Taiwan8 days
Taiwan's Mountain Spine: 555km Cycling from Taipei to Kenting
Eight days of high-altitude climbing, 50km+ descents, and remote mountain roads across Taiwan's central ridge.
This eight-day cycling route traces Taiwan's mountain spine from Taipei to the southern coast—555 kilometers at 8,400 meters of cumulative elevation. The journey follows five distinct stages, including most of the Taiwan KOM Challenge route, which summits Wuling at 3,275 meters, the island's highest passable point. Days alternate between long climbing stages and extended descents; a rest day at Sun Moon Lake breaks the physical demands midway. The route passes through tea country, Aboriginal regions, and lowland farmland before finishing on Kenting's beaches. Overnight stops include mountain towns, resort areas, and cultural centers, with meals ranging from Hakka and Han regional cooking to Aboriginal specialties.
Highlights
- Ride the Taiwan KOM Challenge route, summiting Wuling at 3,275 meters
- Descend over 50 kilometers from Wuling to Sun Moon Lake in a single day
- Rest and visit Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest lake, with access to historic pagodas and tea tastings
- Climb through terraced tea fields and rice paddies toward Alishan Township on the central plateau
- Pass the Tsengwen Reservoir and historic Qishan Old Street with baroque-style market buildings
- Finish with two days at Kenting's beaches and tropical resort setting
Day by day
1Taipei to Yilan: Gorge Roads and Hot SpringsChatianshan Nature Reserve · wild hot springs
The route departs southern Taipei into the countryside, climbing steadily through the morning before the terrain levels into afternoon riding along a jade river that winds through a deep gorge. The Chatianshan Nature Reserve provides most of the day's scenery on a road with minimal traffic. Late afternoon brings a descent to lower elevation and a soak in wild hot springs.
2Yilan to Lishan: Taiwan KOM Challenge BeginsYilan to Lishan · Lishan
The famous Taiwan KOM Challenge route begins here. This 75-kilometer stage climbs 2,633 meters over the first three-quarters of the challenge course—a quiet, remote road that gains elevation steadily through the afternoon. Arrival in Lishan comes as the day's light fades, followed by a celebratory meal at the hotel.
3Lishan to Sun Moon Lake: Wuling Summit and the 50km DescentWuling · Wuling to Sun Moon Lake
Climbing resumes immediately from the hotel as the route tackles the final kilometers of the KOM Challenge, reaching Wuling at 3,275 meters—Taiwan's highest passable summit. From the peak, a 50km descent follows to Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's largest lakes.
4Sun Moon Lake: Rest DaySun Moon Lake
A full day off. Guests can remain at the hotel or wander nearby cultural sites, including pagodas and temples, or participate in a tea-tasting experience at one of the lakeside facilities.
5Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: Tea Country ClimbingSun Moon Lake · terraced tea fields and rice paddies · Alishan Township
This 128-kilometer stage climbs 2,699 meters toward Jade Mountain through Taiwan's famous tea country. Terraced tea fields and rice paddies line the ascending road. The route ends at Alishan Township, situated on the central plateau at high elevation, after a full day of climbing with sustained views across the surrounding highlands.
6Alishan to Qishan: Descent to the PlainsTsengwen Reservoir
The route leaves the Central Mountain Range, descending 1,570 meters over 126 kilometers toward the southwestern plains. Morning descending passes the Tsengwen Reservoir before the route flattens into the lowlands. The day ends at Qishan Old Street, a busy market district known for street vendors and historic baroque-style buildings.
7Qishan to Kenting: Final Coastal RideQishan to Kenting · Kenting
The last full riding day covers 122 kilometers through southern countryside and along the coast to Kenting, Taiwan's main beach resort. Elevation gain is minimal—only 456 meters across the day—as the route moves through farmland before reaching the tropical setting of Kenting's renowned beaches.
8Kenting to Taipei: Final Morning and ReturnKenting · Kenting to Taipei
After a leisurely morning and a final swim in the ocean, the group enjoys breakfast before packing up. Private transportation then carries everyone back to Taipei, bringing the tour to a close.