Compare Mongolia Trek by Tusker Trail vs Cycling in Mongolia - Naadam Festival by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 4,640 | $ 5,400 |
| Price Per Day | $ 309 | $ 318 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | All meals are included. In the countryside, our support vehicles 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, the variety of food may be limited on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region, we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying. |
| Description |
We spend our days journeying through pristine alpine terrain. Venturing through a hidden world, we cross the river valleys of the Altai Mountains over lush tundra and open steppe. Glaciers rumble in the distance while frothy white rivers plunge through emerald green meadows into smoothly sculpted lakes. Nomadic Kazakh people who continue their 1,000-year old tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles, welcome us into their warm and colorful felt-lined tents. We witness traditional Kazakh games on horseback, and find ourselves invited to local ceremonies. |
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 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 one of our most intrepid cycle tours. Adding to the experience, this special departure spends two days taking in traditional wrestling, archery, horse-riding, bone flicking and Mongolians dressed in their best clothes at the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar.Cycle off-road across the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppeland and experience traditional games |
Day 1-2: Arrive Mongolia
Accommodation: Ulaan Bataar Hotel
Our Mongolia trek begins when you arrive in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaan Bataar. Our second day is spent on a tour of this bustling city, where we visit the Gandang monastery, as well as some fascinating museums. Overnight at Platinum Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Fly to Bayan Ulgii
A 3 hour flight west takes us to Bayan Ulgii. We drop our gear at our Ger Camp, modeled after the traditional nomadic camps, then explore Ulgii's busy outdoor market and sleepy town. Overnight at the Ger Camp.
Day 4-5: Drive to Khoton Nuur
A full day's drive to the west takes us through the small town of Tsengel on our way to Khoton Nuur. After crossing the rickety bridge over the Khovd River, we set up camp for two days on the magnificent lakeshore.
This is where our trek begins and, if you plan to ride, where you meet your horse. We visit the local Kazakh nomads in their Gers (tents), and learn about their age-old traditions and attend the exciting horse games.
Day 6: Upper Khoton Nuur
Our crew loads up our camels, and we start trekking through the Alpine forest, heading north. We cross a few glacial rivers, following the lakeshore to upper Khoton Nuur. Our campsite is located near a small river with a majestic view of the lake and mountains.
Day 7: Cheben Hill
We cross over to the east side of the Tsagaan Gol River, and continue up through the river valley and set up camp on Cheben Hill overlooking the beautiful grassy plains below.
The glacial depression that contains Khoton Lake is marked by horizontal benches that reveal ancient lake levels; probably the result of glacial dams that periodically built up and broke away. The Tsagaan Us River is one of three tributaries to Khoton Lake, flowing south from the Tavn Bogd glaciers through the heart of the Altai Mountains.
Day 8: Yak Milk Valley
Descending Cheben Hill toward the river junction, we trek up the river gorge on the eastern bank of the Tsagaan Gol River. We're at the halfway point of our trek, so we spend an extra night here. Spectacularly located in a wide valley, shouldered by high snowcapped mountains, the white Tsagaan River flows right in front of our camp.
Day 9: Sheveed Uul Gorge
Ready for the mountain pass ahead, we trek out of the river gorge, and cross the 10,350 ft. mountain pass. If there has been any precipitation, we might be hiking part of the day through snow, and will have to dig a path through it. We set up camp at Sheveed Uul Gorge on the other side of the pass.
Day 10-11: Tsagaan Gol River
Heading downhill, we stop to visit some of the local Tuvan people who follow traditional Shamanistic beliefs. Then we descend into the Tsagaan River valley. This is an exciting river crossing on horseback to our campsite.
Day 12: Tavn Bogd Base Camp
We trek for 10 miles today to the National Park base camp at the foot of the magnificent Altai Tavn Bogd Glaciers. The Potanini glacier lies at the foot of Khuiten Peak (14,350 ft.) the highest point in Mongolia.
Nearby, Nairamdal Peak (13,392 ft.) marks the triple border point common to Mongolia, Russia and China. The climate in this high mountain area can be extreme and since it is above the tree line there is very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. Very few species have adapted to these harsh conditions and the area is characterized by tundra, lichen-covered rocks, alpine meadows and high mountain swamps.
Day 13: Bayan Ulgii
Our last day takes us north and east to the Ranger station. We unload the camels, and meet our vehicles, heading back to Bayan Ulgii. We overnight at the Ger Camp in Bayan Ulgii.
Day 14-15: Fly to Ulaan Bataar - Fly Home
A short drive takes us to the nearby Ulgii airport for our flight to Ulaan Bataar. We overnight at thePlatinum Hotel or similar.
On our last day we drive to the Ulaan Bataar airport to catch our flights home.
Day 1 Start Ulaanbaatar
This cycling adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. There are free transfers available from the airport to all group members today – please see the Joining Instructions for more information. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Morning sightseeing followed by a free afternoon; overnight train to Erdenet
We start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, which takes in Sukhbaatar Square (the main square in the city), National Museum and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon, you have free time before boarding the overnight train to Erdenet in the early evening. Erdenet is the third-largest city in Mongolia and home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. We stay in comfortable sleeping compartments on the train. Accommodation: Sleeper train
Day 3 Ride to Tal Tolgoi Well via the small township of Bugat
Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival, we are 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. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 4 Cross Tuluugiin Pass
After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through rolling 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. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 5 Arhangai steppe ride to a valley below Khairkhan Mountain
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 Khairkhan Mountain (6,108ft/1,862m) and make camp in an open, green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass (5,410ft/1,649m). Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 6 Short climb to cross the Kholboogin Pass before descending to Khairkhan Lake camp
We begin 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. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 7 Cycle up Khunjiin River Valley to camp beneath Chingeltei Mountain
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 cranes. We stay overnight in the upper reaches of the river valley, beneath Chingeltei Mountain. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 8 Short climb past the headwaters of the Khunjiin; descend into Tamir River valley; camp near Great Rock of Ikh Tamir
After a short climb to the headwaters of the Khunjiin River at the Uran Khutul pass, it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the river, we pass burial grounds dating to the eighth century. 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. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 9 Half-day ride to Tsetserleg; afternoon free
Today is a half day of cycling and we make a good start to make the most of the afternoon for a chance to rest. The 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. 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. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 10 Morning ride in foothills of the Khangai Mountains
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. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 11 Cycle across rolling steppe to Ondor Khairkhan Mountain
Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following well-marked 4×4 trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys and camp beneath Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (7,585ft/2,312m). This a relatively long day that can be challenging if conditions are windy. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 12 Ride the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks; descend to Orkhon River Valley
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. The Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then to Lake Baikal in Russia and further northwards to the Arctic Ocean. After lunch, we continue downstream to our overnight camp on the banks of the Orkhon River. Accommodation: Wild camping
Day 13 Ride to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; overnight in traditional ger camp
We ride from camp following rolling terrain, crossing and recrossing the Orkhon River as we head for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. Arriving in the early afternoon, we check into the ger camp for hot showers and a well-earned rest. This afternoon, we 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 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remains. Accommodation: Ger camp
Day 14 Drive to Ulaanbaatar, visit Mongol Els dunes; enjoy a traditional Mongolian show
We make a good start this morning for the 250mi (400km) drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at Mongol Els to view the dunes with a picnic lunch en route. We check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar – hot showers and cold beers! This afternoon, we enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the renowned Tumen Ekh troupe. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 15 - 16 Naadam Festival
The Naadam Festival celebrates the ‘three games of men’ (or Erin Gurvan Naadam): wrestling, horse racing and archery. More recently, a fourth game, knuckle-bone flicking, was added to the competitions. The festival is celebrated throughout the country but the biggest is in Ulaanbaatar. Over the next two days, we attend the Naadam Festival horse racing, Deeltei Mongol Naadam (Mongolia National Costume Festival) and the Grand Opening Ceremony before we watch Mongolians compete in all four sports. We also get to mingle with hordes of Mongolian spectators as the grounds around the stadium (where wrestling, archery and bone-flicking takes place) and the horse races are filled with stands selling food, games, flags and various other things. The atmosphere is a big part of the experience and many Mongolians dress in their best traditional clothes for the occasion. In 2010, the festival was entered into the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is a great celebration of the Central Asian nation’s culture. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 17 End Ulaanbaatar
The tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.
