Cycling in Tigray: 4 Nights of Adventure & Flavor

Your base for this exhilarating tour is the renowned Gheralta Lodge in Hawzen, just 90 km from Mekelle. Staying here allows you the flexibility to tailor each day’s ride, with guides who can adjust routes to match your pace and interests. Beyond the cycling, explore nearby monasteries, relax in the lodge’s tranquil grounds, or indulge in traditional Tigrayan dishes, freshly prepared and bursting with authentic flavors.

Day One: A Gentle Warm-Up Ride (30 – 50 km)

Arrive in Mekelle on an early morning flight and transfer to Gheralta Lodge, your home for the next four days. After a hearty Tigrayan lunch — perhaps your first taste of injera with rich, spiced stews — assemble your bikes and head out for a relaxed afternoon ride. Covering 30–50 km of mostly flat terrain, this warm-up offers a perfect introduction to the region's landscapes and a chance to soak in the sun-drenched beauty of Tigrai.

Day Two: Conquer the Heights — Hill Climb to Mugulat (30 – 80 km)

Day two challenges you to push your limits on one of Tigrai’s iconic cycling routes. Starting in Adigrat, a 12 km ascent will lead you to the summit of Mugulat, standing proudly at 3,000 meters. This route is a favorite among local elite cyclists, and reaching the top rewards you with sweeping views of the rugged highlands. Whether you choose to cycle back to the lodge or return by vehicle, the day ends with a well-deserved feast — perhaps g’ezm stew paired with a glass of mies, Tigrai’s traditional honey wine.

Day Three: The Long Ride — Abiy Addi Adventure (180 km)

Prepare for a full day in the saddle as you cycle southwest towards Abiy Addi, a charming town cradled by mountains. The relatively flat route offers mesmerizing views of the jagged peaks of the Gheralta range. Pause for a local lunch in Abiy Addi — don’t miss the chance to try Thilo, the beloved Tigrayan dish made from roasted barley flour. Afterward, return to Gheralta Lodge by vehicle, enjoying the sunset over the highlands as the day's adventure winds down.

Day Four: Exploring East — Ride to Wukro (55 – 110 km)

Your final day blends cycling with cultural exploration. Pedal 55 km southeast to Wukro, where you’ll take a break at Wukro Lodge for coffee — strong, aromatic, and brewed the traditional way. After visiting one of the ancient rock-hewn churches nearby, enjoy a leisurely lunch before deciding whether to cycle back to Gheralta or return by vehicle.

A Journey for the Body & Soul

More than just a cycling tour, Cycles & Explore Tigrai invites you to connect deeply with the region’s landscapes, history, and flavors. Whether you’re climbing mountain passes or savoring the rich taste of himbasha under a starry sky, this is a journey that feeds both body and soul.

So, saddle up — Tigrai’s mountains, monasteries, and culinary delights are waiting for you.