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Ditch The Cliche Touristy Plans - Give Mountain Biking A Try In India

By Sonam Satija

Updated - May 9, 20248 min read

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Mountain Biking in India is the best adventure sport to conquer your fear in the best way possible. Imagine cycling through snow-covered mountains, downhill of valleys, rugged terrains and through banks of surreal rivers - India definitely has a lot to offer when it comes to scenic panoramic views. Though we can’t undermine it as an easy adventure sport as it requires a lot of stamina, confidence, and courage to complete the journey successfully. We’ve found 9 Mountain Biking Destinations In India to get you in the spirit of adventure. Mountain Biking is definitely an expedition worth going for!

 

1. Munnar

Munnar has one of the best cycling trails in India and some of the best highlights to offer when it comes you be a part of a mountain biking experience in India. Your journey will include a vast expanse of tea plantations and spice plantation - explore the vivid flora and fauna which will leave you awestruck for sure. The routes are as incredible as they can get, the cycling tour will explore more the about the city and its localities. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Bison Valley and Lockhart Gap along with Shola forests and Cardamon Estates. Munnar also has one of the best road-riding facilities around South India.

Tourist Attractions In Munnar: Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, The Blossom International Park and Kalari Kshethra

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Munnar: March to May, December to February

 

2. Manali-Leh

The biking route for Manali to Leh is diving into several routes ranging from 30-50kms approximately which starts from - Manali to Marhi, Marhi to Keylong, Kelong to Patseo, Patseo to Sarchu, Sarchu to Whiskey Nallah, Molay Plains to Debring, Debring to Rumpste, Rumpste to Leh at the end finally. The flora offers The Deodar and pine trees throughout your journey, you’ll cross streams of Khoksar river and also witness spectacular views of Himalayan ranges. You’ll also be passing Thiksey Monastery and Chortens Garden before reaching Leh. The entire journey includes scenic sights of small untouched villages, vegetation, monasteries, surreal lakes and Himalayan ranges to amaze you.

Tourist Attractions In Manali-Leh: Rohtang La, Gata Loops, Tso Kar, Tang Lang La, Gata Loops and Suraj Laal

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Manali-Leh: June to September

 

3. Sikkim

Sikkim is known for it’s rugged and steep terrains which offer exciting biking trails which get you an adrenaline rush. There are several biking trails in Sikkim such as Gangtok to Ranka, Martam to Sirwani, Yuksom to Khechupelri Lake and Richenpong to Jorethang. On the way back to Gangtok, you will be able to witness the rural side of Sikkim which includes Bhutia and Subba village, the Phensong and Phodang Monasteries. The distances covered between these trails is approximately 30-38kms which is crucial to know in order to prepare for such an adventure sport. It’s fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in India for Mountain Biking despite being recently introduced to this adventure sport. 

Tourist Attractions In Sikkim: Lake Tsomgo, Gurudongmar Lake, Bird Watching Kewzing, Cable Car Ride in Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Sikkim: October to Late November

 


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4. Kumaon Region

The biking routes in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand includes - Bageshwar to Baijnath, Baijnath - Kaunsani, Kausani to Someshwar, Binta to Ranikhet, Ranikhet to Bhatrajkhan, Bhatrajkhan to Garija, Corbett to Kotabag, Kotabag to Kaladungi and finally Kaladungi to Chorgalia. The biking distance for each route can be calculated between 12 to 63kms. It offers a different variety of routes from flat to steeper lands which offer routes leading to magnificent jungles, surreal rivers like Gomti, Camping areas for relaxing, beautiful orchards and Botanical Gardens to amaze you.

Tourist Attractions In Kumaon Region: Bhimtal Lake, Nanda Devi Temple, Narayan Ashram and Jim Corbett National Park

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Kumaon Region: July To September

 

5. Coorg

When considering Coorg as a mountain biking destinations then get ready for spectacular sights and mesmerizing routes to come along your way. One can mountain bike on the routes of Chelavara and Madikeri, the hilly terrains cover about 25-35kms. It's time to uncover the journey filled with evergreen forests and coffee plantations. If you're looking forward to exploring historical places then take the biking route to Madikeri fort which also houses a church building, a museum, and several artifacts. You can pick a biking route to Mallali Falls which is surrounded by jungles and Pushpagiri Mountain range. Cycle in the Nilgiris along the aromatized plantations. This rural region offers some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and goes hand in hand with twisting green roads, forests, and hills.

Tourist Attractions In Coorg: Abbey Falls, Irupu Falls, Brahmagiri Hills, Madikeri Fort, Nalknad Palace

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Coorg: October to March

 

6. Shimla - Spiti

The mountain biking routes from Shimla to Spiti includes: Shimla – Sarahan - Sangla – Kalpa - Tabo – Kaza – Ki Kibber – Kaza - Chandertal Lake – Keylong - Manali. These spots have been honored with the bounteous landscapes, mountains, waterways, religious communities, valleys, antiquated regal structures, icy masses, field, and timberlands. Appreciate a ride on your bicycle driving past the profound valleys and high mountain ranges keeping you awed. You can likewise ride directly into the shrouded inside towns and towns. Visit probably the most well known religious communities of the area.

Tourist Attractions In Shimla-Spiti: Ki Kibber, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, Bhimakali Temple, Sakya Tangyud Monastery

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Shimla-Spiti: June to September

 

 

7. Kangra Valley

It's one of the most exciting routes for mountain biking in India - Kangra Biking routes offers the sight of beautiful small villages, paddy fields, buddhist enclaves and several prayer flags on the way.  The cycling rout is a 260kms circuit - the roads are a mix of uphills and downhills with a few flat land surfaces as well. The riding altitude is around 1300mts in average. The routes include - Mcleodganj-Shahpur-Jawali-Pong Dam, Jawali-Ranital-Base Camp Andretta,  Andretta-Paprola-Baijnath-Billing and Billing-Palampur-Yol Cantt.-Mcleodganj. 

Tourist Attractions In Kangra Valley: Kangra Fort, Kareri Lake, Indrahar Pass, Bir & Billing

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Kangra Valley: September to June

 

8. Garhwal 

Explore Garhwal through mountain biking as it has rejuvenating sights to offer which includes magnificent sunsets, alpine meadows, wildflowers, radiant rivers and breath-taking trails. The Itinerary/Routes include Barkot, Mussorrie, Uttarkashi, Gangnani, Harsil, Gangotri, Dharasu and Tehri. It's time to get dwelled in the surreal beauty of Garwali Hills, Take a trip to Kempty Falls, Pass-through beautiful villages like Naugaon, Barnigad, Sarigad and Damta and pay a spiritual tribute to Goddess Ganga.

Tourist Attractions In Garhwal: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Ramganga Dam, Har Ki Doon and Nag Tibba

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Garhwal: March to May

 

9. Leh- Zanskar

It's time for a daunting mountain biking experience - Leh-Zanskar mountain bike tour will definitely get you an adrenaline rush and test your stamina and strength. The routes have steep terrains and the journey has several passes, narrow valleys, and alleys which are challenging to cross. The difficulty level is a little high at Leh-Zanskar Bike Tour. The routes include Stok - Hemis, Hemis to Leh, Leh to Likir, Likir to Alchi, Alchi to Lamayuru, Lamayuru to Mulbekh, Mulbekh to Kargil, Kargil to Panikhar, Panikhar to Rangdum, Rangdum to Phe, Phe to Padum. Get ready to get a sight of the most surreal monasteries of Leh Ladakh.

Tourist Attractions In Leh - Zanskar: Zanskar River, Padar, Rangdum, Pensi La Pass

Best Time For Mountain Biking In Leh - Zanskar: June to September

 


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FAQ

Q: Which is the best mountain bike in India?

A: The best ones include Hero Next 24T- Speed Mountain Cycle, Hero Ranger DTB-VX 26T6, Hercules MTB Turbodrive Rocky 3.0 26T Bicycle, Hero Sprint Next 26T 18 Speed Mountain Cycle and Hero Ranger DTB Vx 26T Single Speed without Shox Mountain Bike, 19.7 inch Frame.

 

Q: Which are the best mountain bike brands in India?

A: Firefox Cycles, Atlas Cycles, Hero Cycles and Hercules Cycles