SpiceRoads Cycling

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.

Sitting in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s southeast shore, Madagascar is the fourth-largest island on Earth. Tropical rainforests ring the coasts while incredibly vast highlands, plateaus and mountains rise in the interior. Across this terrain lives a totally unique cast of wildlife not found anywhere else, including the world-famous fluffy, wide-eyed lemurs. Equipped with mountain bikes and sturdy hiking shoes, this 15-day adventure traverses Madagascar in search of its most iconic pockets of wilderness.

After meeting in the high-octane capital city of Tana, we transfer south into the Central Highlands and ride through an agrarian world of rice-terraced hillsides. We then descend into the dense jungles of Ranomafana National Park and trek through the natural habitat of golden bamboo lemurs and chameleons. Back in the highlands, we cycle past the tea fields of Sahambavy, meet the ring-tailed lemurs at Anja, and come face-to-face with the towering granite domes of the Andringitra Massif. After transitioning to the Horombe Plateau, we dodge herds of zebu cattle crossing the road to reach the Jurassic sandstone towers of Isalo National Park. A hike here brings us into deep gorges and lush oases where, if we’re lucky, we can spot ‘dancing lemurs’. Finally, we reach the coast for two nights of relaxation on the beaches of Ifaty, where our tour ends.

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.

The roads are smooth tarmac in excellent condition. The distances aren't long, but some smaller roads in the mountain areas outside the city may be a bit rough and steep in places.

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 also blessed with abundant springs and streams that plunge off the lofty cliff faces dramatically, bringing life to the fields and orchards cultivated by countless farming communities living deep in the jungle-cloaked valleys. A sense of wonder pervades this terrain as we 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. We first gather in Hanoi for a welcome dinner and overview of the journey ahead. The following day, we will transfer up to Bac Kan, gateway to the northern mountains, and cycle our way to Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest body of fresh water. The next day’s ride brings us to remote indigenous villages, then up near the Phia Oac summit, one of the region’s highest, where we will stay at an organic farm. Our following rides take us first to Thong Nong, we we will spend the night tucked in a secluded valley, then on to Pac Bo, where Ho Chi Minh and his guerillas were based in the 1940s. Roads and trails on a plateau near the Chinese border bring us to the Quay Son River and the famed Ban Gioc Waterfall, a natural marvel whose waters sparkle in the fresh mountain air. We then descend to the town of Cao Bang via a succession of riverside roads and gravel trails through jungle groves, and down the stunning Kneeling Horse Pass. Our final ride takes us out of town on a quiet road along the Hien River, with one more climb to take in the surreal mountain panorama. After a gentle descent to the end of our cycling journey, we’ll transfer into Hanoi. Our final night will be a celebration of our journey together, full of memories of the rides and friends made along the way.

Biking roads with moderate traffic. The riding surfaces are also diverse, including broken asphalt or concrete; champagne gravel; occasional chunky sections; and some smoothly-paved sections here and there. With ongoing road works and periodic damage, road surfaces can also change with little notice before the ride. You may encounter some traffic in villages and towns (the busiest being the town of Cao Bang). The roads are relatively seldom-traveled, but it’s always important to be aware of obstacles on the road (such as branches, stones, and livestock), as well as the unexpected approach of vehicles.

With 54 ethnic groups, a staggering ecological variety, and a multiplicity of climates and terrain, it's easy to see why Vietnam has long proven irresistible to explorers! The country's S-shaped stretch of coastline and its spine of jagged inland mountains create a cultural and natural diversity with few parallels in the world. Cycling fits perfectly into the local way of life, where the roads are communal spaces shared by all, whether it’s an entire family loaded onto a single motorbike, a wedding tent packed with well-wishers, or a farmer leading a gigantic water buffalo to the rice fields.

Leaving the nation’s capital, we ride among the surreal geological forms of Ninh Binh and delve into the natural refuge of Cuc Phuong Park, where the rare species of the region are protected. Making use of the iconic Vietnamese train system, we rest in comfortable berths and wake up in Dong Ha, then see preserved tunnels of the Viet Cong and cycle across the wartime dividing line between North and South Vietnam. The imperial capital of Hue encapsulates layers of Vietnamese history that we will discover as we ride among its landmarks and serene rivers. Soaring above Da Nang on the Hai Van Pass, we will enter the heart of central Vietnam in the ancient trading port of Hoi An, with its commingled influences from near and far, and the Hindu Cham site of My Son, which offers glimpses into a lost empire. The abundance of Vietnam’s farmland and fisheries is evident everywhere in the rural regions around Quang Ngai, Quy Nhon, and Tuy Hoa, each of which also has prosperous urban centres that draw us into the exuberant modern side of Vietnam. Dynamic coastal riding offers spectacular views over pristine beaches and hidden coves, while our carefully-chosen seaside resorts allow us to kick back and relax at the end of the day. Along the way, learn the history and perspectives of this complex country that has undergone so much change in the past century. Our journey culminates in Saigon, the country’s elegant and enterprising southern metropolis, a fitting location to celebrate and reflect on all we have seen.

Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle”, a region in the heart of the island studded with the remains of ancient cities and temples, stands as one of the country’s most cherished travel destinations. Home to five of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many tourists rush to tick them off their bucket list. On this 8-day tour, we invite you to visit these remarkable sites but also slow down, hop in the saddle, and gain a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka and its people. Each day, we cycle on quiet back roads, immerse ourselves in local life, savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, and unwind in cosy hotels.

Starting from the palm-fringed western coast of Negombo, we cycle inland and drive north to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s oldest city where we visit a sacred bodhi tree and a colossal, white-washed stupa. We then head south, riding on quintessential red-dirt roads to Dambulla, home to Sri Lanka’s most resplendent Buddhist cave temples, before we follow an irrigation canal to Sigiriya Lion Rock, a giant granite massif with the remnants of a 5th-century fortress and palace. Then, we skirt along a huge reservoir to reach the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa where we find intricately chiseled stone monuments. Our last two days bring us into the foothills of the Central Highlands where tea bushes cover the mountain slopes and spices like cinnamon and cardamom grow in the gardens. We participate in a tea making workshop, hike to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range, and enjoy one last rural ride before driving to Kandy. The tour ends in Kandy with a morning visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site.

On this tour, riders can expect around 80% of the route to be on paved surfaces, consisting of good-quality tarmac as well as broken, bumpy, and cratered roads. The remaining 20% is made up of vehicle-width gravel and dirt roads. While much of the route is on quiet countryside roads with minimal traffic, we will regularly share the road with cars, motorbikes, buses, tuk-tuks, and, of course, cows! There are a few unavoidable sections along busier main roads, particularly when entering and exiting cities or near popular attractions. Rain is not uncommon in Sri Lanka throughout the year. We generally ride rain or shine, but depending on the guide’s discretion or your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!

Wind and water went to work on this plateau creating a fairy tale landscape of cones, pillars, pinnacles, mushrooms, and chimneys. Thousands of years ago, humans took a cue from Mother Nature carved tunnels into the soft rock, and an underground urbanized landscape was created, living at one with nature rather than imposing upon it.

This moderate mountain biking tour is a journey of adventure and discovery, taking to a network of little used dirt roads and not too technical single track MTB trails as it winds its way across the region – including the Ihlara Canyon, Soganli Valley, and the “Fairy Chimney” landscape that stretches from Mustafapasa to Goreme.

Combining the best of remote, wilderness off road adventure biking with plenty of sights, sounds and new experiences along the way. It’s this mix of attractions that makes Cappadocia such a compelling destination and we discover the most captivating highlights, escape the tourist crowds and discover the true character and charm of this magical place and it’s people, by bicycle!

We ride 191 km, about 80% off road, in 5 cycling days. There are first-class single-track trails to gentler dirt roads. We will be riding through valleys, alongside and into streams, and there will be some climbing. There is limited vehicle support on this tour due to the remoteness of the trails. In case of an emergency, we will be able to call for assistance. 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.

When you think of cycling in Nepal, extreme mountain biking on the rugged slopes of the Himalayas probably comes to mind. While there's no shortage of that, this tour invites you to explore a wider range of Nepal’s landscapes and cultures, all while keeping the cycling pace and terrain at a moderate level. From the temperate highlands around Kathmandu to the lush, subtropical plains of the Terai region, and from the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha at Lumbini to the mountain lakes of Pokhara, this 10-day bike tour takes you deep into the heart of Nepal’s rich heritage.

Meeting in the capital of Kathmandu, the first stage of the tour takes us south through the Himalayan foothills, passing pine forests, Nepali villages, and terraced agricultural fields. We enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, hike to a Hindu temple nestled in the woods, and whizz down a winding road to reach the Terai Plains. Following the rice-field-covered banks of the braided Rapti River, we reach the edge of Chitwan National Park, renowned for its subtropical jungles teeming with wildlife. A canoe ride into the park offers a chance to spot rhinos and crocodiles. We then drive west to explore the Sacred Garden of Lumbini, the cradle of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final stage takes us back into the foothills, where we spend a night in Tansen, a charming hill station, before riding along wild gorges to reach the lakeside city of Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Range. On the last day, we hike and bike around picturesque Begnas Lake before the tour ends in Pokhara, leaving you the option to continue with trekking or return to Kathmandu by flight.

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.

This trip is mainly on tarmac roads with a few sections where we will have hard packed dirt trails – no off-road experience required. An air-conditioned support bus travels behind the group to support us, and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group.

Our Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle tour reveals the essence of this intriguing fusion. The cycling routes blossom from the ancient settlements of Hue and Hoi An that have borne witness to pivotal events in the life of the country, arcing across the legendary Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on one of Vietnam’s iconic coastal roads. This makes for diverse, gorgeous riding through a nation at once imbued with tradition and always in motion.

Each day brings a stellar mix of cycling and cultural exploration. At Hue, imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, wander feng shui gardens surrounding ornate monuments to the emperors. Cross the Perfume River, enjoying the tropical scent of flowers which inspired its name, and ride to the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda in its majestic location. Witness the timeless agricultural life of Hue province, then cycle down the coastal road across the storied Hai Van Pass and visit My Son, built by the kings of Champa between the 4th and 14th centuries, now the site of the most extensive Cham remains. Explore hidden villages to meet artisans making colorful incense, rice wine, and wood carvings. Mingle with the market vendors amid the graceful architecture of old Hoi An and sample the local delicacies prepared with pride by local chefs.

Join us on this evocative 7-day cycling tour and experience the many aspects of Vietnam’s heritage by bicycle!