Cycling Escape to Khenty Wilderness - 3 days

Itinerary

• CYCLE TO THE VAST GRASSLAND

  A short drive out of the capital brings you to the edge of the grassland. We start cycling at a leisurely pace on packed soil and pedal across an open plain, where you quickly feel as though you’ve traveled a few hundred years back in time. Large flocks of sheep and goats, herds of wild horses racing alongside, and the occasional dome of a nomadic tent are all that you see along the way. The cycling route allows gentle climbs followed by easy downhill riding. The sense of freedom when cycling in a pristine natural environment, viewing carpets of wildflowers and distant mountain ridges, is inexpressible. Halfway through the day we come across ancient burials of forgotten steppe tribes which are well preserved owing to the dry and cold climate of the landlocked country. After picnic lunch we arrive at the statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. The giant steel structure stands 40-meters tall, from the height of which we can see sweeping views over the rolling plains and distant mountains. The ride concludes upon arrival at a resort featuring traditional canvas tents designated as guest rooms.

  • Lunch, dinner
  • Ger lodge
  • 46.5 km +517 m / -560 m

• CYCLING THROUGH THE LAND OF NOMADS

  This day of cycling—gentle, exhilarating—promises another opportunity for great photos. We again pedal leisurely and catch a glimpse of a way of life that hasn’t seemingly changed in centuries; watch nomadic tents and massive stocks of horses, sheep, and goats. This afternoon we climb to a wooded pass the gateway to the Khenty wilderness area that marks the southern edge of the Siberian mountain forest ecosystem. After a challenging climb to the pass-top, you will see a breathtaking panorama view of the vast open space dotted with Mongoilan gers. A 10km descent on a rough service brings you to another camp in a wide-open valley.

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ger lodge
  • 38.9 km +459 m / -360 m

• CYCLE IN THE KHENTY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

  We saved the best for last. Throughout the day, we cycle across rolling hills and forested mountains of Siberia. Bear, wolf, lynx, and boar inhabit the depths of this wilderness, as do herbivores such as elk, several species of deer, and many fur-bearing animals typical of the boreal forest. Of course, it is not realistic to encounter wild animals during the warm season, especially on trails frequently used by people, yet you still acutely feel the immensity of the wilderness. Double car tracks take us through gently undulating terrain on predominantly downhill terrain. Carpets of wildflowers, massive flocks of sheep and goats pass by. It’s an amusing scene to see horses galloping alongside or across your path, driven by their natural instinct of outracing anything moving fast. The predominant downhill incline allows for a leisurely pace with plenty of photo opportunities and quiet moments, adding to the magic feeling of being truly away from the modern world. We finish riding by 4pm and take a 2-hour transfer back to Ulaanbaatar.

  • Breakfast, lunch
  • 51.1 km +280 m / -417 m