Cycling in Mongolia

Depart London.
**

Day 2

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the group hotel. Those not on the group
flights will meet the group at the hotel. 
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 3

This morning we start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then
strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, including Sukhbaatar
Square and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon/evening, we enjoy a
performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the world famous Tumen
Ekh Troupe before boarding the overnight train to Erdenet in the early
evening. Erdenet being Mongolia's third largest city and home to one of the
largest copper mines in the world. Overnight in comfortable sleeping
compartments on the train.

*Sleeper Train*

Day 4

Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival we will be joined by our
crew and support vehicles. After breakfast, we set up the bikes and head out
towards the wilderness. The small township of Bugat makes a convenient lunch
stop. After lunch, our route takes us over Chuluutiin Davaa, a long pass on
which care must be taken as the surface is loose in parts. With a steep
descent, we arrive at a long plain leading to tonight's camp near Tal Tolgoi
Well. Cycle approx. 50km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 5

After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through
undulating country before descending to a bridge over the Altaan (Golden)
River. Rock formations in the area hint towards a volcanic past. The
riverbanks make an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. It is a long steady climb
to Tuluugiin Pass where the scenery changes dramatically as the forests give
way to open steppe, at least for a while. Today is our longest cycling day on
the trip. Cycle approx 70km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 6

Today we pass through rolling hills, past small lakes and herds of horses.
Steppe eagles can be seen in this area. We stop for lunch with views across
the steppe. After lunch we continue on tracks around the southern side of Mt
Khairkhan (1862m) and make camp in an open green valley beneath Kholbooriin
pass (1649m). Cycle approx. 60km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 7

The day begins with a bit of exertion as we make the short climb in the
morning up to the pass, giving us far-reaching views across the countryside.
Down the other side we wind along gentle river valleys before emerging at the
township of Khairkhan. After lunch on the outskirts of town we pass a series
of small lakes before choosing a camp for the night. Cycle approx. 50km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 8

Today we follow the Khunjiin River as it rises gently towards its headwaters.
River valleys like this provide fertile pasture for grazing livestock and are
popular campsites with local herders. Wetlands near the river attract
birdlife, including demoiselle crane. Overnight in the upper reaches of the
river valley, beneath Mt Chingeltei. Cycle approx. 60km
*Wild Camping*

Day 9

After a short climb to the headwaters of Khunjiin River at Uran Khutul pass,
it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the
river we will pass burial grounds dating back to 8th Century AD. We camp
tonight on the banks of the Tamir, not far from Ikh Tamir, or 'Great Rock'.
Locals say that if you can throw a rock over the rock, it will bring you good
luck for the rest of the journey. Cycle approx. 60km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 10

Today is a half-day and we make a good start to make the most of the
afternoon for a chance to rest. Gurviin Dava Pass is a long but steady ascent
through forest for the most part, with a short steep climb at the end.
Arriving at the provincial capital of Tsetserleg makes the effort well
worthwhile. Tsetserleg means 'garden' and this township has one of the most
attractive settings of any in Mongolia, nestled in a cul-de-sac of mountains.
We pitch camp by the Tsetserleg River. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy
a hot shower and experience staying in a traditional Mongolian ger. Cycle
approx. 45km.

*Ger Camp*

Day 11

We are now close to the Khangai Mountains and a short ride takes us to the
foothills. The rolling country of Arhangai has been replaced by forested
hills of larch and pine with dramatic alpine peaks in the distance. There are
three short passes today, with lunch on the third before descending to
tonight's camp. Ride approx. 50km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 12

Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following
well-marked 4WD trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have
replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys
and camp beneath Mt Ondor Khairkhan (2312m). A relatively long day that can
be challenging if conditions are windy.Cycle approx. 60km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 13

Today we cross the Khangai Mountain range on good jeep tracks and drop down
to the Orkhon River on the longest, smoothest descent of the journey. This
Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then on to Lake Baikal
in Russia and further northwards to the Artic Ocean. After lunch we continue
downstream to our overnight camp on the river banks. Overnight camp by the
Orkhon River. Cycle approx 50km.
*Wild Camping*

Day 14

We ride out from camp following undulating terrain, crossing and recrossing
the Orkhon River as we make a beeline for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis
Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. 'Karakorum' is
derived from a Turkic language and means black rock, and shares this name
with mountains in Pakistan. Arriving in the ancient capital in the early
afternoon, we check into the Karakorum ger camp for hot showers and a
well-earned rest. This afternoon we head out to explore Erdene Zuu Monastery,
the largest and most famous monastery in Mongolia. Built in 1586 under the
direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital, much of the
monastery was destroyed during Stalinist purges of the 1930's, but an
impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. We
spend the night in traditional Mongolian gers.Cycle approx. 35km.
*Ger Camp*

Day 15

We make a good start this morning for the 400km drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at the Mongol Els to view the sand dunes.
Picnic lunch along the way. Check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar -
hot showers and cold beers!
*Bayangol Hotel or Similar, Comfortable Hotel*

Day 16

Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport early for their
flight back. For other travellers the trip ends after breakfast.