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Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the group hotel. Those not on the group flights will meet the group at the hotel. Bayangol Hotel or similar, Comfortable Hotel
This morning we start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, including Sukhbaatar Square and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon/evening, we enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the world famous Tumen Ekh Troupe before boarding the overnight train to Erdenet in the early evening. Erdenet being Mongolia's third largest city and home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. Overnight in comfortable sleeping compartments on the train.Sleeper Train
Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival we will be joined by our crew and support vehicles. After breakfast, we set up the bikes and head out towards the wilderness. The small township of Bugat makes a convenient lunch stop. After lunch, our route takes us over Chuluutiin Davaa, a long pass on which care must be taken as the surface is loose in parts. With a steep descent, we arrive at a long plain leading to tonight's camp near Tal Tolgoi Well. Cycle approx. 50km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through undulating country before descending to a bridge over the Altaan (Golden) River. Rock formations in the area hint towards a volcanic past. The riverbanks make an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. It is a long steady climb to Tuluugiin Pass where the scenery changes dramatically as the forests give way to open steppe, at least for a while. Today is our longest cycling day on the trip. Cycle approx 70km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
Today we pass through rolling hills, past small lakes and herds of horses. Steppe eagles can be seen in this area. We stop for lunch with views across the steppe. After lunch we continue on tracks around the southern side of Mt Khairkhan (1862m) and make camp in an open green valley beneath Kholbooriin pass (1649m). Cycle approx. 60km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
The day begins with a bit of exertion as we make the short climb in the morning up to the pass, giving us far-reaching views across the countryside. Down the other side we wind along gentle river valleys before emerging at the township of Khairkhan. After lunch on the outskirts of town we pass a series of small lakes before choosing a camp for the night. Cycle approx. 50km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Today we follow the Khunjiin River as it rises gently towards its headwaters. River valleys like this provide fertile pasture for grazing livestock and are popular campsites with local herders. Wetlands near the river attract birdlife, including demoiselle crane. Overnight in the upper reaches of the river valley, beneath Mt Chingeltei. Cycle approx. 60kmWild Camping
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
After a short climb to the headwaters of Khunjiin River at Uran Khutul pass, it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the river we will pass burial grounds dating back to 8th Century AD. We camp tonight on the banks of the Tamir, not far from Ikh Tamir, or 'Great Rock'. Locals say that if you can throw a rock over the rock, it will bring you good luck for the rest of the journey. Cycle approx. 60km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Today is a half-day and we make a good start to make the most of the afternoon for a chance to rest. Gurviin Dava Pass is a long but steady ascent through forest for the most part, with a short steep climb at the end. Arriving at the provincial capital of Tsetserleg makes the effort well worthwhile. Tsetserleg means 'garden' and this township has one of the most attractive settings of any in Mongolia, nestled in a cul-de-sac of mountains. We pitch camp by the Tsetserleg River. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy a hot shower and experience staying in a traditional Mongolian ger. Cycle approx. 45km.Ger Camp
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28
We are now close to the Khangai Mountains and a short ride takes us to the foothills. The rolling country of Arhangai has been replaced by forested hills of larch and pine with dramatic alpine peaks in the distance. There are three short passes today, with lunch on the third before descending to tonight's camp. Ride approx. 50km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following well-marked 4WD trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys and camp beneath Mt Ondor Khairkhan (2312m). A relatively long day that can be challenging if conditions are windy.Cycle approx. 60km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Today we cross the Khangai Mountain range on good jeep tracks and drop down to the Orkhon River on the longest, smoothest descent of the journey. This Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then on to Lake Baikal in Russia and further northwards to the Artic Ocean. After lunch we continue downstream to our overnight camp on the river banks. Overnight camp by the Orkhon River. Cycle approx 50km.Wild Camping
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
We ride out from camp following undulating terrain, crossing and recrossing the Orkhon River as we make a beeline for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. 'Karakorum' is derived from a Turkic language and means black rock, and shares this name with mountains in Pakistan. Arriving in the ancient capital in the early afternoon, we check into the Karakorum ger camp for hot showers and a well-earned rest. This afternoon we head out to explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery in Mongolia. Built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital, much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalinist purges of the 1930's, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. We spend the night in traditional Mongolian gers.Cycle approx. 35km.Ger Camp
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 21
We make a good start this morning for the 400km drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at the Mongol Els to view the sand dunes. Picnic lunch along the way. Check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar - hot showers and cold beers!Bayangol Hotel or Similar, Comfortable Hotel
Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport early for their flight back. For other travellers the trip ends after breakfast.
9 nights wild camping, 2 nights hotels, 2 nights traditional Mongolian gers,
1 night sleeper train11 days cycling (including 2 half-days) with 100%
vehicle supportGroup normally 4 to 14, plus leader, Mid age 16yrs
All meals are included.In the countryside our support vehicles will carry the
kitchen, food supplies and kitchen staff including a professional chef. Meals
are western style with a strong Asian influence. Breakfasts are typically
cereals, toast and a hot dish. Lunches on the road are sandwiches, cheese,
meats and salad. Dinners are a variety of vegetables, meat, rice, potatoes
and pasta dishes. Filtered or purified drinking water is supplied on all
cycling days, as are tea, coffee and fruit drinks. Dining in Ulaanbaatar is
excellent and includes Mongolian, Indian, French, Chinese and Mexican
restaurants. If you follow a vegan diet you should expect that variety of
food may be limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively
uncommon in this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants
will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered
satisfying when on a more restricted diet.
9 nights wild camping, 2 nights hotels, 2 nights traditional Mongolian gers,
1 night sleeper train11 days cycling (including 2 half-days) with 100%
vehicle supportGroup normally 4 to 14, plus leader, Mid age 16yrs
This is a moderate/challenging cycling trip and is classified as off-road. We
advise that you be reasonably fit and a confident cyclist, with some off-road
cycling experience. Please also take the number of nights camping into
consideration; hotels are only used while in Ulaanbaatar. We believe that
camping allows you to experience the wonderful remoteness of Mongolia.Average
daily distance: 50km (31 miles)No. of days cycling: 11 (including 2 half
days)Vehicle Support: 100%Terrain and route: good quality, vehicle width,
hard-pack dirt tracks across undulating forest and steppe. Roads vary from
being tarmacked to rocky in places with some short steep passes.Two vehicles
will support the trip (depending on group size) including a 4WD minivan for
people and a separate one for bikes and equipment. You may ride as much or as
little as you like. The only things you need carry with you on the bike are
your valuables, sun cream, extra top, camera and water bottle, etc. One
vehicle will travel at the front and one at the rear of the group. The bikes
will return from Karakorum with the support vans at the end of the trip.The
terrain is best described as undulating, as the rolling steppe grasslands of
Mongolia are. Our route mostly follows jeep tracks along river valleys and
over ridgeline mountain passes, with some better quality sealed tarmacked
roads in the early stages of the trip. Trails are mostly hard-packed 4WD dirt
tracks, however, mountain passes often have loose gravel on the descent,
requiring extreme caution. Sandy patches are hazardous in places,
particularly at the base of small dips in the road. Our route passes through
some more mountainous areas where roads follow rivers upstream and
occasionally cross up and over into the neighbouring watershed. The passes
referred to in the itinerary are universally low - usually requiring just
100-200m of vertical rise/descent. Some of the descents can be rocky.
Typically there are 4 to 6 hours' riding each day.This trip will appeal to
anyone who is physically fit, enjoys riding off-road and who is happy to camp
in beautiful and wild places (we use good quality camping equipment, but home
comforts are not a feature of this trip). Our tented camps include a kitchen
tent, communal dining tent, wash tent and toilet tents. Mongolia is a country
with just 1500km of sealed roads and these tend to be heavily trafficked and
in poor condition. By far the most appealing travel is away from the main
transit corridors and this is where our route takes us.If you are bringing
your own bike, please ensure that suitable off-road tyres are fitted - if in
doubt please contact our office for clarification. Due to the open nature of
the country and fully supported trip, flexibility to adjust the daily
itinerary according to circumstances is best. The exact location of campsites
can be changed, as circumstances require, but weary cyclists are free to join
the support vehicle. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip
please do not hesitate to call us.Please note that the route and distances
described in the itinerary are fluid and depending on the local conditions
and how the group feel as well as potential encounters with locals along the
way on any particular day we may cycle further or less far that day.
Camping, Hotels, Mongolian Gers & Sleeper TrainMost of the trip is spent wild particapatory camping and you will be asked to
put up and take down your own tents. A toilet tent is put up at lunch and in
the evening and a shower tent is put up when not camping near a stream (you
should bring bio-soap for washing in streams as well as wet-wipes). When we
stay in the ger camp these are comfortable yurt-type felt tents with beds
inside and shared bathrooms. The hotel in Ulaanbaator is comfortable with en
suite bathrooms. The sleeper trains have 4 berths per compartment.There may
occasions when we replace a night camping with a Ger stay should local
circumstances, such as the weather, dictate it.Single SupplementIf you prefer
to have your own room, please request a single supplement at the time of
booking. Availability is limited and these cannot be guaranteed however when
available a single supplement will cover all nights of the tour with the
exception of the sleeper train, which is shared with 4 berths per cabin.
The trip is led by an experienced cycle leader and an English-speaking
Mongolian guide. Two 4WD vehicles will support the group; these are sturdy
Russian-built minivans with bike racks mounted on the roof. A professional
chef and assistants (depending on group size) will accompany the group in the
countryside.
All meals are included.In the countryside our support vehicles will carry the
kitchen, food supplies and kitchen staff including a professional chef. Meals
are western style with a strong Asian influence. Breakfasts are typically
cereals, toast and a hot dish. Lunches on the road are sandwiches, cheese,
meats and salad. Dinners are a variety of vegetables, meat, rice, potatoes
and pasta dishes. Filtered or purified drinking water is supplied on all
cycling days, as are tea, coffee and fruit drinks. Dining in Ulaanbaatar is
excellent and includes Mongolian, Indian, French, Chinese and Mexican
restaurants. If you follow a vegan diet you should expect that variety of
food may be limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively
uncommon in this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants
will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered
satisfying when on a more restricted diet.
Two vehicles will support the trip (depending on group size) including a 4WD
minivan for people and a separate one for bikes and equipment. Depending on
group size, an additional bus will meet the group in Karakorum for the long
drive back.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 daysThe group flight from London
is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the
itinerary.Flights from LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of Air
China or Aeroflot (depending on availability). As flight timings and
schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales
staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings
may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two
weeks before departure.Please note that for the group flights the outbound
flight from London sometimes requires an overnight in Beijing due to the
schedule of Air China. If this is the case please speak with an Air China
representative in Beijing airport who will direct you to your airport hotel.
You will be provided with a temporary transit visa for the hotel. You will
NOT need to purchase a Chinese visa.Travelling land only: 15 days starting
and ending in UlaanbaatorYour trip normally starts at our accommodation in
Ulaanbaatar in the morning of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach
the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at
your own expense.The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £16 (approx.
US$25) should you decide to make your way independently.
June, July and August are the summer months in Mongolia, characterised by
daytime temperatures of 20ºC to 30ºC and evenings around 15ºC. Summer is
also the wet season and rainy days are certain over a two-week journey.
September is the start of Autumn, expect daytime temperatures 15ºC to 25ºC,
nights 5ºC to 10ºC. Mongolia is a land of tremendous seasonal change, as
temperatures plummet to -40ºC in the wintertime. It can snow on any day of
the year and there is the potential that very cold weather could be
experienced on these trips.
In addition to your 'normal' daily clothes, you will need the following
essential items:4-season sleeping bag rated to -10ºC (or suitable for your
personal comfort to night time temperatures of 0ºC)Sleeping mat (Thermarest
or closed‐cell foam mat)A full layer of thermal long underwearThermal
gloves, woolen hat and a fleece jacket in case of colder weatherHelmet
Cycling gloves and shorts Long pantsWaterproof jacketTowel Sunglasses/eye
protectionSun creamStiff-soled shoes suitable for cyclingInsect
repellentTorchWater bottlesBio soap for washing in streams wet-wipesSports
sandals for river crossingsSome small gifts from home for local herders,
ideal gifts include pictures from home, pictures of family, children's
presents (colouring-in books and pencils etc), as well as anything practical
for home, sewing kits etc (not knives).
Local Bike Details: Giant TCX mountain bikes with front suspension.
USD cash is the most flexible currency option as this is also accepted in the
countryside. Larger (US$100 or US$50 notes) rather than smaller denominations
offer the best exchange rate.An extra US$100 can be budgeted for incidental
expenses such as laundry, telephone and excursions into the nightlife of
Ulaanbaatar. Cashmere, leather products, carpets, woodcarvings, watercolour
paintings and traditional Mongolian dolls all make great souvenirs - US$100
is a modest souvenir budget.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. However the tour leader will normally
prepare a tip kitty for trip / hotel staff. You should set aside US$60 for
this. The kitty does not include a tip for the tour leader, which is also
discretionary though US$10 is reasonable.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.