Route of the Nomads

A superb biking holiday suited to those with an adventurous spirit. One of the true travelling frontiers, Mongolia offers an incredible experience for cyclists as we cycle into the heart of Mongolia and meet its nomadic people.

This biking tour starts at the Southern edge of the Khangai Mountains after a visit to the dramatic sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai before taking in the stunning Sharguljuut River valley.

From here the highlights unfold day-after-day and include the Shar Hutul Pass, the scenic Tamir River Valley and the superb views from the Khul Sayangiin Pass. Close to Bulgan we visit a nomadic family at their Ger to learn more about their way of life and at Tsenkher soothe our muscles at their hot springs. Our cycling journey ends in the impressive Orkhon Valley where Chinggis Khan based his Mongol capital before we head back to Ulaan Bataar via the impressive Erdenne Zhu monastery.

This is a fully-supported ride camping under the stars when not in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia’s capital. All cooking is catered for by our local team and served in the great outdoors. We cycle through a diversity of landscapes, including lush green grasslands and pine forests via a series of rock-strewn dirt roads, rocky river crossings, compacted earth and the route does include some steep climbs.

Along the way we will see a diverse array of wildlife: many birds of prey, cattle, yaks, gophers, and the pride of many Mongolians, the horse. The sheer adventure aspect of this biking tour makes this a trip that is sure to delight Skedaddlers in search of somewhere very unique.

The trip involves some steeper cheekier climbs which can be walked or done in the support vehicle should you choose and some rocky downhills. There are also a couple of days featuring some extended loose rocky sections along river beds but overall it is about 70-80% on hard-pack jeep trails with some river crossings so be prepared for wet feet on certain days.

Highlights

• The Palace of Bogd Khan & Ganden Monastery – Ulaan Baatar
• Tsetserleg Hot Springs & time at a traditional Ger camp
• Gorgeous Tamir River Valley & Orkhon Valley Falls
• Delicious food and nights under the stars
• Cycling through one of the world’s true wildernesses
• Nomadic horsemen and smiling children along the way

During the trip you will be almost completely off-road with the greater part being hard-packed dirt tracks or trails strewn with rocks. There is almost no traffic but you still need to be alert for rocks, potholes and track divots. There are several river crossings, so you can expect to get your feet wet!