Cycling in Mongolia

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. On our bikes, we follow good trails across wide-open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pi...
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$7,088
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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

What's this trip about?

    Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. On our bikes, we follow good trails across wide-open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is one of our most intrepid cycle tours.Cycle off-road across the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppeland

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityUlaanbaatar
End CityUlaanbaatar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Mongolia

Attractions

  • Ulaanbaatar

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 14

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners included
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Local bike hire
    • Free arrival transfers for everyone

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Ulaanbaatar

This cycling adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. There are free transfers available from the airport to all group members today – please see the Joining Instructions for more information. Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel (or similar)

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

We start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, including Sukhbaatar Square (the main square in the city) and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon, you have free time before boarding the overnight train...

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

Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival, we are joined by our crew and support vehicles. After breakfast, we set up the bikes and head out towards the wilderness. The small township of Bugat makes a convenient lunch stop. After lunch, our route takes us o...

Day 4 Cross Tuluugiin Pass

After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through rolling country before descending to a bridge over the Altaan (Golden) River. Rock formations in the area hint towards a volcanic past. The riverbanks make an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. It is a ...

Day 5 Arhangai steppe ride through undulating country to a valley below Khairkhan Mountain

Today we pass through rolling hills, past small lakes and herds of horses. Steppe eagles can be seen in this area. We stop for lunch with views across the steppe. After lunch, we continue on tracks around the southern side of Khairkhan Mountain (6,108ft/1,862m) and make camp in an open, green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass (5,410ft/1,649m). Accommodation: Wild camping

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

We begin with a bit of exertion as we make the short climb in the morning up to the pass, giving us far-reaching views across the countryside. Down the other side, we wind along gentle river valleys before emerging at the township of Khairkhan. After lunch on the outskirts of town, we pass a series of small lakes before choosing a camp for the night. Accommodation: Wild camping

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

Today we follow the Khunjiin River as it rises gently towards its headwaters. River valleys like this provide fertile pasture for grazing livestock and are popular campsites with local herders. Wetlands near the river attract birdlife, including demoiselle cranes. We stay overnight in the upper reaches of the river valley, beneath Chingeltei Mountain. Accommodation: Wild camping

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

After a short climb to the headwaters of the Khunjiin River at the Uran Khutul pass, it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the river, we pass burial grounds dating to the eighth century. We camp tonight on the banks of the Tamir, not...

Day 9 Half-day ride to Tsetserleg; afternoon free

Today is a half day of cycling and we make a good start to make the most of the afternoon for a chance to rest. The Gurviin Dava Pass is a long but steady ascent through forest for the most part, with a short, steep climb at the end. Arriving at the provincial capital...

Day 10 Morning ride in foothills of the Khangai Mountains

We are now close to the Khangai Mountains and a short ride takes us to the foothills. The rolling country of Arhangai has been replaced by forested hills of larch and pine with dramatic alpine peaks in the distance. There are three short passes today, with lunch on the third before descending to tonight’s camp. Accommodation: Wild camping

Day 11 Cycle across undulating steppe to Ondor Khairkhan Mountain

Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following well-marked 4x4 trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys and camp beneath Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (7,585ft/2,312m). This a relatively long day that can be challenging if conditions are windy. Accommodation: Wild camping

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

Today we cross the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks and drop down to the Orkhon River on the longest, smoothest descent of the journey. The Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then to Lake Baikal in Russia and further northwards to the Arctic Ocean. After lunch, we continue downstream to our overnight camp on the banks of the Orkhon River. Accommodation: Wild camping

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

We ride from camp following rolling terrain, crossing and recrossing the Orkhon River as we head for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. ‘Karakorum’ is derived from a Turkic language and means black rock. Arrivi...

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

We make a good start this morning for the 250mi (400km) drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at Mongol Els to view the dunes with a picnic lunch en route. We check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar – hot showers and cold beers! This af...

Day 15 End Ulaanbaatar

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,250
Price per day$350
Last Updated: 11/7/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
27 Jun 2025
13 Jul 2025
$5,850
$6,420
03 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025
$5,250
$5,565

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The land that time forgot

This was simply a magnificent holiday in a wonderful country. Cycling eleven days in a row is a bit tough and the terrain can be challenging, but it is worth the e...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Perfect Adventure

I can not recommend this adventure enough: Mongolia is a special country and Exodus provided the ideal adventure to highlight all aspects of Mongolia and Mongolian...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

An incredible, stunning, strange and wonderful experience

The organisation and support from the entirely local team running the trip was absolutely exceptional. NK, the group leader, was faultless - calm, fun, supportive,...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Written on

Amazing Mongolia By Mountain Bike

For me this has been without doubt the most amazing cycling trip I have done. Mongolia is unlike anywhere else. Wide open rolling countryside and skies. Truly felt...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Written on

CYCLING THE EMPIRE OF GENGHIS KHAN

Once I arrived in UB the trip was very good apart from the last day. I could make nothing but praise for the staff who are the local based company that run this trip...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

9 nights wild camping, 2 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights traditional Mongolian gers, 1 night sleeper train
Most of the trip is spent wild participatory camping and you will be asked to put up and take down your own tents. A toilet tent is put up at lunch and in the evening and a shower tent is put up when not camping near a stream (you should bring bio-soap for washing in streams and wet wipes). Ger camps are yurt-type felt tents with beds inside and shared bathrooms. The hotel in Ulaanbaatar has private bathrooms. The sleeper trains have four berths per compartment. There may be occasions when we replace a night camping with a ger stay should local circumstances, such as the weather, dictate it. Single supplement If you prefer to have your own room, please request a single supplement at the time of booking. Availability is limited and these cannot be guaranteed; however, when available a single supplement covers all nights of the tour with the exception of the sleeper train, which is shared with four berths per cabin.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All meals are included. In the countryside, our support vehicles carry the kitchen, food supplies and kitchen staff including a professional chef. Meals are Western style with a strong Asian influence. Breakfasts are typically cereals, toast and a hot dish. Lunches on the road are sandwiches, cheese, meats and salad. Dinners are a variety of vegetables, meat, rice, potatoes and pasta dishes. Filtered or purified drinking water is supplied on all cycling days, as are tea, coffee and fruit drinks. Dining in Ulaanbaatar is excellent and includes Mongolian, Indian, French, Chinese and Mexican restaurants. If you follow a vegan diet, expect that the variety of food may be limited on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region, we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotels), 12 Simple nights (9 participatory camping, 2 nomadic ger camp, 1 sleeper train)
  • 11 days of cycling (including two half days) with 100 percent vehicle support
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip ID
exodus-MCM

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