Cycling and Mountaineering

Location : Alarums caves of Lolab in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Cycling
Cycling in Jammu and Kashmir is a popular, not to say inexpensive, way of experiencing the flavour of the state. Normal cycles are not fit for mountain expeditions in India; mountain cycles are easily available and are fitted with the appropriate gears that reduce the effort required to be made by the cyclist. Cycling in the Himalayas in India is one of the most challenging and physically backbreaking adventure sports one has ever indulged in. One needs to be physically fit for cycling in the difficult terrains of the Himalayas.

Cycling in Ladakh
Cycling in ladakh offers a thrilling experience for those who dream of cycling through the highest mountain range in the world. Cycling at all levels can be a welcome experience. In Ladakh, one can come across many of the attractive Buddhist Gompas on the way while cycling through beautiful local villages, all at the backdrop of the snow-coated Himalayan mountain ranges. After day long performances of cycling one can enjoy the Tibetan food-Momo, Noodles with Beans, Pancakes with Jam, Dal with Rice, and so on.

To cycle the twisted roads in Ladakh, one needs to be technically perfect biker as the roads are rough , though paved. A support car to carry ones luggage comes handy and helps to enjoy the great Himalayan range without any worry. The best time for cycling is from mid June to September end.

One can ride through the 64km road from Leh to Alchi. The route takes one on a Zig Zag course through the snaky turns of the Himalayan Roads. Leh-Hemis (45 km) is another famous cycling option. There are various travel agencies which arrange the cycling trips in Ladakh and offer their expertise. Their travel packages and schedules of itineraries may vary.

Mountaineering
The most liked extremely adventurous sports is mountaineering. There are several mountain ranges through out the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Among them Pir Panjal, Great Himalayas, Zanskar, Ladakh, Karakoram are well known for mountaineering. Climbing in these rigorous mountain ranges of Himalayas can be very exciting and typically an expedition can take a month. The state is rich in flora and fauna, the apex of most peaks are an thrilling experience and from the peak tops, one can easily look beyond the neighbouring countries like - Pakistan and Tibet.

Not too high peaks in the region are off Sonamarg like - Kolahoi(5,425 m) and Harmukh (5,148 m). One can quickly make an alpine ascent on these peaks.

The peaks in the Kishtwar region are also not too high but offer technically difficult climbing with many challenging faces and ridges.

The popular peaks are :

Recently peaks in the restricted area of the Nubra valley in the Inaian Karakorams have also been opened to foreigners and Indian for mountaineering and trekking.

Things Required for Cycling and Mountaineering
Cycling and Mountaineering is undoubtedly one of the most enthusiatic adventure sports high in the Himalayan region. You can either select the self-supported trip with all the required equipment and the supplies on the bike itself or else you can also carry just yourself on the bike and have a carrier van following you with all the required equipment.

Some of the equipment required to be carried along on the trip is a mountain bike fitted with gears and water bottle cages, water bottles, bicycle helmet, shorts, t-shirt, windcheater, back pack, and a basic level of fitness.