Mountain biking & cycling tour – western Mongolia
Mountain biking holiday in the Altai mountains
Adventure-filled mountain biking tours in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia for cyclists, action seekers, and nature lovers. With gorgeous views, wild mountain streams, ancient burials, local nomads, and idyllic lakes, this is a ride to get you off the grid and into new adventures. We offer three mountain biking tour packages as follows. EASY, MODERATE, and CHALLENGING. The easy package is for those who want to have more fun and more relaxed rides. The moderate tour package demands a bit of action, skill, and physical fitness while still having fun visiting the highlights of the NP. The last tour package is for action seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and pro bikers. The trail rewards with the wilderness of the Altai Tavan Bogd national park and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Theme: Cycling
Available: from June to October March
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
ITINERARY FOR EASY PACKAGE
Day 1. Western Mongolia, nomad family
Fly to Ulgii, Western Mongolia from Ulaanbaatar. You’ll need to take the early flight to be able to spend the day in the countryside. Our team will be ready at the airport to welcome you and start the trip right away. You will drive out of Ulgii into the beautiful mountain valleys of Tsengel village. You will arrive at a nomad herder family in the late afternoon.
#Accommodation: tent /yurt
#Meals: L+D
#Driving time: 5 hours
Day 2. Experience nomadic lifestyle
Staying with this nomadic herder family and observing their lifestyle will be most valuable and memorable experience. Therefore, we’ll spend a full day resting and taking great insight into the daily lifestyles of these good, humble people.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Cycling time: 6-7 hours
Day 3. Biking starts
Amazed by herder way of life, You will cycle toward a freshwater lake accompanied by tour team (tour guide, cook and drivers). The lake is called Dayan which is situated in the south east of Altai Tavan Bogd national park. The trip will be supported by the vehicles.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Cycling time: 6-7 hours
Day 4. Into the Altai Tavan Bogd NP
Cycle toward west at the foot of Altai Mountains further into the NP exploring ancient burial mounds and deer stones along the way. The mountain scenery gets more beautiful as you cycle further into the national park with the views of forested mountains and two large lakes known as twin lakes.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Cycling time: 6-7 hours
Day 5. Eagle hunter & Waterfall
Today crossing a large stream, you will cycle up the stream into a breathtaking valley where you will see a beautiful 10m high waterfall. On the way back to the camp, you will stop at an eagle falconer’s family. You will have a good time with the falconer learning about the eagle falconry tradition of nomads.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Cycling time: 5-6 hours
Day 6. Twin lakes
Khoton lake, one of the twin lakes, lay ahead you and the great landscape continues while you cycle toward the lake. Arrive a lakeside hill called Khairakhty where our biking tour ends. It is a great camping spot and archaeological site as well. Rocks of the hill is full of ancient rock carvings.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
#Cycling time: 6-7 hours
Day 7. Petroglyphs & Rest
Today is the day to relax and enjoy your day. exploring the old rock carvings on the hill, swimming and taking a soft hikes are the activities to make you busy.
#Accommodation: tent
#Meals: B+L+D
Day 8. Back to Ulgii
You will drive back to Ulgii along Khovd river via two small villages.
Day 9. Flight to ULN
You will be transferred to the Ulgii airport for your flight to the capital of Mongolia.
ITINERARY FOR MODERATE PACKAGE
Day 1. Head to Tavan Bogd Mountains
Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd national park and arrive in Oigor valley for the overnight.
Day 2. Peaks and Glaciers
Supported by the vans, reach to the top of the valley and view the majestic snowy peaks of Tavan Bogd and Potanin glaciers. This mountain biking moderate tours is supported by the crew all along the trip. The crew will drive back following the road where you come and meet you by a stream for overnight. After enjoying Mongolian Alpine scenery, bike down to stunning valley called White river. Follow the river down to the campsite for overnight.
Day 3. Snake river
Day 4. Twin Lakes
Day 5. Waterfall and Eagle falconer family
Day 6. Biking around Khoton lake
Day 7. Back to Ulgii town
Day 7. Departure day to Ulaanbaatar
Day 1. Altai Tavan Bogd national park
When you arrive at Ulgii Airport in the morning, you’ll be greeted by your support team. From there, you’ll start your journey by van, with your bikes secured on top, heading toward Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. The drive takes you to Oigor Valley, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Tent. L+D
Day 2. Peaks and Glaciers
In the morning, you’ll travel up to the top of the valley for a stunning view of the snowy peaks of Tavan Bogd and the Potanin Glacier. Then, you’ll cycle downhill into the Milk River Valley, where local Tuvan herders live. After crossing the White River on a small wooden bridge, you’ll continue your ride up to Khar Airag Valley for the night. Keep in mind that the vans won’t be able to support you during the day, but they’ll catch up with you at White Stream Valley in the evening of day 3 for dinner. Tent.
Day 3. Altai Mountain cross
Cycle to the bottom of the high mountain and tow your bikes to the top to cross the Altai mountains. Dive into the wild valleys of Altai Tavan Bogd NP. Enjoy the wilderness and landscape during your descend. Arrive at the white stream and meet the crew. You will have to cross some bogs and streams. Tent.
Day 4. Twin Lakes
Less demanding and more relaxing ride toward the east of the NP. Reach the Khoton lake, one of the idlyc Twin Lakes of the park, and cycle along the lake enjoying the towering forested mountains. Arrive at a peninsula for overnight. It is a perfect place where you will get a chance to explore petroglyphs on the hill by the campsite. Swim in the lake, go fishing, and enjoy yourself taking rest in this scienic place. Tent. B+L+D
Day 5. Biking along the Khoton lake
Couldn’t be more fun than biking along with the crystal clear Khoton lake, viewing the forested mountains towering over the lake on the right. Tent. B+L+D
Day 6. Waterfall and Eagle falconer family
Continue cycling along Khoton lake and cross a channel bridge which connects the Twin Lakes. Bike towards Baga Turgen valley and on the way stop for photograph stone man from Turkic time. Cycle uphill to the far end of the valley where you will see a 10m high waterfall. The view of the valles is just breathtaking. Cycle down and stop at an eagle falconer family. Overnight. Yurt. B+L+D
Day 7. Burial mounds, Deer stones, Dayan Lake
Today’s ride starts on uneven road on the upper side of Khurgan Lake, one of the twin lakes, where you will get the clear view of Khurgan lake. A couple mountain creaks will be on the wait to be crossed. After the picknic lunch, the road gets flatter and you will enjoy some speed sloping towards Dayan Lake where you will stop for overnight.
Day 8. Back to Ulgii town
Having a great breakfast by lake shore, by saying goodbye to the Altai Mountains, you will drive to Ulgii town. Arrive in late afternoon and check in you hotel. After the hot shower and some rest, go for souvenir shopping. Meet for farewell dinner.
Day 9. Fly back to ULN
you will be transfered to Ulgii airport. Take your flight back to the capital.
Services provided
-English speaking tour guide
-Russian 4×4 van(s) + gasoline
-bikes
-Airport transfers
-Tour cook
-Meals (B+L+D) + snacks
-Hotel stay ( 1 overnight )
-Homes stays ( 1 overnight)
-Nomad family fee
-Camping and cooking equipment (tent, kitchen tent, table, chairs, -mattress etc.)
-Entry fee (national park)
-Border area permit
-Drinking water
Services not provided
-Everything in Ulaanbaatar
-Domestic flight tickets (we can book your tickets for you upon request)
-Travel insurance
-Alcoholic drinks
-Gratuities