2008 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
11 Jun - 24 Jun - Open
28 Jun - 11 Jul - Open
06 Aug - 19 Aug - Open
PRICE PP:
2 pax: 1453 € or US$ equivalent
4 pax: 1197 € or US$ equivalent
7-9 pax: 1053 € or US$ equivalent
Single supplement: 85 USD
Each departure is guaranteed to run when 2 participants sign up. Then the trip status changes from “Open” to “Guaranteed”. The trip status changes to “Closed” when the maximum number of participants is reached.
TOUR INTRUDUCTION:
Cycle across the northern part of the Gobi desert and the Khangai Mountain range. Experience the lifeways of the people of Genghis Khan. Natural and climatic extremes have shaped this tolerant and friendly people. Perfect trail, rich cultural encounters, full expedition support, good food, comfortable camping, professional guides!
Mongolia has always been imagined as a land of vast green steppes and arid plains with thousands of grazing horses and yaks. This is only true to some extent, because Mongolia also has high mountains, woods and areas with plenty of moist and vegetation.
The country is also a home to nomadic people who live in their felt covered gers and tend large numbers of sheep, goats, cattle, horses, yaks and camels.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ULAANBAATAR, GUIDED CITY TOUR
On arrival transfer to a cozy hotel in central town. After lunch take a guided tour of the city of Ulaanbaatar: Palace of the last Mongolian Theocratic ruler, featuring a collection of his personal items and Buddhist artwork. The Museum of National history displays a collection of traditional costumes from all parts of Mongolia and a comprehensive overview of Mongolia's history. A unique show of contortion and throat singing will then be followed by a welcome dinner. (L,D).
DAY 2: FLIGHT TO THE NORTHERN FRINGES OF THE GOBI DESERT
This morning you will be transferred for an hour and a half flight to Central Mongolia. Upon landing meet up with your support team: guide, cook and drivers. The will serve you a picnic lunch and drive for 2 and half hours (60km) to the starting point of the biking trip. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp. (B,L,D).
DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
Our campsite lies at an altitude of 2100m above sea level in the southern valleys of Khangai mountain range. The area has over 300 hot and cold mineral springs. After assembling our bikes we will take a short ride to the springs and up and down the valley to acclimatize and get our bikes thoroughly checked and adjusted. (B,L,D).
DAYS 4-8: CYCLING TO CROSS THE KHANGAI MOUNTAIN RANGE(222KM BIKING)
During these 5 days we aim to cross the Khangai mountains. They separate the Gobi Desert from the northern steppes. Avoiding the main travel routes across the Khangai as much as possible we will follow a route which has seen very few western visitors and certainly fewer bikers.
We will be cycling along easy mountain valleys interrupted by short but challenging passes to climb followed long fast downhills. Each pass will open a grand view of distant ridges, high mountains and wide green valleys. On one of these days there will be many river crossings sometimes knee-deep.
Everyday we will be passing by nomadic encampments and hundreds of yaks, sheep and goats grazing alongside watched by tough horsemen. Nomads are the most hospitable people, therefore many times you will be invited into their gers and offered some tea and dairy products. (B,L,D).
DAY 9: CYCLING TO ORKHON VALLEY
Today we cycle to Orkon river valley and reach the waterfall of Ulaan Tsutgalan. 90km of smooth hard pack surface brings us there. Referred as the cradle of Mongolian civilization it contains many ancient graves and historical sites within its boundaries. We camp a few km higher upstream after reaching the Orkhon waterfall and explore the surroundings. You can as well take a dip in the cool waters of Orkhon river.(B,L,D).
DAY 10: REST DAY
The river valley is surrounded by extinct volcanoes and is criss-crossed by basalt outcroppings - ancient lava streams. The waterfall is formed by a swift branch stream dropping into a 24 meter deep fault where the main body of the Orkhon river flows. The area is richly forested with Siberian coniferous forest. The valley is rightfully considered to be one of the cradles of human habitation in Mongolia and is dotted with dozens of ancient graves and burial mounds. Your guide will tell you interesting facts of their history. Nomadic Mongols inhabit the valley tending hundreds of yak and horse herds. Their circular felt tents can be seen everywhere.
The area is a home to nomads of Central Mongolia famous for their ‘airag’ - the fermented horse milk – a Mongolian equivalent of beer. We will visit some families and sample their ‘airag’. (B,L,D).
DAY 11: BIKE TO KARAKORUM - MEDIEVAL CITY OF GENGHIS KHAN
Today we cycle eastward along the Orkhon river till we reach Karakorum - the medieval capital of the Mongolian Empire. It is the last and the longest riding day of 105km but on a smooth hard pack ground. Tonight we will stay overnight in traditional Mongolian felt tents locally known as 'ger'. Comprised of a thin wooden structure covered with thick sheets of felt it proved to be the best suited for the harsh winds of Central Asia. The ger camp is equipped with showers and toilets. (B,L,D).
DAY 12: VISIT KARAKORUM AND DRIVE TO WILD HORSES' NP
The former capital still lies in ruins after being leveled by Chinese Min dynasty troops in 1380-ies. Today Karakorum is recognized by the massive walls of the Erdene Zuu monastery. It was built in the 16 century by a Mongol warlord as part of his efforts to re-unite the nation under the banners of the "yellow" faith. The monastery has suffered a tremendous destruction during the anti-religion campaigns of 1930-ies with only a dozen temples surviving to these days. Today it has been lovingly restored by believers. We visit the peaceful premises of the monastery and spend some time walking the earthen hills nearby still containing the old city of Karakorum.
Then we drive to reach the Khustai Natonal park (320km-6 hours), a project which re-introduced the wild horses of Przewalski to ancestral land after their extinction in 1960-s. In the evening we will hike the surrounding hills to observe the wild horses and camp by a riverside. (B,L,D).
DAY 13: AFTER BREAKFAST WE RETURN TO ULAANBATAAR
Check into hotel (120km - 2 hour). After some rest rest and hot showers we all gather for farewell dinner. (B,D).
DAY 14: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
Transfer for your return travel home.(B).
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
A mountain bike, all itinerary related transfers, one way domestic flight ticket, a German/English speaking biking guide, 2 nights of twin share hotel in Ulaanbataar, 10 tented overnights, 1 night in Mongolian ger, all dinners in UB, full board in countryside, qualified cook, an assistant cook from 6 person, all environmental and sightseeing fees. Meals are as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner).
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Departure taxes, travel insurance, items of personal nature, excess baggage fees on internal flights, drinks, items of personal use, gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Bicycle Touring
Ecotourism
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