DURATION:
14 days
GROUP SIZE:
4-16 pax
Cyclists – here’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you in unparalleled cycling country! Often described as the world’s largest campsite, Mongolia has some of the most spectacular wide open spaces and scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. With no land ownership in the countryside–meaning no fences and no trespassing–there’s no one to get in the way of your ride or your photographs.
Gather your group. Bring your own bikes. Fly to Ulaanbaatar. We’ll look after the rest.
From the time you touch down in the country to your departure two weeks later, our team will take care of everything: transport, accommodation, meals, and full-service support for your whole adventure. From proper cooked breakfasts in the morning to three-course dinners every evening, our crew will be there to set up/pack down your first rate camping facilities, and hand you a glass of wine or a cold beer at the end of a long day's ride.
After meeting with guides and drivers in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll drive your group and bikes out to Fairfield Guesthouse in our beautiful home province of Arkhangai where you’ll ride ‘The Khangai Traverse’. Enjoy 7-8 days of stunning cycling over mountain passes and down winding valleys beside fast-flowing rivers in the heart of Central Mongolia. Upon your return, spend a day relaxing: soak in the local hot springs and explore our lovely little town. Then it’s back to Ulaanbaatar to tour the city’s best sights before hopping on a plane home.
Please note: we don’t enjoy putting random people into travel groups and hoping they’ll all get along. We want you to get your own group of 6-12 people together–those you actually want to spend time with–and then get in touch. June-September is your window, unless you want to do it on skis!
This is something you only do once in a lifetime. Make sure you do it right - with Fairfield!
Inclusions in the Adventure:
Cars and drivers for the entire adventure duration
All fuel and running costs for the vehicles for the proposed routes
Guide, translator, cooks, drivers and bicycle mechanic to accompany the team
All accommodation for guests and support team
Camping equipment, tents, beds, showers, kitchen facilities etc. (sleeping bags not included)
All meals as detailed in your itinerary
Energy food and snacks while riding
Beer and wine while cycling / camping
Entry to the Tsenkher Hot Springs
Airport shuttle on departure
Cost
Group of 12: USD $2700 per person
Group of 6: USD $3200 per person
(Bicycle hire additional)
Day 1
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Meet your guide and drivers at the airport with sufficient vehicles to accommodate your group and bikes. Transfer to a hotel in the city centre and get settled in.
Depending on the time of your arrival flight, spend the rest of the day building bikes, exploring the city, or otherwise preparing for the trip to the countryside the next day.
Enjoy a meal together and get a good night’s sleep for your adventure to come.
Day 2
Ulaanbaatar to Fairfield Arkhangai
Load into vehicles, then drive approx. eight hours to Tsetserleg, Arkhangai province.
Along the way, stop off at the Elsen Tasarkhai sands–nicknamed Mongolia’s ‘Mini Gobi’–for camel rides surrounded by scenic vistas of windblown dunes bordered by mountains and grasslands.
A little further down the road, visit the Erdene Zuu monastery in Kharhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Built in 1586, Erdene Zuu is steeped in history and is quite possibly the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
Upon arrival in Arkhangai, get settled in and enjoy the hospitality and comfort of the Fairfield Guesthouse.
Day 3
Khorgo Volcano, Begin Cycling along White Lake
In the morning, drive to the base of the Khorgo Volcano (near Tariat) to begin your cycling tour. Take the chance to climb the volcano before starting out on bicycles.
Spend the rest of the day riding approximately 30kms along the northern shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (Great White Lake), camping on the lake edge in the evening.
Watch the sun set over the water with a glass of wine or a beer in-hand.
Day 4
Khangai
For your first full day of cycling, ride approximately 50 kms over undulating terrain, past the town of Khangai, to a campsite on the edge of a small river nestled between forested mountainsides. For those inclined, this river offers good opportunities for fishing.
Throughout the day, take full advantage of your service crew once again, enjoying scenic snack and lunch stops and another comfortable evening in camp.
Day 5
Khangai Mountains
Ride another 50km day, embarking on a steady uphill climb (approx. 400m elevation gain) up through a beautiful valley.
Make camp for the evening just a little below the highest point of the route, again beside a rushing stony stream. Tuck into a well-earned, hearty dinner together before heading to bed.
Day 6
Zag, Bayankhongor Province
A 220m climb over approximately 10km takes you to the top of the Yellow Water Pass, the highest point on the ride.
From the pass, enjoy the fruits of your labour: a long, steady downhill to the evening's campsite a further 40kms down the trail.
Day 7
Jargalant, Bayankhongor Province
At 80kms, this is the longest day of riding on the route, though much of it downhill. Make multiple small river crossings, passing by the small town of Jargalant, before arriving at your campsite on the banks of a beautiful river, nearby to some nomadic herder families.
Relax and enjoy the evening, getting an early night ready for the next day’s ride.
Chuluut River, Arkhangai Province
Make the most of your cooked breakfast, gearing up for a challenging hill-climb day (around 600m elevation gain), covering 35-40 kms in total. Enjoy the beautiful and rugged landscape as you come through the Egiin Dawaa Pass. Navigate a variety of terrain through the day, including stony sections and a number of small streams.
Camp in a stunning valley beside the rushing Chuluut River. Again, there may be some good fishing opportunities.
Day 8
Day 9
Tamir River Valley
Enjoy an easier day today, cycling further along the Chuluut River before coming up and over a pass for a glorious long downhill run into the lush North Tamir River Valley (53 kms total distance). This whole area is dotted with many nomadic family gers and their herds.
Your campsite for the night is in a wooded area, allowing for a good campfire to sit around together and enjoy your final night in tents.
Day 10
Tamir Valley to Fairfield Arkhangai
For your final day on bikes, cycle a total 57 kms further down the gorgeous Tamir Valley, along the rushing river surrounded by tall trees and herds of animals.
Once you hit the paved road at the end of the valley, you can decide whether you want to take on the final challenge of a fast ride on the bitumen road and then a gruelling 400m pass... or call it a day and load the bikes in the cars for the return to Fairfield Arkhangai on four wheels.
Upon arrival, enjoy the ambiance of the café, reconnect with the world on Wi-Fi, and take a long hot shower before settling in for a great night’s sleep on our full-sized thick mattresses.
Day 11
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Sleep in! Enjoy a long leisurely breakfast and, if you are so inclined, take a stroll around town, the monastery, museum, and temple.
In the afternoon, drive for about an hour (or cycle 27kms if you are still feeling energetic) out to the Tsenkher Hot Springs, and soak away any lingering aches and pains from your cycling adventures.
Relaxed and rejuvenated, enjoy a dinner at the resort by the springs, and then return for one final night's sleep at Fairfield Arkhangai.
Day 12
Fairfield Arkhangai to Ulaanbaatar
Load into vehicles for the return journey back to Ulaanbaatar.
Pack down bikes into boxes ready for the flight home, and then check back into your hotel for the night.
Enjoy a final farewell dinner together.
Day 13
Ulaanbaatar
A final day in the capital gives you the opportunity simply to be a tourist for the day. With many options to choose from, your group may decide to stay together or split up and go in different directions–we have you covered either way. Options include a drive out to the Chingiss Khaan Equestrian Statue complex, shopping at the black market (Narantuul), or a visit to one of the many museums and temples in Ulaanbaatar. If you are interested, there are also numerous cultural shows where you can experience the best of Mongolian music, dance, wrestling, etc.
Discuss your preferences with us and we'll set the plans in place.
Day 14
Departure Flights
Our team will meet your group at your hotel and take you, your bikes, and luggage to the airport in time for check-in and departure flights.
... it has been the most fantastic experience which will be memorable for the rest of our lives. It has been planned with Joel and Murray and we’ve been living like Kings in the middle of a very very amazing wilderness landscape. Their service has been absolutely fantastic.
Rohan B.