Cycling The Empire Of Genghis Khan

15 days - from $2630

An epic adventure exploring the mountains and steppes of Mongolia that were once home to Genghis Khan
Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. The local people are warm and welcoming and we share their experience of life under a felt or canvas roof. We follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours. We end our riding at Mongolia's ancient capital Karakorum, once the centre of a vast empire. Its ruins and monasteries tell us about the fascinating history of this country and its glorious past. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Ulaan Baatar. 2 Morning sightseeing; overnight train to Erdenet. 3 Ride to Tal Tolgoi Well via the small township of Bugat; camp. 4 Cross Tuluugiin Pass, hike craters of extinct Mt. Uran and Mt. Togoo; camp. 5 Arhangai steppe ride through undulating country to open green valley below Mt. Kharikhan (1862m); camp. 6 Short climb to cross Kholboogin pass (1649m) before descending to Khairkhan Lake camp. 7 Head up Khunjiin River valley to camp beneath Mt. Chingeltei. 8 Short climb past the headwaters of the Khunjiin; descend into Tamir River valley; camp near Great Rock of Ikh Tamir. 9 Half-day ride to Tsetserleg, capital of Arhangai, afternoon free. 10 Morning ride in foothills of the Khangai Mountains; ger camp with hot springs. 11 Across undulating steppe to Mt. Ondor Khairkhan (2312m). 12 Cross the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks; descend to Orkhon River valley. 13 Ride to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; overnight in traditional ger camp. 14 Drive to Ulaan Baatar, visit sand dunes at Mongol Els; free afternoon. 15 End Ulaan Baatar.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 50km (31 miles)No. of days cycling: 11 (including 2 half days)Vehicle Support: 100%Terrain and route: good quality, vehicle width, hard-pack dirt tracks across undulating forest and steppe. Roads are rocky in places with some short steep passes.
Group size: Normally 4 to 14, plus leader, drivers and camp staff.
Accommodation: 9 nights wild camping, 2 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights traditional Mongolian gers, 1 sleeper train.
Food: All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $262.50
Trip Reference: MCM
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Trek or Giant mountain bikes with suspension forks GBP120, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MCM