Tiv Dararith, a Cambodian long-distance cyclist and content creator, is undertaking an epic bike ride from the Kingdom to Europe to raise funds for medical care for Cambodian children. His journey has already captured the hearts of thousands, with many expressing their pride in what he has achieved so far.

With every pedal stroke, he not only covers great distances, but also captures the beauty and challenges around him.

Currently cycling across India, Dararith shared stories from his adventure, a journey that is as much about the art of photography as it is about traversing rugged landscapes between continents.

In a stunning shot, seen above, he can be seen pedaling his bike across a rocky stream, framed by the lush green hills of a distant mountain pass.

The image, while seemingly effortless, belies the meticulous work that went into capturing it.

The striking image was captured with time-lapse photography – a technique that requires not only impeccable timing but also a trained eye for composition.

Having already traveled across vast areas of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Nepal, Dararith’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose.

In recent months, he has traveled through dense forests, daunting valleys and challenging bad weather, all while documenting his experiences with a camera, creating images that seem almost effortless.

However, as Dararith explains, creating these captivating photographs required careful planning and dedication.

“With my travel experience last year, where I cycled through Southeast Asia and Europe, I have become more skilled in travel photography. Before I go to any new location, I think about what kind of photos I want and make notes in my notebook,” he told The Post.

Taking a stunning self-portrait on a bicycle in the middle of an idyllic landscape is more than just a click away.

It involves meticulous setup, from mounting the camera on a tripod to picturing the scene he wants to portray, then cycling to a precise spot to shoot.

While some of the heavy lifting is done by the enchanting beauty of nature and culture, it is also a result of the skills Dararith has honed by watching films, documentaries and YouTube tutorials on photography techniques.

“Some photos happen by luck – without that luck, there’s no magic, like riding a bike up a hill at sunset or catching a smile from a child,” he explained.

His images reflect more than scenes; they capture fleeting emotions and moments that are often difficult to recreate.

The journey was not without its challenges, especially in Nepal, where an unexpected detour forced Dararith to navigate some of the roughest terrain he had ever encountered.

Roads in the country’s mountain passes, damaged and muddy from the rainy season, added significant strain.

“Road conditions in Nepal are terrible for cyclists. There are damaged roads almost everywhere,” he noted. Despite this, he was not deterred by the daunting obstacles.

The harsh conditions in Nepal brought Dararith’s skills as both a cyclist and photographer to the fore.

The journey to Pokhara, which took three grueling days to cover only 200 kilometers, rewarded him with one of the most picturesque landscapes he had ever seen.

Dararith walks by the famous lake, which has become a popular tourist attraction since the film’s release. Tiv Dararith

“It was not easy cycling from Kathmandu to Pokhara,” he recalled. But the breathtaking scenery, including views of the Annapurna mountain range, justified the grueling journey.

From Pokhara, Dararith traveled a challenging route to the Muktinath Temple through the rugged Mustang district.

Navigating steep, narrow cliff paths from Jomsom to Muktinath in freezing temperatures, he called it “the most difficult road I have ever traveled”.

His ride took a turn for the worse when the rear rack of his bike broke under the weight of his gear, leaving him stranded. Fortunately, a passing tourist bus driver helped him get back to Pokhara safely.

A treacherous mountain road from Jomsom to Muktinath via Mustang in Nepal. Tiv Dararith

But this failure did not deter Dararith. His determination is fueled by a larger goal: to raise $250,000 for Angkor Children’s Hospital, commemorating 25 years of the hospital and its mission to help Cambodian children battling serious illnesses.

“I have to persevere, even if it means crossing hundreds of mountains and rivers full of many dangers and obstacles, because I am doing this to benefit many Cambodian children in hospitals,” he explained.

Every image he shares is a tribute to this mission. His photography not only chronicles his journey, but also sheds light on the lives and landscapes of the regions he traverses.

Tiv Dararith checks the day’s footage while camping at Pangong Lake in India, a location for the popular Indian feature film ‘3 Idiots’. Tiv Dararith

From capturing local traditions to documenting the warmth of the foreigners he meets along the way, Dararith’s work brings Cambodian culture to an international audience while capturing the essence of each destination.