Mountain Biking in India – Trails, Thrills & Tips for your Next Adventure

India, with its diverse landscapes and challenging terrains, has become a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of high-altitude passes or the serenity of lush valleys, India offers mountain biking experiences that cater to riders of all levels. In this guide, we’ll explore the best destinations, safety tips, price ranges, and what to expect while mountain biking in India. So, buckle up your helmets, grab those handlebars, and let’s hit the trails!

1. Leh-Ladakh

Leh-Ladakh is where adventure meets serenity. With its breathtaking landscapes, including the famed Khardung La pass, it’s no surprise that it’s a dream destination for mountain bikers. Imagine pedalling through the stunning Nubra Valley, the surreal Pangong Lake, and remote monasteries nestled in the Himalayas. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or the peace that comes from the mountains, Leh-Ladakh offers a perfect blend. For an organised trip, Tour My India offers an 8-day package for Rs. 29,500, which includes guided tours, accommodation, meals, and bike rentals. Another option for a well-organised experience, Ladakh Motooffers a comprehensive 6-day biking tour. Covering 550 km, the tour includes stays in hotels and camps, meals (breakfast and dinner), and a support team to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Prices range from Rs. 15,500 for those on their bikes to Rs. 22,500 for solo riders using the Himalayan 411 BSVI bike. Safety and maintenance are top priorities, with expert guides ensuring riders have the necessary gear and knowledge to safely conquer this adventurous journey.

Where: Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Contacts: +918988292213 / +919906989962

2. Manali

Renowned as the 'Mountain Biking Capital of India,' Manali is a dream destination for bikers. The scenic trails framed by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys provide an adrenaline-pumping experience. Popular routes include the iconic Manali-Leh Highway, which challenges even seasoned riders with its demanding terrain. Beginners can explore gentler trails around Solang Valley and Kullu. Local operators like 'Gulliver Adventures' and 'Manali Memory Makers' offer tours from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000, complete with safety gear, guides, and well-maintained bikes. Each turn here reveals a new view, a new challenge, and the quiet joy of riding in nature’s embrace.

Where: Manali, Himachal Pradesh 

Contacts: +918988292213 / 09418719411

3. Spiti Valley

Rugged, remote, and breathtaking, Spiti Valley’s trails carve through barren landscapes and high-altitude villages that feel untouched by time. The roads challenge you with altitude and weather, yet reward you with unmatched views of the Himalayas and ancient monasteries. Capture a Trip offers 6-day biking tours starting at Rs. 29,999, with rentals, stays, and experienced guides. Pre-ride briefings and safety gear ensure you can focus on the ride — and the endless horizon.

Where: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Contacts: +91 8287636079 

4. Nandi Hills

Just an hour from Bengaluru, Nandi Hills offers rolling routes perfect for a half-day escape. The climbs are steady but rewarding, opening to sweeping views of misty valleys. With Adventure Nation’s maps and route guidance at Rs. 3,000  per person, you can explore at your own pace — from sunlit forest stretches to hairpin bends that get the heart racing. It’s a ride that blends exercise with pure, soul-refreshing greenery. 

Where: Nandi Hills, Karnataka

Contacts: 01206907340

5. Guwahati to Tawang

 The road from Guwahati to Tawang is not just a ride — it’s an expedition. Through mountain passes, changing weather, and vast valleys, this trail demands courage and offers unmatched satisfaction. Starting at the ‘gateway to the North-East,’ the ride unfolds into some of the most scenic and challenging landscapes in India. Rock N Roll Riders offers tours with options for personal bikes or Royal Enfield RE 350cc, ensuring safety, support, and expert route planning.

Where: Guwahati to Tawang

Contacts: +9179068 09353

6. Munnar

Nestled in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Munnar’s trails take you through tea gardens, dense forests, and rolling hills. The aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air as you ride past Mattupetty Dam and into quiet villages. Kalypso Adventuresruns guided tours that cater to all skill levels, ensuring safety, comfort, and well-maintained cycles. Here, every climb brings you closer to sweeping views, and every descent feels like flying through green waves.

Where: Munnar, Kerala

Contacts: +91484 4012700

7. Coorg

Coorg, often referred to as the 'Scotland of India,' is a popular destination for mountain biking. The hill town, surrounded by the Western Ghats, offers diverse terrain, from lush coffee plantations to the challenging hills of Madikeri. Coorg Zoom Bikesoffers rentals and guided tours, ensuring your bike is ready and your route well-planned. Whether for a few hours or a full day, every pedal here feels like part of the land’s rhythm.

Where: Coorg, Karnataka

Contacts: +9197435 22266

8. Kangra Valley

Kangra Valley blends the thrill of riding with views of the Dhauladhar Range, pine forests, and tea gardens. Trails vary from gentle to moderately tough, with the added allure of nearby Bir Valley for paragliding. GoMissing, Mountain Biking Centre provides Scott, Trek, and Btwin Rockrider bikes at Rs. 3,200 per rental, with packages from Rs. 14,500. Safety support includes an escort vehicle and an on-call technician. As a bonus, Kangra is close to Bir Valley, a global hotspot for paragliding, making it a double delight for adventure lovers!

Where: Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Contacts: +918285349989

9. Lansdowne

Quiet, scenic, and steeped in history, Lansdowne’s trails pass colonial landmarks and offer glimpses of the Kumaon region near Jim Corbett National Park. Operators like Banbanjara ensure guided, well-equipped rides, while rentals from Banbanjara allow for independent journeys. The terrain tests your stamina, but the rewards are endless valleys and serene roads.

Where: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Contacts: +919001504000

10. Pauri Garhwal

In Pauri Garhwal, the trails cut through dense forests, valleys, and Shivalik backroads. Snow-capped peaks stand in the distance, and the ride feels both raw and meditative. Red Chilli Adventure offers 3-day and 4-day loop tours designed for experienced riders seeking challenge and scenery in equal measure. With safety gear and expert guidance, each ride becomes a story worth telling.

Where: Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Contacts: +91 94120 50521