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
A great trip in stunning landscape. A good mix of easy riding with time to enjoy the views and more challenging ups and downs. It is quite something to see herds of horses running beside you while you ride, to watch eagles soaring above you as you camp by a pristine stream. If you are happy on a bike and in a tent I can think of no better way to see Mongolia than this.
Mountain bikingBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Sleeper Train, Tent
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khangai Mountains
Ulaanbaatar, Khangai Mountains, Karakorum, Erdenet, Tal Tolgoi, Khairkhan, Tamir River, Tsetserleg
Japan- an incredibly fascinating country with a culture like no other. The 2 week bike trip was a wonderful way to start to get to know Japan. Of course cycling is the best way to travel anywhere but having guides that explain their beloved country, teach you some of its culture, try to teach you the social skills that the Japanese excel at, getting you to test all the interesting food, giving history lessons and nature lessons, explaining the Shinto or Buddhist religion all the while giving you a great cycling experience makes the entire experience beyond memorable. The choice of the route gave us a good variety places to see. Staying in the Japanese inns ( ryokans) was amazing and definitely a must on any Japan trip. The food is an experience all on its own and if you are a fish lover than you will be in paradise. I really felt that the trip was complete and didn't just focus on one element of Japan so I never felt that I had too much of any one thing which was great. The description of the tour corresponded to what the trip really was and that is always appreciated. In the end, I didn't have too many preconceived notions of what I would be seeing and I can tell you that I was constantly amazed and ended up having enormous respect for the Japanese and their way of life. I thought my own country of Switzerland was well run but Japan wins on that respect. Kudos to the people of Japan and their being so courteous towards us tourists. Weeks later I am still feeling the effects of this trip and it is wonderful. Oh and thanks to Mother Nature for blessing us with the cherry blossoms.
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
I can not recommend this adventure enough: Mongolia is a special country and Exodus provided the ideal adventure to highlight all aspects of Mongolia and Mongolian life. We aren’t really mountain bikers but the biking was superb - not particularly easy - but truly enjoyable in terms of terrain, scenery and fun riding. We aren’t really campers - but have to admit it was kinda enjoyable in the end 😎. Food on the trip was exceptional - we were v well fed: breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon snack, substantial dinner. Ghana and her assistant certainly kept us well fed. We even had a shower and a proper sit down toilet on camp 😎. The whole Mongolian support team were superb and NK - our guide - was a special guy. Knowledgable, funny, kind and considerate - he really made our adventure special.
Mountain bikingBicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Sleeper Train, Tent
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khangai Mountains
Ulaanbaatar, Khangai Mountains, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Erdenet, Tal Tolgoi, Khairkhan, Khunjiin River, Tamir River, Tsetserleg
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
There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryokan, sample excellent local seafood and soak in coastal scenery. Finally, hop on a bullet train to explore the neon-clad, beating heart of Japan, Tokyo.
Sado Island - Discover breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastal beauty, rich culture and historical significance
Kyoto and Tokyo - Get lost amongst the bustle and vibrancy of Japan's two biggest cities, teeming with cultural hot spots and ancient sites
Delicious local food - Refuel with tasty Japanese cuisine from street food in the city, to authentic local meals in the countryside
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
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Sado Island, Kanaz
Kyoto, Tokyo, Sado Island, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Toyama
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
Embark on a cultural (and physical) workout with this 12-day active adventure across Japan. You’ll soak up some ancient history, see religious sites and explore the best of Japan’s nature on foot, boat and bike. Beginning in Tokyo, hike through post towns dotted along the Nakasendo Way, cycle and kayak on the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido and stop by historic Kyoto for an optional soak in a traditional bathhouse. Then, tackle the mother of all pilgrimages on a section of the historic Kumano Kodo. With the opportunity to explore diverse neighbourhoods, eat as much ramen as you can stomach and experience local hospitality along the way, this active adventure makes for a great taste of diverse Japan.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tokyo, Osaka, Kumano Kodo, Ise S
Tokyo, Osaka, Kumano Kodo, Ise Shima, Narai, Magome, Kyoto, Koguchi, Kii Katsuura
From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle. Our cycling adventure gives you a slowed down, up close look of this fascinating country and allows ample opportunity to meet locals and glimpse the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the temples, shrines and geisha of Kyoto to the frenetic but exhilarating chaos of Tokyo, and the beautiful mountain serenity of the Gifu Prefecture countryside in between, this cycling adventure has it all.
Bicycle toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
14-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, N
Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, Kanazawa, Noto Peninsula, Wajima, Suzu, Wakura Onsen
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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