“Ride the fringes of China’s far northeast where vast forests meet epic grasslands; home to the last Ewenki reindeer herders in the ethnically diverse and naturally pristine borderland region of China, Mongolia and Russia”
This tour begins in the northernmost extremity of China in Heilongjiang Province (if you are looking at a map of China, which is said to resemble a chicken or rooster, it is located at the top of the head!). Mohe is the start point and is nicknamed China’s “arctic town” due to it’s high latitude, sub-arctic climate and the (occasional) appearance of the northern lights. Looking more than a little Russian in appearance, Mohe is located just 40km from the Heilongjiang River (Black Dragon), or Amur River, across from which lies Russia itself. This frontier region has over its history been in the control of Russia, Japan and China but it was for the most part occupied by nomadic tribes that favoured the area for hunting, fishing and raising livestock, such as the Ewenki, Oroqen, Daur, Hezhen and Mongolian peoples. Today, these minorities co-exist with Han, Manchu, Russian and others; attracted to the region for the vast timber, furs and mineral resources.
Our route crosses into Inner Mongolia and into the Daxinganling Mountains, or Greater Khingan Range, which stretches 1200km north to south. This region is China’s largest forest region and is covered by larch, birch, aspen, and pine. It is also rich in wildlife including brown bear, deer, elk, marten, hare, wild boar, pheasants, sables and others. We make our way to the picturesque Russian border town of Shiwei, before continuing through Eerguna wetlands, one of Asia's largest, and across the vast Hulunbuir grassland to finish in the border port of Manzhouli. The cycling distances are quite long on some days but the ride is mostly flat on quiet roads through river valleys and across open grassland so easily accessible to the intermediate rider or beginners up for a challenge. There is one day of off-road riding on country tracks, with no extra skill involved. Accommodations are in a range of comfortable lodgings ranging in style from hotels, yurt hotels to Russian hotels.
Airport/ train station pick ups and drop offs are included in the tour price. Please make sure you give us details of your arrival and departure, including flight or train details, date and time, so we can arrange your transfers.
Arriving early or want to stay on after the tour ends? No problem! Just let us know if you'd like to book extra accommodation in the tour hotel at either the start or finish of the tour and we will arrange it for you or indicate when booking your preferred dates.
For additional information regarding guides, accommodation and sleeping arrangements, cycling grades, food, bikes, etc you can head over to our About section to see more about how we run our tours.
