Off-Road Adventure

Mountain Biking Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Tour Description: Guided

Cycling with horses across the grasslands of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, 4,265-foot/ 1300-m descents after being dropped off by a helicopter, rocky roads running alongside roaring rivers, this is mountain biking Kazakhstan!

From Almaty we take you off the grid and into the heart of the Tien Shan mountains that include the marble pyramid of Khan Tengri (23,000 feet/7010 m) and Pobedy Peak (24,406 feet/7439 m).

Snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for our mountain biking adventure through valleys with lush pastures and up to passes and plateaus that are teeming with grasslands and wildflowers.

The only traffic will be the occasional horseman and we'll meet nomadic Kazakhs that have moved their flocks of sheep to high pastures. We meet in the cosmopolitan city of Almaty that still has remnants of the Soviet era while evolving into a city with a distinctive European feel. We have walk around this leafy city before heading to the mountains and rivers.

We start biking from the Turgen River Gorge and the landscape quickly changes from pine trees to open rolling grasslands. Everyday we'll bike up dirt roads to the top of passes, have adrenalin-inducing downhills and then camp next to rushing rivers as we weave our way to Karkara Valley.

The highlight of our tour is two days heli-biking. We are flown to the lofty height of 3500 m and then have a daunting descent on single track and jeep dirt roads back to our camp. The adventure continues as we climb to the top of Mingtur Pass (3900 m) and the Chon Ashy Pass (12,500 feet/3820 m) and descend into Kyrgyzstan. We transfer back to Almaty and celebrate our cycling accomplishments!

This is a tough off-road mountain biking tour as not only is the cycling challenging, we are riding at high altitudes and in extreme weather conditions. This all makes for a true adventure for those that want a unique biking experience with spectacular high mountain scenery.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Cycling with horses across the grasslands of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, 4,265-foot/ 1300-m descents after being dropped off by a helicopter, rocky roads running alongside roaring rivers, this is mountain biking Kazakhstan!

From Almaty we take you off the grid and into the heart of the Tien Shan mountains that include the marble pyramid of Khan Tengri (23,000 feet/7010 m) and Pobedy Peak (24,406 feet/7439 m).

Snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop for our mountain biking adventure through valleys with lush pastures and up to passes and plateaus that are teeming with grasslands and wildflowers.

The only traffic will be the occasional horseman and we'll meet nomadic Kazakhs that have moved their flocks of sheep to high pastures. We meet in the cosmopolitan city of Almaty that still has remnants of the Soviet era while evolving into a city with a distinctive European feel. We have walk around this leafy city before heading to the mountains and rivers.

We start biking from the Turgen River Gorge and the landscape quickly changes from pine trees to open rolling grasslands. Everyday we'll bike up dirt roads to the top of passes, have adrenalin-inducing downhills and then camp next to rushing rivers as we weave our way to Karkara Valley.

The highlight of our tour is two days heli-biking. We are flown to the lofty height of 3500 m and then have a daunting descent on single track and jeep dirt roads back to our camp. The adventure continues as we climb to the top of Mingtur Pass (3900 m) and the Chon Ashy Pass (12,500 feet/3820 m) and descend into Kyrgyzstan. We transfer back to Almaty and celebrate our cycling accomplishments!

This is a tough off-road mountain biking tour as not only is the cycling challenging, we are riding at high altitudes and in extreme weather conditions. This all makes for a true adventure for those that want a unique biking experience with spectacular high mountain scenery.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Almaty, Kazakhstan, a cosmpolitan city with remnants of the Soviet era
• Turgen River Gorge
• Camping along rivers in the Karkara Valley
• Two days of heli-biking (you will be flown to the lofty height of 3500 meters and have a daunting descent on single track and jeep dirt roads)
• Mingtur Pass (12,800 ft/3900 m)
• Chon Ashy Pass (12,500 ft/3820 m)
• Kyrgyzstan

Highlights: Self-guided

• Almaty, Kazakhstan, a cosmpolitan city with remnants of the Soviet era
• Turgen River Gorge
• Camping along rivers in the Karkara Valley
• Two days of heli-biking (you will be flown to the lofty height of 3500 meters and have a daunting descent on single track and jeep dirt roads)
• Mingtur Pass (12,800 ft/3900 m)
• Chon Ashy Pass (12,500 ft/3820 m)
• Kyrgyzstan

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Almaty
We'll pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our centrally located hotel in Almaty. Once the capital of this vast country, it remains the nation's largest city, with a population of 1.5 million. In the late afternoon we'll meet up to assemble the bikes and gather for a welcome dinner. Meals: D. 
Overnight at Kazzhol Hotel in Almaty.

Day 2: Almaty – Batan Village
In the morning we'll go for a sightseeing tour and see some of the more than 120 fountains in the city. A stroll through 28 Panfilov Heroes Park will take us to the Church of Ascension, built in 1907 of wood, and an impressive WWII monument and eternal flame to honour the fallen soldiers. The park will also likely be filled with wedding parties taking their photos and provides a unique cultural insight. In the afternoon we have a three hour drive to our first camp at the Turgen River Gorge. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at Tented Camp. 

Day 3: Assy River (28 miles/45 km)
We start riding today from our camp (1800 m) on a rough jeep track that follows the Turgen River to the end of the valley. Here we start to climb to the top of Assy Pass (2650 m) where we'll have a break for lunch. The sky is big and the grass is a vibrant green and the panorama is endless. We also have views here of snow-capped peaks in the distance. We descend for 30 km following the Assy River down to our campsite nestled in amongst pine trees. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 4: Sary Bulak River (40 miles/65 km)
We have a long day ahead of us as we have another pass to conquer today. We have a short but tough climb to reach the lofty summit of Zhambas Pass at 3150 m. Once we've reached the top the riding is undulating as we cross the Ashyk Dala Plateau where we'll not likely to see another person unless they are on horseback. It's a long and exhilarating descent for 23 km along the Zheniska River to reach our camp beside the Sary Bulak River (1600 m). All the riding is off-road. Meals: B, L, D. Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 5: Chilik River (31 miles/50 km)
Today starts with a climb up but the switchbacks make the gradient easy. We traverse across the Kungey Alatau Mountains and ride through grasslands and fields of wildflowers, including edelweiss. A tough and rocky road leads us through a steep hillside that will test even the strongest of cyclists. We gradually make our way down to the Chilik River where we share our camp with horses and cows grazing nearby. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 6: Kegen River (25 miles/40 km)
Today we hit some tarmac as we follow the asphalt road from Saty village for 28 km to Zhalanash village (1700 m). We'll ride through the quaint villages with their white and blue picket fences and have time to pop into a local store where abacuses are still used. The riding will be mostly flat today with a few undulations and though we are on roads, they will be in poor condition, and we will see very little traffic. We camp near to the Kegen River. Meal: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 7: Base Camp Karkara (50 miles/80 km)
Today we enter into Kyrgyzstan riding through rolling grasslands on a good road to reach the beautiful Karkara Valley. This section was once part of the Silk Road, traversed by Kazakh, Kirgyz and Chinese traders. We spend the next three nights at Base Camp Karkara (2200 m) staying in "walk-in" tents, and have use of hot showers, a traditional sauna, restaurant and the bar! Base Camp Karkara. Meals: B, L, D. 
Overnight at base camp. 

Day 8: Base Camp Karkara heli-biking (19 miles/30km)
Base Camp Karkara is literally the jumping off point for expeditions to summit Pobedy Peak (7439 m) and Khan Tengri (7010 m). We'll be using the same helicopters the climbers use for our next two days of heli-biking! With our bikes onboard we fly up to 3500 metres and then make a unforgettable 1300 m descent on grasslands, switchback trails and forest dirt roads back to our base at Karkara. We maybe able to stop on the way to meet the nomads who have brought their flocks up to this fertile valley. Stopping inside a yurt we'll see how they live and have a taste of their local tea. The route back to camp takes us along a roaring river that is fed by the mountains above. Meals: B, L, D.
Overngiht at Base Camp Karkara. 

Day 9: Base Camp Karkara heli-biking (28 miles/46 km)
Today we take the easy way up again, via our helicopter! We are dropped off on a high plateau with stunning views of the peaks of the Tien Shan mountains surrounding us. Again the riding is pure adrenalin as we downhill it to Base Camp. Stop and chat with the horsemen and try your hand at milking a horse! Afternoon is free to sweat it out at the traditional sauna at base camp. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at Base Camp Karkara. 

Day 10: Kokzhar River (35 miles/56 km)
Today we say good bye to base camp and head up and over and down into the Koshkar Valley. The first section we'll be backtracking part of our descent of the last two days, then we turn left and the climbing begins in earnest before we descend down into a wide valley formed by the glacier-fed Kokzhar River. We'll have numerous river crossings today, so don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Our camp today is at 3000 m, the highest of the trip. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 11: Saary Zhaz River (30 miles/48 km)
Another day cycling off road through grasslands with snow capped peak as your back drop, it doesn't get much better than this! We follow Kokzhar River to a junction of three valleys, than take the right hand valley to the Mingtur Pass (3900 m). The views back across to the spectacular Tien Shan and the black pyramid of Khan Tengri worth trying capture on your camera. A long descent takes us down to Kyrgyzstan and the Saary Zhaz River where we'll camp tonight. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 12: Chon Ashy Pass (53 miles/85 km)
We follow the Sary Zhaz River on an undulating road until we see the switchbacks of our climb up to the top of Chon Ashy Pass (3820 m). Our legs are strong now so we'll have no problem with this climb. Once we reach the top we take a well-earned break to admire the view before we have a long and fast descent. We freewheel down to our riverside camp in the upper part of the valley that feeds Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at tented camp. 

Day 13: Base Camp Karkara (34 miles/55 km)
Our route today on dirt roads will take us back to Kazakhstan. We ride through quiet villages and past grazing sheep and horses, perhaps seeing a yurt or two in the distance. There will be climbs up and over many hills but soon we'll have a fast downhill that leads us back to Karkara Base Camp, where a hot shower and sauna await. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at Base Camp Karkara. 

Day 14: Almaty
Our cycling has ended and today we'll meet our transport back to Almaty, which takes about 7 hours. We stop en route for lunch at Charyn Canyon. This stunning gorge has the look of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Once in Almaty we check into our hotel and meet for a celebratory dinner. Meals: B, L, D.
Overnight at Kazzhol Hotel in Almaty. 

Day 15: Departure
A last look around Almaty, time to box up bikes before we transfer you to the airport for the flight home. Meals: B. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Jul 7, Aug 8, 2013. Other dates available upon request for parties of 4 or more. 

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy $3650 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room), where applicable $450 Bike Rentals Mountain bike rental price upon request $0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• 14 nights accommodations in hotels and full support tent camping
• Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as stated on itinerary
• Air-conditioned support vehicle
• Local English-speaking guide
• Water, energy-restoring local fruit and drinks during rides
• Helicopter rides/drop-offs along the tour

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars a day for incidentals.

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

In Almaty we will stay in the comfortable Kazzhol Hotel.

We camp for 12 nights and sleeping bags, ground pads and tents are provided. A mess tent, toilet tent and shower tents are also provided. Four of the nights will be at Base Camp Karkara and hot showers and a sauna are available.

All accommodation described in the itinerary are included in the tour cost.

Hotels: Self-guided

In Almaty we will stay in the comfortable Kazzhol Hotel.

We camp for 12 nights and sleeping bags, ground pads and tents are provided. A mess tent, toilet tent and shower tents are also provided. Four of the nights will be at Base Camp Karkara and hot showers and a sauna are available.

All accommodation described in the itinerary are included in the tour cost.

Bike Rentals: Guided

Mountain bike hire is available on a limited basis but we strongly urge you to bring your own bike, preferably with front suspension. Please make sure that it is in good mechanical order before arriving in Almaty. We do have a limited number of mountain bikes with disc brakes for hire and can provide a cost once we have confirmation of availability. 

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory on all our biking adventures. Your guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Mountain bike hire is available on a limited basis but we strongly urge you to bring your own bike, preferably with front suspension. Please make sure that it is in good mechanical order before arriving in Almaty. We do have a limited number of mountain bikes with disc brakes for hire and can provide a cost once we have confirmation of availability. 

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory on all our biking adventures. Your guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Rough, rocky dirt roads, grasslands, and single track at high altitudes make this a tough trip. High level of fitness and technical experience strongly recommended.

We will cycle 600 kilometres in 11 days of riding. We gain elevation slowly to ease acclimatizing and never sleep higher than 3000 m. Due to the remoteness of the terrain we’ll be camping for 11 nights.

 It is the combination of conditions – altitude, weather, topography and overall environment – that makes this a challenging tour and a test of sustained riding. Vehicle support, which allows cyclists the option to get into the truck as needed, is available on all cycling days with the exception of the heli-biking days. The helicopter lifts are dependent on weather conditions.

The road surfaces are a mix of paved and dirt roads, and a few sections of single track. The paths will be very rocky in sections and therefore good technical skills on a mountain bike are necessary. 

This trip is rated Challenging and is for the experienced cyclist with a high level of fitness. The lack of oxygen at the high altitudes we’ll be cycling at, as well as the climbs we’ll be doing, means that this is a tough trip and you'll enjoy it much more if you have a good level of stamina and fitness. The distances and gradient each day are not extreme, but getting into the best shape possible for the trip will ensure you get the most from your tour.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Rough, rocky dirt roads, grasslands, and single track at high altitudes make this a tough trip. High level of fitness and technical experience strongly recommended.

We will cycle 600 kilometres in 11 days of riding. We gain elevation slowly to ease acclimatizing and never sleep higher than 3000 m. Due to the remoteness of the terrain we’ll be camping for 11 nights.

 It is the combination of conditions – altitude, weather, topography and overall environment – that makes this a challenging tour and a test of sustained riding. Vehicle support, which allows cyclists the option to get into the truck as needed, is available on all cycling days with the exception of the heli-biking days. The helicopter lifts are dependent on weather conditions.

The road surfaces are a mix of paved and dirt roads, and a few sections of single track. The paths will be very rocky in sections and therefore good technical skills on a mountain bike are necessary. 

This trip is rated Challenging and is for the experienced cyclist with a high level of fitness. The lack of oxygen at the high altitudes we’ll be cycling at, as well as the climbs we’ll be doing, means that this is a tough trip and you'll enjoy it much more if you have a good level of stamina and fitness. The distances and gradient each day are not extreme, but getting into the best shape possible for the trip will ensure you get the most from your tour.

Guide and Support: Guided

We will be supported by vehicles throughout this tour and they are always available for tired cyclists. It is very easy to get bikes on and off, so you can rest when you are tired and cycle whenever you feel like it.

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 8 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

Guide and Support: Self-guided

We will be supported by vehicles throughout this tour and they are always available for tired cyclists. It is very easy to get bikes on and off, so you can rest when you are tired and cycle whenever you feel like it.

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 8 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

Altitude: Guided

Travellers to the Tien Shan mountain range may suffer breathlessness and headaches before becoming acclimatized. It is important to take things lightly at first and to drink plenty of water. When climbing high passes, you may experience headaches, mild nausea or lack of appetite until your body adjusts to the elevation. These symptoms generally disappear after a few days.

Altitude: Self-guided

Travellers to the Tien Shan mountain range may suffer breathlessness and headaches before becoming acclimatized. It is important to take things lightly at first and to drink plenty of water. When climbing high passes, you may experience headaches, mild nausea or lack of appetite until your body adjusts to the elevation. These symptoms generally disappear after a few days.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Almaty, Kazakhstan

This tour begins and ends in Almaty. International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. If you need help or advice arranging international flights please contact us.

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Almaty, Kazakhstan

This tour begins and ends in Almaty. International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. If you need help or advice arranging international flights please contact us.

Visas and Vaccinations: Guided

Please make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour and that you have at least two blank visa pages available. A visa is required when you travel to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and fees vary depending on nationality. We will provide you with instructions on how to apply for the visas.

The only compulsory vaccination is for yellow fever and proof of vaccination will only be required if you’ve visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within six days prior to entering Kazakhstan. However, we strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.

Visas and Vaccinations: Self-guided

Please make sure that your passport is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour and that you have at least two blank visa pages available. A visa is required when you travel to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and fees vary depending on nationality. We will provide you with instructions on how to apply for the visas.

The only compulsory vaccination is for yellow fever and proof of vaccination will only be required if you’ve visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within six days prior to entering Kazakhstan. However, we strongly recommend that you are vaccinated against Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.

Weather: Guided

Kazakhstan has hot summers and very cold winters. Temperatures and climate also vary according to the altitude. The summer days are warm with brilliant blue skies (max. 25°C/77°F to min. 10°C/50°F), but the weather in mountainous areas can be very unpredictable. Come prepared for cold evenings, rain, hail and possibly even snow. Early morning starts and descents at altitude will be more comfortable with proper gear on.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Weather: Self-guided

Kazakhstan has hot summers and very cold winters. Temperatures and climate also vary according to the altitude. The summer days are warm with brilliant blue skies (max. 25°C/77°F to min. 10°C/50°F), but the weather in mountainous areas can be very unpredictable. Come prepared for cold evenings, rain, hail and possibly even snow. Early morning starts and descents at altitude will be more comfortable with proper gear on.

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Food and Drink: Guided

Meals are included in the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. While camping, meals will be prepared by the cooking team on the support staff and feature Russian and Western-style cuisine. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water and energy-restoring drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are available in Kazakhstan.

Food and Drink: Self-guided

Meals are included in the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. While camping, meals will be prepared by the cooking team on the support staff and feature Russian and Western-style cuisine. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water and energy-restoring drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are available in Kazakhstan.

Money and Currency: Guided

The currency in Kazakhstan is the tenge (T). The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the som (KGS).There are ATMs in Almaty that take international cards. There will be no other places to access ATMs, but then there will be very little opportunity to make purchases along the way. We reccomend that you not rely on ATMs as your sole source of cash and suggest carrying cash or travellers cheques as backup in case the ATM is out of order, or you lose or break your plastic.

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars a day for incidentals. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites and national parks that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included. 

Money and Currency: Self-guided

The currency in Kazakhstan is the tenge (T). The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the som (KGS).There are ATMs in Almaty that take international cards. There will be no other places to access ATMs, but then there will be very little opportunity to make purchases along the way. We reccomend that you not rely on ATMs as your sole source of cash and suggest carrying cash or travellers cheques as backup in case the ATM is out of order, or you lose or break your plastic.

We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars a day for incidentals. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites and national parks that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included. 

Tour Company Background: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Guided

SpiceRoads endeavors to offer high-quality, educational, and adventure-filled itineraries that highlight and focus on the diversity of landscapes found in Asia and its people. As a specialized "niche" bicycle tour operator since 2000, we provide the most authentic, unique and exciting adventures in Asia.

The SpiceRoads family began back in the mid 1990s, when Hamish Keith was creating, operating and leading ground breaking cycle tours throughout Thailand and in emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar for well known companies such as Exodus Travels and World Expeditions and his own company the Wild Planet.

In 2000 Hamish decided to concentrate on what he loved doing the most and he established SpiceRoads as a specialist cycle tour operator in the region he knew best - Southeast Asia. The “niche” was to promote bicycle group tours directly to clients all around the world via the internet. Hamish set the standard for all subsequent SpiceRoads tours by offering a high quality tour - from customer service, to bicycles, to well researched routes to the guides we use – at a good value.

In 2002, when Hamish left to pursue other opportunities in the travel industry, Struan Robertson came on board, and with his skills in management, IT and of course cycling, the company has grown to encompass other Asian countries. During the years of growth what hasn't changed is the spirit of SpiceRoads, which is to offer professional, international standard cycle tours and services to independent travellers and cycle enthusiast looking to discover Asia by bicycle.

Our well-planned eye-opening cycling tours provide an active immersion into local cultures, languages, scenery and, of course, the most delicious of foods. By combining legendary service and rare opportunities for cultural experiences, our travel philosophy continues to excite, enthuse, and positively impact every guest. Take a look at our guestbook if you don't believe us!

SpiceRoads' staff and all of our professionally licensed multi-lingual tour guides are passionate about creating the best possible experiences, with fun, creativity, and total dedication to satisfaction.

We're always peddling towards making your tour perfect so you can See Asia by Bicycle!

Tour Company Background: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Self-guided

SpiceRoads endeavors to offer high-quality, educational, and adventure-filled itineraries that highlight and focus on the diversity of landscapes found in Asia and its people. As a specialized "niche" bicycle tour operator since 2000, we provide the most authentic, unique and exciting adventures in Asia.

The SpiceRoads family began back in the mid 1990s, when Hamish Keith was creating, operating and leading ground breaking cycle tours throughout Thailand and in emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar for well known companies such as Exodus Travels and World Expeditions and his own company the Wild Planet.

In 2000 Hamish decided to concentrate on what he loved doing the most and he established SpiceRoads as a specialist cycle tour operator in the region he knew best - Southeast Asia. The “niche” was to promote bicycle group tours directly to clients all around the world via the internet. Hamish set the standard for all subsequent SpiceRoads tours by offering a high quality tour - from customer service, to bicycles, to well researched routes to the guides we use – at a good value.

In 2002, when Hamish left to pursue other opportunities in the travel industry, Struan Robertson came on board, and with his skills in management, IT and of course cycling, the company has grown to encompass other Asian countries. During the years of growth what hasn't changed is the spirit of SpiceRoads, which is to offer professional, international standard cycle tours and services to independent travellers and cycle enthusiast looking to discover Asia by bicycle.

Our well-planned eye-opening cycling tours provide an active immersion into local cultures, languages, scenery and, of course, the most delicious of foods. By combining legendary service and rare opportunities for cultural experiences, our travel philosophy continues to excite, enthuse, and positively impact every guest. Take a look at our guestbook if you don't believe us!

SpiceRoads' staff and all of our professionally licensed multi-lingual tour guides are passionate about creating the best possible experiences, with fun, creativity, and total dedication to satisfaction.

We're always peddling towards making your tour perfect so you can See Asia by Bicycle!

Terms and Conditions: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Guided

Spice Roads Cancellation Policy

(Involuntary) On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions.

(Voluntary) If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the following formula:

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

 **Administration fees include bank fees and exchange rate losses.

Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. Please note:

• There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
• Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
• Spice Roads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as needed.
• Spice Roads is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets.
• Guests who fail to provide signed "Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks" and personal information forms prior to trip departure will not be allowed to join the trip and the cancellation policy applies.

We strongly advise that clients have full personal travel insurance that covers for the refund of monies paid in case either party cancels the tour for any reason.

We regret that we cannot be held responsible for incidental/consequential costs or expenses you may incur as a result of any changes or cancellations. No compensation is payable for minor changes.

Any damages/injuries incurred that are attributable to your own actions, acts of some other party unconnected with the contract services or where the damage/injury results from events/circumstances which our outside our control and could not be reasonably foreseen.

For damages where SpiceRoads is responsible, our liability is strictly limited to twice the total price of the tour. In booking a tour with SpiceRoads you, the client, are agreeing to these terms and you accept this limit on our liability. This limit allows us to keep the prices of our tours as low as possible.

Documentation

You must be in possession of a valid passport and all the visas and permits required for your tour. This includes any medical certificates that are required. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining any and all such documentation. Every client is encouraged to contact the consulate/embassy for the countries they are traveling in respectively to receive the latest and most current information about their immigration / transit policies.

SpiceRoads does not accept responsibility if your documentation is not in order. Information provided by the company about these matters and other related items (clothing, baggage, climate etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

Travel Insurance

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident.

This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour.

If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their own insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

In case of an accident, please consult with your tour leader or contact our reservation staff at +66(0) 89 895 5680 (24 hour hot line).

Tour Authority

Upon signing up for a tour you must agree to accept the authority of the tour leader who is the representative of the company. The tour leader should be regarded as the same as a “ship’s captain” or an airline’s “Pilot.”

At all times the authority of your tour leader will be final when concerning matters likely to endanger your own health or safety or in regard to behavior or ill health that is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or disturbance to the group and the well-being of the tour. Failure to abide by the authority of the tour leader could result in legal proceedings and the immediate termination of your participation in the tour without recourse.

In such circumstances we reserve the right to terminate all travel arrangements without liability on the part of the company. You must always comply with the local law, customs and drug regulations of the country/ies you are visiting. Failure to do so may lead to you being ordered to leave the tour without recourse to any refund or any legal claim against the company. In the case of ill health the company and its operators can make those arrangements that it sees fit and recover all monies paid from the client. The person who signs the booking form (which incorporates these conditions) warrants that he/she does so, with full authority on behalf of all those whose names appear thereon, and confirms thereby that all such persons accept and are fully aware of these conditions.

No refund will be given for non-utilized services, however if we are able to obtain a refund ourselves for these services we will endeavor to pass these on to the client less reasonable administration charges.

Surcharges

SpiceRoads pledges never to increase the tour price except under exceptional circumstances for those that have previously book the tour. Circumstances of this policy include: government action or legislation that directs the company to increase prices, exceptional and unfavorable changes in exchange rates that exceed a 20% fluctuation or currency devaluation.

Clients will be notified of any price increase at least 4 weeks before departure.

Flights or delays

We will not accept any liability for any delay in your outward or inward flight/s, whether the cancellation or delay is caused by the weather, airline rescheduling, industrial action or mechanical failure. We will give no refunds or compensation for lost time and services from the itinerary.

Complaints

Should you have a complaint while on tour, you must notify your guide, or the local operator, at the earliest opportunity, so that they can do what they can to immediately rectify it. Failure to do so will result in the limiting of a client's ability to claim compensation. If the problem is not brought to our attention we have no opportunity to rectify it. Any complaints should be sent to us in writing, or by email, not more than 28 days after the tour ends.

Complaints related to booking, inquires, billing, sales or operations should be directed to the Sales and Marketing Manager and/or the General Manager.

Anything Else

If there is anything else you need to know or want to hear in order to put your mind at rest, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Limited Liability

SpiceRoads is not liable for any bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

SpiceRoads is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end point.

SpiceRoads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant SpiceRoads express permission to take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom SpiceRoads may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration.

To view our liability release form click here. You will be asked to sign this form before you start your tour.

Terms and Conditions: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Self-guided

Spice Roads Cancellation Policy

(Involuntary) On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions.

(Voluntary) If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the following formula:

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

 **Administration fees include bank fees and exchange rate losses.

Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. Please note:

• There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
• Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
• Spice Roads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as needed.
• Spice Roads is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets.
• Guests who fail to provide signed "Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks" and personal information forms prior to trip departure will not be allowed to join the trip and the cancellation policy applies.

We strongly advise that clients have full personal travel insurance that covers for the refund of monies paid in case either party cancels the tour for any reason.

We regret that we cannot be held responsible for incidental/consequential costs or expenses you may incur as a result of any changes or cancellations. No compensation is payable for minor changes.

Any damages/injuries incurred that are attributable to your own actions, acts of some other party unconnected with the contract services or where the damage/injury results from events/circumstances which our outside our control and could not be reasonably foreseen.

For damages where SpiceRoads is responsible, our liability is strictly limited to twice the total price of the tour. In booking a tour with SpiceRoads you, the client, are agreeing to these terms and you accept this limit on our liability. This limit allows us to keep the prices of our tours as low as possible.

Documentation

You must be in possession of a valid passport and all the visas and permits required for your tour. This includes any medical certificates that are required. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining any and all such documentation. Every client is encouraged to contact the consulate/embassy for the countries they are traveling in respectively to receive the latest and most current information about their immigration / transit policies.

SpiceRoads does not accept responsibility if your documentation is not in order. Information provided by the company about these matters and other related items (clothing, baggage, climate etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

Travel Insurance

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident.

This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour.

If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their own insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

In case of an accident, please consult with your tour leader or contact our reservation staff at +66(0) 89 895 5680 (24 hour hot line).

Tour Authority

Upon signing up for a tour you must agree to accept the authority of the tour leader who is the representative of the company. The tour leader should be regarded as the same as a “ship’s captain” or an airline’s “Pilot.”

At all times the authority of your tour leader will be final when concerning matters likely to endanger your own health or safety or in regard to behavior or ill health that is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or disturbance to the group and the well-being of the tour. Failure to abide by the authority of the tour leader could result in legal proceedings and the immediate termination of your participation in the tour without recourse.

In such circumstances we reserve the right to terminate all travel arrangements without liability on the part of the company. You must always comply with the local law, customs and drug regulations of the country/ies you are visiting. Failure to do so may lead to you being ordered to leave the tour without recourse to any refund or any legal claim against the company. In the case of ill health the company and its operators can make those arrangements that it sees fit and recover all monies paid from the client. The person who signs the booking form (which incorporates these conditions) warrants that he/she does so, with full authority on behalf of all those whose names appear thereon, and confirms thereby that all such persons accept and are fully aware of these conditions.

No refund will be given for non-utilized services, however if we are able to obtain a refund ourselves for these services we will endeavor to pass these on to the client less reasonable administration charges.

Surcharges

SpiceRoads pledges never to increase the tour price except under exceptional circumstances for those that have previously book the tour. Circumstances of this policy include: government action or legislation that directs the company to increase prices, exceptional and unfavorable changes in exchange rates that exceed a 20% fluctuation or currency devaluation.

Clients will be notified of any price increase at least 4 weeks before departure.

Flights or delays

We will not accept any liability for any delay in your outward or inward flight/s, whether the cancellation or delay is caused by the weather, airline rescheduling, industrial action or mechanical failure. We will give no refunds or compensation for lost time and services from the itinerary.

Complaints

Should you have a complaint while on tour, you must notify your guide, or the local operator, at the earliest opportunity, so that they can do what they can to immediately rectify it. Failure to do so will result in the limiting of a client's ability to claim compensation. If the problem is not brought to our attention we have no opportunity to rectify it. Any complaints should be sent to us in writing, or by email, not more than 28 days after the tour ends.

Complaints related to booking, inquires, billing, sales or operations should be directed to the Sales and Marketing Manager and/or the General Manager.

Anything Else

If there is anything else you need to know or want to hear in order to put your mind at rest, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Limited Liability

SpiceRoads is not liable for any bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

SpiceRoads is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end point.

SpiceRoads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant SpiceRoads express permission to take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom SpiceRoads may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration.

To view our liability release form click here. You will be asked to sign this form before you start your tour.