Cycling in Mongolia
Cycling in Mongolia
Cycling in Mongolia
15 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar
Visiting: Mongolia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MCM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. On our bikes, we follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours.
Highlights
Itinerary
Depart London.
**
Day 2
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the group hotel. Those not on the group
flights will meet the group at the hotel.
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 3
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*
Day 4
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*
Day 5
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*
Day 6
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*
Day 7
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*
Day 8
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
*Wild Camping*
Day 9
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*
Day 10
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*
Day 11
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*
Day 12
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*
Day 13
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*
Day 14
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*
Day 15
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*
Day 16
Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport early for their
flight back. For other travellers the trip ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners included
* All accommodation (see below)
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Arrival & departure transfers (for group flights only)
* Local bike hire
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation
Accommodation
Most of the trip is spent wild participatory 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 and wet wipes). Ger camps are comfortable yurt-type felt tents with beds inside and shared bathrooms. The hotel in Ulaanbaatar is comfortable with private bathrooms. The sleeper trains have four berths per compartment.
There may be occasions when we replace a night camping with a ger stay should local circumstances, such as the weather, dictate it.
Single supplement
If 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 covers all nights of the tour with the exception of the sleeper train, which is shared with four berths per cabin.
Food
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.