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.

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.

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 cycle to discover its proud heritage sites and take part in a sushi making class! The last day we ride along the Uji River back to Kyoto, where the tour ends.

This is quintessential Japan done right!

This trip is 256 kilomtres entirely on tarmac in good condition and on a mixture of secondary roads and paved bicycle paths. Some of the days cycling in Kyoto and Nara are on primarily flat terrain, however the countryside surrounding Kyoto can be hilly with some steep sections. The support van will always be nearby if you need a rest or a lift to the top! Your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.

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.

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.

We cycle off the main roads as much as possible, so we can explore long stretches of beaches, the beautiful island of Koh Talu, and scenic areas around Koh Kho Khao and Khao Lak. We have a true Thai experience when we venture off the beaten track, staying overnight at a traditional fishing community with a family.

We meet in Bangkok and transfer to quiet roads to begin our tour with a glimpse at a traditional way of life along canals. From the floating market, we take our first boat trip and see wooden houses from water level. From here, we head south to explore the beautiful coastal provinces on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, visiting friendly fishing villages on our leisurely cycle. We ride through the stunning mountain scenery of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, take a speed boat to the tranquil island of Koh Talu where snorkeling in the crystal clear water is possible right from the beach, spend the evening with a fisherman to catch squid, and boat through a mangrove.

We end our cycling on the coast of the Andaman Sea in Khao Lak, where the beaches are seemingly endless. Cycling Thailand’s coastline, we discover more about the history, culture, scenery, and of course the beaches of this beautiful country.

The cycling is on a mixture of tarmac and dirt roads, mostly on flat terrain.

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!

This trip starts off where the wild things are. We cycle to and spend two nights in the midst of Malaysia's largest wildlife reserve, where you are sure to sight monkeys and a teeming birdlife. Next it's on to a boat to cruise through the mangroves of the Kinabatagan River and hopefully sight proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo. To see proboscis and orang utans up close we'll go to two different sanctuaries before we switch tracks and cycle off road following part of the Sandakan Death March route. Then, from our position up high with spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu we descend to the stunning coastline and are rewarded for all our efforts with a night at a luxurious resort.