CNN Recommends – 10 of the World’s Most Scenic Bike Routes (Part 1)

By: Little Traveler Kid

Many countries offer affordable city bike rental services, and leisurely exploring urban areas on two wheels has become a new trend. However, if you're unfamiliar with local traffic rules, it's best to stick to designated bike paths or routes popular with cyclists—much safer than wandering aimlessly through the city. CNN’s travel website CNNGO previously published a list of the world’s top ten most scenic bike routes, spanning from Canada in the Northern Hemisphere to New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere. In Asia, Udaipur City in India, the Karakoram Highway, and the lakeside route around Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan made the cut.

1. Great Ocean Road (Victoria Province)

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Stretching 243 kilometers along Australia’s southeastern coast, this bike path is undoubtedly a challenge to complete. If you only have a day but still want to cycle, try the 60-kilometer route from Torquay to Bells Beach. Along the way, you’ll pass rural farmland and enjoy sea views from dramatic cliffs—no wonder it’s considered one of the most picturesque routes.

2. Udaipur City Tour (Rajasthan)

India—While you might expect only grand seaside vistas to make the list, narrow, ancient paths once trodden by goats or camels also rank highly. Cycling amid temples and palaces offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, bringing old cities to life and offering an alternative way to explore rural India.

3. Karakoram Highway

China to Pakistan—Located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, the Karakoram Highway is the world’s highest international road. Most sections are unpaved, and the 1,200-kilometer route is not for the average traveler. But those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking views, including the Karakoram Mountains in the Hunza Valley.

4. Route of the Hiawatha (Idaho to Montana)

USA—An abandoned railway has been transformed into a 24-kilometer bike path that takes riders across seven trestle bridges and through ten tunnels, including the 2.7-kilometer-long Taft Tunnel. The route offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains.

5. Around the Sun Moon Lake (Taichung)

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Located in Nantou County, the 3-kilometer loop around Sun Moon Lake allows visitors to experience the local ecosystem and the culture of the Thao indigenous people. Coupled with mirror-like lake views and mountain scenery, it attracts countless tourists every year—including me. If you visit during cherry blossom season, the blooming trees are absolutely worth the trip.

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