SpiceRoads Cycling

The dramatic terrain of Sikkim guarantees stunning vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and challenging biking on roads lined with a wide variety of rhododendrons. This landlocked northern Indian state is bordered by Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, and the influence is seen in the people, the majority of whom are ethnically Nepali, and the two predominant religions of Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.

We start our tour at the state capital of Gangtok, which is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning. On our first day of riding we'll take an easy cycle to get used to the higher altitude of 1,437 metres (4,715 ft) and use our bicycles to visit the 200-year-old baroque Enchey monastery. The next day we'll continue our exploration of Tibetan Buddhism when we ride to Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim. Now our daily ascents and descents begin in earnest!

We'll be riding down into valleys and then up over passes (none higher than 2,100 m) where we'll have the the Kanchenjunga mountain range as our backdrop. There are five peaks in the range, and include Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft). We take breaks to visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, make a wish at Sikkim's holiest lake, sample tea from local plantations, and ride a toy train in the colonial hill station of Darjeeling. The lush green landscape punctuated with colourful rhododendrons and orchids is breathtakingly beautiful, the ancient monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist culture is enriching and the tea is superior, welcome to Sikkim.

The storied and beautifully weathered city of Sofia, one of the oldest cities in Europe, welcomes us to Bulgaria. Riding starts in the northern foothills of the Balkans, alongside the Beli Vit River, before climbing up to the Bogoi Pass en route to the village of Chiflik – where a tasty local plum brandy, or two, awaits.

Once over the highest Balkan Mountain pass, the Beklemeto, cruise downhill through the gorgeous forests of the Sredna Gora Mountain and into southern Bulgaria. The sparklingly preserved town of Koprivshtitsa invigorates road-weary legs and sends us on the way across rolling roads to the thermal spa town of Hisarya. For our rest day, we transfer to Plovdiv, "The City of the Seven Hills", where a walk will take us back to antiquity as we discover its Roman amphitheater. A wander along the town's cobblestone streets will lead us to St. Marina Church and an Ottoman Empire mosque.

The journey finishes in a flourishing ride through two spectacular gorges en route to Velingrad, the spa capital of Bulgaria. It's Bulgaria at its unspoiled best, a cache of natural beauty and ancient history, comfortable accommodations, and fresh cuisine in idyllic surroundings!

This tour follows a mixture of good sealed roads. No off-road riding experience is required. A support vehicle is almost always available to help you, and you will always have your guides with you at all times.

After an early morning start just outside Chiang Mai. We drive to visit a beautiful waterfall and begin our ride slowly as you get used to your bike on quiet country roads that take us through paddy fields, fruit orchards with backdrops of stunning mountains and on into the Sri Lanna National Park. We are privileged to be allowed to ride across the dam, with a veiw comprised of valleys and mountains, endless number of streams. This national park is fringed with forests and the mirrored surface of the water reflects the peacefulness of the park. We take off our bike helmets and put on our life vests and launch our kayaks for the next phase of our adventure. We will paddle along the jungle edge of the lake, looking for monkeys, and perhaps sighting a colorful kingfisher bird. We stop and have lunch at a floating restaurant and have free time to explore the area. In the late afternoon we'll start paddling back to our put out point as we end our active yet relaxing day.

But there’s more to Bali than water sports and fun-in-the-sun and people are quickly discovering that this wonderful destination has a little something for everyone, including mountain biking enthusiasts!

With fast flowing rivers, deep canyons, crater lakes, and volcanoes dominating its interior landscape, Bali is an outdoor lover’s dream come true. The island’s multitude of tracks and trails link different villages to each other and provide endless opportunities for mountain bikers in search of a unique adventure featuring breath-taking scenery combined with fascinating glimpses of local culture.

If you’re a rider who loves mountain biking and are up for a new challenge, then this tour will more than exceed your expectations. Starting from the beach resort of Sanur, we explore the famous Batur Crater and visit the island's two highest volcanoes and various canyons. Take in breath-taking coastal views along the way as you ride on a variety of surfaces – dirt, volcanic lava, gravel, sand and tarmac – and witness a huge diversity of environments, from volcanic craters to beautifully crafted rice paddies and ending at gorgeous beaches.

Bicycling in Bhutan rewards you with stunning views and pristine nature on good paved roads with little traffic. We start cycling from Thimpu after visiting Paro and head east to Punakha, stopping to visit dzongs (fortresses), monasteries, and temples, while absorbing the Buddhist culture.

This introductory tour to the Land of the Thunder Dragon starts with a tour of Paro and a ride around the capital Thimpu. The most challenging leg is a climb to the top of Dochula Pass, down from which you’ll wonder at the scenery changes as you enter Punakha Valley. After a day exploring the lush flora and fauna around Tashithang, Punakha Dzong will amaze you with its construction.

Ending with a special visit to the fabled Tiger's Nest Monastery, you will go home enlightened by the fascinating landscapes, peoples, and cultures of Bhutan. The headiness won’t be from exertion at high altitude, it will be from the once in a lifetime experience!

This bike tour is a true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, sweeping descents, magnificent views, clean air, abundant culture and history in one of the most secluded countries in the world. We ride 190 km in 3 full and 1 half days of riding. The riding varies between some easier shorter days and one challenging hill climb to the top of a pass. The tour is primarily on paved roads with very little traffic.

This area is a dream to ride through. Starting with quick visit to Damnoen Saduak floating market, the biggest most colourful in Thailand, we take a longtail boat ride through a maze of canals cutting through local villages and various plantations. This eye-opening boat ride offers a glimpse of Thailand of old where local people are going about their daily life with the canal as the focal point.

Towering chedis amidst crumbling ruins create the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Situated just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya once claimed Thailand's capital, but that governance ended abruptly in 1767 when the city was sacked by Burmese invaders. Despite destruction, the ruins emanate the city's prior dominance, beauty, and rich history.

Many overlook this remote corner of Kyushu, but those who make the effort will discover some of the most undisturbed pawā spotto (spiritual places) in all of Japan.

We meet in Fukuoka and quickly head out with a ride along the Chikugo River to an Edo-era town. After climbing up our only significant hill, we descend to the town of Usa and visit a Shinto shrine dating back to 708. Then ride around the conical 731-m high Mt. Futago volcano that has 28 ravines extending from the centre. Cycling around the perimeter allows us to avoid climbing and we can explore the beaches, ports and some hidden temples in the forest. This area is also very rural and known for producing scallions, leeks, tomatoes and prized kabosu limes.

Before we leave the peninsula we'll visit the town Kitsuki, often referred to as "little Kyoto" of Kyushu Island. This picturesque town is often used today as backdrops for Japanese movies based in the Edo Period. We'll go to the historic Samurai district and to Kitsuki Castle, the smallest in Japan. We end our tour in one of Japan's top spa destinations, Beppu. Besides luxuriating in an onsen you can also see Beppu's unique hot springs where the water bubbles forth in different manifestations - ruby red water, steamy blue, muddy brown and even a geyser that shoots off about every 35 minutes.

More than 75% mountainous terrain, Japan's southern island of Kyushu offers a remote and rugged experience hard to find within such a highly developed country. This tour covers 262 kilometers of quiet roads with amazing views, through the northeastern corner of Kyushu. Though the terrain is predominantly undulating, there are climbs, big and small, sprinkled throughout each day's ride and you can expect an average daily elevation gain of 850 metres.

What you will see? Meet us at SpiceRoads office and we'll take you on a magical tour of Chiang Mai. This old city never sleeps as we ride through small back roads and alley ways to see the lives of its people. Some fun started just after the sunsets, from a tranquil park where locals practice Tai Chi for their excercise, ancient temples where thier golden spires illuminate at night, to a night market with various type of delicious local food, you will discover the charm of this ancient city like no other.

What do we see? Our day of excitement starts on our bikes after a drive north of Chiang Mai to the lush and green mountains and valleys of Mae Taeng. We ride up on mixed trails through the hills overlooking the river that we will shortly be zipping over. We break for a lunch of local Thai dishes before it's time to soar over the treetops!