Cycling in Mongolia

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the group hotel. Those not on the group

flights will meet the group at the 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 60km

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport early for their

flight back. For other travellers the trip ends after breakfast.