Iranian Cyclist Arezoo Eskandari Rides 5,000km Across Asia on a Bold Solo Adventure
Arezoo Eskandari, an Iranian cyclist, has arrived in Malaysia after covering 5,000km by bicycle. Her journey began in November 2022 as part of a one-year adventure across Asia. She sold her car for US$2,100 to fund the trip and mapped out a route through multiple countries. Eskandari set off with 60kg of essentials packed onto her bike. Her gear includes clothes, cooking utensils, first aid supplies, and tools for bicycle repairs. Over the past six months, she has cycled through China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Her trip has not been without difficulties. The conflict in Iran and communication disruptions made parts of the journey emotionally tough. Despite this, she continues to promote her motto: Go slow, see more, and live deeper.
In Malaysia, Eskandari has sampled local dishes like nasi lemak and char kuey teow. She plans to try durian before moving on to Johor. From there, her route will take her to Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asia, eventually leading back to Iran.
She sees herself as an informal ambassador for her country. Through her travels, she hopes to challenge stereotypes about Iran and its women. Eskandari’s next stop is Johor, followed by a long stretch through Indonesia and South Asia. Her journey highlights the physical and emotional demands of long-distance cycling. She remains focused on sharing her experiences and encouraging others to explore the world at a slower pace.
