The quest of Genghis Khan, Mongolia’s most famous historical figure, was to promote peace and security by developing stable trading routes and alliances. This motorcycle tour covers the five central provinces of Mongolia, the heart of the Mongol Empire, where initially dozens of warring tribes were united before spreading throughout Asia and Europe, gathering support and power over varied populations due to their lenient policy towards religions and local traditions.
The route is 85% off-road following rough jeep tracks of packed mud, loose gravel, rock and sand. There will be some river crossings, the amount of water depending on the season and recent rainfall. Accommodation throughout the tour is at traditional 'GER' camps with a restaurant and bathroom facilities, located in the most spectacular places.
These unique rock formations set in the central steppe of Middle Gobi are home to many species of wild animals and birds. It is believed that Zanabazar, the first in a line of Mongolian re-incarnate Lamas, came here for prayer and meditation.
These sculptures, still to be found in their original locations, were erected by Bronze Age nomads up to 3000 years ago. They depict running deer in stylized form, and are thought to be grave markers or waypoint markers for the meeting of tribes.
The monastery was built in the 16th century at the site once occupied by Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. By the end of the 19th century there were more than 60 temples here and over 1000 Buddhist monks, but much was destroyed during the 1930s.
Mongolia is a great place for a motorcycle tour, but it is only suitable for confident riders with off-road experience. The routes are too remote and the terrain too rough for beginners. In parts of the country there are no facilities for tourists so we camp in the wilderness.
Arrive in 'Ulaanbaatar' and go to hotel. Evening meet the tour leader and rest of group for pre tour meeting. The meeting is about the day by day itinerary and safety issues. Overnight in hotel.
Allocate motorbikes and start riding. The first 28 km are on tarmac road to get out of the city, then open plains riding across the grassy hills of Tuv “Central” Province to 'Baga Gazariin Chuluu'. Overnight 'Ger'camp.
Off-road all the way, a completely new section of the tour, first stopping to see the amazing granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, then ride westwards to the sandy 'Moltsog Els' at Elsen Tasarkhai. Overnight 'Ger' camp.
Ride for the first 100 km on road to 'Kharkhorin' the old capital of Mongolia where Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire was centred, and visit 'Erdene Zuu' Buddhist monastery. Afternoon ride in the mountains along the Orkhon valley to the grand waterfall. Overnight 'Ger' camp.
Ride through the mountains avoiding as many river crossings as possible, over several rocky mountain passes, to Tsetserleg, the capital of Arkhangai province, then over the final pass to reach 'Ikh Tamir' ger camp beside the Tamir river.
Ride along the northern bank of the river, mainly hard pack on old jeep tracks, stopping on the way to see ancient standing 'Deer Stone', wonderful examples of nomadic steppe art. Load bikes, vehicles and people onto a 'Raft' to cross the Tamir river, then arrive at Ugii Lake. Overnight 'Ger' camp.
Leaving Ugii Lake, ride across the mountains and grasslands (completely new route !) to get to 'Khogno Khan' a dramatic granite mountain situated close to the geographical centre of Mongolia, where 4 provinces meet. Overnight 'Ger' camp.
We take the old tracks through the valleys and mountains to Zuun Mod (avoiding the new tarmac road) and then to Ulaanbaatar. This is a long days’ riding (stamina required). Transfer to 'Continental Hotel'.
Departure.
The route is 85% off-road following rough jeep tracks of packed mud, loose gravel, rock and sand. There will be some river crossings, the amount of water depending on the season and recent rainfall.
Accommodation throughout the tour is at traditional 'GER' camps with a restaurant and bathroom facilities, located in the most spectacular places.
АНХААРУУЛГА: Хэрэв та болон таны компани тухайн аялалын маршрутын чиглэл, текст үг өгүүлбэр, фото, газрын зургыг хуулбарлахаар төлөвлөж байгаа болон хуулбарлан санаа авч өөр арга хэлбэрээр дахин нэр өгч өөрчлөн боловсруулж ашиглахыг хориглоно!
Non-Riders are welcome on every trip and can ride in one of the support vehicles. Mongolia motorcycle adventures give you an opportunity to make great friends amongst the group as well as meeting local Mongolians and nomadic families living an ancient lifestyle that has changed little in centuries.