Mountain Biking Experts
Selenge River Mountain Biking Tour

Selenge River Mountain Biking Tour

Mountain Biking Taiga in Mongolia

  • Duration7 days
  • Distance365 km
  • Group size2-12 pax
  • DifficultyMedium

Tour description

This biking tour will take you through some of Mongolia's most stunning landscapes, from the Taiga edge of Siberia and Khangai mountain ranges to valleys fed by the Orkhon and Selenge rivers, which flow into Lake Baikal. You will ride along earth roads, cycling through a region known as the 'bread basket' of Mongolia, with its fertile meadows, pine and birch forests, and farming villages. The tour includes a visit to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, a key cultural site, and takes you close to the Mongolia/Russia border. With a total cycling distance of 365 km over eight days, expect moderate difficulty, with some challenging passes but mostly gentle slopes. Vehicle support, professional guiding, and comfortable camping are all part of the experience, making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. Overall cycling distance is 365 km with a total ascent of 4420 m.

Ride stats from the day-by-day itinerary

356 kmTotal riding
8 of 12Riding days
54 kmLongest day
3,844 mTotal ascent

Day by day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon your arrival at Ulaanbaatar airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest and adjust. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where your guide will brief you about the upcoming adventure.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsDinner

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Enjoy a walking tour of Ulaanbaatar, visiting Sukhbaatar Square and the National History Museum. At 18:30, board the overnight train to Erdenet in classic Soviet-era sleeper carriages still used today. Relax in comfort, have dinner on board, and experience the nostalgic charm of Mongolian rail travel.

  • AccommodationTrain
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Meet your support crew in Erdenet town and begin your first day of cycling. The route will take you through rolling hills and mountain passes, leading you down into the fertile Selenge River valley. The landscape is rich with diverse flora and a stunning view of Mongolia’s northern terrain.

  • Distance46 km
  • Ascent203 m
  • Descent846 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Cycle through scenic wheat fields, quiet villages, and forested trails before reaching the broad banks of the Selenge River. Along the way, ride beneath birch and pine canopies and pass small farming communities for an authentic glimpse of rural Mongolian life. Camp tonight on the banks of the Selenge—the country’s largest river, which flows north into Russia’s Lake Baikal.

  • Distance51 km
  • Ascent376 m
  • Descent397 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

In the morning, drive 25 km on asphalt to Khangal village, where the day’s ride begins. Cycle across the 1,500 m Sangiin Pass, then descend into the Burgaltai River valley, a landscape dotted with nomadic families, herds of horses, and cattle. Camp overnight beside the river, surrounded by authentic steppe life.

  • Distance45 km
  • Ascent802 m
  • Descent331 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Cycle through lush valleys and endless grasslands, passing sacred ovoos and enjoying sweeping horizon views. The ride continues through the foothills of Mt. Burenkhan, gradually approaching the region of Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Camp for the night in a cozy ger camp nearby, surrounded by peaceful steppe landscapes.

  • Distance50 km
  • Ascent646 m
  • Descent851 m
  • AccommodationGer
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Spend the day exploring Amarbayasgalant, one of Mongolia’s most revered Buddhist monasteries. Choose a leisurely half-day of cycling or hiking through the serene valley, or simply take time to reflect and meditate in the peaceful surroundings. This is a day of cultural immersion and relaxation.

  • Distance15 km
  • Ascent92 m
  • Descent98 m
  • AccommodationGer
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Continue riding through the picturesque Usan Seer Valley, surrounded by green meadows and gentle hillsides. Cross two mountain passes during the day, then enjoy a long, rewarding descent to your riverside camp in a scenic setting.

  • Distance51 km
  • Ascent605 m
  • Descent885 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Ride into the Orkhon River Valley, a landscape of lush fields, lakes teeming with waterfowl, and sweeping open views. Ascend toward Mt. Dulaankhan, taking in the serene scenery and watching for migratory birds along the riverbanks, before setting up camp in the heart of the valley.

  • Distance54 km
  • Ascent705 m
  • Descent716 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Last Cycling Day – Ride through sandy trails shaded by pine forests before reaching Shaamar village, celebrated for its organic vegetables and pure honey from local bee farms. Conclude the adventure in the tranquil Shaamar forest area, where you’ll rest in comfort after the final ride.

  • Distance44 km
  • Ascent415 m
  • Descent427 m
  • AccommodationTent
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

After breakfast, visit Saikhan Khutul to witness the confluence of the Orkhon and Selenge rivers, the Mongolia–Russia border, and the monument commemorating the People’s Revolution of 1921. On the way, stop to see the birthplace and monument of Khulan, the fourth queen of Chinggis Khaan. Afterwards, drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner in the city. En route to UB: 350 km.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Transfer to airport for your departure home.(B)

Reviews

S

sooolucky

Mongolia Expeditions Mountain Biking Tours-- one of the best trips ever!!!
I recently returned from a mountain biking trip with Mongolia Expeditions (Selenge Mountain Biking Tour). To say it was perfect is an understatement. First, the country: Mongolia is a stunningly beautiful, special place with highly varied terrain and landscapes. We touched only a small part of it, but were overwhelmed at its beauty. Also, the Mongolian people are so kind and generous. We spent time with families in their gers, witnessing their semi-nomadic life, which is such a cultural contrast to my own. The trip logistics were seamless, and we loved, loved, loved our team of guides, drivers and, of course, our amazing cook who made magic happen three meals a day! The tour itself was consistent with the description -- important when one is considering the relatively technicality of a mountain biking trip. The views were endless, the quiet deafening, and the wildflowers and animals and rivers (!) so nourishing. Just what this American needed. I can't recommend Mongolia and Mongolia Expeditions highly enough. From the initial point of contact through the drop off at the airport, Mongolia Expeditions staff were consummate professionals and just amazing and wonderful people. Oh, and by the way, Mongolia Expeditions is a Mongolian owned- and operated- company, so your tourist dollars go directly to support the local economy. 


J

Jacqueline

Incredible mountain biking trip in Mongolia

Just returned from a truly epic adventure bicycle tour with Mongolia Expeditions, led by the incredibly talented Aldra and his A+ team of professionals. ME designed this particular tour along the Selenge River for our group and it was spectacular, with different scenery and riding each day, choice camping spots, a very special visit to Amarbayasgalant Monastery and two nights in a Ger camp.

The team cook was very flexible and made special vegetarian meals for my husband and I. The team mechanic was fantastic and the bikes, tents and other equipment were in prime condition. Can't say enough great things about Mongolia Expeditions, highly recommend them if you want a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Map

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