† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
RIDE DESCRIPTION: An extraordinary journey cycling across Mongolia, the final frontier, on off-road bikes covering 300 miles and climbing 18,520 feet over 15 days and 14 nights. In addition to the cycling we will also be exploring this amazing land by expedition vehicles and even on horseback and camels for those interested. The tour begins on Sunday, July 15th, 2018 with arrival at the Ulaanbataar's Chinngis Khan Airport (ULN) where SpiceRoads staff will meet and greet us and provide transport to the Bayangol Hotel. At 5 P.M. the group will gather for introductions, a safety meeting, a Mongolian version of a BAC Happy Hour, and then dinner, accompanied by Mongolian throat singing. The tour will conclude on Sunday, July 29th, 2018 after breakfast with a transfer back to the Chinngis Khan Airport (ULN) for your flight home. In between, we will cycle and hike and sleep in Gers and enjoy local food and drink and experience Mongolian hospitality and see the world's largest remaining grasslands and the Gobi Desert and follow the Khaan trail and even trade a bike for a horse for those interested. Please note that while the best tool for this tour is a front suspension 'mountain bike' with wide tires for increased traction and very low gears for comfort while climbing and an upfront profile, like the kind SpiceRoads is renting, the riding is NOT technical singletrack but rather what we in the US refer to as 'farm roads', 'fire roads' or 'lumber roads'.
RIDE RATING: The Quick-Look Rating is 2B. Although this tour would technically be rated as 2A, we have rated it as 2B because the distances while short will be ridden on a mountain bike and are equivalent to longer days if they were ridden on a road bike on a paved road. SpiceRoads will have its support vehicles nearby at all times and riders can get on. In addition, we will have cold drinks and fresh fruit available for energy and the cycle guides are trained in basic repair and First Aid. Still, folks should be prepared and well trained and arrive with a proper, well-geared off-road bike, or rent one. SpiceRoads Cycle Tours offers limited mountain bike rentals of Giant XTC 800 & 860 for $140.00 USD, payable directly to them. SR will also arrange for the storage of bike cases in Ulaanbataar, where the journey starts and ends. Tandems cannot be accommodated on this tour. We will have a SR bike mechanic along. Detailed maps, cue sheets and GPX files will be made available to all riders well before the tour. SpiceRoads will assign a company representative to assist the BAC leader with meeting the needs of members who sign up, i.e., pre-and post tour hotels, bike rentals etc.
WEATHER: July is the peak travel season and the weather is ideal but there's always a chance of a heatwave near the Gobi Desert and nights can be cool.
LODGING: Accommodation is 2 nights in the 4-star Bayangol Hotel, 6 tented nights, 6 nights in Gers. Sleeping bags are not included in the tour price, sleeping bag rental can be arranged at request for $35 (USD) however it is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag. ALL the remaining camping related elements will be handled by SR. The camps are fun and comfortable and where we will enjoy our meals and Happy Hours. As much of the route is camped in gers or tents, Happy Hours will be provided along the way. You will be able to sample a selection of excellent local beers as well a chance to taste the traditional favourite of fermented mares’ milk, as well as local vodka.
GETTING STARTED: On Day 2, Monday July 16th, we climb into expedition prepared 4WD vehicles and begin our epic journey by crossing the 'Little Gobi' region. The drive will be split across 2 half days, with a stop at a Ger camp (high end safari type camps in place) half way. This tour is a great introduction to one of the least populated countries on earth, with a mix of steppe, desert and high sweeping passes.
CYCLING ITINERARY:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1 (Sunday, July15th, 2018) - Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Mongolia! After collecting you from the Airport (ULN) the day is free until we meet in the early evening for a trip briefing and dinner. A special treat is in store for you this evening as well, a unique show of contortion and Mongolian throat singing.
Bayangol Hotel. D
Day 2 – (Monday, July 16th, 2018) Ulaanbaatar – “Little Gobi”
We load into 4WD expedition vans which have special racks for carrying bikes and drive west of UB on rough tarmac across vast open steppes with rolling hills in the background. Around mid afternoon we arrive to a place known as the “little Gobi”. This is a spectacular combination of hilly steppes, granite formations and extensive sand dunes. Here we spend an overnight in a hotel comprised of traditional felt covered tents called yurts or gers. Half of the nights on this tour will be spent in a similar setting. After check-in you can take an optional dune walk or a short camel ride.
Ger Camp. B L D
Day 3 – (Tuesday, July 17th, 2018) “Little Gobi” – SE Khangai foothills
Another half a day of car travel brings us to the SE foothills of the Khangai range that covers nearly a fifth of the country’s territory. This region dominated by dome shaped mountains, mixed woods, clear streams and lush grassy valleys receives abundant rainfall compared to all other parts of Mongolia. We will establish a comfortable tented camp and prepare for the bike journey ahead.
Tented Camp. B L D
Day 4 – (Wed., July 18th, 2018) SE Khangai foothills – Shargaljuut river (Ascent 910m, 2,985 feet – Descent 675m)
We start biking with an ascent along a mountain river before a challenging zigzag up to a 3000m pass and a breathtaking view of the Gobi desert that lies towards south of the range. A 500m descent most of which is gentle brings us to Shargaljuut river valley inhabited by local herders who graze large flocks of yaks and horses. Upon reaching our campsite we share impressions of the first riding day followed by dinner and overnight in tents.
Tented Camp. Ride 45 km. or 28 miles B L D
Day 5 – (Thurs., July 19th, 2018) Shargaljuut river - Khebel Pass – Morin valley (Ascent 798m or 2,618 feet – Descent 651m)
The day begins with a quick breakfast and a gentle ride past herds of yaks and local nomads. The first pass is not too steep but still offers a bit of a challenge. This is followed by a 200 meter descent and a steep climb to a lunch spot on the top of the Khebel pass. A swift descent is followed by a climb up a grassy track to the top of Morin Pass. Another swift downhill brings us to a beautiful camp site by the river.
Tented Camp. Ride 45 km. or 25 miles B L D
Day 6 – (Fri., July 20th, 2018) Morin valley - Oromtiin Pass - Khukhiin Pass (Ascent 708m or 2,322 feet – Descent 774m)
The day starts with a gentle climb towards Oromtiin Pass. By the time you get there, you will have to prepare your legs for a long climb followed by a fast descent to a river by which a lunch will be served. 15 more km across grassy plains with easy ups and downs and on some rough and rocky surfaces brings us to Khukhiin Pass, a short but vertical climb to 2800meters. The following descent is at first challenging but soon smoothes out into a large valley. Then it’s an exhilarating downhill to our camp site.
Tented Camp. Ride 40 km. or 25 miles B L D
Day 7 – (Sat. July 21st, 2018) Khukhiin Pass - Khol Sayiin Pass – N.Tamir river (Ascent 132 m or 433 feet – Descent 331m)
This morning we ride for 25 km along the main river of Khangai that flows south in to the Gobi desert and forms a large saline lake. Then to avoid a rocky and jarring track we’ll transfer 70 km (3 hours) across the main water divide of the Khangai range and unload bikes 13 km before our overnight campsite. It’s a downhill descent, no pedaling required, to our camp at an idyllic spot by the river.
Tented Camp. Ride 38 km. or 24 miles B L D
Day 8 – (Sun., July 22nd, 2018) N.Tamir river – S.Tamir river (Ascent 686m or 2,250 feet – Descent 994m)
The riding surface improves dramatically from today on. It is hard-packed and fast. Leaving the valley, you’ll encounter a series of short but steep passes with excellent descents to more smooth ground. Your last descent of the day will take you to the settlement of Bulgan and then to the South Tamir river. We take a break from our tents and overnight in a cozy ger camp.
Ger Camp. Ride 60 km or 37 miles B L D
Day 9 – (Mon.July 23rd, 2018) N.Tamir river – Tsenkher hot springs (Ascent 452m or 1,482 feet – Descent 400m)
Only 25 km and half a day riding to the Tsenkher River, famous for its hot spring baths. Two short climbs and we aim to reach them before lunch. Two pools filled with hot mineral water await you. A relaxing massage is offered at a small additional charge. Overnight in a ger camp.
Ger Camp. Ride 25 km. or 15 miles B L D
Day 10 – (Tues., July 24th, 2018) Tsenkher hot springs - Orkhon valley (Ascent 1211 m or 3,973 feet – Descent 1239m)
This isn’t an easy day as there are five passes that vary in length from 2.5 km to 11.5 km and we gain the most elevation of the entire trip, 1250m. Good news is that the track today is a pleasure as we cover 78 kilometers of smooth, hard, and packed surfaces on your way to the Orkhon River valley. This area contains many ancient graves and historical sites and is often referred to as the cradle of Mongolian civilization. We set up camp in our last tented camp on the banks of the Orkhon River.
Tented Camp. Ride 78 km. or 48 miles B L D
Day 11 – (Wed., July 25th, 2018) Orkhon valley – Karakorum (Ascent 747m or 2,450 feet – Descent 1161m)
We saved the best for last! Your final day of cycling promises to be an exciting
one with an eastward journey along the Orkhon River to Karakorum where the 2nd son of Chinggis Khan built the capital of the Mongol Empire in early 13th century. There are no major ascents today, just lots of small undulations, and we are losing altitude the entire ride, making it a fast day. Immediately after arrival to our ger camp we visit Karakorum. Largely an experiment of city building in a predominantly nomadic society, it never became a fully functional capital before it was demolished by invading Chinese Min Dynasty troops in late 14th century. Today the main attraction here is the monastery museum of Erdene Zuu established in 16th century by a Mongol khan as part of the introduction of Buddhism as the main religion. Spend some time in the peaceful premises of the monastery and take a glance at a few surviving artifacts of the old capital. And finally visit the new Karakorum museum - a fantastic collection of artifacts and data. We return to the ger camp for showers, dinner and overnight.
Ger camp . Ride 75 km. or 45 miles B L D
Day 12 – (Thurs. July 26th, 2018) Ride to Turkic obelisks of Khushuu Tsaidam
Start of the horseback riding for those who wish to ride, otherwise members can retain their bikes and ride those. The others will ride sturdy Mongolian horses across the vast grassy plains that lie immediately east of the Karakorum. Riding style required is a bit different so local riding guides will stage a demonstration and accompany you during riding. Our destination is a place called Khushuu Tsaidam where rulers of Turkic empire that dominated Central Asia from 552 to 734 AD erected two obelisks rightfully considered to be the “Rosetta Stone” of Turkic writing, a unique case of central Asian nomads leaving their written history behind.
Ger Camp. Ride 30kms. B L D
Day 13 – (Fri., July 27th, 2018) Khushuu Tsaidam
The 2nd day of riding will bring us to a small freshwater lake surrounded by hilly steppes. The lake is a summer station for a number of migratory birds and as well as a few species of freshwater fish. We will spend the night in a ger camp on a high shore overlooking the lake.
Ger Camp. Ride 30kms. B L D
Day 14 – (Sat., July 28th, 2018) Ulaanbaatar
It’s time to return to Ulaanbaatar! After a quick breakfast you’ll drive 6 hours to Mongolia’s capital and the rest of the day will be free to explore the city or to just rest before dinner.
Bayangol Hotel. B L D
Day 15 – (sun., July 29th, 2018) Ulaanbaatar
As you eat your last breakfast in Mongolia and prepare for your return trip home, take the time to reflect on all that you witnessed and experienced in this amazing country. We will transfer you to Chinngis Khan Airport (ULN) for your flight home. B.
COST & ADMINISTRATION: The tour cost is $3,950.00 USD per person, double occupancy in rooms, tents and gers. We welcome singles and will make every effort to help them find a roommate. If space allows, a limited number of solo rooms may be available for an additional charge of $285 (USD). The price includes 14 nights lodging with 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, commemorative cycling shirt, portage (including bike box transfer) and administrative costs. The price does not include air fare to and from Chinggis Khan, Ulaanbataar (the tour's start and termination city), fees to optional activities, alcoholic drinks outside happy hours or everyday gratuities.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $100 Overseas BAC ride fee is nonrefundable. If a ride participant cancels, any refund will be determined on the basis that the remaining participants will not incur additional costs. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to SpiceRoads’ cancellation policy: If the participant cancels, then the following penalties will apply; 90-plus days: possibility of Admin. Expenses incurred, especially for additional services where bank fees and third party cancellation fees come into play, 60-89 days: 30% of tour price, 45-59 days: 50% of tour price, 15-44 days: 70% of tour price, 0-14 days: no refund. Please consider travel insurance.
RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.
Passports and Visas: At the time of writing, US citizens receive a tourist visa upon entry, valid for 90 days. Canadian citizens receive a 30 day tourist visa upon entry. If you don’t fall into those categories, please check for the latest updates on rules here: http://www.mfa.gov.mn/en. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
Health: We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are cooked by our expedition chef and include stews, roasted vegetables, rice and salads. Mongolian food is hearty fare, but we can arrange meals for vegetarians and specialist diets if requested.
Money: The Mongolian currency is the Tugric (MNT). ATMs are available in Ulaanbataar, and some larger towns. Most banks, hotels or exchange bureaus will change major currencies into cash, including US dollars.
SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit ($1,000) by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $2,950 is due no later than March 1, 2018. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org