28/08/2024
EPIC 15 DAYS: RIDING THE VAST STUNNING BEAUTY AND CULTURAL RICHNESS OF MONGOLIA
July 12-26th or July 26th -Aug 9th
AN OBR MESSAGE FROM SCOTTY
I cannot describe how elated I am about this epic adventure that awaits those who join me. This is a personal journey for me as well as it is my post cancer dream to ride here with cool people and friends to share it with. The cancer and the brutal treatment woke up my hunter gatherer genes more and reminded me life is short and we have this amazing planet to ride through.
As far as riding in Mongolia this route could not be better and gives you everything Mongolia can offer. From immense open grassy plains and valleys and riding past herders and horses galloping freely to many rivers, stream crossings and finally through and over the majestic dome shaped Khangai mountain range often covered with pristine woodland.
The Khangai area is waiting for us to ride and play and immerse ourselves in all its natural glory as well as mixing in the local nomadic culture. No fake tourism back here. It's raw and it's real. For most of this trip, we camp in local comfortable yurts, often near flowing streams, amidst stunning locations
I truly look forward to riding with you. So many incredible memories are waiting for us.
NOTE--I will run only one of these dates unless demand is high. Most of you know me well and I can adapt the dates slightly to suit people's needs if need be but I would need to know way ahead of time
Trip rating:
Moderate to Demanding--Adventurous
Day 1: Arrival, a tour briefing, and welcome dinner.
Here we are in the ancient capital of Mongolia after a long flight, Ulaanbaatar. We will pick you up and get you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time and how tired you are you may find some time to wander it or come a day before to chill and enjoy. Later we can hook up with everyone in the group and enjoy a welcome dinner. After dinner, our guides will give you a run down of what to expect in the coming days. Overnight at the hotel. (Dinner/hotel)
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar city tour
After breaky we will have a guided tour of the city including the jaw dropping immense golden Buddha found at the country's most important monastery. Here you can witness local prayers and the vivid traditional worship clothing. Other sites include the History and Paleontology Museum, chock full of dinosaur bones and eggs as Mongolia is one of the world's best locations for dinosaur finds. The city's central square and parliament buildings are well adorned with marble statues of Genghis Khan and those who followed in his footsteps. To finish the tour we will sit atop the highest hill outside the city for a stunning panoramic view. A wonderful nie of traditional music, dance and the haunting throat singing whilst enjoying traditional Mongolian food. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel)
DAY 3: Transfer to our starting point
Our high quality 4WD vehicles will take us over some rough tarmac, through vast open steppes that Mongolia is famous for, passing by or through huge flocks of horses, sheep, cattle etc.. as well as traditional Yurts. It gives us a taste of what's to come in the following days. Around late afternoon, we arrive at the provincial capital and settle into our hotel. Depending on your energy level there should be time to wander this provincial capital and soak in the culture and vibe before dinner.(Breakfast, lunch, dinner/hotel)
Day 4: Bike to Asgat Valley (31km +543m/-307m)
After a a good breaky we have a 2-hour transfer that takes us to the epic foothills of the Khangai mountain range where we finally begin our cycling journey. We will not kill you today and start with a nice acclimatization ride up an easy incline traversing grassy valleys all fed by pristine streams flowing to the vast arid plains of the Gobi desert. Sometimes we gotta get off our bikes and look back and this is one of those moments. Nomadic herders' homes and their massive herds will be a part of the scenery today. A few homes of nomadic herders and their massive herds will be a fairly common part of the visual journey today. Savour it and stop to enjoy some comradery with the locals as they are always welcoming. After crossing over today's highest point we will set up our first nites camp. As on most days on this journey, our guides will have the camp set up for you by the afternoon. We assure a spacious and comfortable setup that also includes tents for dining, showering, and bathrooms.
Each nite our chef cooks up a hearty and delicious meal (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/tent)
Day 5: Bike to Shargaljuut valley (52km +697m/-753m)
Ahhhh what a day ahead now that we are warmed up. After a series of short climbs and a route strewn with spectacular rock formations, we will enjoy some local tea before slowly gaining some altitude. This route follows well used car paths that wind through the mountains overlooking spectacular lush valleys and herds of yaks and horses. Arriving At he Shargaljuut mineral springs we find a massive soviet era health spa dominating the mountainside. It is a helluva site. Here the area is streaming with hot mineral water famous for its curing qualities. Because it is summer we will find many locals enjoying the pools and the vibe and energy is unique and magical. We will stop and enjoy.
After about another hour of riding we will set up a very remote campsite along a river and a few local Yurts One more hour of pedaling further along the valley and civilization is completely left behind. We erect our tents on a pretty riverside with a few yurts, local herders and their animals. This is what we came for, a pure taste of Mongolia. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/tent)
Day 6-8: Crossing of the Khangai range (41km +885m/-558m, 41km +739m/-803m, 38km +143m/-324m)
Our next three days is all about crossing the Khangai’s watershed. All rivers you will see, drain from the northern slopes into the Arctic basin and those rivers heading south fill the lakes in the Gobi. This incredible route follows the road less traveled and explores hidden corners of the Khangai. It’s a three day feast of epic landscapes that literally change every day. Each ascent brings us to an epic panoramic highpoint followed by a breathtaking downhill. The road between is flat and leisurely and breathtaking. To me it is like skydiving—you get the thrill and rush followed by calm and pure joy. The only thing breaking the silence and magic is the calls from local herders and sounds from their massive herds. Ouur campsites each nite will be found in the vicinity of their homes keeping us close to their culture. Enjoy interacting with them and their children. Its wonderful. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/tent)
Day 9: Bike to Tsetserleg town (66km +551m/-894m)
We have now explored, wound and found our way to the northern side of the Khangai. Tsetserleg is our next destination, a pretty provincial capital located at the base of a spectacular granite ridge. After climbing a short but steep pass we flow over easy and wonderfully packed surfaces all the way there. At the end, a short climb takes us to a wonderful view of the city and all its colour. Of course, we will take the time to explore it and its vibrant market full of aroma and flavour. Local berries and pine nuts are highly recommended. After exploring, a short half hour ride takes us to our home for the nite—a traditional yurt-- but with most of the modern amenities. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/yurt camp)
Day 10: Ride to Tsenker Hot Springs Resort (25km +443m/-321m)
We only have a morning ride today and the afternoon is free to enjoy these famous hot springs. We have three shortish mountain passes that bring us to Tsenker. Tsenker is located in a valley surrounded by lush forests. So although it is a bit touristy it is a wonderful place to sit in the mineral pools with a cold beer and soak in the lush surroundings. Another night in traditional, but comfortable, Mongolian tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/yurt camp)
Day 11: Additional day for cultural experiences
We have not decided yet where to insert this day but it is an extra day that I specifically asked for to get us off the bikes and hike or horseback ride to experience the local culture by visiting herders, watching how they catch horses, break them in, ferment horse milk, build their collapsible tent, etc. It can be organized as a return ride from our tent camp base. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/tent)
Day 12: Cycle to Orkhon River Valley (77km +1070m/-1161m)
Just a great fast day fast flowing day on beautifully rideable soils to reach Orkhon River Valley—expect to have a few stream crossings and get your feet wet. This valley is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE famous for being covered in volcanic rock and lava and hundreds of ancient burial mounds dotting this wild but alluring landscape. We set up camp right beside the river and taking a dip in its refreshingly cool and pure waters before dinner is highly recommended, reading a book or just soak in the tranquil surroundings. Wonderful opportunity for some great photography as well. Breakfast, lunch, dinner /tent)
Day 13: Bike to Karakorum - the medieval capital of Genghis Khaan (72km+512m/-722m)
Our last day riding is a beaut. With the Orkhon River flowing to our side we roll along it steadily losing altitude throughout the day. It is a wonderful free flowing, free feeling ride. We ride into the ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire like cowboys. Karakorum was sadly destroyed by the Chinese and now the main attraction is the monastery museum of Erdene Zuu, established in the 16th century by a Mongol khan as part of Buddhism's introduction as the main religion. The monastery has also suffered and much was destroyed during the anti-religion campaigns of the 1930s but the 12 remaining temples give us a glimpse of its past magnificence. After our visit, we head to our last yurt camp, good food and drink and rehash stories of this incredible country. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner/yurt camp)
Day 14: Return to Ulaanbataar, farewell dinner
Load bikes and drive back to Ulaanbaatar, stopping for our last picnic lunch overlooking the vastness of this unique land.. Upon arriving, settle in your hotel and meet at a goodbye dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, yurt camp)
Day 15: Departure transfer
You will be transferred for your return travel home. (Breakfast)
CONTACT SCOTTY--DANANG 0785928901
[email protected]
PRICE BASED ON 7-8 RIDERS--$2875 USD 9-10 riders--2750
PRICE INCLUDES
All accommodation: 4 nights hotel, 6 nights tent, 3 nights yurt
Camping equipment
Sleeping mats
Indicated meals, snacks, drinking water
Itinerary-related sightseeing and national park fees
Support vehicles
Service personnel: guides, drivers, cooks
Advanced quality, well-maintained mountain bikes
Bike mechanic and parts
PRICE EXCLUDES
Travel Insurance
Sleeping bags
Personal cycling accessories and clothes
Meals not indicated
