MONGOLIA

Arrive in Mongolia’s lively capital where modern development sits alongside deep-rooted tradition. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Later, we head out for a guided exploration of the city, offering a first glimpse into Mongolia’s culture and history. In the evening we gather for a welcome dinner, a chance to meet your fellow travellers and talk through the adventure that lies ahead.

This morning we leave the city behind, setting off in sturdy expedition vehicles as we head west into the Mongolian countryside. The transition is immediate and striking - urban life gives way to vast, open grasslands, scattered hills and distant mountains. Along the way, herds of horses, sheep and goats graze freely, tended by nomadic families living in traditional gers.

Our destination is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills, a peaceful and remote setting that feels a world away from civilisation. After settling into our ger camp, there’s time to wander, take a swim or simply sit and absorb the stillness of the landscape. Tonight is our first experience of life in a ger - simple, comfortable, and perfectly suited to the environment.

With bikes assembled and fitted, we begin our cycling journey with a gentle acclimatisation ride around the lake. It’s an ideal introduction to riding in Mongolia - wide open spaces, quiet tracks and a sense of freedom that is hard to match anywhere else.

We ride across grassy plains and low hills, following a mix of dirt tracks and faint trails, with no traffic and very few signs of modern life. Along the way we may stop to visit a nomadic family, offering a rare and genuine insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. A picnic lunch is prepared by our support crew in a scenic spot, and we return to camp in the afternoon with plenty of time to relax by the lake.

We set off riding west, the landscape gradually shifting as we approach the Khangai Mountains. The terrain becomes more varied, with rolling hills, river crossings and expansive valleys opening out before us. The riding is rewarding rather than technical, with a steady rhythm that allows time to take in the scenery.

After crossing the Orkhon Rive, one of Mongolia’s most important waterway, we continue towards the foothills of the mountains. After 70km riding we transfer the last section in our vehicles to our camp near natural hot springs, where a soak in the mineral-rich waters provides a perfect end to the day. Surrounded by forested hills, it’s a noticeably greener and more sheltered environment.

Today offers a pause in the journey and a chance to experience more of the region at a slower pace. You might choose to walk through the surrounding hills to the source of the hot springs, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful setting.

For those keen to try something different, there is the option of a guided horseback ride through the valley. Mongolian horses are small but incredibly strong and sure-footed, and riding them offers a deeper connection to the culture of the steppe. Whether you choose to rest or explore, it’s a day to recharge and take it all in.

Back on the bikes, we continue through the Khangai region, riding on smoother tracks that allow for a more flowing day in the saddle. The route takes us over a series of passes, each revealing wider views across forested mountains, open valleys and distant horizons.

This is classic Mongolia - vast, quiet and deeply immersive. We pass nomadic encampments where horses are tethered and herds graze freely, and may see the traditional production of airag, fermented mare’s milk. It’s a long but rewarding day, with a real sense of journey as we move deeper into remote country.

A steady climb early in the day brings us to a high point before a long and enjoyable descent into the Orkhon Valley. The change in landscape is striking, with the wide river valley framed by volcanic formations and expansive grasslands.

We ride along the river, following smooth tracks that wind gently through the valley. Nomadic families are a regular presence here, and encounters are often warm and welcoming. It’s a day of contrasts - effort and ease, climbing and long flowing sections - ending at a comfortable camp beside the river.

A shorter riding day allows time to explore one of the highlights of the region - the Orkhon Waterfall. Formed by a river plunging into a basalt gorge, it’s a dramatic and unexpected feature in an otherwise open landscape.

Beyond the waterfall, we visit ancient deer stones and burial mounds, remnants of early steppe cultures that add a deeper historical dimension to the journey. The afternoon is relaxed, with the option to explore further or simply enjoy the setting back at camp, perhaps with a refreshing dip in the river.

We continue riding along the valley, crossing open grasslands interspersed with volcanic rock formations. The terrain is varied but generally flowing, making for an enjoyable day on the bike.

Along the way we may visit a small local settlement and a workshop where traditional gers are constructed, offering insight into the craftsmanship behind these portable homes. Tonight’s camp is one of the more comfortable of the trip, combining traditional style with thoughtful touches that make for a relaxing evening.

Leaving the Orkhon Valley behind, we climb back into more open terrain, crossing passes that mark the transition from the mountains to drier steppe. It’s one of the more challenging riding days, but also one of the most rewarding in terms of scale and views.

After the ride, we transfer to Karakorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. Here we explore the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery and visit the local museum, gaining insight into Mongolia’s remarkable history and the legacy of Genghis Khan.

Today brings a completely different landscape as we transfer to the “Mini Gobi”, where sand dunes rise unexpectedly from the steppe. We ride through this unique environment, with sandy sections adding a new dimension to the cycling.

There is the option to ride Bactrian camels or watch local horsemen demonstrate their remarkable riding skills. As night falls, the lack of light pollution makes for extraordinary stargazing, one of those simple but unforgettable moments of the journey.

Our final ride takes us through a mix of terrain - grassy tracks, open plains and rocky outcrops - before we transfer to Hustai National Park. This protected area is home to the reintroduced Przewalski’s horse, the world’s last truly wild horse species.

In the afternoon we head out on foot, exploring the park in search of wildlife. Along with the horses, there’s a good chance of seeing deer, marmots and a variety of birdlife. It’s a fitting final experience of Mongolia’s natural environment.

We return to Ulaan Baatar by road, retracing our journey from wilderness back to city. The afternoon is free to relax, explore or pick up a few last souvenirs.

In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and reflecting on a journey that has taken us deep into one of the world’s most remote and captivating landscapes.

The tour ends after your breakfast.