The Most Grueling and Unforgettable Cycling Routes on the Planet
Cycling routes are designed for scenic views, but there are some made to test what’s left in your legs after hours of climbing, cold, heat, and altitude. The ones listed in this article are the second kind. Each route asks more than most riders expect to give. Elevation gain, unpredictable weather, and isolation are common themes. So are extreme gradients and long days without help nearby.
Manali to Leh, India
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This track spans approximately 480 kilometers through the Himalayas, featuring five high-altitude passes and peaks exceeding 5,300 meters. The oxygen drop and rough terrain, combined with cold nights and unpredictable storms, require acclimatization and fitness. Sections of the road remain unpaved and may be snow-covered, even in summer.
Cape Epic, South Africa
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Cape Epic is a test of grit over eight punishing days. Riders navigate 700 kilometers of dust, heat, and elevation gain that surpasses 15,000 meters. The course shifts every year, but technical rock gardens, brutal ascents, and relentless sun are always on the menu.
Passo di Gavia, Italy
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Often featured in the Giro d’Italia, this 2,621-meter Alpine pass is steep and narrow. The climb from Ponte di Legno runs 17.3 kilometers with a sharp average gradient of 7.9%. Snow, wind, and sudden weather shifts are normal, even in summer. The road’s width and condition require focus throughout.
El Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia
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This 64-kilometer descent from La Cumbre Pass to Coroico starts at 4,700 meters. With loose gravel, sheer drop-offs, and little margin for error, it’s one of the most dangerous roads still open to cyclists. Though cars now use alternate routes, rain and fog remain a constant threat.
Alto de L’Angliru, Spain
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This Asturian track stretches just 12.5 kilometers, but it packs in leg-breaking pitches above 23%. Rain transforms the pavement into a slick skating rink, and there’s little respite between the gradients. It’s regularly featured in the Vuelta a España, where it’s known to humble even elite climbers.
Three Peaks Challenge, Australia
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A one-day trial through Victoria’s alpine region, this event covers 235 kilometers and climbs over 4,000 meters. Mount Hotham’s long grind, Tawonga Gap’s sting, and Falls Creek’s switchbacks combine under a 13-hour cutoff. Summer heat can turn the later climbs into a hydration gamble.
Lake Louise to Whistler, Canada
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This trans-mountain ride covers about 1,000 kilometers with more than 11,000 meters of elevation gain. It begins in the Canadian Rockies and concludes in the Coast Mountains, traversing multiple climate zones. Long sections without resupply points require planning for food, water, and mechanical support.
Canary Islands Cycling Camp, Spain
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Thomson Bike Tours uses the volcanic terrain of Tenerife and Gran Canaria to full advantage. Mount Teide, rising from sea level to over 2,100 meters, is a cornerstone climb. Wind off the Atlantic, constant elevation gain, and harsh gradients make this camp a proving ground for serious riders.
Bhutan Cycling Tour
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Bhutan’s roads travel through mountain passes above 3,000 meters, with climbs that stretch for hours. Most of the surfaces are paved, but the widths are narrow and the corners unforgiving. The final trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery involves dismounting and hiking one last time, reaching a height of 3,120 meters.
Selkirk Loop, USA & Canada
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Covering 610 kilometers across Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia, the Selkirk Loop is a remote, high-elevation ride. It’s usually tackled within a week, often without support. Riders must manage their supplies carefully through mountain weather swings and sparse towns, especially during the early or late seasons when services are limited or closed.