Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Distance
1146km
Difficulty
Very Challenging
Price
Per person – £2,200
≥ 2 people £2,000
≥ 4 people £1,900
Dates
We have a WhatsApp group for people interested in deciding on a date. Likely August.
Introduction
Looking for a challenge? Not many come as unique and exhilarating as this. The Tour de Nomad is our ultimate supported cycle adventure, from the singing sand dunes of Mongolia’s Gobi desert to the high mountains and beautiful lakes of Northern Mongolia. The expedition covers a massive distance of just over 1000km in 14 days and the route has been carefully planned to include many of Mongolia’s most famous natural and historic sites. You are not going to find a trip like this anywhere else. Don’t miss out!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1.
Airport transfer to our guest house near Gandan Monastery and city tour
Day 2.
Drive South through the remote landscapes of the Gobi Desert to the starting point of our cycle.
Day 3. Cycle starts
Massive walls of Sand loom above us at Khongor Els (Singing Sand Dunes). This is the starting point of our cycle. Tonight’s camp is a small desert oasis on the other side of a small mountain range.
Day 4.
From the desert oasis, we make our way to the Flaming Cliffs. Famous for the beautifully colourful ochre that reflects the light to look like a wall of fire at sunrise and set these cliffs were also the site of multiple dinosaur discoveries.
Day 5/6.
It’s a two-day cycle to our next site of interest the ruins of Ongi Monastery. The site used to be home to over a thousand Buddhist Monks, 28 temples and 4 Buddhist universities but was destroyed in the 1930s after Mongolia’s war for independance.
Day 7. Rest day
Day 8/9/10.
A three-day ride through landscapes that are becoming steadily greener as we leave the desert behind for Mongolia’s vast grasslands. At the end of these three days, we will reach the town of Karakorum, which used to be the site of the Mongol’s ancient capital.
Day 11.
After exploring the ancient city walls and Erdene Zuu (Mongolia’s earliest surviving Buddhist Monastery) of Karakorum We have a full day of road cycling to Altan-Ovoo and the nearby Tsenkher hot springs where we will spend our second rest day.
Day 12. Rest day
Our second scheduled rest day will be spent at the Tsenkher hot springs. The short springs are believed to have healing properties making it the perfect place to stop after a further four days of cycling.
Day 13/14.
Making fast progress on a mix of tarmacked roads and comapcted dirt we reach the Khorgo Valley home to its famous extinct volcano and the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (The White Lake). It is a beautiful valley full of volcanic landscapes and meandering rivers.
Day 15/16/17.
Three days of green mountain paths as we follow rivers that snake through trees and wildflower meadows. This is truly remote and beautiful cycling territory. Our own little paradise, as we make our way to the Northern provincial capital of Murun.
Day 18. Cycle Finish
The last day of cycling and what a place to finish. It is no secret that we love Lake Khovsgol at Wild Stride. Know throughout Asia as the Blue Pearl this beautiful lake marks the end of our journey. You have done it! Tonight we will celebrate in Hatgal village.
Day 19/20.
Congratulations on an incredible ride! Over the next two days, we have time to rest our legs as we head back to Ulaanbaatar for a final meal together and to say our farewells. What a trip, we hope you enjoyed it and we are sure you will never forget it.
Full Itinerary
Day 1.
When you arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB) you will be picked up by one of our drivers and transferred to our guest house in Wester UB. Gandan Monastery and its beautifully ornate carvings are just around the corner, which you can explore at your leisure. Once most people have arrived, your guide will organise a tour of the city, visiting the bustling centre, political buildings and Mongolia’s National Museum.
Day 2.
We are covering a lot of distance on this cycle so it is a long drive South through the Gobi Desert to Khongor Els (The Singing Sand Dunes), the start point of our cycle. We will set off early around 7:00/8:00 am to arrive that evening. It is a good opportunity to rest before the cycle begins and we drive through some beautiful remote landscapes on the way.
Cycle begins
Day 3.
To the South stands an impassable wall of sand over 100m high in places and a stunning location to start our cycle from. It is a difficult climb to the top of the dunes but well worth the view and if you are lucky and the wind is blowing in the right direction, to hear the dunes song. From the top, it is an exhilarating run down to the bottom to start the cycle. Today is a 58.7km ride target with an uphill section to start as we traverse desert mountains to reach a small oasis on the other side. Total elevation gain/loss 915m/-743m
Day 4.
Today we complete our ride from Khongor Els (The Singing Sand Dunes) to the Flaming cliffs our second famous Mongolian landmark. The beautifully colourful ochre and red sand of the Flaming cliffs are a place of national interest due to the findings of dinosaur bones and eggs in the area. The name for the Flaming cliffs will become clear that evening as the sun goes down and the light bounces off the sand in a wall of flame. The ride from our desert oasis is mainly downhill as we descend from the desert mountains into the dusty foothills. The ride target is 79km to make it to the cliffs. Total elevation gain/loss 479m /-750m.
Day 5.
Following what would be considered a major road in this part of the Gobi Desert but is in reality a strip of hard-packed dirt and sand we head to our first Mongolian town. The small Gobi settlement of Mandal-Ovoo where the support team will restock fresh food and supplies. Our aim will be to camp just North of the town and make a start on our next leg to Ongii Monestry. The route to Mandal follows a path down from the Flaming Cliffs between jagged rocks and Mars-like landscapes before meeting the road that crosses and then runs parallel to dried-up rivers across a desert plain. The ride target is 84.2km with an elevation gain/loss of 597m /-712m.
Day 6.
Keeping the Desert river that is the lifeblood of Mandal-Ovoo town on our left we head directly North to the ruins of the Ongi valley monasteries. The same river we have followed for most of the day flows between two abandoned monasteries that face one another across the valley. The two complexes used to house over a thousand Buddhist monks, 28 temples and 4 Buddhist universities. The older southern complex was completed in 1660 with the Northern complex being built in the following 18th century. Both were completely destroyed after anti-religious purges in the 1930s under Khorloogiin Choibalsan, the leader of the Communist Party of Mongolia. Today only a few stupas, a temple and a museum exist after decisions were made in the 90s to rebuild part of the monasteries. There is also a Visitors’ Ger Camp where you will have your first experience of the Mongolian traditional yurt. The ride target is 68.7km today with an elevation gain/loss of 588m /-423m.
Day 7.
Today is a well earned rest day at the ruins of Ongi Monestary. You can explore the ruins with your guide at your leasure or relax by the river that flows between them. There is plenty of histroy to explore here and and it is a beautiful part of the Gobi desert to spend some extra time. Over the next four days we will be increasing our average daily distance and elevation gain as we get into the swing of this epic challenge so make use of having a Ger and proper bed.
Day 8.
This is your opportunity to see what you are made of. Our ride target for the next three days is 278km to the site of the ancient Mongolian empire’s capital, Karakorum. Today’s ride is a gradual uphill following the river through an arid plain. Vast landscapes stretch to the horizon. Towards the end of the day you will start to see signs of the deserts steadily changing to grass lands as we make our way closer to the central Mongolian steppes. The aim today will be to camp a few kilometres beyond the village of Bayangol. A ride target of 86.6km, with elevation gain/loss of 747m -524m.
Day 9.
As the desert sands give way to green grass so do the dunes give way to mountains. Signs of herders and the Nomadic lifestyle start to increase as we reach the large Mongolian town of Arvaikheer. Outside the town, we join our first proper tarmacked road. On this road, we will be able to make quick progress North to a pass through the mountains. On our way we will cross a bridge over the river we have followed for the last few days. The bridge is the main crossing point over the fast flowing river that emerges from a narrow valley and then starts to split and meander through the plain we have just crossed. We will continue on a little way from here to avoid the admittadly infrequent road noise over the bridge and make camp by a mountain stream. Ride target 88.4km, with elevation gain/loss of 794m -429m
Day 10.
Today’s ride is primarily downhill with a few smaller hills towards the end. Before we get there though we still have 125m to the top of the pass before a long downhill to a crossroads where we will take the North Western road over a second smaller pass. Shortly after the second pass, we will leave the road behind in favour of a pretty mountain valley crisscrossed with rivers flowing from the surrounding peaks. We follow this valley for about 30km before returning to the tarmacked road that takes us gently down from the mountains to Mongolia’s Ancient Capital on the edge of the Onkon Valley. Get a good night sleep this evening as we spend the night in a traditional Ger before a challenging cycle in the morning. Ride target 103km, with elevation gain/loss of 765m -1178m
Day 11.
In the morning, we have the option to either visit the ancienty city and famous buddist monestry inside or get straight on with the cycle and return on our rest day tomorrow. Either way we will cycle past the surrounding city walls before continue our journey to Altan-Ovoo and the Tsenkher hot springs to bathe our hard-working legs in the volcanic waters. The whole day is spent on one of Mongolia’s major countryside roads although you will see far more livestock on the road than cars. It’s a day of classic Mongolian landscapes. Rolling hills with a many ups and downs and all through a beautiful green landscape. Ride target of 96km, with elevation gain/loss of 1093m -982m
Day 12.
Today is our second rest day. We have increased the average daily distance and have been travelling for 12 days so what better way to spend the day than relaxing in “Healing” hot pools. If we haven’t already your driver can give you a lift back to Karakorum to explore the ancient city. The city was likely an important Ger town during Ghengis Khan’s time due to the wealth and fertility of the surrounding Orkon valley. The city however didn’t rise to prominence until his successor Ögedei erected the city walls and built a fixed palace. Under his rule, the site was to become a major site of world politics and the heart of the Mongol empire. The site is famous today for the Erdene Zuu Monastery (Mongolia’s earliest surviving Buddhist Monastery) and the nearby museum of Mongolian history. We will spend the night at one of the many resorts in the Tsenkher hot spring region before starting out on the final leg of this challenge.
Day 13.
Our next destination is Khorgo Mountain overlooking the White Lake 180km North West of Altan-Ovoo. The roads are again tarmacked and lead gentle into the mountains at a steady gradient. Today’s aim is to cover over half the distance to our camp near Khorgo. To do so we need to cross two mountain ranges to reach a wide and fertile river valley where we can pick an idyllic spot to camp for the night. Ride target 91.3km, with elevation gain/loss of 1399m -1191m
Day 14.
A day of long windy roads as we cross the last mountain range to reach the valley with both the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (The White Lake) and the Khorgo extinct volcano. Today is a shorter ride to allow you to explore the volcanic landscape surrounding the lake and climb the mountain. We will set up camp in a beautiful spot where two rivers meet, close to where we entered the valley. To save your legs for exploring our drivers will take you the rest of the way to the lake and mountain, and return to camp later. Climbing the mountain and exploring the lake is not compulsory and you are welcome to relax at camp if you choose. Ride target 69.1km, with elevation gain/loss 1062m -1002m
Day 15.
From our camp at the confluence of the rivers, we leave the tarmac road for dusty mountain paths as we head downstream from Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (The White Lake). The landscapes here are spectacular with steep banks on either side of the river but a wide and flat valley between the mountains. It is a popular area for locals to go hiking due to its unique vistas and proximity to Mount Khorgo. Today is also the first of three beautifully remote days in the mountains but mountains mean climbs and while most of the day is a gentle downhill by the river, we must leave the river behind towards the end of the day and cut over a high mountain path. Save some in the tank because it’s an almost 1000m gradual climb to the top with beautiful views up the valley. On the other side of the pass, we drop down into mesmerising mountain valleys coated in tall green spruce trees. Ride target 68.3km, with elevation gain/loss of 1703m -1665m.
Day 16.
Descending from the pass we re-join the river that now flows through a stunningly remote mountain valley. Meadows and trees dot the banks of the river as the valley widens and narrows twists and turns. Very few people live in this valley although you will see signs of life and a few Ger homesteads along your way. One of these remote Ger homesteads will be the site of our camp for the night. The five rivers camp. Ride target 89.8km, with elevation gain/loss of 1083m -1774m.
Day 17.
The final day of cycling through our remote mountain valley. The goal today is to reach Murun the province capital of Khovsgol Mongolia’s most Northern province. The river valley levels out as it widens, and soon we will make the climb to the plain above following a stream that flows down from it. At the top, we meet the road to Murun and make quick progress to the Mongolian city. Ride target 63.3km, with elevation gain/loss of 1012m -925m.
Day 18.
Know as the Blue pearl of Asia Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia’s largest freshwater Lake and arguable it’s most beautiful. We have a ride target of 100km, with elevation gain/loss 1378m -1022m on paved roads to finish this epic ride. At the journeys end Lake Khovsgol’s pristine pearl blue waters are your reward as we plunge into the cool refreshing lake to mark the end of our epic journey across one of the worlds least know countries. From sands to lakes you have done it.
Day 19/20.
Congratulations! You now have time to rest your legs and reflect on your journey as we head back to Ulaanbaatar for a farewell meal together in one of Mongolia’s bustling restaurants. Time permitting we will head to capitals largest market which is perhaps deceptively named the Black Market where your guide will show you around and you can pick up some beautiful souvenirs. Traditional clothing, trinkets and soft cashmere the market has it all.
Tour Details
Support Team: Mongolia is vast and remote so to ensure your safety we have a support vehicle with us at all times. The support vehicles will carry all our personal items, food and water allowing us to cover greater distances than we would unsupported. You will have an English-speaking guide cycling alongside you, who will be able to tell you about the local area and the destinations we stop off at. There will be a chef to cook and prepare all your meals and these as well as meals in restaurants during the tour dates are provided as part of the trip. If you want any extra snacks and energy drinks for cycling you should buy these before leaving Ulan Bator as it will be harder to buy them in the countryside.
Accommodation and Wild camping: All accommodation is included in the tour cost within the specified dates. The majority of the trip will be spent wild camping although we will try and stay in Gers (the traditional Mongolian Yurts) when possible. We do provide two-person tents which you may have to share with another traveller. If you wish to have your own tent please let us know as there may be a small extra charge. We ask that you bring your own four seasons sleeping bag and roll mat as we do not provide these and the nights can get cold.
Temperature and Weather: Mongolia is known as the Land of Blue Sky due to its low annual rainfall and cloudless days. June is no exception to this and is generally pleasant and dry with less wind than in later summer months. The daytime temperatures can range from 15℃ to 30℃ with nighttime temperatures being as high as 20℃ in the Gobi and as low as 5℃ in the North and the mountains. Top tip: bring a sleeping bag liner as it can act as your only or an extra layer on warm or cold nights.
Toilets: Outside of the capital you are unlikely to find flushing toilets. Most toilets are long drop compost loos and we will provide toilet roll as often there isn’t any. While wild camping we will dig a trench to use although you are welcome to dig your own. The general rule is to do it away from camp, off any paths and to cover it up after you are done.
Showers and Washing: For showering and washing clothes the local method is to use the river but we can warm up the water on the fire if you prefer. The rivers in Mongolia tend to be very clear and clean due to the lack of industrial farming methods and wild hunters such as wolves keeping livestock on the move. We may have access to showers and washing facilities in Karakorum but don’t rely on this. After all, a quick dip in the river is a great way to revitalise after a long cycle and we always have the hot springs to look forward to.
Bikes and Cycling: Bicycle rental of a gravel bike is included in the price of the tour but you are welcome to bring your own. If you bring your own bicycle it must be suitable for both off-road and road cycling. The routes we are taking are well known by locals but not well travelled. We will be crossing streams and cycling over mountain passes following dirt or gravel tracks. Tarmac roads are rare in Mongolia but compacted dirt roads are surprisingly effective in Mongolia’s dry climate, because of this we have opted for gravel bikes. If you feel you would be more comfortable on a mountain bike and can do the distance then be our guest.
Ride targets: We have a set target distance that we aim to achieve each day. The distances are targets because as a group you may wish to lose or gain distance on different days depending on conditions. The distance we have set is what in our experience would make for the most exciting tour or what the group we have planned the tour for wants to attempt. There is no shame in catching a ride for the remaining few kilometres if it means seeing more of this wonderful country.
First attempt and challenge: We want to make it clear that this route has not been attempted before and has an ambitious average distance and elevation. It has been planned with the help of satellite images, local guides, nomads, drivers and suggestions from potential travellers. We are confident in the route but there is no obligation to finish it. As this is our first attempt we will try our best to adapt daily distances to reflect the group’s ability and the conditions we face. This trip is shaped by you and other travellers so is still evolving. We have a WhatsApp group to discuss the trip and will make all decisons ahead of and during the trip as a group. Above is the current proposition so if you are interested get in touch.
For more information about this trip or the WhatsApp group please contact Luke at +44 (0) 7955285720 or drop us a message at [email protected].
Nature ♦♦♦♦♦
Culture and people ♦♦♦♦◊
Adventure ♦♦♦♦♦
Includes:
Airport pick up and drop off
Hotel guest house in Ulaanbaatar (optional)
Overnights in Gers and tents
Three meal a day
Bike rental
English speaking guide
Support staff
Permits
All activities
Excludes:
International flight
Travel insurance
Personal sleeping bag and role mat (for the trek and family visit)
£2,200 per person
£2,000 ≥ 2 people
£1,900 ≥ 4 people
One of our most challenging and exciting tours, this trip brings together some of Mongolia’s greatest landmarks and combines them with some incredible cycling through deserts, over mountain and across the mighty Mongolian grasslands.
