For the ambitious climbing enthusiast who’s ready to take on some of the best cycling terrain in the world, SpiceRoads presents: Taiwan Traverse. Over 900 kilometers of spectacular winding roads, extreme grades, 10,000 meters of climbing, and exciting descents make this a dream trip for cyclists up for the challenge.
Known for its hyper-modern coastal cities, the interior of the island of Taiwan is an assemblage of peaks. Two mountain ranges predominantly cover most of the island’s geography, the Central and Eastern Mountain Range, and you’ll traverse both of them on this challenging road cycling tour of Taiwan.
Beginning outside of Taipei, gear up for the real ride, with 4 of the tour’s most demanding days coming in quick succession. You’ll tackle peaks and passes, and test your legs on nearly 8,000 meters in this stage as you climb through the Central Mountain Range. The environment is raw and pristine, mostly populated by Taiwan’s aborigines, and we’ll make the most of the humble accommodations available in this remote region. But the best is yet to come. Day 4 culminates in a 60 kilometer descent through Taroko Gorge in the East Rift, a highlight of any trip to Taiwan and special experience to ride through it on two wheels.
A rest day exploring Taroko National Park gives the legs a chance to recover, before heading southbound along the coast and through the foothills, on a route lined with natural hot spring resorts- sure to become an integral part of your evening routine! Over the course of five days, you’ll make your way down the east coast of the island to the Kenting Peninsula and the southernmost point of Taiwan, now having navigated almost the entire length of the island. A final ride into the mountains again, into the aboriginal settlement of Wutai, bids the mountains goodbye as you head for Taiwan’s second city of Kaohsiung for departure.
Incredible and diverse scenery, welcoming local culture, and unparalleled cycling on fabulous roads with minimal traffic set the stage for one of the most challenging rides your legs are sure to remember for a long time to come!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Taipei, Kaohsiung, Fusing, Baola
Taipei, Kaohsiung, Fusing, Baolai, Wuling Farm, Li Shan, Taroko Gorge, Yu Li Hot Spring, Jhinben Hot Spring, Kenting National Park
Mongolia is justifiably one of the last unspoilt destinations in the world. Home to beautiful natural surroundings filled with diverse and distinctive plant life, the country welcomes you to experience a variety of landscapes and wildlife habitats. In addition, contrary to other nations on the planet, horses rule the country, roam the plains, and even outnumber the Mongolian population!
For outdoor lovers, Mongolia is not only a prime but also a challenging destination offering up unique experiences. As you pedal, hike and horse ride through this steppe nation you will be rewarded for your determination with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave a lasting memory. It is truly a country worth exploring!
From stargazing nights in tented camps by crystal clear waters, you'll get to learn Mongolian traditions that have been passed down for centuries, sample horse milk and cheese and have the full nomadic experience with a night in a “ger,” a traditional felt-covered tent. As you pedal, hike, and horse ride through this steppe nation, you will be rewarded for your determination with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave a lasting memory.
Note that total distance on this trip is 218 kilometres - (120 km cycling, 37 km trekking, 61 km horse riding). There are 2 days cycling, 2 days trekking and 2 days horse riding.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Tuul River, Mount A
Ulaanbaatar, Tuul River, Mount Altan Olgii, Terelj National Park
Vast, remote and breathtaking, Mongolia is a country of wild, unspoiled beauty. The land of Genghis Khan, Mongolia rose under this extraordinary leader to become the largest land empire in global history. Today, modern Mongolia is divided between the bustle of its cities and the nomadic lifestyle that still dominates the expansive countryside. Cycle a tour like no other; challenge yourself to overcome rocky trails, soak in ancient ruins, and adventure forth across the barren landscape. This is off-road biking at its truest.
Navigate your mountain bike over the hilly steppes, granite formations, and extensive sand dunes of this rugged terrain. Tackle the Khangai Mountain range to achieve spectacular views of the Gobi desert at its peak. Find peace among the rugged, solitary scenery: an endless horizon of rolling plateaus and mountains. Encounter the local herders watching intently over their grazing flocks of yaks and horses in the Shargaljuut river valley.
Climb the grassy trail up to the top of the Morin Pass before freewheeling down the other side to sleep in traditional Mongolian gers on the banks of the river. Wake up from your overnight stay to a sunrise beyond compare and discover the real Mongolia, untamed by the restraints of civilization.
Mountain biking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon River, Karak
Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon River, Karakorum, Arvaikheer, Khangai Mountains, Tamir River
This road biking tour is your ultimate chance to discover the gorgeous southern coasts of Taiwan, which boasts an incredible mixture of scenery. The cities and towns are steeped in a compelling history as they are home to some of the oldest Chinese settlements intertwined with a more contemporary Taiwanese culture.
The journey begins on the west coast as we ride through country roads and along beautiful beaches. We continue on towards the east coast while passing through the most southern tip of Taiwan. There will be challenging climbs of over 1500m along the way but you will be rewarded with marvelous views and hotels with hot springs for you to relax in.
You will certainly experience Taiwan in a unique and exciting way.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien City
Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien City, Bai Sha Beach, Jhinben Hot Spring, Taroko Gorge, Xiangde Temple
South Korea seamlessly blends age-old traditions with state-of-the-art modernity. Dubbed the "Land of the Morning Calm," the peninsular nation evokes images of misty mountains, serene rivers, and ancient heritage. Yet, alongside this tranquility, throbs an electrifying pulse in the metropolitanism of its bustling cities and the technological dynamism in all things from commerce to transport.
This tour has been designed to give you a taste of authentic Korea as we ride leisurely along the country’s world-class cycling paths to discover both the old and the new. Starting in Seoul, we hit the ground running with a ramble through its historic core before spending five days cycling beside wide rivers that meander through rolling hills, vast farmlands, and thriving towns. We reserve a day for an off-saddle exploration of Andong Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 600 years, and the tour ends back in Seoul. Most nights are spent in small cities hardly visited by foreign tourists, and during mealtimes we let loose on the diverse and delectable world of Korean cuisine!
Join us on this delightful Korean cycling journey, showcasing some of the country’s finest inland cycling routes and scenery. As the tour starts and ends in Seoul, the adventure is perfect for those who want to add an active and off-the-beaten path element to a longer Korean holiday or those with more limited time looking to make the most out of 9 days in the country.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Chuncheon, Namyangju, Dum
Seoul, Chuncheon, Namyangju, Dumulmeori, Han River, Nakdong River, Hahoe
Cycling and Japanese hot spring (onsen) culture are a match made in heaven. And there’s no better place to experience this synergy than Kyushu, an island in the southern Japanese Archipelago, celebrated for its rich heritage of traditional onsen. This 6-day traverse across northeast Kyushu leads us on backcountry roads through rice fields, along rivers, up mountain passes, and to historic temples and cultural landmarks as we connect a string of onsen towns by bike.
Beginning in Fukuoka, Kyushu's urban hub, we head east and begin cycling from one of Japan’s most prominent Shinto shrines to reach Hita via farmlands, the Chikugo River, and forested hills. The following two days will involve more ascents and descents as we tackle the Fushiki Pass, once a part of the “Kaido” highway, and trace the slopes of volcanic Mount Futago to reach the coast of the Kunisaki Peninsula. Our last riding day leads us to Beppu, one of Japan’s onsen meccas, where we finish the tour. The cycling is complemented by plenty of cultural highlights, such as one of Japan’s oldest wooden temples (Fuki-ji) and smallest Samurai castles (Kitsuki).
Join us as we bike & soak our way across Kyushu!
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Taiwan is a cycling paradise. Between coast-hugging highways that offer breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, undulating country roads dissecting lush valleys, and extreme ascents/thrilling descents winding around majestic mountain ranges, Taiwan has something for riders at all levels. If you are looking for casual riding combined with a diverse and immersive experience on this fascinating island nation, then this is the right adventure for you. This tour has been specifically designed to strike the perfect balance between leisurely riding along scenic roads and intimately exploring the landscapes, cultures, and cuisines that span the south and east coasts of Taiwan.
The journey begins in the city of Kaohsiung, where we will zip down the so-called “tail of Taiwan” to reach the scenic coastline and white sand beaches of Kenting. We then traverse across the southern mountains and through Indigenous villages before rolling down to the east coast to be greeted by sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. The next couple of days will be filled with epic stretches along the coast, stopping in maritime towns and villages steeped in history, filling our bellies with local delicacies, exploring forested areas, and lounging in hot springs! Once we reach the town of Chenggong, we’ll trade the blue ocean vistas for visuals of emerald green as we enter the Rift Valley, a simply stunning area of meandering rivers, rice paddies, quiet country roads and quaint local villages. The Rift Valley will be our cycling playground for the final days of riding before we cap off the adventure with an off-saddle exploration of Taroko Gorge, the world’s deepest marble gorge and probably Taiwan’s most impressive geological formation. This is the perfect way to end our adventure on a truly high note (literally!) before we say our goodbyes the following morning and you head up to Taipei by train.
This tour is sure to leave you with lasting impressions of Taiwan, still an underappreciated and much less visited destination compared with other East Asian countries! Let us show you what makes this cycling paradise such a gem to explore.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kaohsiung, Hualien City, Taipei
Kaohsiung, Hualien City, Taipei, Kenting National Park, Zhiben, Taitung, Taroko National Park, Taroko Gorge
Home to the iconic Panda, China's Sichuan province offers sumptuous cuisine and treasured regional culture. But go deeper into this ancient land, and you'll find legends of sacred mountains and rivers, interwoven with the ancient lore of China's cultivation culture. Let these secrets come to light as you cycle through wild countryside and get a feel for the real Sichuan.
This action-packed tour of Chengdu starts off with the first highlight - the Dujiangyan Panda Valley. The famous Panda centre offers refuge and doting for these magnificent, rare animals with rearing and breeding programmes. These giant pandas are the symbol of China, and the research centre provides education and raises awareness of the plight of these great creatures and their environment.
Our tour then moves on to discover the history of two ancient towns. Then it’s on to Mengding Mountain, famous for its tea culture where we take a walk in the Mengdingshan Royal Tea Gardens: a delight with its atmospheric pavilions and walking paths. China’s tea growing history can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Reputed to be the birthplace of Chinese tea cultivation, tea trees planted at Mengding by a herdsman are believed to be the very beginning of China's tea history.
We next visit UNESCO Heritage listed Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China and traditionally regarded as a place of enlightenment. The unsurpassed views are one of the great spectacles of Mount Emei and is yet another high point of the tour in all senses of the word! The ride then follows the river to the town of many temples, Leshan. Our last day of the tour takes us on a walk through bamboo forests and to Huang Long Xi, a picturesque town where many Chinese movies have been filmed.
Bicycle toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Gobi. Even for as wild and remote a destination as Mongolia, the southern desert remains an isolated and mysterious place. In 7 riding days, ride 410 kilometers through this desert full of strange wonders: sand dunes that sing, cliffs aflame, and camels with two humps instead of one. Camp under impossibly starry skies, the clear desert weather and hundreds of miles of uninhabited wilderness are the perfect conditions to gaze upon the milky way and countless constellations. This is truly wild and unforgettable mountain biking adventure, in one of the most undiscovered and remote places on earth!
The journey begins at Dalanzagdad, the gateway to the Gobi, where we'll begin riding southwest into the wilderness. The first stop is in Yolin Am and Dungenee Canyon, perfect for exploring on rocky singletrack. Despite being located in a desert, this canyon was created by ice, and still contains a frozen glacier in the middle of Mongolian summer. Pushing further into the Gobi, pass through the Gurvan Saikhan mountain range, providing a change of terrain and scenery. This is pristine wilderness, and prime snow leopard habitat, but you'll need to be extremely lucky to catch sight of this elusive feline.
In the summer, this stretch of the Gobi blooms green, providing the perfect opportunity to meet local herders and their flocks as they roam the steppe. Then it's time to visit the true desert: the "singing" sand dunes of Khongor Els. From the dunes, ride to Bayan Zag, or the "Flaming Cliffs," another picturesque desert treasure. These prehistoric formations are full of fossils and singletrack, and make for an adventurous afternoon of technical riding and exploring. Before making your way back to civilization, spend the final evening in the Gobi relaxing in a traditional ger camp.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Dalanz
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Dalanzadgad, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Gegeet Valley, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag
Get ready to experience authentic and historic Japan on this 7-day cycling tour of the Kansai region. Visit Kyoto's must-sees before embarking on a breathtaking circuit encompassing natural vistas, traditional villages, onsens (hot springs), majestic temples, peaceful shrines, manicured tea plantations, delectable cuisine and so much more. These are some of the best roads for cycling in all of Japan - perfect for first time visitors and frequent travelers to the country alike!
The adventure begins in historic Kyoto, pedaling back in time as we explore the stunning legacies of the city’s history and some of Japan's most valuable cultural heritage. The following days we cycle on a lovely route taking us through an undulating landscape of forests and rice fields dissected by mountain streams and dotted with traditional villages, farms, Shinto shrines, and legendary temples. We skirt the shores of the beautiful Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and then ride on a series of scenic roads leading to Nara, a quaint city lovingly referred to as “mini Kyoto”. Along the way we’ll explore the Edo-era canals of Omihachiman and pass through the Wazuka region, a truly stunning rural area comprising tea fields expertly carved into the hillsides over many centuries. We will spend two nights in Nara, where we’ll discover its proud heritage sites and take part in a traditional tea ceremony! The last day we ride back to Kyoto with a visit to the photogenic Arashiyama bamboo grove along the way.
This is quintessential Japan done right!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
San-in is one of Japan's least populated and least urbanized regions, making it an alluring setting for an off-the-beaten track cycling adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun! On this tour, we'll traverse across San-in's diverse geography of rugged shorelines, dramatic volcanic landscapes, colorful forests, and expansive farmlands. We'll encounter quaint fishing villages, bustling maritime towns, timeless shrines and temples, grand Samurai castles, and breathtaking views. We soothe our muscles in hot springs, sleep in cosy accommodations, and indulge in an outstanding variety of local delicacies.
Meeting in Tottori City we begin with an easy warm up ride to Japan’s largest and most visually striking sand dunes. The following day we cycle inland via lakes, rivers, rice paddy fields and rolling hills to reach a renowned onsen (hot spring) town. We then descend back towards the coastline and ride along the slopes of Mount Daisen, an extinct volcano that towers over the region. Once we reach Sakaiminato City we'll ride to a stunning inland sea before catching a ferry to the Oki Islands. We’ll spend two days island riding and island hopping in a remote part of offshore Japan, exploring three of the volcanic archipelago’s four inhabited islands! Back on the mainland, we then ride to visit the intricate Miho Shrine before continuing along scenic headlands in pursuit of the historic city of Matsue. Matsue will be our base for two nights and here we'll explore the majestic “Black Castle” and embark on a rural loop to one of Japan’s prettiest zen gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art. The tour concludes with a picturesque ride skirting along a lake and two rivers before arriving at Izumo Taisha, another of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. We spend the final night in the city of Izuomo from where you can easily continue your travels onwards in Japan.
Join us in exploring the remarkable San-in region and see a different part of Japan, differently!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
There’s no cycling experience in South Korea more iconic than the journey from Seoul in the north to the southern seaside city of Busan. On this 9-day peninsular traverse, we plant our wheels on Korea's world-class cycling paths to follow meandering rivers, climb and descend through forested hillscapes, immerse ourselves in a tradition-rich yet rapidly modernising cultural heritage, and rub shoulders with locals over barbecues and endless refills of kimchi. With moderate daily distances and elevation gains, an entirely point-to-point route with no required vehicle transfers, cosy lodgings, and great food, this is the ideal tour for anyone looking to take a big bite out of South Korea by bike!
We kick off with a warm-up ride through the backstreets of Seoul before heading south along the Han River Bicycle Path. Transitioning from urban sprawl to rural bliss, we cycle through lush farmlands, visit an ancient Buddhist temple, soak in hot springs, and try our hand at the art of Korean paper-making. By day four, after some climbs through the Sobaek Mountains, we join the Nakdong River Bicycle Path, tracing Korea’s longest river past weirs, scenic bridges, and expansive rice paddies. In Sangju, we stay overnight at a hanok, a beautiful wooden house typical of pre-modern Korea, and in Waegwan, we visit a sombre Korean War Memorial. The last stage takes us through wild marshes filled with tall reeds before an epic finale over the “Busan Alps” leads us to the sprawling city of Busan, pressed up against the East Sea Coast. The tour ends with a celebratory dinner by the beach and a night in Busan.
Join us on an unforgettable Korean cross-country biking adventure! Check out our blog for an insider look into this tour.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
While Honshu holds Japan’s most famous landmarks and cities, the island also offers rugged beauty along its western coastline and the nearby mountains. Tucked into these peaceful landscapes are historic towns, hot springs, hushed temples, and artisans’ workshops that allow us to explore Japanese culture and history while escaping from modernity. This tour is a rich, refined cycling experience within a delicate balance of nature and artistry, revealing Honshu’s treasures in a striking blend of coastline and mountains!
We first meet for dinner in Kanazawa, an atmospheric medieval town that once rivalled Kyoto as the jewel of mainland Japan. On Day 2, we cycle along the Sea of Japan, a wonderful introductory ride that immerses us in local life on the coast. The next morning, we pass numerous rock formations and waterfalls and visit a maritime museum before turning inland to Echizen. Learn about the making of traditional knives on Day 4, then cycle on a converted historic rail line, gliding back to the coast through serene countryside. On Day 5, explore the five lakes of Mikata and Wakasa Bay in a natural park with glorious views. Day 6 offers a change of pace: we trade our bicycles for seats on the sleek high speed rail to Takakoa. On arrival, we do a little city cycling to impressive sacred sites and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Day 7’s ride brings us into the Japanese Alps, an idyllic region that also features nice riverside riding, with onsens available to unwind at the end of the day. Our final day of cycling provides the biggest challenge, with a long gradual climb for the first part of the ride, taking in the views of lakes and forests. We are rewarded with great descents to cap off our journey, arriving in Hida Takayama with its quaint, atmospheric architecture for a final night celebration! On Day 9, we say goodbye and depart for onward travels.
Join us on this 9-day journey and discover a beautiful, hidden side of Honshu!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers