Five of the best mountain biking routes in Asia, from Bali to Kathmandu
- The continent of Asia is home to some of the most extreme and varied terrain in the world
- Here are the top destinations for mountain bikers, including Cappadocia in Turkey, and the tropical island of Bali
From the high-rise trails of the Himalaya to the deserts of Anatolia and the jungles of Indonesia, the continent of Asia is home to some of the most extreme and varied terrain in the world.
In mountain biking terms Asia may not have the plethora of well-manicured ski resort trails or as many dedicated bike parks as Europe and North America, but what we do have in abundance is superb natural riding.
Here are five of the very best trail riding destinations in Asia.
Cappadocia, Turkey
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cappadocia is one of the most surreal and beguiling places on the planet, and the mountain biking here steps up to match this.
With its arid and desert-like terrain, numerous valleys, Star Wars-like fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings and underground cities Cappadocia is also steeped in history and doused with culture, which make it so much more than just a great mountain biking destination.
Being able to ride freely through here, and with so few humans around, is a treat for any cyclist. The trails are fast, gritty and often loose, and they weave their way around this amazing landscape for miles on end.
The towns of Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos and Urgup loosely define the central area of Cappadocia, although there is also great riding to be found in its further reaches too.
