2008 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
22 Jun - 11 Jul - Open
13 Jul - 01 Aug - Open
03 Aug - 22 Aug - Open
PRICE PP:
2 pax: 2239 € or US$ equivalent
4 pax: 1870 € or US$ equivalent
6 pax: 1719 € or US$ equivalent
Single supplement: 95 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 ITINERARY:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ULAANBAATAR, GUIDED CITY TOUR
On arrival to Ulaanbaatar you will be transferred to a cozy hotel in the center of the city. The remaining morning at leisure. After lunch a guided city tour. We first visit the Natural history museum with its rich collection of dinosaur fossils. The National history museum with its display of traditional costumes is to follow. You as well will be introduced to the turbulent history of the Mongolian nation here. A unique show of throat or so-called overtone singing and contortion will be followed by a welcome dinner in one of best restaurants of the city. (hotel / L,D).
DAY 2: FLIGHT TO ULAANGOM, WESTERN MONGOLIA
This morning accompanied by your guide take a 3 hour flight to Ulaangom, the capital of Uvs province. The province is a home to some spectacular combination of desert, snow capped peaks and alpine lakes. It is home to a number of ethnic tribes of Durved, Bayad, Kazakh and Hoton. The largest Mongolian lake of Uvs is located here covering a territory of 3350 sq. km.
On arrival to Ulaangom, meet up with your team of drivers and cooks and drive to the starting point of cycling. (2 hours). Upon reaching the Ulaan Davaa pass there opens a view of a 3965m high glaciated peak of the White Heron Mt. Here we set up our tented camp and our cooks will serve your first dinner in the wild. This evening we prepare our bikes. (tent / B,L,D).
DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY, BIKE TO UUREG LAKE
Start of cycling and we acclimatize to dry air and altitude. We cycle to reach Uureg, a fresh water alpine lake facing the borders with Russia. We start at an altitude of 1900 meters asl and cover a total of 55km today. Our route lies across the Central Asian high mountain eco-system. We mostly follow vague jeep tracks on hard surfaces with a bit of wash-board feature. After about 3-4 hours on bikes we arrive to a at 1425m asl. dominated by icy peaks of Kharkhiraa, Turgen and Zuun Tagna Mt. ranges. Lake Uureg is nestled in a basin just 20 km from the Russian border and we spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. This deep blue lake is and is a popular summer station of migratory birds. (tent / B,L,D) 55km.
DAY 4: BIKE TO YAMAAT VALLEY
This morning we cover 20km and climb the Bairam pass at 2552meters asl. We partially ascend on a loose clay-surface. Once on the top of the pass we will be rewarded with wide open views of distant mountains and vast empty plains. After lunch we enjoy a 500m descent into Yamaat valley on smooth hard surface. The Yamaat valley was officially protected in order to ensure secure future for the illusive Snow Leopard which inhabits the area and preys on wild mountain goats and sheep that are abundant here. (tent / B,L,D) 43km.
DAY 5: BIKE TO ACHIT LAKE
Today we bike to the scenic lake of Achit at 1435 meters asl. Our route lies across steppes with high grass and bushes. Arriving at the shore of the lake we take a swim before dinner. The lake is perfect for fishing and bird watching. We set our tents right at the lake's shore. (tent / B,L,D) 65km.
Day 6: Bike to Ulgy town
We bike on to town of Ulgy, the capital of the westernmost province of Mongolia inhabited by Kazakh people. The first half is a gradual 25km ascent followed 10km climb to a 2380m craggy pass. 300 meter swift descent and another short climb. The last 30 km is a steady downhill all the way till we arrive to a visitor center on the banks of mighty Khovd river. Tonight you will have a chance to sleep in Kazakh felt tents. A separate building block is equipped with showers and flush toilets. (ger / B,L,D) 102km.
DAY 7: REST DAY IN ULGY TOWN
Today we enjoy a well deserved rest day. Majority of Ulgy's residents are Muslim Kazakhs and even Mongols feel here abroad. We visit the museum of Kazakh traditions, local bazaar and wander the distinctly Central Asian looking streets before returning to our camp. (ger / B,L,D).
DAY 8: BIKE TO KHAGIIN NUUR LAKE
Leaving Ulgy behind we drive for 25km to reach Khuiten pass and cycle to Khagiin Nuur lake via the Shovkh Mt. Distant snow capped peaks of Kharkhiraa Turen and Tsambagarav glow to our left as we gently climb along green meadows heading south.
The area is full of nomadic tents of thin lattice structure covered with felt. The 'ger' is ideal for transportation and for cozy living in the long, cold winters of Mongolia. A ger visit is a rich authentic experience where you can taste different dairies nomads make out of yak and horse milk and learn about the their secrets of survival.
We cross a couple of small streams before arriving to Khagiin Nuur lake at 2400m asl. You may take a dip in the lake before dinner at our camp. A delicacy of the Kazakh cuisine - "besbarmak" will be served for dinner tonight. Literally meaning "five fingers" this is a delicious assortment of stewed meat, vegetables and flour eaten with hands. (tent / B,L,D) 60km.
DAY 9: BIKE TO CHIGERTEIN GOL RIVER
Ride further south to Doroo lake. We cross a rocky pass and descent into a small bowl surrounded by cliffs. The lake is crystal clear but can be a little cold to take a swim because of high altitude. Today we camp at 2394m asl.
Along the way we visit a summer camp of nomadic Kazakhs. They have ancient traditions of falconry and employ Golden Eagles to catch foxes, hares and other small animals. The eagles are a matter of top pride for them. Although hunting is done in winter you will see the proud bird tethered next to its master's house and have your picture taken.
After lunch at the Doroo lake we take a short but steep 300m climb up the top of a major pass that allows breathtaking views of the mountain ranges and river valleys. Descend to the valley floor and cycle the remaining afternoon along the Deluun river. We will be passing by summer camps of nomads and inevitably a curious cowboy will come by and offer to exchange bike ride for a horse ride. Hundreds of horses, yaks and sheep flock the surroundings. (tent / B,L,D) 95km.
DAY 10: BIKE TO KHUKH GOL RIVER
Continue biking along the green valley of Deluun river till we reach the confluence of Buyant and Eagle rivers. A number of river crossings lye on our way. Today we cross our highest pass at over 3000 meters. A short steep downhill into the valley of Khukh river. Tonight is our highest and probably coldest camp at 2650m. (tent / B,L,D) 70km.
DAY 11: BIKE TO PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF KHOVD
Whole morning we cycle downstream along clear mountain rivers. After lunch we finally emerge out of mountains into vast arid plains where the "western capital" of Mongolia Khovd is located. The area is inhabited by 14 ethnic groups. We arrive to a visitor center with showers and toilets just outside of the town for dinner and overnight. (ger / B,L,D) 70km.
DAY 12: REST DAY IN KHOVD TOWN
Day at leisure. Those wishing can explore the town or even emails in a local internet cafe. (ger / B,L,D).
DAY 13: BIKE TO DURGUN LAKE
Back on bikes and ride to Durgun lake. Start on a 36km tarmac and continue along the marshy shores of Khar Us lake. It has an area of 1200 square km and features some unique wild life species such as Wild Boar, Pelicans and Black Naped Cranes. (tent / B,L,D) 100km.
DAY 14: LAST BIKING DAY
Leaving the lakes behind we head towards Zavkhan province. We cycle till we reach the Zavkhan river, which flows across vast arid plaines and massive sand dunes. This is arguably our toughest cycling day with sandy surfaces prevailing. (tent / B,L,D) 95km.
DAY 15: DRIVE TO KHAR NUUR LAKE
We load our bikes and drive to Khar Nuur lake. Mongolia is a land of contrasts; towering dunes and rocky deserts lie next to clear fresh water lakes and high mountains. The Khar nuur lake is nestled amidst the Bor Hyariin sand dunes, longest in the country and stretch for 200km. It is part of a group of lakes that were once part of a larger prehistoric lake that disappeared 5,000 years ago as the region became dryer. Wild birds called the Black Geese spend summers here in hundreds. We set up our camp on the lake shore. (tent / B,L,D) 300km.
DAY 16: REST DAY AT KHAR NUUR LAKE
A deserved rest day at the Khar Nuur lake. You may spend the day reading, hiking the surroundings or just lazing around in the camp. You as well may take a dip in the cool waters of the lake. (tent / B,L,D).
DAY 17: DRIVE TO ULIASTAI AIRSTRIP
After relaxed morning we drive to a local airstrip near Uliastai and camp. (tent / B,L,D) 110km.
DAY 18: RETURN FLIGHT TO ULAANBAATAR
We say good-bye to our support team and take a 2.5 hours flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. After hot showers and some rest we all gather for a farewell dinner. (hotel / B,D).
DAY 19: FREE DAY IN ULAANBAATAR
A free day for shopping and self-exploration around the city. You may refer to recommendations of our team in order to make most out of it. (hotel / B).
DAY 20: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
You will be transferred to the airport for your journey home. (B).
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
A mountain bike, all itinerary related transfers, domestic flight tickets, a German/English speaking biking guide, 3 nights of twin share hotel in Ulaanbataar, 12 tented overnights, 4 nights in tourist yurt/ger camps, qualified cook, an assistant cook from 8 persons, bike mechanic from 5 persons, 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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