Starting on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert, the route goes over the Khangai mountains, and on to Karakorum, the place where Genghis Khan established the capital of the great Mongol Empire in the thirteenth century.

Our route takes us over high mountain passes and through remote valleys in a country where the only inhabitants are nomadic families with their herds of yaks and sheep.

The local people are extremely hospitable and passing travellers are invited into almost every Ger along the way for a drink and some fresh cheese.

The scenery is wild and beautiful and the tracks a mountain biker's dream. There are opportunities to ride horses, yaks, and possibly camels - as well as bikes. The road improves somewhat during the last couple of days, finally reaching the small town of Karakorum in the Orkhon valley where the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery was established in the sixteenth century as the centre of Buddhism in Mongolia.

We visit and overnight in a ger camp (traditional Mongolian Nomad house) in the Terelj National Park. We hike in a scenic area of spectacular mountains, wild forests and strange granite rock formations.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Ulaanbaatar. Drive directly to Terelj National Park, a pretty area of big mountains, forests and strange granite rock formations. Afternoon at leisure (hiking, horse riding, fishing). Overnight ger camp.

Day 2 Hiking in the mountains of Terelj. Afternoon return to UB. Overnight hotel.

Day 3 Transfer to airport for flight (1 hr 40 mins) to Bayanhongor (small town in the northern Gobi Desert). Assemble bikes. Ride 30km on rough tracks through vast open scenery to camp site beside a small river..

Day 4 Ride along a valley running between high rocky mountains to Shargaljuut village where there are hundreds of hot and cold health-giving mineral springs. Continue over two passes along grassy tracks to reach camping spot.

Day 5 A couple of high passes to cross, with great downhill sections and smooth grassy tracks. Many nomadic families living in this area. Overnight camping by river.

Day 6 Ride through very remote and wild scenery to reach the highest pass - Khul Sayangiin Davaa (2750 metres altitude). After this the track becomes more difficult continuing along a rough stoney river bed.

Day 7 Throughout the day the scenery changes markedly as the route comes to the edge of the Khangai mountains. The land is more fertile, hillsides are forested, and local people use yaks as their main form of transport.

Day 8 First sign of permanent habitation so far - Bulgan village, then Tsetserleg town. Lunch in local restaurant. Visit market. Ride on to Tsenkher and camp in a grove of trees near the river.

Day 9 Ride to Khotont through wide open valleys with gentle undulating hills. Overnight camp on the edge of the village.

Day 10 Morning ride to Karakorum. Visit Erdene Zuu monastery. Overnight ger camp.

Day 11 Drive to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight hotel.

Day 12 Transfer to airport for departure. Fly home.

Biking Profile

A 400 Km bike ride 100% off road, maximum 65 Kms in one day.

A magnificent ride through high mountain ranges, remote valleys and grassland on generally good piste, mostly double track with a couple of technical down hills.

One long section is a rocky river valley with several river crossings.

The cycling is excellent and the terrain consists of gravel (jeep) tracks, compacted soil, and long grassy slopes.

Grade (details) : This tour is rated Moderate / Difficult

BOOK early! July is a busy season for us in Mongolia. You should book at least 9 months in advance !

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