Manali-Khardungla Cycling Championship 2024
The Manali-Leh highway stretches over 510 km of predominantly paved roads, with stretches of sand, gravel and rocky terrain thrown in for good measure. The highway will also take you across several passes, three of them being higher than 16,500 ft. MKCC is a journey of rigorous ascents and heart stopping descents even as the incredible terrain and exotic vistas beckon you along the way.
MKCC starts from the alpine forests and meadows of Manali, extends towards the deep valleys of Lahaul across Rohtang, continues towards the vast plains of Sarchu before entering Ladakh. The race culminates at Khardungla, the world's highest motorable pass at 18,380 ft.
- Number of Days: 10 (7 days of racing, one rest day and one day each for arrival and departure)
- Total Distance: 510 km
- Average Distance Per Day: 73 KM
- Elevation Gain: 35,000 ft
- Accommodation: Camping plus Resorts
- Terrain Condition: Tarmac, Gravel, Sand and Slush
- Level: Challenging
- Support: Marshals, Pilots, Back-up and Support Vehicles, Advanced Ambulance, Technical Support, Mechanics, Standard Spares and Sweep Vehicles
Program ( 10 days )
MKCC starts from the alpine forests and meadows of Manali, extends towards the deep valleys of Lahaul across Rohtang, continues towards the vast plains of Sarchu before entering Ladakh. The race culminates at Khardungla, the world's highest motorable pass at 18,380 ft.
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Day 1
August 07: Arrival in Manali
The participants will be received at Manali and will be taken to the orientation camp. Proceedings will start after breakfast with a round of introductions for the participants and officials. The Race Director will explain the route in detail along with the do's and don'ts of the race. Participants will be taken for a warm up ride around Manali. A post lunch workshop will guide racers on first aid and emergency manoeuvres. The Open's ranking system will be explained to the participants in the evening before an early dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
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Day 2
August 08: Manali to Sissu (87 km)
The first day of the race will see us making an early start, with the flag off at Manali. Participants will be ascending nearly 50 km to arrive at Rohtang Top at 13,051 ft. From Rohtang it is a steep descent into Lahaul valley. Even though the route from Rohtang to Khoksar will descend all the way, the track is slippery due to heavy snow and rainfall. We cross Gramphoo and ride along the Chandra River to arrive at Sissu, where we camp for the rest of the day. Sissu with its fair amount of vegetation is a good place to get acclimatised to the rarefied atmosphere of the high altitude region ahead.
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Day 3
August 09: Sissu to Jispa (50 km)
Because of atmospheric conditions ahead, we will have a late start and cover a comparatively shorter distance. We cross the towns of Tandi and Keylong and ride on a low gradient all the way up till Jispa, where the river opens out into a wide valley. We camp on the banks of the Bhaga River.
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Day 4
August 10: Jispa to Sarchu (80 km)
The day starts early and participants ascend the mountains up to the Baralacha La at 16,043 ft. Riders will pass through meadows along the river near Darcha. We cross Deepak Tal situated at 14,000 ft with the snow-capped Mulkila peaks forming a scenic backdrop. The route descends gradually to the wide Sarchu Plains where we camp overnight.
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Day 5
August 11: Sarchu to Pang (75 km)
The first landmark of the day will be the Gata Loops, which is a steep collection of 21 loops, taking you to an altitude of 15,302 ft. Next up is the third pass on the Manali-Leh highway, Nakee La at 15,547ft and Lachulung La at an altitude of 16,616 ft a few km along the road. The descent from Lachulung La will see us arrive at Pang, a temporary tent settlement, where we will camp for the night.
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Day 6
August 12: Pang to Rumtse (90 km)
Today will be a testing day for all riders, as we ride for the longest stretch of the MKCC (90 km) with a couple of pit stops thrown in. However, the ride is exhilarating through the almost flat gradient of the famous Moray Plains, which is in fact a plateau at 15,400 ft. The long stretch of newly laid tarmac on the flatland is the opportunity for riders to make up for lost time. After Moray plains one starts the ascent to Tanglang La at 17,586 ft, the second highest motorable pass in the world. After the long ascent, we begin our descent into the Indus Valley and arrive at the quaint village of Rumtse where we will camp for the night.
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Day 7
August 13: Rumtse to Leh (75 km)
We make a relaxed start for the penultimate stretch of the journey to Leh. We arrive at Upshi, from where we ride along the Indus River. We cross several monasteries along the way and finally arrive at Leh. We camp on the banks of the Indus and relax for the rest of the evening for the race to the highest motorable pass in the world!
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Day 8
August 14: Rest Day
The day will be spent soaking in the pristine environs of Leh and preparing for the final and highest stage of MKCC, The Race to the Top of the World, aka Khardungla!
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Day 9
August 15: Leh to Khardungla (40 km)
It will be an early start to decide the winner of the Open. After we cross South Pullu the tarmac becomes a gravel road. We ride till Khardung la at 18,380 ft - the highest motorable pass in the world. We gather for a commemorative group photograph after all the participants arrive at the pass - a moment to cherish for a lifetime. We then freewheel back to Leh by late afternoon and check into our hotel. In the evening there will be a gala award ceremony where the winners will be felicitated.
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Day 10
August 16: Drop to Airport
The day has finally arrived to bid adieu to fellow team members and officials. Irrespective of the position in the race, all participants will be given a Certificate of Participation along with medals. The race will ensure everyone leaves with memories to cherish forever and many of us will become more determined to take on the challenges of the Manali-Khardungla Cycling Championship next year!
GALLERY / PHOTOS
