best downhill biking trails, mountain biking in manali
TRANSCRIPT
Best Downhill Biking Trails, Mountain Biking in Manali
Manali in recent times has rightly earned the title of being the adventure capital of India.
This quaint town nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Kullu Valley has a lot to offer to its
Adventure thirsty visitors. Mountain biking in Manali is one such fun activity that gives you
an opportunity to explore this culturally rich and aesthetically beautiful region of the mighty
Himalayas on a bicycle.
Adventure mountain biking in Manali is gaining popularity because it fulfils the adrenaline
rush of a junkie and also provides a not so hardcore tourist with a chance to enjoy nature
and the hospitality of this area. This valley is the gateway to the greater Himalayas of Lahaul
& Spiti and Ladakh, hence is gifted with scenic beauty and some of the best mountain biking
trails.
Each year, tourists not only from India but from across the globe come to Manali to enjoy
the beauty on wheels, thus biking ranks high if you talk about ‘Manali points of interest’.
For those readers who are new to this sport, let’s briefly understand what
mountain biking is:
Mountain Biking is a sport wherein you ride a bicycle off road or on rough terrains.
Mountain bikes are modified and specifically designed for these trails to give maximum
comfort and enhance durability. A typical mountain bike looks like this:-
The challenging sport of mountain biking requires skill, balance and core strength to
negotiate such tricky trails.
Mountain Biking can be enjoyed almost anywhere from a back yard trail to a gravel road,
but most mountain bikers enjoy riding on off road trails. All you need is a bike and some
protective gear like helmet, knee pads, etc., and off you can go cruising around Manali.
Manali has numerous trails to offer when it comes to mountain biking and there are various
tour and travel operators in Manali that sell tailored packages for those who want to mix
fun and adventure to their holidays in Manali.
We will try and give you a brief introduction and description of some of these
tracks below:-
Manali - Leh
This route is popular amongst thrill seekers for its dangerous and unique terrain. Manali –
Leh is often described as one of the most extreme highways in the world. Cycling on such
difficult and challenging track is all about fun and endurance. This route requires a lot more
than just enthusiasm and bike riding skills.
Manali – Kasol
Kasol has gained immense popularity amongst tourists looking out for a chill time in the
mountains. Cycling to such a location is in itself a motivation. The route is scenic passing
through the Beas valley running along the Beas river and crosses into the Parvati valley this
time running along the river Parvati.
Manali – Dharamsala
The spiritual town of Dharamsala, also home to the spiritual guru Dalai Lama is not very far
from Manali and certainly reachable by bicycle. The roads are good and the route is scenic.
Cycling to Dharamsala will give you an opportunity to see the Kangra region of Himachal
Pradesh and will also save you a lot of money on travel.
Manali – Spiti Valley
Located 200 odd kms from Manali, Spiti Valley is a beautiful cold desert mountain similar to
the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The route is not very crowded unlike the Manali –
Leh highway. The changing landscape and beauty of the region is surely going to keep you
hooked while cycling down the road.
For the not so hardcore long distance cyclists also, Manali has many mountain biking routes
to offer in and around town.