Khenty Mountain 6-Days Bike Tour

Morning 1 hour 30 minutes transfer east of Ulaanbaatar to a 40 meter silver statue of Chinggis Khan. Upon arrival while the bikes are being assembled you may visit the statue and climb up to an observation platform two thirds of its height and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hilly steppes. We then start riding along the Tuul river which is one of the major Mongolian rivers eventually emptying in to lake Baikal in Russia. As the area marks the southern edge of the Siberian mountains we cycle across rolling hills and lush meadows with some wooded mountains as a backdrop.

Invariably we ride on smooth car tracks, at times slightly sandy and at times muddy depending on how much rain had fallen. As you bike you will catch a glimpse of a life that has seemingly not changed for a few hundred years. Large flocks of yaks, sheep and goats roam the area and circular tents of local herders can be seen from time to time. This morning as a warm up we have a few insignificant uphills and after lunch climb up to a wooded pass at 1887m. The effort is rewarded by spectacular views over wide valleys and forested mountains and a long descent on smooth soil to the Tuul river bank. Here we erect our tents and take a shower before dinner. (Distance 47km, total climb 737meters, tent.

The whole of the morning we ride upstream along the Tuul river on smooth but at times muddy tracks. We'll be doing some small stream crossings today so expect to get your feet wet. Around lunch time we reach the highest point of the day. Here the road is a bit rocky with small river rocks. After lunch we enjoy a long downhill followed by 20km easy roll across a wide valley that will bring us to our 2nd tented camp. Here we take a chance and visit a house/ger of a local herding family so that you learn about the lifestyle and traditions of Mongolian nomads. You can taste milky tea, sample dairy products and with some luck have a sip of fermented horse milk. Here we erect our tents and take a shower before dinner. (Distance 49km, total climb 632meters, tent.

We continue heading south across open steppe grassland and by 11am arrive to the "XIII century Mongolia" theme park. It consists of several ger encampments each showcasing an aspect of medieval life of Mongolia. "Horse relay station" is where you can get your photo taken in traditional clothes and armor, "Craftsmen camp" introduces you to traditional smith, wood and leather work, at the "Educational camp" visitor are introduced to traditional calligraphy and games. The last station is the "Khan's Palace" - a huge big ornate ger decorated with medieval costumes and warrior implements. Here you may try royal costumes on and test your archery skills etc. Each station is about 500m from each other so we take short rides to visit them. After completing the visits we climb to the top of a local highest mountain to a campsite that offers 360 degree panoramic view. The climb is a 9km gradual ascent on grassy tracks. Dinner and overnight. (Distance 63km, total climb 610meters, tent.

Last cycling day. We gradually curve our way back north today. Again we take easy ups and downs across grassland. We will serve a snack stop nearby some granite boulders as a backdrop before taking the highest climb of the tour at 1830meters above sea level. Weather permitting we have lunch at the top of the pass and enjoy great panoramic views of Mongolian steppe land. A 3km steep descent is ridden by rain water ditches so use your breaks!!! When at the bottom of the descent we roll for another 20km across grassland with no significant ascents. Here we load bikes and take a 2 hour return transfer back to Ulaanbaatar and to your hotel. In the evening we all gather for a farewell dinner. (Distance 35km, total climb 470meters, hotel.

Transfer to airport for your departure home.(B).