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.

But if you come to Ecuador with SpiceRoads this is exactly what happens! Stretching from the capital Quito to the edge of the Amazon basin, the “Avenue of Volcanoes” is a high-altitude world of giant cones, wind-swept ridges, sheer canyons, green valleys, and indigenous villages. This is a bucket list mountain bike tour designed for those who want to go remote without sacrificing comfort in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.

We begin in Quito with an acclimatisation ride on a traffic-free Sunday to discover Latin America’s best-preserved Spanish colonial old town. Then it’s into the great outdoors for six back-to-back riding days on a mix of dirt, gravel, singletrack, and rural roads. Early highlights include the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano, lush Andean patchwork farms clinging to the mountainsides, and the sacred crater lake of Quilotoa. We then unwind in the colourful highland town of Salinas de Guaranda before an epic descent from Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on the planet to the sun. A final transition leads into the subtropical cloud forests surrounding Baños, the “Gateway to the Amazon”, before returning to Quito for a final night.

The route is designed with an approximate 25/75 split between paved and unpaved surfaces. The condition of the unpaved sections varies widely, ranging from hard-packed and level to loose, bumpy terrain; meanwhile, paved roads are either tarmac or concrete and, though often smooth, can contain potholes and debris. Although much of the journey follows quiet countryside roads or dirt tracks with minimal traffic, we will occasionally share the space with cars, motorbikes and buses. There are a handful of unavoidable sections along provincial main roads, though these are few and far between. Rain is common in the Ecuadorian Andes year-round and the Avenue of Volcanoes, in particular, can be prone to fog, but heavy downpours are usually brief. We generally ride rain or shine, though at the guide’s discretion — or based on your own comfort level — modifications to the route can be made. Whether the roads are muddy from rain or dusty from the sun, it is all part of the Andean adventure!

Join us and ride Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes!

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.

Montenegro's magnificent Dalmatian coastline has long been world renowned, attracting movie stars and monarchs to the dazzling blue green seas. The Bay of Kotor is credibly one of the prettiest bays in the world and is lined with many stunning destinations: from the vibrant and contemporary Budva Riviera to quaint and serene Vipazar. Castles, fortress walls, and quaint fishing villages, tucked between orchards and the sea make for a very picturesque cycling expedition.

Vast inland mountains with majestic grandeur give unrivaled panoramic views into a largely uninhabited interior and across dramatic wild forests. There is now a renaissance among travelers as the memories of crippling past troubles fade, and the beautiful uniqueness of the country draws excited audiences once more.

Bali has a reputation as one of the most spectacular island paradises in the world, where enduring spiritual traditions combine with awe-inspiring natural beauty for a sublime effect. With fast flowing rivers, deep canyons, crater lakes, and volcanoes dominating its interior landscape, Bali’s contrasts offer surprises at every turn. The island’s multitude of tracks and trails connect its remote villages and provide endless opportunities for adventure and fascinating glimpses of the Balinese way of life. Mountain biking enthusiasts will love everything Bali has to offer!

After landing in Denpasar, Bali’s main urban centre, we will whisk you out to a nearby village where you unwind after your journey and hit the beach before the cycling begins. The next morning, we will head up to the slopes of Mount Batur, the gigantic volcano to the north. We ride across lava fields and explore the base of the volcanic cone. Our next ride takes us down the slopes and across a mountain pass between two other volcanoes, Abang and Agung. We emerge at a beach once more, this time on the eastern coast of Bali. The following day’s ride is an exploration of mighty Mount Agung, including the ruins of a Hindu water palace. We spend the night at beautiful Candidasa Beach. Heading to the highlands once more, we ride from the slopes of Agung down to the famous spiritual and artistic centre of Ubud. After exploration of the town and a good night’s sleep, embark on a loop ride out of the town and into the surrounding rice paddies and jungle ravines, coming across beautiful sculptures and temples among the groves. Celebrate with a final night dinner, and the next day, head back to Denpasar for your onward journey or more time at the seaside.

Though the rides are not exceptionally long, they present a challenge because of the slopes and rugged terrain. Flat land in Bail is almost nonexistent, so the experience is almost entirely off-road on a series of demanding surfaces, including forest trails, red mud hard-pack, volcanic sand, lava cobbles, gravel, and broken tarmac roads. There are sections of single-track in every ride, but no long rocky or rooty sections or big drops. As far as gradients are concerned, all the trails except one have an overall downhill element to them (in other words they finish at a lower altitude than the start). A few steep ascents and descents are also part of the program, but these are normally short and sharp.

Northern Vietnam and Laos are lands of shimmering terraced rice fields, lush jungles, stunning views over rugged peaks and gorges, and unforgettable encounters with a plethora of local ethnic groups. Traveling by bike, we can access hidden aspects of the region and connect in a very immediate and authentic way. This is a journey with new discoveries at every turn!

After exploring Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital, we take the historic train line in deluxe cabins to the hill station of Sapa and begin traversing the spectacular northwestern region of Vietnam. Riding among the crests of Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan, we cross the formidable terrain to Dien Bien Phu, the impressive site of the final defeat of the French colonial forces in 1954. Crossing into Laos at an isolated border crossing, we cycle riverside trails and venture into remote villages far from the tourist track. Witness agrarian local life and untamed topography as we overnight at riverside guest houses and enjoy cruises on longtail boats, then cycle into the pristine natural haven of Nong Khiaw. We’ll finish our bicycle trip in atmospheric Luang Prabang, a beautifully-preserved town on the peaceful shores of the Mekong River.

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).

We cycle almost entirely on paved roads. Most are in very good condition, though the occasional broken or cratered road does present itself. We cycle predominantly on small country roads but there are a few inevitable sections along the main roads. While near towns or popular attractions some busier traffic should be expected, for the vast majority of the tour there is very light traffic and we have chosen routes based on the most scenic and quiet roads available. Where possible, we ride on designated bicycle lanes. Rain showers can occur at any time – we generally ride rain or shine though, based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!

Sri Lanka – the teardrop shaped island in the Indian Ocean – offers a dream escape for road cyclists looking to test their endurance on a mesmerisingly varied terrain. In the far north, long causeways arc over scenic lagoons. Amidst the “Cultural Triangle”, quiet backroads lead to the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock. In the Central Highlands, tea estates line switchbacks coiling up the mountains. And in the south, rural lanes dissect a vibrant landscape of rice paddies and banana plantations. This 12-day road biking traverse across the entire length of Sri Lanka opens a window into the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating island nation.

The tour begins with a warm-up ride through the coconut groves of the west coast, after which we transfer north to the Jaffna Peninsula. Once the centre of Sri Lanka’s long-lasting Civil War, today it is a peaceful and prospering region known as the heartland of the country’s Tamil population. We hop across lagoons to reach the northernmost point of Sri Lanka and take to the plains to reach Mannar Island, a birdwatching paradise. From here we begin our journey south, riding through the country’s “rice bowl” to discover a triad of UNESCO World-Heritage Sites: the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya Lion Rock, and the Dambulla Caves. After a rest day in Kandy — home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple — we ride deep into the tea-growing highlands. Here, we put our legs to the test, climbing above 1,500 m ASL through rolling hills covered by rows of tea bushes. Then, we transition to the jungles and grasslands of Udawalawe National Park where you have the opportunity to spot wild elephants. Our final ride brings us to the Dondra Head Lighthouse, the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, where we celebrate at the nearby beaches. The tour ends with a transfer to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.

This trip is on paved roads which are mostly in good condition, though broken asphalt, road debris, and potholes do present themselves. The route is on a mix of quiet, countryside roads and provincial main roads. Sri Lanka is an economically fast-moving country and riding on paved surfaces means regularly sharing the road with trucks, buses, cars, and motorbikes. We have chosen the least busy roads possible but please be aware that traffic can be unpredictable and, especially near the cities and towns, unavoidable. Rain is common 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!

Peru is a remarkably diverse country. One day you find yourself in the heartland of the Incas perched high in the Andean mountains, and the next you are surrounded by the dense jungle canopy of Amazon Rainforest. This mountain bike tour has been designed to capture this contrast at its most spectacular, utilizing a network of roads and trails that span the Sacred Valley of the Incas and parts of Manu National Park in the Amazon Basin. Included in the tour is a visit to Machu Picchu, simply a must-see when visiting Peru!

Starting in Cusco, one of the world’s highest altitude cities (3,300 m ASL) and the former capital of the Inca Empire, we ride north surrounded by towering peaks and scenic valleys where agricultural terraces cascade down the hillsides. We then rise to the Peruvian Altiplano before making a gradual yet epic descent to Manu National Park, experiencing a mesmerizing visual shift as we drop from the edge of the Andes to the cloud forest of the Amazon. We spend a day at a remote lodge in the jungle (only accessible by river boat!) before returning to the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we enjoy 3 days of blissful cycling to discover Incan ruins, colorful towns, indigenous villages, the picturesque Maras Salt Pans and oh so much more. On Day 9 we visit the “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu – and we’ll get there and back via one of the world’s most stunning train journeys. A hallmark of this tour is the frequency of exhilarating downhill blitzes, and we save some of the best for last when, on Day 10, we ride 1,500 m downhill from the Lares Valley into the town of Calca. The tour concludes back in Cusco.

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.