Ladakh to Kashmir Ride
India, Bike - Semi Slick, 15 days - from $2,465 (land only)
(LKMB) India – Ladakh to Kashmir Ride
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly cool climatic conditions and cold evenings. Good padded cycling shorts are essential.
Your bike MUST be at least a mid level Mountain Bike such as a Specialized Rockhopper or Trek 6500. Front suspension is essential. It is vital that your bike is THOROUGHLY SERVICED and in perfect working condition before the trip.
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Feet
Stiff-soled cycling shoes or SPD’s
Neoprene bike overshoes for extra warmth
Torso
Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 2)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Warm Fleece jacket or jumper
Down Jacket (for evenings)
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Winter biking gloves or warm overgloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Warm Cycling tights or tracksters
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet – mandatory
Fleece headband
Buff
Daypack and contents
A cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 20 litres carrying capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litres capacity
Lightweight waterproof top
Basic First Aid Kit
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Inner tube(s)
Pump
Camera
Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose)
Small roll of gaffer tape
Warm Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Lightweight loose trousers to wear over shorts for modesty
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and apres biking clothes for predominantly cold conditions
Training/Leisure shoes for apres biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Warm hat
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Sleeping Bag (Comfort Rating – minus 10 degrees centigrade)
Thermarest/Camping Mattress
Headtorch/Headlamp
Basic First Aid Kit. Including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARES
(Please note: If you are hiring a bike, you do not need to bring any spares but it is still a good idea to bring a mini-pump, a repair kit and a couple of 26 x 2 inch inner tubes with Presta valves).
You should bring the following with you as a minimum. Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs e.g. changing an inner tube, fixing a puncture. Naturally the bike guide will always be happy to assist with any repairs, but due to the often remote nature of our trips, being able to carry out a simple repair can save time and inconvenience waiting for assistance.
Tyres - for this trip you will need: 1.9 to 2.2 inch semi-slick tyres suitable for mostly dry tarmac/dirt road conditions.
Pump
Plastic tyre levers
Small tube of grease
1 rear brake cable
1 rear gear cable
Spare set of brake blocks / disc pads (front and rear)
2 spare spokes for front and rear wheels
Spoke key
4 x inner tubes Spare chain links
Liquid chain lube (bottle not aerosol)
Multi-tool with Allen keys
Chain link extractor (if not on multi-tool)
2 x puncture repair kits
A rag and brush for cleaning bike and drive train.
Spares specific to your bike**
KE tools and Spares
On all of our trips we carry a toolkit and a basic range of spares for emergencies. As bikes become increasingly part specific it is impossible to carry a comprehensive range of spares compatible with all makes and models of bike. ** Please ensure you bring any bike-specific spares which might be needed - such as disc brake bleed kits (and appropriate fluid), shock pumps etc).
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
We do provide ample supplies of water, snacks and lunches but if you like a particular energy gel, sports drink or power bar we suggest you bring a selection of your preferred choice along.
BIKE HIRE
It is possible to hire bikes for this holiday. Our local agent can provide (in Leh) reasonable quality Trek or Giant hardtail mountain bikes in several sizes. These bikes have Suntour or Rockshox front forks and disc brakes. The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. If you prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, you will need to bring these with you, along with your regular cycling shoes and cleats. Another item which you might choose to take with you on the holiday is your saddle. The hire bikes have standard saddles and anyone requiring more comfort, or a women-specific saddle, should consider taking their own. Helmets are also provided with the hire bikes, but you will probably prefer to take your own. The cost of bike hire is shown in the Bike Hire section of the dossier and your payment will be made directly to the local bike hire agency when picking up your bike in Leh. This payment does not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. You will need to provide a photocopy of your passport information pages and your credit card details, as security against loss of or damage to the bike. If you want to hire a bike, please contact the KE office and we can reserve one on your behalf. We must stress that your hire contract will be with the local hire company and that KE cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from bike hire.
Please do not hesitate to call us for further advice about what to bring or any other aspect of this trip. We are more than happy to offer you the benefit of our experience. Further helpful information can also be found in the Your Bike, Baggage Allowances, Climate and Travelling with Your Bike sections of the detailed trip dossier.
