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Cycling in Mongolia - Naadam Festival

5.0Based on
17 days
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17 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
14 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Challenging
Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Highlights

Discover a variety of landscapes as we cycle through open steppe and forests

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and Genghis Khan's ancient capital

Camp wild and stay overnight at hot springs

Attend Naadam Festival and witness traditional games

Itinerary

Ever wondered what it’s like to cycle Mongolia’s sweeping grasslands and celebrate its most famous festival? The Cycling in Mongolia – Naadam Festival tour delivers 17 days of intrepid mountain biking adventure for experienced travelers. Ride from Ulaanbaatar through remote steppe, majestic mountains, and tranquil forests, camping wild under the vast Mongolian sky. Along the way, witness nomadic traditions and vibrant local life. The tour’s centerpiece is two immersive days at the Naadam Festival, where you’ll be swept up in Mongolian wrestling, horse-racing, archery, and colorful festivities. This trip’s USP is its rare blend of challenging cycling and cultural spectacle, making it a must for those who want to experience Mongolia’s rugged beauty and ancient heritage from a truly unique perspective.

day 1Adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar

Our cycling adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times. If you have time to explore some of the sites we recommend visiting Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store.
Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Want more time in Ulaanbaatar? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals
Dinner

day 2Morning sightseeing followed by a free afternoon; overnight train to Erdenet

day 3Ride to Tal Tolgoi Well via the small township of Bugat

day 4Cross Tuluugiin Pass

day 5Arhangai steppe ride to a valley below Khairkhan Mountain

day 6Short climb to cross the Kholboogin Pass before descending to Khairkhan Lake camp

day 7Cycle up Khunjiin River Valley to camp beneath Chingeltei Mountain

day 8Short climb past the headwaters of the Khunjiin; descend into Tamir River valley; camp near Great Rock of Ikh Tamir

day 9Half-day ride to Tsetserleg; afternoon free

day 10Morning ride in foothills of the Khangai Mountains

day 11Cycle across rolling steppe to Ondor Khairkhan Mountain

day 12Ride the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks; descend to Orkhon River Valley

day 13Ride to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; overnight in traditional ger camp

day 14Drive to Ulaanbaatar, visit Mongol Els dunes; enjoy a traditional Mongolian show

day 15 - 16Naadam Festival

day 17Adventure ends in Ulaanbaatar

What's Included

Accommodation
All accommodation: 4 Comfort nights (hotels), 12 Simple nights (9 participatory camping, 2 traditional nomadic ger camp, 1 sleeper train)
Meals
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners included
Transport
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activitiesArrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available11 days cycling with full vehicle support
Guide
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Others
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Giant XTC 860 mountain bike

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

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