Gate of Paradise Pass

Sep 18, 2016 | Stories

Gate of Paradise Pass

The Gate of Paradise Pass is a well known (and feared) climb during the Lesotho Sky stage race.

Founder of the Malealea trading post, Mervyn Bosworth-Smith had a passion for road-making. He built the road from the Malealea Lodge to the Gate of Paradise Pass. In his latter years he used to set off with labourers, spades, picks and wheelbarrows to repair the road. One corner was known as “Tickey Draai” and another as “Sixpenny Draai”. At the “neck” as he called it, he inscribed the wording: “Wayfarer Pause Behold The Gates of Paradise”. He always did this when he came home to Malealea. (Source: seelesotho.com)

From the lodge to the “neck” is a tough little climb all the way to the Gates of Paradise Pass. It is also a STRAVA section during the race, which means that most riders will not fully appreciate the beauty of this stunning Lesotho landmark. For those who are still struggling to come to terms with the high altitude, old Mervyn’s reminder to “pause and behold” will come as a welcome invitation to stretch the legs.
gate of paradise pass

Old Mervyn Bosworth-Smith

Gate of paradise pass

The famous plaque at the “neck” of the pass.

James Reid, Matthys Beukes, Shlomi Haimy and Jens Schuermans going through the Gate of Paradise Pass, Lesotho Sky 2015

James Reid, Matthys Beukes, Shlomi Haimy and Jens Schuermans going through the Gates of Paradise Pass, Lesotho Sky 2015