Spend several days enjoying the world famous Taroko Gorge and all its natural awe-inspiring beauty
Another gorgeous view from high in the Taiwanese mountains
See beautiful river vistas along the route through the mountains of Taiwan
Some time to reflect out on the road, with unspoiled wilderness to see
One of the spectacular hikes available on the rest day in Taroko National Park

Taiwan Traverse by Road Bike

Duration
12 days
Site savings
$143
From
$4,592 USD

On this hilly, and in places steep, ride you will be challenged as you head up and over the Central Mountain Range twice, culminating at 3,275 m (10,745 ft) on the Hehuanshan Road. You will ride just under 927 kilometers (576 miles) in 9 days of riding on smooth tarmac roads. The trip is fully supported and 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 cold drinks, ice and fresh fruit.

  • Category
    Adventurous
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    12 days
  • Culture Level
    Out There
  • Skill Level
    4 - Advanced
  • Activity Level
    4 - Challenging
  • Elevation
    4 - Challenging
  • Terrain
    Hilly
  • Distance
    454.8 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    57.2 miles
operated by
SpiceRoads Cycling
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  • How long is the tour? How many days of riding?

    This tour is 12 days long, with 9 riding days.

  • How many riders will be in the group?

    Groups can be from 4 to 12 riders. For groups of 9 or more, a second guide joins the tour.

  • Is there a minimum age for this tour?

    Yes. Riders must be 18 years old by the time the tour starts.

  • What's the tour like?

    You'll ride a total of 732 km over eight cycling days on a demanding road cycling adventure that will test your endurance, strength, and determination in one of Asia's premier cycling destinations.

    Your first four riding days take you deep into Taiwan's Central Mountains, where you'll tackle long distances, sustained climbs, and the tour's greatest challenge—ascending Taiwan's highest paved road, Wuling Pass, twice from opposite directions. An unforgettable descent through Taroko National Park, followed by a well-earned rest day at the base of the gorge, sets the stage for the second half of your journey. From there, you'll enjoy gentler, though still rewarding, riding through the East Rift Valley, along the Pacific Coast, and across the rolling hills of Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan. Apart from the transfer out of Taipei on Day 2 and the transfer to Kaohsiung on Day 11, you'll cycle the entire journey from hotel to hotel.

    Throughout the tour, you'll be supported by an experienced local team, fuelled with hearty, calorie-rich meals, and stay in cyclist-friendly accommodations, including several hotels with natural hot springs. Combined with Taiwan's warm hospitality, fascinating culture, and spectacular scenery, this is a world-class road cycling adventure that rewards every bit as much as it challenges.

    Suitability

    This tour is designed for experienced road cyclists with an excellent level of fitness. You should be comfortable riding consecutive days with climbs of 2,000 metres or more, and confident handling your road bike on narrow roads, steep descents, and tight hairpin bends. Before booking, we recommend carefully reviewing the daily distances, elevation profiles, and ride statistics in the itinerary to ensure the tour matches your abilities and to help plan your training beforehand.

    You'll also need to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cool temperatures at higher elevations, strong winds, and occasional rain. Your support vehicle will always be nearby, providing assistance whenever you need a break.

    Biking Conditions

    You'll ride on some of the most bike-friendly roads in the world. Most of the route follows smooth, well-maintained tarmac, with only the occasional rough section caused by weather damage or roadworks. You'll cycle along Taiwan's network of provincial highways, including the iconic Northern Cross-Island Highway and Cycling Route No. 1, while also venturing onto quieter back roads that showcase the country's diverse landscapes.

    Many of the busier roads feature dedicated lanes for two-wheeled vehicles, although riding through towns and cities will occasionally require sharing the road with traffic. Expect changing conditions throughout the tour—strong coastal winds and exposed mountain ridges can provide either a welcome push or an extra challenge. Although departures are scheduled outside Taiwan's wettest months, rain showers are possible at any time. You'll generally ride rain or shine, but your guide may adjust the route if conditions require or if it's in the group's best interests. It's all part of the adventure.

  • Am I safe?

    The tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. But to a large degree, riders must be responsible for their own safety during the tour. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a cycling tour.

  • Where does the tour start and finish?

    The tour starts at the hotel of Day 1 in Taipei. The closest airport to the city is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

    The tour ends in Kaohsiung where you can take a high-speed train to Taipei. The closest airport to Kaohsiung is Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).

  • Do I have to pay if travelling alone?

    You are not required to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. The tour operator will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender. If you cannot be matched, they will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.

  • Are helmets included when hiring a bike?

    Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.

Overall Rating:
5.0/5
Roderick Samuel Elder
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Taiwan is an excellent cycling destination which may be unfamiliar to many. The tour operator team provided fantastic organisation leaving us free to enjoy the beautiful mountains, friendly people, and great food. The climb over the Wuling pass and down the Gorge is among the top cycling experience.

Knowledgeable guides
Keith Thomas Byrne
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The guides know exactly what makes the perfect cycling trip for cyclists.

Great guides
Steve Hills
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Nothing was too much trouble for guides. They went above and beyond in their efforts to make sure we were well looked after.

Loved the hot springs after a hard day riding.