SpiceRoads Cycling

Nine days, 569km and 8,719 metres of climbing. Three countries, four rivers, and three border crossings made on the bike. The route runs from Tirana across Albania, North Macedonia and northern Greece to the Llogara Pass on the Albanian Riviera, a kilometre above the Ionian Sea, with three days over 1,500 metres of ascent.

Riders start east of Tirana on a ridgeline that follows the North Macedonian border, then pick up the Black Drin and follow it upstream to Ohrid, on a lake that has held water for two to three million years. The week's first real climb crosses Galičica between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa and drops back into Albania, with a short transfer carrying riders into Greece. Transfers do that work all week, moving between valleys and countries so the riding stays on the best roads.

From Kastoria the road climbs alongside the Haliacmon to Nea Kotili at 1,520m, then descends 64km into Konitsa. The route follows the Aoos down to the Albanian border, where it becomes the Vjosa, the last big undammed river in Europe, ending the day at the hot springs in Benje. The Drinos valley runs south to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO town of grey stone houses, then over the Muzina pass to the coast at Sarandë. The last ride climbs the Riviera before a longer transfer carries riders inland to finish in Berat.

Highlights:

• Ride the shores of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, UNESCO-listed and millions of years old
• Cross three countries in a day via the Galičica mountain climb
• Descend 64km from Nea Kotili (1,520m) into Konitsa, the tour's longest descent
• Follow the Vjosa, Europe's first wild river national park, to the hot springs at Benje
• Explore the UNESCO stone town of Gjirokastër and cross the Muzina Pass
• Finish with the optional Llogara Pass, hairpins to 1,036m above the Ionian Sea

Surface and terrain:
About 98% sealed roads, mixing quiet mountain roads, secondary roads and lakeside routes; roughly 5km of unsealed surface on the opening ride. Terrain is mountainous, with three of seven days carrying over 1,500m of ascent, including two back-to-back mid-week. Average climbing is 1,246m/day; the final day is the hardest at up to 2,497m.

Weather:
Ridden in April, May, August, September and October across all three countries. Spring and autumn bring daytime highs of roughly 18–26°C; August runs hot, often above 32°C inland. Mountain passes can be 10°C colder than the valleys below.

Suitable for:
Rated "Fondo" difficulty. Suited to experienced road cyclists comfortable climbing for an hour or more and handling long mountain descents on consecutive days; not suitable for riders without recent climbing experience. Group size 4–16, minimum age 18.

The pristine northeast of Vietnam, crisscrossed with beautiful trails, can be called a land of dragons and waterfalls. The razor-like spines of its limestone mountains are known as the Dragon's Back, while the region is blessed with abundant springs and streams that plunge off lofty cliff faces, bringing life to fields and orchards cultivated by farming communities deep in jungle-cloaked valleys. A sense of wonder pervades this terrain as riders cycle its labyrinth of trails, with new discoveries around every bend.

North Vietnam by Gravel Bike is a series of connected rides, with transfers only at the beginning and end of the tour. The journey gathers in Hanoi, transfers to Bac Kan, gateway to the northern mountains, and cycles to Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's largest body of freshwater. Subsequent rides bring riders to remote indigenous villages and up near the Phia Oac summit, staying at an organic farm, then on to Thong Nong and Pac Bo, where Ho Chi Minh and his guerrillas were based in the 1940s.

Roads and trails on a plateau near the Chinese border lead to the Quay Son River and the famed Ban Gioc Waterfall, before descending to Cao Bang via riverside roads, gravel trails and the stunning Kneeling Horse Pass. The final ride follows the Hien River out of Cao Bang, with one more climb for a surreal mountain panorama, before transferring back to Hanoi for a final celebration.

Highlights:

• Cycle the shores of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's largest body of freshwater
• Climb near the Phia Oac summit for views of the limestone "Dragon's Back"
• Visit Pac Bo, birthplace of Ho Chi Minh's 1940s guerrilla campaign
• Witness the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Chinese border
• Descend the legendary Kneeling Horse Pass through a pure gravel section
• Stay in an organic farm, remote homestays and riverside guesthouses throughout

Surface and terrain:
Highly varied and challenging: broken asphalt or concrete, gravel, chunky rough sections, and occasional smooth pavement, changing frequently due to weather and road works. Terrain is mountainous throughout, with daily elevation gains mostly exceeding 1,500m (peaking over 2,000m on Days 3 and 7). Average climbing is 1,744m/day. Support vehicle cannot access some narrow sections.

Weather:
Northern Vietnam: hot, wet and humid May–October; cooler and dry November–April. The far north can get cold in December–January. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, with considerable microclimate variation and possible haze from seasonal field burning.

Suitable for:
Rated "Extreme" difficulty (gravel tier). For cyclists in very good physical condition, comfortable with 60–100km days, elevation gains over 1,500m, steep climbs and technical descents requiring advanced braking and steering skills. Group size 2–14, minimum age 18.

The Bolivian Andes are a high-altitude adventure paradise unlike anywhere else in South America. Yes, there are majestic snow-capped peaks and cheeky llamas. But there's also Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water, and the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt desert on the planet. And wherever the route goes, gritty trails await thrill-seeking mountain bikers.

On this 11-day tour, La Paz serves as the base for venturing into the surrounding mountains and the vast plains of the Altiplano, structured around three highlights: the Sacred Lake, with waterfront trails and a boat trip to Incan cosmology's sacred islands; the Salar de Uyuni, ridden across its infinite white crust before unwinding at a remote lodge beneath a dormant volcano; and the Great Andean Descents, including the legendary Yungas Road, which drops 4,000 metres from the Andes to the edge of the Amazon.

The tour is built around transfer-up, ride-down logistics, so nearly every riding day is a thrilling descent, complemented by island-hopping on Lake Titicaca, a 4x4 exploration of the salt flats, and a free day back in La Paz to rest between the big rides.

Highlights:

• Ride lakeshore trails on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water
• Boat to the sacred Isla de la Luna and Isla del Sol, birthplace of Inca civilisation
• Descend the gritty Loma Loma Trail from Andean steppe into subtropical Sorata valley
• Cycle across the infinite white crust of the Uyuni Salt Flats to a cactus-covered island
• Ride the legendary Yungas Road ("Death Road"), dropping nearly 3,500m to the Amazon's edge
• Finish with a singletrack descent through the sandstone obelisks of Palca Canyon

Surface and terrain:
Mostly vehicle-width dirt and gravel tracks with singletrack sections; occasional paved surfaces range from good tarmac to broken and cratered. Rocky, technical descents feature throughout, and the tour is built around large elevation drops via transfer-up, ride-down logistics. Average climbing is a modest 315m/day, but descents are far larger and more demanding.

Weather:
The Altiplano has a dry season (May–October, cool and clear) and wet season (November–April); dry season is best for cycling. Temperatures at altitude can drop well below freezing at night, even on the salt flats, while the Yungas valleys are subtropical and humid year-round.

Suitable for:
Rated "Advanced" difficulty. For experienced mountain bikers only, comfortable on rough, technical off-road descents at high altitude (rides begin near 5,000m). Confident bike handling is essential; the support vehicle cannot always follow closely. Group size 4–12, minimum age 18.

This Thailand bicycle tour offers a unique insight into the life and traditions of Thais along the beautiful southern coast. The route stays off main roads as much as possible, exploring long stretches of beach, the island of Koh Talu, and the scenic areas around Koh Kho Khao and Khao Lak, with a true Thai experience venturing off the beaten track to stay overnight with a traditional fishing community.

The tour meets in Bangkok and transfers to quiet roads for a first glimpse of traditional canal life, including a boat trip past wooden houses at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. From there, the route heads south through the coastal provinces of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, visiting friendly fishing villages on leisurely rides.

Riders cycle through the mountain scenery of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, take a speedboat to the tranquil island of Koh Talu for beachside snorkelling, spend an evening with a fisherman catching squid, and boat through mangrove forest. An overnight stay with a Muslim-Buddhist fishing community near Ranong adds cultural depth, including a hands-on Thai snack-making session with the host family.

The tour ends on the Andaman coast at Khao Lak, where the beaches run seemingly endless. Cycling Thailand's coastline, riders discover the history, culture, scenery and beaches of this beautiful country, supported throughout by an air-conditioned support vehicle and experienced local guides.

Highlights:

• Boat through canals at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and visit quirky riverside temples
• Ride the mountain scenery, caves and cliffs of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
• Snorkel and kayak on the private island of Koh Talu
• Overnight with a traditional Muslim-Buddhist fishing community, learning local customs and snack-making
• Visit a Takua Pa tsunami memorial and the historic Chino-Portuguese old town
• Finish along the endless beaches of Khao Lak on the Andaman coast

Surface and terrain:
Mostly tarmac with some hard-packed dirt and gravel sections, no off-road experience required. Terrain is mostly flat, with a few small hills and one day of gentler undulating coastal riding (Day 7). Average climbing is 241m/day.

Weather:
Tropical, humid climate year-round. Hot and dry March–June (27–40°C days, 20s°C nights), rainy July–October (short heavy bursts), cooler dry season October–February (20–30°C), the most pleasant time to visit.

Suitable for:
Rated "Moderate" difficulty by the operator. Suited to riders with even a moderate level of fitness; no distances are overly long, and hills are minor. Group size 2–16, minimum age 18.

Kanchanaburi is a favourite city-escape for Thais and international visitors alike. Located just a few hours west of Bangkok, this huge province is home to quaint slices of rustic countryside, wild pockets of dense jungle, and remnants of a storied past, its history ranging from ancient kingdoms to the sombre legacies of the Second World War, most famously the Bridge over the River Kwai. This four-day tour combines pleasant backcountry cycling, visits to the region's must-see sites and hidden treasures, and nights spent at unique accommodations on the banks of the Khwae Noi River.

Starting with hotel pick-ups in Bangkok, riders drive to Kanchanaburi's provincial capital to pay respects at the War Cemetery and see the iconic steel bridge, before cycling to the ruins of a centuries-old Hindu temple complex and spending the night at a rustic floating raft house. Day 2 pedals through rural and wild Kanchanaburi, passing farmland and forested hillscapes, to reach a secluded resort on the edge of Sai Yok National Park.

Day 3 heads into a remote region inhabited by Mon communities and visits Hellfire Pass, a powerful outdoor museum displaying WW2-era railway cuttings, with the night spent at a bespoke tented camp. The tour finishes with a boat ride down the Khwae Noi River and a visit to the famous seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, before drop-offs back in Bangkok.

Highlights:

• Visit the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
• Cycle to the 13th-century Khmer temple ruins of Prasat Muang Singh
• Ride through Sai Yok National Park's jungle and limestone cliffs
• Cross a suspension bridge over the Khwae Noi River in a Mon community area
• Explore Hellfire Pass, a WW2-era railway cutting and outdoor museum
• Boat ride down the Khwae Noi River and a visit to the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall

Surface and terrain:
Roughly 75% paved, 25% unpaved farm trails and gravel. Terrain sits on the edge of the Tenasserim Hills, with consistent but short, gentle climbs (rarely over 5% gradient, longest around 5km). No technical riding, though good handling helps on rougher surfaces.

Weather:
Tropical, humid climate. Hot and dry March–June (27–40°C days), rainy July–October (brief heavy bursts), cooler dry season October–February (20–30°C). Departures are scheduled to avoid the wettest months; late March–April agricultural burning can affect air quality, though this is generally avoided too.

Suitable for:
Rated "Leisure" difficulty. Suited to beginner and recreational riders. Two shorter days (20–25km) and one longer day (45km), with gentle gradients throughout. Group size 2–16, minimum age 12.

Sarawak, a Malaysian state in northeastern Borneo, provides a vivid snapshot of the island's rich cultural and natural heritage. Taking the state capital of Kuching as a launchpad, this 8-day cycling adventure traverses the surrounding hinterlands, wetlands, jungles and beaches for a taste of what Asia's largest island has to offer.

Meeting in Kuching, the tour begins with a warm-up ride through the city's mosaic of riverside quarters, from British-colonial buildings to Chinese temples and Malay markets. Riders then head into the countryside, cycling quiet back roads past plantations, rainforests, rice fields, villages and waterways. Off-saddle highlights include a night in a traditional Bidayuh longhouse village, kayaking on the Sarawak River and encountering orangutans at the world-renowned Semenggoh Nature Reserve.

The tour also discovers old-world charm in the small town of Siniawan and spends two nights at a resort on the picturesque Santubong Peninsula, where jungle meets ocean in dramatic fashion, before ending back in Kuching.

Highlights:

• Explore Kuching's Heritage Zone by bike, crossing the Sarawak River by traditional sampan boat
• Overnight in a traditional Bidayuh longhouse village at Annah Rais
• Kayak the Sarawak River and ride to the old-world charm of Siniawan
• See orangutans at the world-renowned Semenggoh Nature Reserve
• Explore Fairy Cave's limestone formations and stay at a Buddhist temple complex
• Free day on the Santubong Peninsula, with beaches, a mountain hike or a wetland wildlife cruise

Surface and terrain:
Entirely paved roads, mostly in good condition, with occasional potholes or loose gravel. Terrain is gently undulating throughout, no technical riding required. Average climbing is 276m/day (range 199–561m). Not suited to riders seeking off-road experiences.

Weather:
Equatorial climate, hot and humid year-round with average daily temperatures around 30°C. Rain is fairly common but tours are scheduled to avoid the monsoon season.

Suitable for:
Rated "Moderate" difficulty. Suited to riders with a reasonable level of fitness; distances are short (12–63km) but heat and humidity add to the effort. No technical riding required. Group size 2–16, minimum age 18.

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.

The off-road portions of this trip are complimented by flat, hard-packed terrain. While the trails are generally smooth, some passes have loose gravel and sandy patches that could prove hazardous to riders. Additionally, some of the descents can be rocky.

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 travellers to experience a variety of landscapes and wildlife habitats. 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 unique experiences. As riders pedal, hike and horse ride through this steppe nation, they are rewarded for their determination with a once-in-a-lifetime experience sure to leave a lasting memory.

From stargazing nights in tented camps by crystal-clear waters, riders learn Mongolian traditions 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.

The tour covers a total of 218 kilometres across six adventure-packed days: 120km cycling over two days, 37km trekking over two days, and 61km horse riding over two days. Highlights include a steep climb over a 1,930m pass by bike, a seven-hour trek to the summit of 2,656m Mount Altan Olgii, and two days riding sturdy Mongolian horses to the confluence of the Tuul and Terelj Rivers and into Terelj National Park, famous for its granite rock formations.

The tour begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar, with a city tour, Mongolian folk concert and traditional dinners bookending the wilderness adventure.

Highlights:

• Cycle over a steep 1,930m mountain pass and descend across open steppe grassland
• Ride past herders' encampments and flocks on remote steppe trails
• Trek the Sutsadav Ridge and summit 2,656m Mount Altan Olgii
• Horse ride to the confluence of the Tuul and Terelj Rivers
• Explore Terelj National Park's granite formations, including "Turtle Rock," on horseback
• Overnight in tented camps and a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt)

Surface and terrain:
Off-road throughout the cycling days: compressed earthy terrain and dirt trails, generally smooth but with loose gravel, sandy patches and rocky sections on descents and stream crossings. No paved cycling. Two mountain passes exceed 1,880m.

Weather:
Extreme and changeable. Summer (June–August) sees daytime temperatures of 20–30°C (15°C evenings) and is also the rainy season. Autumn (from September) is cooler, 15–25°C days. Snow is possible at any time of year; appropriate cold-weather clothing is essential.

Suitable for:
Rated "Sport" difficulty. Recommended for confident, physically fit riders comfortable on rough off-road terrain; also requires moderate fitness for one tough mountain trek. Group size 2–16, minimum age 18.

The Land of a Million Elephants, as Laos was once known, is a haven in a fast-paced world, a country whose citizens have retained a charm and grace that is as rare as it is valuable. The mountains and rivers are pristine in this land-locked country bounded by China, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

As part of Indochina, Laos was colonized by the French and the cities of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse have inherited the classical, elegant, if a bit faded, character only French architects can inspire. Laos has fascinating sights to offer: the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around Vang Vieng and Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) where the mighty Mekong spreads in the Southern Laos. However, it is the warmth and sincere friendliness of its people that will live forever in the hearts of anyone fortunate enough to visit.

Our Southern Laos tour is a sojourn along the Mekong River to the former colonial outpost of Champasak, the serene beauty of Si Phan Don and the rich fertile lands of the coffee growing Bolevan Plateau. From the natural attractions of amazing waterfalls to the jungle wildlife to the cultural Khmer temples of Wat Phu, this tour explores the quiet back roads of South Laos.

In Greenland's interior, there are no trees to absorb sound and no settlements to break the landscape. The land opens wide in every direction, and with it comes a quiet that feels deeper than anywhere else in the Arctic. Travelling by bike allows riders to cross this terrain slowly and at human scale, covering real distance while staying fully present. In a region often seen from offshore, this is Greenland experienced on land, from ice to sea, shaped by silence, space and raw simplicity.

This expedition-style mountain bike journey follows Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq to the coastal town of Sisimiut. Riding point to point across open tundra, lake country and fjord landscapes, the route crosses the vast interior before gradually opening toward the sea and Disko Bay. A mobile camp supports the journey, with guides handling logistics and camp setup each day. Riders cycle for five consecutive days, finishing in Sisimiut after completing the interior-to-coast crossing, with most nights spent in tented camps beside lakes and valleys, offering simple, functional comforts suited to the environment.

After the ride, the trip continues at Hotel SØMA, where warm rooms and Nordic sauna and spa facilities offer recovery after days on the trail. The final full day includes a boat journey along the coast, stopping at historic Inuit campsites and hunting grounds within the UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit–Nipisat area, closing out this Arctic crossing from Greenland's interior to the sea.

Highlights:

• Ride point to point across Greenland's remote interior tundra on the Arctic Circle Trail
• Cross open lake country and fjord landscapes shaped by the Greenland Ice Sheet
• Camp beside lakes and valleys in the Arctic wilderness, supported by a mobile crew
• Pass the great inland lake of Tasersuaq, a historic Inuit travel and hunting route
• Finish the crossing at Disko Bay and recover at Hotel SØMA's Nordic sauna and spa
• Explore Inuit hunting grounds and abandoned settlements by boat in the UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit–Nipisat area

Surface and terrain:
Established trails and tracks across the Arctic Circle Trail, varying between hard-packed ground, rocky sections and softer tundra. Non-technical but often uneven, requiring steady control rather than speed. Entirely off-road and unpaved. Average climbing is 547m/day, with gentle, non-technical gradients throughout.

Weather:
Arctic summer window is short (July–August only), with temperatures typically 5–15°C. Midnight Sun provides 24-hour daylight, but weather is unpredictable, with sudden sea fogs and strong "piteraq" winds possible. Expedition-grade waterproofs and thermal layers are essential.

Suitable for:
Rated "Sport" difficulty. Suited to riders with solid fitness and prior off-road experience, comfortable with multiple consecutive days in a remote environment and basic camping conditions (no showers, dry toilets). Values endurance and adaptability over technical difficulty or luxury. Group size 4–14, minimum age 18.