This 250km route starts from the village of "Tsenkher" in Arkhangai province of Central Mongolia and finishes at "Kharkhorin" which was the of the great Mongol Empire ruled by Genghis Khan. It goes through the "Orkhon" river valley and continues onwards through varied mountain, forest and open steppe scenery. The volcanic rocky ground near the "Orkhon Waterfall" are most dramatic. This trail is suitable for anyone who rides regularly and is fit.
The riding is 100% off road, following rough jeep tracks most of the way, with a number of river crossings. The highest point is at 2250 meters and there are several technical downhill stretches. Daily cycling distance varies . Outside Ulaanbaatar most nights will be spent camping in Western-style tents and two nights in ger camp. This itinerary is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness and off-road experience.
Arrive in 'Ulaanbaatar' and go to hotel. Evening meet the tour leader and rest of group for Technical Briefing. The meeting talks about day by day itinerary and safety issues. Overnight in hotel.
A long days' drive by jeep from Ulaanbaatar through the provinces of Tuv and Arkhangai to reach the start point of the ride at "Tsenkher". Overnight camping beside the 'Tsenkher' river. Overnight camping.
Assemble the bikes and start riding along the road to "Tsetserleg", the main town of Arkhangai province. Take lunch in a local restaurant then ride up into the mountains, crossing three passes, to arrive at the ger camp. There are 'Hot Mineral Springs' here and you can bathe outside in the pools. Overnight 'Ger'camp.
Ride along lush green valleys grazed by yaks and sheep, home to many nomadic families who might invite you into their ger for a bowl of “airag” (fermented mare’s milk). Ride over 'Bogoch' pass to reach the "Tsetserleg" river by which we set up camp.
Continue riding through gorgeous scenery up to 'Ultiin Pass' , and on through mountains of gold (which is mined in these mountains), to reach "Khyasaan" gorge. Overnight camping.
Follow the "Orkhon" river to the magnificent 'Orkhon Waterfall' and spend the evening enjoying this beautiful spot. Overnight camping.
Continue along the valley, with several 'River Crossings' then northwards up into the hills of Batulzii District. Overnight camping.
Ride along the "Orkhon" valley to reach "Kharkhorin". This small town was once the centre of the great Mongol empire of the thirteenth century. There is a large Buddhist monastery, 'Erdene Zuu' which we can visit. Overnight ger camp.
Return by jeep to Ulaanbaatar. 'Overnight in hotel'.
Departure.
Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, drive south-west to Kharkhorin which was the original capital of Mongolia. Start riding from Tsenkher village along the Orkhon Valley and into the Khangai mountains, back to Kharkhorin.
Mongolia is a great place for a mountain biking tour, but it is only suitable for confident riders with off-road experience. Sometimes we will stay in traditional ger camps, but where there are no facilities for tourists so we camp in the wilderness.
The Orkhon river flows through basalt rocks from the Khangai mountain range to Kharkhorin town. The waterfall cascades from a height of 20 meters and is 10 metres wide. During winter months it is frozen solid.
Hot water reaching 86 degree Celsius bubbles out of the ground and is piped to nearby ger camps where guests can relax in the outdoor baths. The water contains hydrosulfuric acid and has health-giving properties.
This Buddhist monastery was founded in 1585 on the site where Genghis Khan established the capital of the Mongol Empire 300 years earlier. The temples are built in Tibetan, Manchurian and Mongolian styles.
The riding is 100% off road, following rough jeep tracks most of the way, with a number of river crossings. The highest point is at 2250 meters and there are several technical downhill stretches. Daily cycling distance varies. Outside Ulaanbaatar all nights will be spent camping in Western-style tents and two nights in ger camp. This tour is for cyclists who have some off-road experience and stamina.
"Of course, the star of the show was the Mongolian landscape – to witness the steppes from the back of a bike will be something I’ll never forget – and meeting the locals along the way was just an added bonus. Lovely people !"