17 days tour

Cycling In Mongolia - Naadam Festival

$ 5,850 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $5,850.00

Cycling In Mongolia - Naadam Festival

This tour includes:

Meals

All meals are included. In the countryside, our support vehicles carry the kitchen, food supplies and kitchen staff including a professional chef. Meals are Western style with a strong Asian influence. Breakfasts are typically cereals, toast and a hot dish. Lunches on the road are sandwiches, cheese, meats and salad. Dinners are a variety of vegetables, meat, rice, potatoes and pasta dishes. Filtered or purified drinking water is supplied on all cycling days, as are tea, coffee and fruit drinks. Dining in Ulaanbaatar is excellent and includes Mongolian, Indian, French, Chinese and Mexican restaurants. If you follow a vegan diet, the variety of food may be limited on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region, we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying.

Transport

Two vehicles support the trip (depending on group size) including a 4ร—4/standard minivan for people and a separate one for bikes and equipment. Depending on group size, an additional bus will meet the group in Karakorum for the long drive back.

Guide

The trip is led by an experienced cycle leader and an English-speaking Mongolian guide. Two 4ร—4/standard minivan vehicles support the group; these are sturdy Russian-built minivans with roof-mounted bike racks. A professional chef and assistants (depending on group size) accompany the group in the countryside.

Accommodation

Most of the trip is spent wild participatory camping and you will be asked to put up and take down your own tents. A toilet tent is put up at lunch and in the evening and a shower tent is put up when not camping near a stream (you should bring bio-soap for washing in streams and wet wipes). Ger camps are yurt-type felt tents with beds inside and shared bathrooms. The hotel in Ulaanbaatar has private bathrooms. The sleeper trains have four berths per compartment. There may be occasions when we replace a night camping with a ger stay should local circumstances, such as the weather, dictate it. Single supplement If you prefer to have your own room, please request a single supplement at the time of booking. Availability is limited and these cannot be guaranteed; however, when available a single supplement covers all nights of the tour with the exception of the sleeper train, which is shared with four berths per cabin.

Others

All listed activities Arrival & departure transfers Local bike hire

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycling In Mongolia - Naadam Festival

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Ulaanbaatar
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Ulaanbaatar

      This cycling adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. There are free transfers available from the airport to all group members today โ€“ please see the Joining Instructions for more information. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Morning Sightseeing Followed By A Free Afternoon; Overnight Train To Erdenet (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Morning Sightseeing Followed By A Free Afternoon; Overnight Train To Erdenet (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, which takes in Sukhbaatar Square (the main square in the city), National Museum and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon, you have free time before boarding the overnight train to Erdenet in the early evening. Erdenet is the third-largest city in Mongolia and home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. We stay in sleeping compartments on the train. Accommodation: Sleeper train

  • Day 3 Day 3: Ride To Tal Tolgoi Well Via The Small Township Of Bugat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Ride To Tal Tolgoi Well Via The Small Township Of Bugat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival, we are 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 tonightโ€™s camp near Tal Tolgoi Well. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cross Tuluugiin Pass (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cross Tuluugiin Pass (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through rolling 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. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 5 Day 5: Arhangai Steppe Ride To A Valley Below Khairkhan Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Arhangai Steppe Ride To A Valley Below Khairkhan Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      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 Khairkhan Mountain (6,108ft/1,862m) and make camp in an open, green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass (5,410ft/1,649m). Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 6 Day 6: Short Climb To Cross The Kholboogin Pass Before Descending To Khairkhan Lake Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Short Climb To Cross The Kholboogin Pass Before Descending To Khairkhan Lake Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We begin 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. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 7 Day 7: Cycle Up Khunjiin River Valley To Camp Beneath Chingeltei Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Cycle Up Khunjiin River Valley To Camp Beneath Chingeltei Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      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 cranes. We stay overnight in the upper reaches of the river valley, beneath Chingeltei Mountain. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 8 Day 8: Short Climb Past The Headwaters Of The Khunjiin; Descend Into Tamir River Valley; Camp Near Great Rock Of Ikh Tamir (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Short Climb Past The Headwaters Of The Khunjiin; Descend Into Tamir River Valley; Camp Near Great Rock Of Ikh Tamir (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      After a short climb to the headwaters of the Khunjiin River at the Uran Khutul pass, it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the river, we pass burial grounds dating to the eighth century. 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. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 9 Day 9: Half-Day Ride To Tsetserleg; Afternoon Free (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Half-Day Ride To Tsetserleg; Afternoon Free (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today is a half day of cycling and we make a good start to make the most of the afternoon for a chance to rest. The 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. 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. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 10 Day 10: Morning Ride In Foothills Of The Khangai Mountains (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Morning Ride In Foothills Of The Khangai Mountains (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      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 tonightโ€™s camp. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 11 Day 11: Cycle Across Rolling Steppe To Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Cycle Across Rolling Steppe To Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following well-marked 4ร—4 trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys and camp beneath Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (7,585ft/2,312m). This a relatively long day that can be challenging if conditions are windy. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 12 Day 12: Ride The Khangai Mountain Range On Good Jeep Tracks; Descend To Orkhon River Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Ride The Khangai Mountain Range On Good Jeep Tracks; Descend To Orkhon River Valley (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      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. The Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then to Lake Baikal in Russia and further northwards to the Arctic Ocean. After lunch, we continue downstream to our overnight camp on the banks of the Orkhon River. Accommodation: Wild camping

  • Day 13 Day 13: Ride To Karakorum And Erdene Zuu Monastery; Overnight In Traditional Ger Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Ride To Karakorum And Erdene Zuu Monastery; Overnight In Traditional Ger Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We ride from camp following rolling terrain, crossing and recrossing the Orkhon River as we head for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. Arriving in the early afternoon, we check into the ger camp for hot showers and a well-earned rest. This afternoon, we 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 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remains. Accommodation: Ger camp

  • Day 14 Day 14: Drive To Ulaanbaatar, Visit Mongol Els Dunes; Enjoy A Traditional Mongolian Show (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Drive To Ulaanbaatar, Visit Mongol Els Dunes; Enjoy A Traditional Mongolian Show (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We make a good start this morning for the 250mi (400km) drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at Mongol Els to view the dunes with a picnic lunch en route. We check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar โ€“ hot showers and cold beers! This afternoon, we enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the renowned Tumen Ekh troupe. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15-16: Naadam Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15-16: Naadam Festival (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      The Naadam Festival celebrates the โ€˜three games of menโ€™ (or Erin Gurvan Naadam): wrestling, horse racing and archery. More recently, a fourth game, knuckle-bone flicking, was added to the competitions. The festival is celebrated throughout the country but the biggest is in Ulaanbaatar. Over the next two days, we attend the Naadam Festival horse racing, Deeltei Mongol Naadam (Mongolia National Costume Festival) and the Grand Opening Ceremony before we watch Mongolians compete in all four sports. We also get to mingle with hordes of Mongolian spectators as the grounds around the stadium (where wrestling, archery and bone-flicking takes place) and the horse races are filled with stands selling food, games, flags and various other things. The atmosphere is a big part of the experience and many Mongolians dress in their best traditional clothes for the occasion. In 2010, the festival was entered into the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is a great celebration of the Central Asian nationโ€™s culture. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 16 Day 17: End Ulaanbaatar (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: End Ulaanbaatar (Breakfast)

      The tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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