Those in the industry, mainly in Kullu and Manali, said the best time to pedal in the hills, especially in the higher reaches, was from June till November when the snowfall begins.

The 475-km Manali-Leh road linking the tourist hill town of Manali to Ladakh attracts the most number of cyclists.

The route is tough and the pressure on cyclists is extreme since they have to cycle through the cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti and Ladakh.

"The Manali-Leh expedition is for 14 days, including three days of acclimatisation," said Prithvi Raj Sharma of Magic Mountain, a travel agent in Manali.

He said the fee per cyclist ranges between Rs.40,000 and Rs.50,000 depending upon the kits sought.

For newcomers and families, the hills surrounding Narkanda, 65 km from Shimla, and Kasauli in Solan, around 29 km from here, are the best cycling spots.

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