TRIP SUMMARY
Mongolia has a population of three million people and a land the size of Alaska, where majority of the population is concentrated in few settlements, including the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, home to more than half of the total citizens. With less than few thousand km of pavement Mongolia is an ideal place for those who enjoy wide open spaces, unspoiled landscapes and challeging tracks! Using Yamaha dirt bikes, WR250F and WR450F bikes you will be able to explore Central Mongolia. Visit the ancient capital Kharakhorum, ride through famous Orkhon river basin, bath in one of Mongolia’s hot springs and ride through ancient lava fields. One of the highlights of this trip is meeting the local herders who are still living the way their ancestors lived for several millennia.
About Munkh-Orgil Erdenesukh
Munkh-Orgil Erdenesukh (Orgil) has been riding cross bikes around Mongolia since 1992 alongside his father, who is a well known bike rider. In the early years of 2000, he wrested in the professional division of Japanese sumo competition before returning back to follow his real passion – traveling. He was instrumental in the Blue Waves campaign of 2014, initiated by the Mongol Ecology Center, where money was raised to buy some 15 Yamaha AG200 bikes to help equip National Park rangers in northern Mongolia. He led the caravan of international team of donors who have paid for these motorbikes to navigate through Mongolian countryside and deliver the bikes to the rangers in one piece. Later he initiated a campaign to supply spare parts for these bikes. He has worked as an executive director of the Yamaha dealership in Mongolia.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Day 1. August 5. Arrival
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan international airport. Meet up with the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Time allowing transfer to the garage, getting to know the bikes. Safety training. Test drive. Welcome dinner in one of the centrally lcoated restaurants. Overnight at a hotel (Hotel Blue Sky or similar; D)
Day 2. August 6. Elsen Tasarkhai dunes
First day of our trip we will ride out of Ulaanbaatar on a pavement and follow it for the most of the day with test rides into the dirt tracks. Terrain is flat and open with some wheat fields and open valleys bordering some rocky outcrops. Packed lunch along the way. Tented camp on sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai in 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar. (Tent camp; B, L, D)
Day 3. August 7. Tsenkher Hot springs
Travel some 180 km north west, passing through the site of the ancient capital of Mongolia Kharakhorum, with a possible stop at the first Buddhist monastery “Erdenezuu”. Continue onto Tsenkher Hot springs. We will be riding about half way on paved road and second half of the trip will be on dirt through some beautiful scenery of rolling hills. Will be seeing a lot of herds of livestock and bowine, including the yaks, which adapted to Mongolia some centuries ago. Towards the end of the day river crossing. Overnight in tents. (Tent camp; B, L, D)
Day 4. August 8. Terkhyn Tsagaan Lake
Today we ride roughly 200 km. The scenery will get more mountainous with narrower valleys. We will cross the Chuluut river and stop by its canyon, several hundred feet deep it is one of the most beautiful sceneries of this part of our journey. In the afternoon we ride into an area formed by an ancient volcano “Horgo”. Opportunity to climb up the crater.
Overnight in a local ger camp. Or first stay in a dome like felt tents of local nomads. This unique structure is an ingenious invention of Mongolian pastoral herders, which is perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions in the country. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Day 5. August 9. Erdenemandal soum
Pure dirt track day. We ride 150 km eastwards through some hilly country. Depending on the weather and rainfall we will be crossing some challenging stretches of the road on this day, including a river crossing. Plenty of opprotunity to visit local herders and enjoy their traditional hospitality. Tented camp. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 6. August 10. Ogii lake
Another full day of dirt tracks. Today the scenery will open up more to wider valleys and bolder, smoother mountains. Will be going through some sandy stretches and crossing a small river of “Hanui”. Ride 160 km. At the end of the day arrive at one of the lakes in central Mongolia, called Ogii. Opportunity to enjoy boating and fishing. Stay in a local ger camp. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Day 7. August 11. Ulaanbaatar
Today we will ride some dirt but towards the end of the day will get into the pavement area, though for those who feel comfortable, we can ride on dirt tracks for most of the day. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (Hotel Blue Sky or similar; B, L, D)
Day 8. August 12. Departure.
After breakfast transfer to the airport. (B)
Trip Highlights:
- Explore the central Mongolian grassland
- Visit hot springs and a fresh water lake
- Explore Mongolia’s ancient city ruins and archeological sites
- Witness Mongolia’s diverse and rich flora and fauna
- Enjoy an unique interpretation of the country by one of world’s leading Mongolia experts
- Meet Mongolian nomads and explore their living style.
DATES & PRICING
Trip Date:
August 5 – 12, 2024
Prices:
2-6 travelers:
$4,720 per person, twin occupancy
7-11 travelers:
$4,250 per person, twin occupancy
Protective gear rental:
$30 per day
Optional single supplement:
$410 per person
GALLERY
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a well established accommodation with its 20th century characte-ristics and friendly staff. All major attractions of UB are located within walking distance from the hotel.
Ger camps
During the rest of the expedition in Mongolia, we will be staying at tourist class, cozy ger camps with western bathroom and restaurant facilities. Most visitors find staying in gers as one of the highlights of their trip to Mongolia.
Land Transportation:
Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in the country.