2008 DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING STATUS:
10 Jun - 22 Jun - Open
25 Jun - 07 Jul - Open
13 Jul - 25 Jul - Open
05 Aug - 17 Aug - Open
22 Aug - 03 Sep - Open
PRICE PP:
2 pax: 1889 € or US$ equivalent
4 pax: 1393 € or US$ equivalent
6 pax: 1333 € 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 INTRODUCTION:
This is a chance to cycle and see 3 distinctly different landscapes of Mongolia: just outside of the capital of Ulaanbaatar there start the vast steppes with rolling hills in the background. Smooth trails and easy inclines give you a good acclimatization for the rest of cycling route. Dome shaped mountains covered in Siberian taiga, swift mountain streams and green valleys dotted with nomadic yurts make up the second stage of cycling. The history of Genghis Khan's rise to power started in this very area which is still inhabited by nomadic Mongols who live in their felt covered tents and tend large numbers of yaks, sheep and horses.
Finally take a domestic flight to the Gobi Desert and cycle its dinosaur cemeteries, grand canyons and massive dunes. A company of experienced and enthusiastic biking guides, overnights in luxurious yurt/ger camps with showers and toilets each night.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ULAANBAATAR
Upon arrival you will be transferred to a cozy 4 star hotel in central Ulaanbaatar. After short rest and showers take a guided city tour. We first visit the Natural history museum with its rich collection of dinosaur fossils. The National history with its display of traditional costumes is to follow. You will as well 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. (L,D).
DAY 2: 13TH CENTURY CAMP & GUNGALUUT NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we drive to the 13th century complex. This a new visitor attraction where the life of the 13th century Mongols is displayed in its authenticity. It consists of 5 camps: an "Educational camp" where traditional calligraphy, needlework and games are displayed and taught, "Herdsmen camp", "Shaman's camp", "Blacksmith camp" and the "King's Palace". This is a massive life show where everybody is dressed in traditional clothing, demonstrate ancient handicrafts and lead the life ways of the 13th century. There will also be served a traditional Mongolian lunch.
After lunch drive to Gungaluut natural reserve. The landscape here is a mix of vast steppes and rolling hills as well as some rugged mountains. Kherlen river takes its source in the northern mountains and makes a turn here before flowing across the eastern steppes. On arrival you will be served dinner. Tonight you will have a chance to sleep in a traditional Mongolian circular tent of thin lattice structure covered with felt. The camp has hot showers and cozy bathrooms. (B,L,D).
DAY 3: CYCLING WARM UP DAY
Our bike mechanic will assemble bikes and we start cycling heading north. We head north along the Kherlen river to its sources. The overall route of 35km is a gentle almost unnoticeable uphill. We cycle across a sea of grass with rolling hills and rugged mountains at the horizon line before we reach a visitor camp on the northern bank of Kherlen river. Hot showers are readily available. (B,L,D) 35km.
DAY 4: CYCLE TO KHAN KHERLEN NP
After breakfast we cycle further north along the Kherlen river and then enter the Khan Khenty Strictly Protected area. Over a million hectares of rugged mountain scenery, forests, wetlands and alpine tundra is a home to rare mammals including the endangered musk deer, and moose, brown bear, wolf, fox, roe, and elk roam in the forests.
These very mountains and rivers gave shelter and refuge to the King of Mongols Genghis Khan. Then known as Temujin he went through a harsh survival competition against his rivals. These lands as well witnessed his rising glory when he became the King of All Mongols in 1189.
The first 20km is a gradual climb on hard packed jeep tracks from 1300m to 1450m above sea level. The following 30 km is a 300 meter climb on soft grassy tracks along the Burkhiin river. The surrounding slopes are densely wooded. A number of knee deep streams to be waded today. From the top of Burkhiin pass at 1750 we ride downhill to reach the Flower Meadow visitor camp. (B,L,D) 80km.
DAY 5: CYCLE TO TUUL RIVERSIDE EXCLUSIVE LODGE
After breakfast we are back on bikes again. Our route lies along the riverbed of Tuul river, the main water source of UB city. The wide open valley is dotted with circular white tents of nomads who tend huge herds of yaks, goats and sheep at their summer pastures. This time the first 35km is a gentle downhill along the Tuul river.
A scenery of wide open valleys and of distant wooded mountains are to be enjoyed along the route. We then take a gentle 13km uphill until crossing the Terelj river. One on the other bank we climb 400m to the top of Buyant pass. The climb is 13km long and takes you through a narrow wooded valley. From the top of the pass we take a 20km and 400meters down swift downhill to the bank of Tuul river. The Tuul Riverside Lodge is our accommodation tonight. (B,L,D) 81km.
DAY 6: RETURN DRIVE TO UB
After breakfast take one hour drive to Ulaanbaatar. Optional sightseeing and shopping program. (B,L,D).
DAY 7: FLIGHT TO GOBI, VISIT EAGLE CANYON
Today you will be flown down to Gobi desert. Upon landing we will drive to the Eagle Canyon. Nestled between the beautiful peaks of the Three Beauties Range the canyon shelters a small "glacier" which remains frozen even on summer's hottest days. Wild Goats roam the steep cliffs. At the entrance of the gorge is a small museum displaying samples of the area's animal world. Out of the canyon and we cycle (slight downhill) for 70km on rough jeep tracks to the 3 Camel Lodge. Out of many visitor centers scattered amidst vast plains of the Gobi desert the 3 Camel Lodge is unparalleled for its comfort and is beautifully set up intact with the surrounding nature. On arrival we check into traditional felt covered tents. (B,L,D) 70km.
DAY 8: CYCLING DAY TRIP TO FLAMING RED CLIFFS
We take packed lunches and cycle to the Flaming Red Cliffs. Here in 1923 an American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first ever dinosaur nests and eggs as well as hundreds of specimen including dozens of new dinosaur species. We will walk through the sun baked cliffs of red sand and try to make our own discovery. A documentary on R.C.Andrews' travels can be seen this evening. This is a 70km return travel on smooth jeep tracks. (B,L,D) 70km.
DAY 9: CYCLING TO THE SINGING SAND DUNES
Drive (30-40min) to Khaalga pass at 2215m above sea level. From there we cycle for 50km along the craggy slopes of the 3 Beauties Mountain Range to an elevation of 1950m. Upon reaching the western foothills we take our vans and drive for an hour and a half. Here we take our bikes out again and cycle to the top of the last pass of the tour. The 3 km climb on loose rocky soil is finally rewarded by the majestic view of the Khongoriin Els sand dunes.
Locally known as Singing Dunes they stretch for over 100km and look like a silken scarf spread across vast plains, dark rugged mountains and the green meadows of Khongoriin river. Do the dunes really sing? Yes, they do; on a windy day a distant propeller hum is distinctly heard from the dunes. Fine sand is piled up by the dominating western winds on the ridges. Gradually building up on crests it then collapses down the steeper slope thus producing the tremor of tons of sand rolling down. From the top of the pass we enjoy a 20km swift blast down to our camp located next to the tallest dunes. Dinner and overnight in a local ger camp. (B,L,D) 70km.
DAY 10: REST DAY
A well deserved leisure day. You may cycle, hike or race up and along the dunes – it is all yours. In the afternoon you will have a chance to ride the 2 humped “bactrian” camels. There are many of them grazing in the area and a local camel herder will advise us and look after your safety and tack. (B,L,D).
DAY 11: RETURN DRIVE TO GOBI AIRSTRIP
Back in our jeeps we drive back to the 3 Camels Lodge and prepare for our return flight to UB next morning. (B,L,D).
DAY 12: RETURN FLIGHT TO ULAANBAATAR
We catch a return flight to UB. 1.5 hours. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation. Free afternoon and we gather for a farewell dinner in one of the multinational restaurants of the city. (B,D).
DAY 13: DEPARTURE
This morning you will be transferred for your journey home. (B).
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
PRICE INCLUDES:
A mountain bike, all itinerary related transfers, domestic flights, a German/English speaking biking guide, a bike mechanic, 2 overnights in a 4 star hotel(TWN/BB) in Ulaanbataar, 9 overnights in Mongolian gers, all environmental and visits fees, meals 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
Camping
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