Biking Up the Highest Road in the World! (5815m/19,078ft)

In this episode, I ride up Mt Uturuncu which is regarded as the highest road in the world. You can skip to 12 minutes if that's what you're here for... BUT this will probably be the most picturesque episode of my two-year trip, so maybe just start from the start! 😂
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[@alphalau3243]

Your videos are amazing, not only about the adventure, but also the professional shooting and the director cut. Great and keep it up.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much!

[@khunlongpete]

U bring back memories. The night before climbing the Uturuncu we slept in our tent at 4300, way too high. First bad night in our six weeks journey. We cycled uturuncu up to 5600 on the mountainbike with frequent pauses : over 5000 combination of loose underground, headwind and steepness made cycling very hard, around 4k an hour the bike looses stability and every rock makes u drift from one side to another until u have to stop and rest. Hardest was the final climb of the road to the top of the summit of the Uturuncu at 6008. That was a 30 meter walk followed by a very long rest. Why did u not go up to the summit : easiest way to go over 6000 with a bicycle. What I hated most in the Andes was the ripio. I also never forget the downhill from Tambo Quemado with strongest headwind I ever experienced :max 13k an hour and heart rate of over 150. I liked Bolivia the most.

[@maidbloke]

CyclingAbout is always my favourite place to go when I want a bit of armchair travel. Love your videos.

[@gary1251]

As a cyclist for 60 yrs, I am amazed at your great attitude, your positive spirit of adventure, the cool music and your camera tech. I am subscribing! Keep up your inspiring devotion, discipline and I so appreciate your excellent videos. Gary in Hilo

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Gary!

[@batbawls]

9:47 crazy how much that looks like Mars

[@R0bertP]

Another mind blowing video. But this time on another level :) I love what you're doing and it's such a pleasure to watch. Mesmerizing landscapes, funny llamas, breathtaking shots. And, of course, your narration is on point as always.

[@Cyclingabout]

Wow, thank you!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Feasting on more of your videos this evening. Thanks for all the effort you put in to making them. Brilliant.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Ted! I'm stoked you enjoy them!

[@ciclocoyote5302]

That's amazing that you could cope with that kind of altitude. I was in bed for 2 days at 15,500 feet in La Oroya.

[@sbsb4995]

Excellent video.

[@Cyclingabout]

Glad you liked it!

[@lucky1638]

Great video capturing the otherworldliness of the landscape! Impressive ride and work!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@M.Oksanen]

Love your videos man! The scenery is EPIC

[@hittrewweuy7595]

The Bolivian part was just amazing , the view , the isolation,the altitude , just crazy

[@thibaudrebour1842]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@leemedd8189]

Thank You Ali I learnt so Much from watching you, You have inspired me Le

[@phillycheesetake]

Scenes like 1:16 really put into perspective the terrifying forces which formed our continents.

[@Cyclingabout]

Totally! Although, I don't think a force that occurs over millions of years is particularly terrifying... 😅

[@alessandromaccarrone8655]

Other then an athlete you are an artist! I enjoyed a lot

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much, Alessandro. 😊

[@wojciechpawowski1613]

I love your videos. Worth waiting for! Best of luck on the trail!

[@Cyclingabout]

So glad you like them, and thank you!

[@747lopes]

Very nice video I did that tour years ago(4x4) and brought me memories of a wonderful time. I just find you a few months ago and I'm enjoying all your videos.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@tquest1]

Finally some video of this beautiful place! Keep peddaling over there! Looks like some serious work at that altitude. Living the dream...

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm so excited to share these incredible places!

[@rohansully584]

I absolutely needed that. Thank you

[@fedesteffenino]

Truly Amazing !!! Congrats!!

[@Cyclingabout]

Many thanks!

[@shaneruddock5852]

This guys an absolute legend. Literally Bicycle tourings version of Samuel Sanchez From bike to that lid.

[@christofs-a1834]

Despite the rigours of riding that harsh terrain Alee, the smile on your face shows how much fun you're having. Envious! Stay safe brother man ✊🇦🇺💖

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm very lucky to be able to do what I love! Miss you. x

[@senioritocyclist1422]

Amazing bikepacking ridesafe guys. 👍

[@tihomirr]

One of my favorite parts of the world. I took Paso de Jama from Argentina into Chile. Terrible head winds meant that I took a ride with a Uruguayan car truck for the last bit before the plunge down to San Pedro de Atacama. From there I also decided to pay one of those 4WD tours to take me and my bike up the road from San Pedro to the border with Bolivia and then I cycled through the lagunas, along the railway to Uyuni and then across Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Coipasa and Sajama. Rough roads but had the time of my life. The altitude was challenging in the beginning but coca leaves seemed to help me. I loved your idea with the insulation for the sleeping bag. I also didn't opt for a low temperature sleeping bag. Instead I carried two summer sleeping bags (bough the extra one second hand in Argentina and then gave it to a nice man once I left the cold areas). I also carried one of those emergency blankets (space blankets). I used it once. Another trick is to fill a metal water bottle with boiling water before going to sleep and keep that inside the sleeping bag. It keeps you warm for 5-6 hours easily. And I also remember I had to keep a bottle of drinking water inside my sleeping bag as well to keep it from freezing so I'd have some water to drink in the morning.

[@danhoang6335]

Another awesome travel episode, the landscaping is unreal.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's crazy out here!

[@timkorner1892]

Great film! Thanks

[@Cyclingabout]

You are most welcome!

[@derekmann857]

So goooood!!

[@imak97]

Crazy good video. Take care!

[@gregmacmillan9729]

unbelievably good shots!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks a lot!

[@johannespopp3336]

massive respect!

[@jimsteel7483]

i lived at 4200m and worked at 4600m in the Chilean altiplano in the 80's. The worst part of mountain biking wasn't the altitude; it was the washboard road conditions everywhere. The highest road I was on was the sulphur mine access road at Aucalquiche volcano near Ollague. The road ends at about 5800m. We walked up to the summit at 6020m.

[@jackwhorton6826]

Your vids are so slick, very impressive and thanks for the podcast recommendations the other day, some great shouts!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Jack!

[@fabiolealvianabones7600]

Nice video dude, so nice to watch!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much!

[@harisnanda]

Awesome content!

[@jackseph03]

Great trip. Lovely video

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@TheGeeoff]

That road looks ah-maze-ing! I would love to visit that road someday.

[@SantoRedentor]

Great video Alee!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@felipericketts]

El Altiplano is stark and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for sharing your adventure! :-)

[@milesbgibbons]

Absolute hero mate

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers!

[@VincentForDesign]

Imagine having the need to angle the camera and then go back down and ride up again? Kudos for the work while fighting the extreme environment!

[@decentdiversions]

This was great. I’m a cold sleeper but I also have preferred to find ways to extend the use of my summer sleeping bag instead of getting a separate bag. Cheers.

[@Cyclingabout]

Pretty stoked with this solution! I'm still carrying my insulation a few months on for the cold nights up at nearly 5000m.

[@R0bY28]

@@Cyclingabout Where do you buy the extra insulation?

[@BluW13]

Awesome. Fantastic trip. I wanted to do this. I have to check it out again. I will plan to go to Argentina first.

[@SafadosAteus]

Your videos are very, very beautiful!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@michielvdbeek1732]

as always, great video!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@TheJoePavlik]

yay new episode!

[@Cyclingabout]

🙌🏼

[@raykleiner3151]

Awesome!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@wherethepaddletakesme]

Epic Adventures!

[@joelmicah7014]

epic ride

[@vascoamaralgrilo]

Thanks!

[@rohank9292]

They've opened a new black topped road in Ladakh in India that surpasses even this road in Bolivia in terms of the altitude acheived. At over 5800 meters height, the Umling La pass in Ladakh, India, holds the Guiness World Record for the highest motorable black-topped road in the world. It was opened only recently and I doubt if any cyclist has even reached it. So, if you want to have that acheivement under your belt, then come over to Ladakh in India in 2022 and cycle to it. Trust me, you won't regret cycling in the Trans-Himalayan mountains of Ladakh and Spiti. They offer some of the most stunning sceneries available anywhere on this planet.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm sure I'll visit one day!

[@eduardherak8599]

Super 👍👍👍🏕🌞🏔🚵‍♂️❤️

[@rhyndman]

Extraordinary

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Nice! And here I was pumped to just do the highest road in North America, 14260ft! I made a vid on it as well. I did do it on a Surly fatbike for extra fun factor. Can’t imagine going up over 19k feet!😳

[@bruno6095]

Awesome. Great.

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers Bruno!

[@gonperes]

Beautiful shot video, amazing scenery, great ride. Maybe the best video from this trip. Have to come and ride in Portugal one day :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you! I will definitely come to Portugal one day!

[@gonperes]

When that time comes, look me up on Warmshowers ;)

[@Cyclingabout]

Sounds great!

[@jhndlmn5194]

man, u\you're amazing

[@air_preep]

Someday in my life I’ll do something like this as my dream!

[@Cyclingabout]

You definitely should! It will make you a better person 100% guaranteed.

[@jhndlmn5194]

@@Cyclingabout do it now ! act first, think after

[@traceman100]

Maybe you’ll meet Iohan (bike wanderer)? Looks like he’s in Bolivia now

[@sayuas4293]

Iohan

[@traceman100]

Yeah my bad

[@Cyclingabout]

I'll flick him a message and see where he is!

[@CiaranRawlinson]

I think he's tree planting back in Canada at the minute. But he'll continue from Bolivia after that.

[@ignasb]

oh man, thank you for these QUALITY videos of massive adventures! You make cycling in these ridiculous conditions look so easy! Looking forward to your future videos. Stay strong! P.S. where did you get your water from on this part of your trip / was it hard to come by? @ 12:33 are those the plastic bottles that give the water that colour?

[@Cyclingabout]

I got water from the houses and villages along the way. I rarely needed more than 1-2 days worth. I used a Sawyer water filter when the water wasn't potable. The water in the plastic bottles looks that way because the bottles are a little dirty + the morning light.

[@attic_of_fox]

The video of so beautiful and great sense of color images. What kind of equipment did you use?

[@Yeastextract]

Fabulous

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Really like the music and that woman when she talks

[@spektrumB]

I have ridden in Pamir Highway and Manali-Leh Highway. It seems this one is even worse both in altitude and road condition. Great video.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! The Manali-Leh highway is on my list of places to ride!

[@tve1964]

Great place, great videos. Wrong bike for that kind of place! Well done anyway and thanks for making and for sharing.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! I didn't really want to ride a fat bike or plus bike through so many of the other places I've been traveling! But if I came to SW Bolivia for a short trip, a bike with wider off-road tyres would be the first on my list.

[@tve1964]

I quite understand. Preparing fr touring is always about trying to find the best compromise. And world touring even more so. However, with the current trend in gravel bikes to fit bigger and bigger tires without much loss on tarmac, do you think you could have chosen such wider more road-friendly tires? I suppose durability and cost is also to take into account.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm pretty happy with my 29 x 2.0" Schwalbe Almotion tyres. They roll super fast on the hard surfaces, and are wide enough for the vast majority of dirt roads. I might go slightly wider (2.15") for my next set.

[@eilrach299]

Awe-inspiring! A huge feat of endurance as well as bloody breathtaking! And hard work esp setting up a camera, going back to ride past it and then collect it again. Are you getting battery power at the villages like your water? Keep safe!!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! I have enough batteries to go about a week without power. I can normally find power in the villages, however!

[@TheSimonibb]

Great video as ever, thanks for sharing. It’s my aim to do this very route next year. Which month did you this ride through the high desert? Thanks

[@Cyclingabout]

It must've been late April or early May.

[@paulbritton7204]

Interesting and informative would like to know more about using a summer bag at -10 c .thanks for you inspiring vidios. Paul

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Mate that still at 1:16.......Looks like sci-fi concept art, gorgeous.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's insane!

[@mirofisch940]

quality video

[@Cyclingabout]

Muchas gracias!

[@yr2yr2]

Спасибо, это круто

[@Cyclingabout]

You're welcome!

[@jhndlmn5194]

c'est du frouze a 12:25 my friend, not sure you did on purpose but good initiative !

[@EdgarFreytes]

you should go to puerto rico island, I do long ride theres, beautifull mountains

[@Cyclingabout]

One day!

[@PathfinderGregg]

Great video. The scenery is awesome. Is that a Surly Moloko handlebar that you are running? I have a Jones Loop bar on my Surly Troll but it does not allow me to use the bag I'd like to use.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's a Velo Orange Crazy Bar. I love it! Here's my review of it: www.cyclingabout.com/velo-orange-crazy-bar-review/

[@PathfinderGregg]

Thanks. I will check it out. I think I'd like to try it.

[@FarFlungHeel]

Why the Velo Orange bars rather than your Denham Bars? Thank you for the videos and all that you do!

[@nowfarjr2766]

Your bike brand name .? How it cost ...? Your all videos 👌🏻👌🏻💙 Your my inspiration... Your great 🙏thanks for your video your a great human in the world

[@almostsimple]

Worlds highest motorable pass now is UMLING LA PASS in INDIA, height 19300 ft 5882.64 mtr. Can go by car bike and heavy vehicle fully constructed road

[@LansdownWedding]

Great video and adventure!! What width tyres are you running? Thanks

[@Cyclingabout]

29x2.0" / 700x50C

[@LansdownWedding]

Interesting, thought they looked thinner than that. Just comparing them to what I have on my Trucker setup! Thanks

[@RealSpaceHobo]

4 K elevation, worst roads in the world and a loaded Koga......I am so envious right now, dude.....:-)

[@Cyclingabout]

Use that envy for good! Time for a bike trip. 😊

[@mrbicycle7735]

Cycling is da shit

[@farukyavuz7368]

Hi, do you know Gürkan GENÇ? He is a Turkish cyclist and voyager, travelling for seven years. He is currently cycling in Chile and Argentina. Maybe you'll meet him on the way.

[@Cyclingabout]

I follow Gurkan on Instagram. Looks like I might have missed him, but I'm sure we will finally meet one day.

[@mrwhosmynameagain]

Amazing video!! I don't want to burst your bubble, and am not criticizing but Umlingla Pass is a bit higher than Urunca. However it is for military personnel only so Urunca is technically the highest civilian accessible road in the world

[@azuanzin6823]

Yeah.. i keep trying to like a second time haha

[@williamwood6795]

I like your handlebar set up. What kind of bar is that??

[@Cyclingabout]

Velo Orange Crazy Bars. Here's my review: www.cyclingabout.com/velo-orange-crazy-bar-review/

[@jakobw135]

Amazing. What do you do in case of ACCIDENT or ILLNESS when you're out in the middle of nowhere? And what if you don't have enough WATER or FOOD?

[@Cyclingabout]

- I have a basic medical kit in case of an accident or illness. That said, I can't prepare for everything out here, I've got to monitor my health and take extra precautions when riding my bike. - I always carry a few days extra food in case I get sick or have an extra rough/sandy section. It's all about minimising your risks and controlling the things you can. With some experience and decent gear, I'd simply be unlucky if something went really wrong.

[@hispaniacicloturismo8578]

4767mts Paso de San Francisco Ruta 31-CH - Ruta 60 Fiambalá - Laguna Verde. But it is good to know there are highest road to ride! thank you!!!!

[@alexbrown1995]

Khardung La in India is the highest motorable road in the world - it is 5359 metres high. I rode a Royal Enfield up there a few years ago - and there were a few cyclists on the 'road' as well.

[@alexbrown1995]

Sorry, I retract that. I didn't know Mt Uturuncu was higher. Although there is an Army Base at the top of Khardung La and also a t shirt shop :-)

[@SYLVAINDURAND77]

How many hours of sleep between the riding and the filming? It would be nice to have a BTS one day;-)

[@Uitspuw]

Been following you for a while, and love the videos! Great job! One question did float in my mind recently tho: pro cyclists suffer from osteoporosis because of the non-weight bearing activity that cycling is. You spend so much time on your bike, I was wondering if you would be at risk aswell? (sorry, I'm a physio student, so strange questions like this cross my mind)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Although I spend a lot of time cycling, I also spend lots of time exploring cities on foot, going on hikes and... pushing my bike. 😂I wouldn't think I'm at any more risk than the regular active person, but I don't know for sure.

[@robertobolton9523]

And San Pedro de Atacama, cl ??

[@Cyclingabout]

Did I visit? Yep.

[@nowfarjr2766]

Where you bought this cycle can you give link of the place ...?

[@MrDometheo79]

Bro, thats hardcore! You are making fat ppl cry of joy with these vids!!! "Why cycle?? Ill just watch you!" 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Im also a tourer. Hobby. Usualy around the UK. Cornwal etc. Scotland. Took loads of pics but im not arsed to make vids. Kudos to you mate, some SERIOUS editing and commitement on your part for these vids. Not to mention the extra weight. Im usualy overloaded with protein powder and rice/spag! 😂 Hate cycling against the wind😤😤😤😤 Well done brother. An inspiration ye be. P s Try Portugal when u have a chance. Looooooots to see in Europe mate.

[@Cyclingabout]

Yeah, I need to come back to Europe. Last time I was there was 2012 - maybe after Africa!

[@djangoworldwide7925]

How much food did you carry? Water? Route? Info for currently cycletourist?

[@AnonymousPhucker]

hows 2021 working out for you ?

[@lordvalentine471]

I'll be 62 in a year-and-a-half and be taking off the summer of 2023 recycle North America

[@andrewholland8285]

I'm planning my bike trip to chile and bolivia, and was wondering if there's any good maps to use, with high enough scale for biking?

[@Cyclingabout]

I don't use any paper maps, so not sure I can help you there!

[@thesecretchannel1632]

What kind of bike and tires do you have?

[@Cyclingabout]

You can check out my Koga WorldTraveller in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZPYcp5jdsSHia8 Tyres are Schwalbe Almotion 700x50C (29x2.0").

[@zacharycat]

Certainly a high road by any standard, but a believe a few in Tibet are higher.

[@Cyclingabout]

Perhaps! I can't find many details on other roads in Tibet/Nepal/India, unfortunately, but this road in Bolivia is very well documented.

[@37MKE]

Just two quick question: Are your tires 700×35c or wider? And how much water you had to carry with you? Any places yo fill up? Gonna pass through that road on my way to Ushuaia. Awesome video! Thanks a lot

[@Cyclingabout]

My tyres are 700x50c or 29x2.0". The most water I carried was about 8L at a time. Depending on your route and the services available, you will need to carry more (10L maximum) or less (4L minimum).

[@37MKE]

@@Cyclingabout Awesome! Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Bonne route!

[@Goodman-4525]

Where did your bags go when you went down the mountain?

[@Cyclingabout]

I left them at a hotel 35km from the summit.

[@alexmorgan3435]

150m higher than Khardung La. Spectacular footage of the landscapes, but rather you than me. If you had a serious problem with altitude sickness at that height and remoteness being on your own you would be stuffed and could easily die. You really need a fat bike for that sort of terrain like Iohan Gueorguiev or as you say a bike with plus size tyres such as a Surly ECR.

[@Cyclingabout]

There are ways to minimize risk. Firstly, you take it slow, and it's important to turn around if things get bad! You rest when your body needs, you keep hydrated and you eat well. I had some altitude sickness medication with me too. If my trip didn't have so many kilometres on the pavement, I'd love to have used some wider MTB tyres. It's all about compromise though!

[@tve1964]

Wouldn't some of the newer big tires from Compas or the likes be better suited? They do roll quite ok on the tarmac too. I'm not sure I'd choose better rolling tarmac tires over better rolling tires on rocky and soft roads on a trip like yours. I even think i might choose to carry another set and switch when appropriate.

[@Cyclingabout]

I use 700x50c Marathon Almotion tyres, which is about the same size as the largest volume Compass tyres in this diameter. The Almotions have been lab tested to roll faster than Compass tyres (not by much) AND I've been using them for 12,000km now, so they're very durable. I could carry some 29x2.1" off-road tyres for the rough roads, but I don't think the volume, weight and effort to switch them over is worth the trouble. 👍🏻