This exciting trail in the southern and central provinces of South Gobi and Karakorum, passes through varied and beautiful landscapes with wide fertile valleys, forests of silver birch and poplar, rivers and mountain passes. There are a few villages along the way, but most of the population are nomadic and live in the traditional round white gers. Depending on how much rain has fallen, wild flowers may be abundant, and there is a good chance of seeing eagles, cranes, vultures, partridge, falcons and other interesting birds along the way.
The trail is classed as moderate, requiring some technical skill to manage the steep rocky passes. The first couple of days are on hard packed mud tracks through valleys between the mountains. If there is much rain, the surface may be slippery and more difficult. Riding through the forests and over mountains on rocky tracks sometimes blocked by fallen trees will be quite challenging. The daily riding distance is between 40km - 80km, depending on the terrain.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar the capital of Mongolia and transfer to hotel. Afternoon meet crew and allocate mountain bike. We will make sure something on bike for the trip. Rest time we will make a city tour around Ulaanbaatar.Welcome dinner at restaurant and stay overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)
Early morning drive to Karakorum and arrive late afternoon, on the way picnic. Ancient capital of Mongolia Karakorum city was located on the right bank of Orkhon River and on the north-eastern slopes of the Khangai Mountain and founded by Chinggis khan in 1220, was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire but the epicentre of trade along the Silk Road. At that time the inhabitants of city were mostly Merchants craftsmen who came to karakorum from all over the world. Khubilai khan moved to the capital of the Mongolian Empire to China, establishing the Yuan Dynasty, began losing its importance. In 1379 much of the city was badly damaged during an attack by the army of the Min Dynasty. Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp. (ger means Mongolian traditional felt accommodation) (B, L, D)
ErdeneZuu monastery
Erdenezuu monastery was built by AvtaiSain Khan on the ruin of the Mongolian capital Karakorum in 1586. It was the first great Buddhist Monastery of Mongolia. It is part of the World Heritage Site entitled Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Stones from the ruins of Karakorum were used in construction. It is surrounded by a wall featuring 108 stupas, 108 being a sacred number in Buddhism, and the number of beads in a Buddhist rosary. The monastery was damaged by warfare in the 1680s, but was rebuilt in the 18th century and by 1872 had a full 62 temples inside. The ErdeneZuu Monastery was taken to state protection and became museum in 1944.
Cycling
In the morning we will drive to Orkhon Waterfall. Water falls from a height of 20 meters at Orkhon Waterfall, which is locally known as UlaanTsutgalan. Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling
Breakfast at the camp and early morning drive to Yol valley which is located 62 km far from the South-Gobi province in the MT ZuunSaikhan. Very wide at the entrance, it narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. You will have chance to see wild animals and of course see the vulture. Packed lunch on the way continue to drive and transfer to the camp nearby at the Gobi three beauties. Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling
Drive to Ongi temple. The ruins of OngiTemple are found in SaikhanOvoosoum of Dundgobi (Middle Gobi) province. It used to be a big Buddhist monastery compound built byBari YonzonKhamba at the bank of OngiRiver. Transfer to the camp before the lunch. Visit the ruins of temple also there is small ger museum signifies ancient things. Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling and driving
Today we will make cycling towards to Ongi temple through beautiful nature for 70km. after cycling 70 km we will drive by car till tourist camp and our destination.Stay overnight in ger at tourist camp.(B, L, D)
Cycling
Drive to Bayanzag which is located 20 kilometers far from Bulgansoum, where 70 million years ago a lot of Paleontological findings have been discovered. The place is known as Flaming Cliffs so named by Roy Chapman Andrews American explorer who had visited Mongolia in 1922. During two years he searched through the MongolianGobiDesert and he found dinosaur fossils and dinosaur eggs about 10-15 cm from the Bayanzag for the first time in the world. Visiting and exploring native land of dinosaurs and taking some photos for beautiful surroundings. Dinner and stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling
After breakfast, cycling to excellent smooth, flat and all roadsis country road. Stay overnight in ger at the tourist camp. (B, L, D)
Early morning drive to and visit Gobi three beauties national park. Riding a horse or a camel and trekking to the gorge. Packed lunch on the way and visit nomadic family, continue driving to Khongor sand dune which the length of approximately 180 kilometers and 3-15 kilometers wide. From distance it looks like a fin of huge gold fish. After arriving take a shower and welcome dinner. Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling and driving
Today, we will cycle towards to Khongor Sand dune by wonderful valley. You can bike for 50-60 kms and make the rest of the distance driving by car. Dinner and stay overnight in gerat tourist camp. (B, L, D)
Driving and cycling
Early in the morning we will make a way to next destination by car for some kilometers and make the rest of the distance cycling by bike through beautiful canyon. Yol valley which is located 62 km far from the South-Gobi province in the MT ZuunSaikhan. Very wide at the entrance, it narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. You will have chance to see wild animals and of course see the vulture. Packed lunch on the way continue to drive and transfer to the camp nearby at the Gobi three beauties. You will take opportunity to ride horse and camel to go valley. Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Cycling
After breakfast, early morning we will make a way to Middle Gobi is known as BagaGazriinchuluu (earth stone). You will be reached in the early afternoon, lunch at the camp. There are some interesting granite rock formations, also there eye spa which supposed to be good for sights. There is ruin of ancient small temple, located middle of the rock. You can bike for 60-80 kms and make the rest of the distance driving by car.Stay overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
Driving
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and lunch at the finest restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon free time do shopping for cashmere shop, souvenir shop and State Department Store. Enjoy watch national folklore performance by “TumenEkh” national song, throat singing, tsam mask dance and so on. A farewell dinner and stay overnight in hotel.
Transfer to the “Chinggis Khan” InternationalAirport or Ulaanbaatar Train Station for departure.
Included | Not included |
Private ger for every 2 people in Ger camp | International airfare |
All meals as listed in itinerary | Travel insurance |
All entrance fees | Beverages |
Sightseeing as per itinerary | Optional activity cost |
Accommodation in 4 stars hotel in Ulaanbaatar (twin standard room double occupancy) | Excess baggage charge |
Transportations by 4WD vehicles | Single room supplement |
English speaking guide (other language guide on request) | Any additional things which are not mentioned above |
Daily supply of bottled water | |
Cultural Show |