Taiwan Traverse by Road Bike

This 12-day traverse crosses Taiwan from Taipei to Kaohsiung by road bike, designed for experienced riders chasing some of the island's toughest climbs. The route is split into six stages, starting with an ascent into the Central Mountains via the Northern Cross-Island Highway, then a summit of Wuling Pass, Taiwan's highest paved road at 3,275m and the finish line of the annual KOM Challenge.

A rest day follows an epic 90 km descent through Taroko Gorge, before the route eases into the East Rift Valley's rice paddies and Indigenous villages, with nights at hot spring resorts. The final stages cross the Coastal Range to the Pacific coast, then head south to Kenting's beaches, finishing with a transfer to Kaohsiung.

Riders should expect consecutive days of 2,000m+ climbing, narrow mountain roads and hairpin descents, supported throughout by an experienced local team and cyclist-friendly hotels.

Highlights:

• Summit Wuling Pass, Taiwan's highest paved road (3,275m) and finish of the KOM Challenge
• Descend 90 km through Taroko Gorge, the world's deepest marble gorge
• Ride the East Rift Valley's rice paddies and Indigenous villages, overnighting at hot spring resorts
• Cross the Coastal Range with sweeping Pacific Ocean views
• Explore Kenting National Park's tropical beaches, including Taiwan's southernmost point
• Visit Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery, en route to Kaohsiung

Surface and terrain:

Mostly smooth tarmac on well-maintained provincial highways, with occasional rough patches from weather damage or roadworks. Terrain is mountainous through the first half, including a 50 km ascent to Wuling Pass (3,275m), easing into rolling and flat terrain through the Rift Valley, coast and southern beaches. Average climbing: 1,356 m/day.

Weather:

Subtropical climate. Summers are hot, humid, and typhoon-prone (avoids these months). Winters are mild with mountain-only snow. Average temperatures 21.7–24.1°C, coolest Jan–Mar (lows ~10°C). Rain possible year-round; mountain sections run cooler, so layers and waterproofs are recommended.

Suitable for:

Rated "Pro" difficulty. Designed for experienced road cyclists with excellent fitness, comfortable with consecutive days of 2,000m+ climbing and confident handling a road bike on narrow roads, steep descents and hairpin turns. Not recommended for less experienced riders.