royal Enfields roaring into the wilderness carrying their tents, tool kit and fuel strapped onto their backseat. Sometimes you see them struggling to navigate the steep bends, and sometimes you see them parked by the cliff staring into the mountains, with deep, exasperated eyes.

It’s astounding how long-term cycle tourers and bikers are willing to go through hell to climb three to five mountain passes, which includes some of the highest passes in the world. This is probably a testament to the splendour of the Ladakh mountain ranges and its desolate and barren lands.