Central Mongolia Cycling Tour - 8 days

Itinerary

• Arrival transfer and welcome dinner

  On arrival at Ulaanbaatar Airport, meet with our rep and transfer to a centrally located 4-star hotel. Time permitting enjoy an orientation walk of the city center and a guided visit to the National Museum of Mongolia, offering an entertaining journey through Mongolia’s past, from prehistoric cultures and imperial eras to the advent of Buddhism and the modern Communist state. Attend a traditional folk performance featuring Mongolian music, dance, throat singing, and contortion followed by a welcome dinner and a tour briefing by your guide

  • Dinner
  • Hotel

• Transfer to grasslands and cycle to Mongol Els dunes

  Early this morning, with bikes loaded, we drive west of Ulaanbaatar. The route soon leads across wide open country where rolling hills alternate with rugged mountain. Large herds of horses, sheep, and goats grazing on dry pastureland, along with the traditional tents of nomadic herders, are a common sight.

  In the early afternoon, we arrive at our setting point. Here we unload the bikes and begin cycling toward the Mongol Els, a broad belt of sand dunes set within the arid steppe, framed by rock formations and distant mountains. We ride on established vehicle tracks on mostly firm ground, with occasional sandy sections. The car accompanies carrying luggage, food, and snacks. The 40km way brings us to the edge of the dunes where we enjoy showers, dinner and an overnight stay in traditional felt-covered tents, known as gers (or yurts). Similar accommodation will be used throughout the journey.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ger camp
  • 40 km

• Mongol Els dunes - Ugii Nuur lake

  For much of the morning, we pedal across arid terrain with sandy soils and sparse desert vegetation—land that forms part of the Gobi. Contrary to common perception, the Gobi is not a lifeless wasteland. The word Gobi simply refers to an arid region with limited water. Mongolians distinguish 33 different types of Gobi, each defined by its own climate, geology, terrain, plant life, and wildlife. We pass through Khugnu Khan nature reserve, a distinctive landscape where granite mountains rise from open, savanna-like plains. At the end of the day, we transfer to Ugii Nuur Lake, a freshwater lake set among rolling hills and an important habitat for migratory birds, including the rare Relic Gull and the Whooper Swan.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ger camp
  • 63 km

• Ugii Nuur lake – Tsenkher valley

  We head west toward the Khangai Mountain Range, a region covering nearly one-tenth of Mongolia and known for its lush pastures, wooded mountains, and clear streams. Cycling follows established jeep tracks across rolling hills and grassy valleys. Shortly after setting out, we cross the Orkhon River, which rises in the forested slopes of the Khangai and eventually flows north to Lake Baikal.

  The designated UNESCO heritage site, the river basin contains rich historical and archaeological evidence of nomadic cultures that have inhabited Inner Asia for millennia. Upon reaching the foothills of the Khangai, we transfer to a resort built around a natural mineral hot spring. Here there is time to soak in the warm waters and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ger camp
  • 66 km

• Tsenkher valley - Tsagaan Sum valley

  We set off again in the cool morning air, fresh and invigorating. A few sustained climbs lead to high passes that open views across wooded mountains, open valleys, and clear streams. The traditional herding life, with its relaxed rhythm, is a constant presence along the route: large herds of livestock, horses running freely, and nomads settled at their autumn camps.

  Along the way, you may notice mares and foals tethered beside the gers—a sign that airag, the traditional fermented mare’s milk, may be available to taste. Riding conditions today are excellent, with smooth, well-packed soil throughout. In the evening, we settle once again into a comfortable ger camp, with time to relax and soak in mineral-rich waters.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ger camp
  • 55 km

• Tsagaan Sum valley – Karakorum

  This morning, we cycle along the eastern spurs of the Khangai Range. A gentle downward gradient and packed soil allow for fast riding that completes on reaching the open valley of the Orkhon River. We stop here for lunch, load the bikes and transfer to a small town, the site of the capital of the Mongol Empire. 

  On arrival, there is time to shower before exploring the historic remains of Karakorum. While little survives of the medieval city itself, much is known about its urban life, organization, and architecture from the detailed accounts of envoys sent by the Catholic Pope and the French king, who visited Karakorum in the mid-13th century. However, its glory was short lived as it soon fell into obscurity and was eventually destroyed by invading armies in late 14th century. Today the main attraction here is the monastery museum of Erdene Zuu established in 16th century by a Mongol khaan as part of introduction of Buddhism as the main religion. Later during the anti-religion campaign of 1930-ies, the monastery suffered almost a complete destruction with just a dozen of temples surviving till present. We visit the monastery and the local museum to take a glance at a few surviving artifacts of the old capital.

  • Breakfast. lunch. dinner
  • Ger camp
  • 50 km

• Travel back to Ulaanbaatar

  This morning, we drive back to Ulaanbaatar. The six-hour journey across the open steppe is unhurried, offering time to reflect on the journey and on a country that has undergone rapid change over the past three decades, as traditional ways of life adapt to outside influences and a globalizing culture. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we settle into our hotel and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate your Mongolian experience.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Hotel

• Departure transfer

  You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

  • Breakfast