Mountain biking is an emerging adventurous sport in India that is attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over the country and the world. The mighty Himalayas is the perfect setup for this thrilling adventure which gives you a lifetime experience. With its diverse landscape, from the Himalayan peaks to the lush Western Ghats, India offers a plethora of challenging terrains for mountain bikers to explore. At the same time, it is extremely dangerous, so be careful to choose the circuit at your start.
Some popular destinations for mountain biking in India include the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, as well as the hilly areas of Darjeeling, Ooty, and Munnar. These regions offer scenic routes that wind through dense forests, cross streams, and rivers, and climb steep inclines, providing a thrilling experience for bikers.
There are several organized mountain biking tours and events held in India, such as the Himalayan MTB Challenge, Manali MTB Himalaya, and the Darjeeling MTB Festival, that offer riders the opportunity to participate in multi-day rides and explore different terrains.
What is a Mountain Biking?
Mountain biking is a sport that involves riding a specialized bicycle off-road on rough terrains such as mountains, forests, and hills. It requires a combination of physical and technical skills, as well as endurance, as riders navigate through challenging terrain, including steep inclines, rocky paths, and technical single tracks. Mountain bikers may participate in events, and races, or go on self-led adventures, and the sport appeals to a wide range of participants, from casual hobbyists to competitive athletes. Mountain biking equipment, such as mountain bikes, helmets, protective gear, and appropriate clothing, is specially designed to handle rough terrain and provide stability, comfort, and protection.
In terms of looks, a mountain bike is similar to a regular bike, but it is specially designed for tough surfaces. The mountain bikes come with larger knobby tires, more powerful brakes, more durable heavy-duty wheels, and lower gear ratios. So before going mountain biking choose your bike wisely. There is a range of mountain bikes in India, check the quality before buying.
Best Places for Mountain Biking in India
If you are planning to ride a bike in mountains, you have to choose a trek. Here is a list of the best mountain treks. If you are a beginner choose accordingly.
1. Manali-Leh, Himachal Pradesh
Manali to Leh is one of the most adventurous mountain biking trails in India. Manali-Leh trail is one of the exciting rides which takes you through the best of the Himalayas. Manali is also popularly known as the “mountain biking capital” This ride is considered one of the most challenging rides because of some grueling passes of the Himalayas spread over the path.
Route: Manali – Marhi – Sissu – Jispa – Zing Zing Bar – Brandy Nallah – Pang – Tso Kar – Upshi – Leh – Khardungla – Leh
Best time for biking: Best time for biking at the Manali-Leh trail is June to September.
Duration: 11-13 days
2. Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Biking in the mountains of Garhwal is a dream trip for bike lovers. The ride will take you up to 2700 meters above sea level. The entire trail is filled with a lush green forest of pines. During the ride, you will get the chain of mountains along with rivers, valleys, and glaciers.
Route: Delhi – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Tehri – Ghansali – Charbatia – Chandrapuri – Ukhimath – Chopta – Chamoli – Haridwar – Delhi
Best time for biking: You can go for bike riding in Garhwal throughout the year.
Duration: 10 days
3. Kangra valley, Himachal
Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the places for adventurous biking activity. The valley is tea gardens and pines which makes the place a magnetic destination. The complete circuit for biking is around 260 Km. The steep slopes and straight climbs make your ride a challenge.
Route: Bir – Jogindernagar & Barot – Raj Gunda – Billing – Take-off point for paragliding in Billing
Best time for biking: the best time for biking in Kangra valley is Mid-May – mid-June & September – October
Duration: 5 days
4. Thangu – Sikkim
Thangu is the best place for people who are a beginner for bike riding. It is considered one of the less challenging bike-riding destinations. The circuit provides beautiful glimpses of the Sikkimese Himalayas. I am sure that you will enjoy each moment of your ride.
Best time for biking: Best time for biking at the THANGU trail is March-June.
5. Pindari – Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for its long Himalayan mountain trails. Pindari Glaciers are a small part of this long trail which provides an extraordinary of biking in the mountains. The Pindari glacier is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. You can visit the destination in the summer for a trill on your bike.
Best time for biking: Best time for biking at Pindari Glaciers is May to September.
6. Darjeeling – West Bengal
Darjeeling is one of the most popular destinations for mountain biking in India. Darjeeling is considered one of the best routes in India because it is situated at the height of more than 6,800. The complete circuit is covered with beautiful mountains, lush green fields, and a forest with green trees.
Best time for biking: Best time to go mountain biking in Darjeeling is September-March
7. Coorg – Karnataka
The beautiful trails of Coorg are just 6 hours away from Bangalore which is a wonderful destination for bike lovers. You will enjoy the beauty of coffee farms in the villages you will get in the way. The circuit is not too difficult so it is a favorable track for beginners.
Best time for biking: You can go bike riding in Coorg all over the year.
8. Munnar – Kerala
Bike riding in the fields of lush green tea plantations gives an absolutely different experience. Munnar is located in the state of Kerala which provides a wonderful opportunity for bike riding in the mountains filled with lush green tea vegetation. The circuit is good for beginners.
Best time for biking: You can go bike riding in Munnar all over the year.
If you are planning to ride a bike in mountains choose your trek wisely. Enjoy each and every moment in mountains.
9. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. The area offers a variety of trails that range from beginner to advanced levels, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels. Some popular biking routes in McLeod Ganj include rides through the surrounding forests and hills, and trips to the nearby villages of Bhagsu and Dharamkot. Bikers can also take longer trips to the surrounding areas of Dharamsala, Dalhousie, and Triund Hill.
Best time for biking: The best time to go mountain biking in McLeod Ganj is from March to June, and from September to November.
10. Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu
Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu is a lesser-known but emerging destination for mountain biking in India. The area offers a variety of trails with challenging terrain, making it a suitable destination for experienced mountain bikers. Some popular biking routes in Dharmapuri include trips through the lush green forests and hills, as well as rides to the nearby waterfalls and temples. Bikers can also take longer trips to the surrounding areas of Hogenakkal and Muddenahalli.
Best time for biking: The best time to go mountain biking in Dharmapuri is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant.
11. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital, Uttarakhand is a popular destination for mountain biking due to its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain. The area offers a variety of trails that range from easy to advanced levels, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels. Some popular biking routes in Nainital include rides around the Naini Lake, trips to the nearby villages of Bhowali and Bhimtal, and longer rides to the surrounding areas of Almora and Ranikhet.
Best time for biking: The best time to go mountain biking in Nainital is from March to June and from September to November, when the trails are in good condition.
12. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur, Karnataka offers a variety of trails that range from beginner to advanced levels, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels. Some popular biking routes in Chikmagalur include rides through the coffee plantations, trips to the nearby hills and waterfalls, and longer rides to the surrounding areas of Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri.
Best time for biking: The best time to go mountain biking in Chikmagalur is from September to February,
Few good options for mountain bikes:
- Leader Gladiator 26t Mountain Bike: Buy Now
- Urban Terrain Mutant 29″ Green, Steel Mountain Cycle: Buy Now
- Urban Terrain Mutant 27.5″ Black, Steel Mountain Cycle: Buy Now
