"Experience Mongolia's national celebrations as wrestlers, archers and horse racers strut their stuff during the Naadam Festival before heading off for a thrilling off-road mountain biking and camping journey across pristine Central Mongolia. "

Mongolia is just about as far from the ocean as you can travel and it's capital, Ulaan Baatar, is one the coldest cities on the planet in winter months. Being sandwiched politically and geographically between two giants in China and Russia would be challenging enough, but it also finds itself between the endless Siberian wilderness to the north and the vast Gobi desert to the south - it is an understatement to say that it is remote. Its history is famously vast and fierce, led by it's founder and talisman, Chinggis Khan, who ruthlessly brought the Eurasian continent under Mongol rule. In fact, all these things are part of the magical appeal of Mongolia, and what makes visiting there so suprising: it's nomadic people are warm-hearted and charming with old world, genuine hospitality, the landscapes are pristine and incredibly varied beyond the steppe that the country is renowned for and, in the warmer months, wildflowers and wildlife come alive.

The Naadam Festival, where all Mongolians celebrate with festivities that centre around the national wrestling, archery and horse racing tournaments, goes all the way back to the 13th century, to the time of Genghis Khan. We'll be taking in all the events of the festival before we head out to explore Central Mongolia on an epic ride across the Khangai Mountains where you'll see, not only the stunning landscapes, but also the Mongolian nomadic cultural traditions that have survived millenia. And by traveling by bike - about the pace of a trotting horse! - you'll experience the country as it should be seen. 

Getting There & Away

This tour starts and finishes in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia – airport code ULN. There are several airlines that operate flights into Ulaan Baatar. For reference see below:

From Australia, NZ & U.S. – Air China, Korean Air or combine with MIAT (Mongolian national carrier) through Hong Kong, Seoul, Beijing or Tokyo.

From UK & Europe – Turkish Airlines, Air China, Korean Air, Aeroflot or combine with MIAT (Mongolian national carrier) through Berlin, Moscow, Hong Kong, Beijing or Seoul.

There is also the trans-Mongolian train to Ulaan Baatar from St Petersburg, Moscow or from Beijing. These tickets are often a little hard to come by and visa processing for Russia, Mongolia and China can take a considerable amount of time, so we recommend getting some advice if you intend to arrive this way and to plan early! 

Transfers

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 details, date and time, so we can arrange your transfers.

Tour Info Pack

Once we have recieved your booking and deposit we'll send you a Tour INFO PACK that will include tour notes, training tips, preparation info and joining point instructions.  If you have any questions about the tour at all please don't hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation

The tour cost is based on twin share rooming in Ulaan Baatar. If you are a single traveller, you will be paired with someone else of the same gender. If you wish to have your own room you are welcome to book a single supplement. While camping, single travellers will receive their own tent and couples will share a tent. You must bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat (Thermarest, e.t.c.).

Additional Accommodation

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.  Just include your request on the booking form.

Further Info

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.