Mountain Biking In Mongolia July 2009

 

This 270km ride through remote and beautiful scenary provides an opportunity to see the real Mongolia: vast and varied landscapes, nomadic families, and histories sites. Starting with an internal flight to Bayankhonr on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert, the route goes through the Khangai Mountains, second highest range in Mongolia, and finishes at Tseterleg town, capital of Arkhangai province, before driving to Kharkhorin the site of Genghis Khan's capital in the thirteeth century.

 

The style is 100% off road, following rough jeep tracks for most of the way. The highest point is Khul Sayangiin Davaa at 2750 metres, and there are several technical downhill stretches. Accomodation on the tour is varied, including a smart hotel in Ulannbaatar, wild camping in Western-style tents, a popular guest house and a traditional camp.

 

(Because of the Nadam Festival, early confirmations are needed to secure accommodation and domestic flight)

 

10th July 2009 (DAY-1): Arrival of clients and transfer to the hotel. Visit to the Bogd king winter palace and Zaisan hill for an overview of Ulaanbaatar. Dinner. Overnight hotel.

11th July 2009 (DAY-2): Join the opening ceremony of Naadam festival. After opening ceremony will go for the horse race place to see horse race. Overnight hotel.

 

12th July 2009 (DAY-3): Fly to Bayankhongor. Start riding into the mountains. Overnight camping

 

13th July 2009 (DAY-4): Ride along the valley to Shargaljuut. In the hills surrounding this small village are hundreds of hot and cold mineral springs. A health resort for local people has been established. Afternoon continue riding over the mountains to set up camp in the next valley.

 

14th July 2009 (DAY-5): There are a couple of long slow uphill stretches followed by glorious downhill’s. These valleys are inhabited only by nomadic families with their herds of sheep and yaks. They make passers by very welcome, and you are sure to be invited into their ger for bowl of Airag (fermented mare’s milk) and piece of cheese. Overnight camping.

 

15th July 2009 (DAY-6): Ride up to the highest point Khul Sayangiin Davaa, through increasingly remote and wild country. Towards the end of the day track gets rougher and there are several rivers to cross. Overnight camping.

 

16th July 2009 (DAY-7): At first the track continues along a rocky river bed. Then the scenery starts to change, becoming greener with few trees. There are magnificent views of the route that can be admired from each pass. Overnight camping.

 

17th July 2009 (DAY-8): Ride over one small pass to reach the first of civilization since Shargaljuut. This is the “Som” (subprovince-small village) of Bulgan, Ride along the valley to Tsetserleg, the capital of Arkhangai province, and spend the afternoon exploring the town.

Overnight guest house. (another option is: after Tsetserleg clients could drive to the Tsenkher hot spring to relax). Overnight in Ger camp.

 

18th July 2009 (DAY-9): Jeep to Kharkhorin town in the Orkhon valley. At one time this was the centre of the Great Mongol Empire. In the 16th century Eredene Zuu Buddhist monastery was founded here and we will visit the monistery which currently houses 40 monks. Overnight Ger camp beside Orkhon river.

19th July 2009 (DAY-10): Drive by jeep to Khustai National Park. To see the Wild horses (taxi). Over night at tourist camp there.

 

20th July 2009 (DAY-11): Return to Ulaanbaatar. After lunch in Ulaanbaatar clients will do some sightseeing and shopping. Overnight hotel.

 

21st July 2009 (DAY-12): Departure.

 

2 pax   $3,320.00 Single Supplement S$150

3 pax   $2,800.00

4 pax   $2,980.00 (For 4-6 pax, we'll provide two 4WD vehicles.)

5 pax   $2,880.00

6 pax   $2,780.00

 

Cost Includes: Domestic flight (Ulaanbataar to Bayankhongor), Mountain bike rental, 4WD vehicle, most meals, accommodation in hotel, tourist ger, tent.