Self-Launched Cycling in Mongolia: Steppe, Mountains & Ancient Capitals

Arrive into Ulaanbaatar (ULN). Take a shared taxi or public bus from the airport to the city centre (around £3–5). Check into a central hostel or guesthouse. Spend the afternoon exploring Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum of Mongolia (entry ~£2), and the landmark State Department Store. Head out for a classic Mongolian meal of khuushuur (fried mutton dumplings) at a local guanz (canteen) for under £5.

🚌Public bus or shared taxi from Chinggis Khaan Airport to city centre (~£3–5)

🛏Ulaanbaatar guesthouse or hostel dorm (e.g. Khongor Guest House or Zaya Hostel, ~£10–15/night)

• →Sukhbaatar Square visit
• →National Museum of Mongolia (self-entry ~£2)
• →Explore the State Department Store
• →Dinner at a local Mongolian guanz

Start the morning with a visit to Gandan Monastery (entry ~£1), one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. In the afternoon, hire your mountain bike from a local rental shop — several options exist in UB such as Nomadic Trails or local hostel bike hire (~£8–12/day for a decent MTB). Head to Ulaanbaatar central train station in the evening and board the overnight sleeper train to Erdenet. Book second-class sleeper tickets in advance at the station or online (~£10–15 per person).

🚌Overnight train Ulaanbaatar → Erdenet (~£10–15, book at central station or via local agency)

🛏Overnight sleeper train (2nd class soft sleeper, ~£10–15)

• →Gandan Monastery visit (~£1)
• →Mountain bike hire arranged for duration of trip (~£8–12/day)
• →Evening departure on overnight sleeper train to Erdenet

Arrive early into Erdenet. Grab breakfast at a local canteen (~£3). Assemble your bike and load your panniers or trailer. Today's 43km ride heads out into the wilderness via the small township of Bugat — a good lunch stop. The route crosses Chuluutiin Davaa pass (loose surface — take care on the descent) before reaching the wide plain around Tal Tolgoi Well. Wild camp near local herding families tonight. Carry all food and water needed from Erdenet.

🚌Cycling (43km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →43km off-road cycle via Bugat township
• →Chuluutiin Davaa pass crossing
• →Wild camping near Tal Tolgoi Well
• →Meeting local nomadic herders

Today is the biggest day in the saddle at 85km — set off early. The route rolls through volcanic rock country, descending to a bridge over the Altaan (Golden) River — a great spot for a picnic lunch on the banks. Then it's a long, steady climb to Tuluugiin Pass, where open steppe takes over from forest. Wild camp on the far side of the pass. Stock up on any provisions you can in Bugat yesterday — resupply is limited on this stretch.

🚌Cycling (85km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →85km off-road cycle — longest day of the trip
• →Tuluugiin Pass crossing with dramatic steppe views
• →Picnic lunch on banks of Altaan River
• →Wild camping on open steppe

65km through rolling hills, past small lakes and roaming horse herds. Steppe eagles are frequently spotted overhead. The afternoon track curves around the southern flank of Khairkhan Mountain (1,862m) and drops into a lush green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass. Wild camp in the valley. This is classic Mongolian steppe riding — enjoy the solitude and huge skies.

🚌Cycling (65km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →65km steppe and hill cycling
• →Birdwatching — steppe eagles common in this area
• →Wild camping in valley beneath Kholbooriin Pass

A sharp morning climb earns you panoramic views from the top of the pass before a gentle wind down through river valleys to the township of Khairkhan. Grab lunch in town at a local canteen (~£3). The afternoon route passes a series of small lakes before you find a peaceful wild camp spot for the night. 51km total — a more manageable day after yesterday's effort.

🚌Cycling (51km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →51km cycling over Kholboogin Pass
• →Views from the pass summit
• →Lunch in Khairkhan township (~£3)
• →Wild camping by a lake

64km following the Khunjiin River as it rises gently toward its headwaters. The fertile valley is dotted with ger camps of local herders and wetlands that attract demoiselle cranes and other birdlife. Camp in the upper reaches of the valley beneath Chingeltei Mountain. A beautiful and relatively smooth riding day.

🚌Cycling (64km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →64km cycling up Khunjiin River Valley
• →Birdwatching — demoiselle cranes in wetlands
• →Views of Chingeltei Mountain
• →Wild camping in river valley

A short climb brings you to Uran Khutul Pass at the Khunjiin headwaters, then it's a rewarding descent to the broad Tamir River — lunch on the riverbanks. Near the river, look out for eighth-century burial grounds. Camp tonight on the banks of the Tamir, close to Ikh Tamir (Great Rock). According to local legend, throwing a rock over the Great Rock brings good fortune for the journey ahead — give it a try! 42km total.

🚌Cycling (42km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →42km cycling over Uran Khutul Pass
• →Picnic lunch on Tamir River banks
• →Visit to eighth-century burial grounds
• →Ikh Tamir rock-throwing tradition
• →Wild camping by Tamir River

A half-day of cycling (28km) through forest over the Gurviin Dava Pass — long and steady with a sharp push at the top — brings you into Tsetserleg, the provincial capital of Arkhangai and arguably Mongolia's most attractive town. Check into a local ger camp on the edge of town. The afternoon is completely free: have a hot shower, explore the Zayain Gegeenii Museum (housed in a former monastery, ~£2), eat well at a restaurant, and enjoy the ger experience.

🚌Cycling (28km dirt tracks)

🛏Local ger tourist camp near Tsetserleg (~£20–30/night including dinner and breakfast)

• →28km half-day cycling over Gurviin Dava Pass
• →Arrive Tsetserleg — explore the town
• →Zayain Gegeenii Museum visit (~£2)
• →Hot shower and rest at ger camp
• →Free afternoon — local restaurants and shops

52km into the Khangai foothills, where the open rolling steppe of Arkhangai gives way to larch and pine forests with dramatic alpine peaks on the horizon. Three short passes today with lunch at the top of the third before a descent to camp. Fill up on food and water in Tsetserleg before leaving.

🚌Cycling (52km dirt tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →52km cycling into Khangai mountain foothills
• →Three pass crossings through larch and pine forest
• →Wild camping below alpine peaks

53km deeper into the Khangai Mountains along 4x4 jeep tracks. Yaks replace cattle in these high valleys. Follow picturesque valleys to camp at the foot of Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (2,312m). This can be a tough day in strong winds — start early and pace yourself. The reward is one of the most remote and spectacular camp spots of the entire route.

🚌Cycling (53km jeep tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →53km cycling on jeep tracks through Khangai Mountains
• →Spot yaks and herder families
• →Wild camping beneath Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (2,312m)

32km but featuring the longest, smoothest descent of the whole trip as you drop from the Khangai Range down to the wide Orkhon River Valley. The Orkhon flows all the way to Karakorum, then to Lake Baikal in Russia and on to the Arctic Ocean. Lunch after the descent, then follow the river downstream to a stunning riverside wild camp. Savour the moment — it's nearly the end of the cycling section.

🚌Cycling (32km jeep tracks)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →32km cycling — biggest descent of the trip
• →Cross the Khangai mountain range
• →Orkhon River Valley scenery
• →Wild camping on riverbank

The final 22km of cycling crosses and recrosses the Orkhon River en route to Karakorum (Kharkhorin), the ancient capital of Genghis Khan's empire. Arrive in the early afternoon and check into a local ger camp for a hot shower and well-earned rest. This afternoon, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery (entry ~£3) — founded in 1586 and the largest and most famous monastery in Mongolia. The iconic wall of 108 white stupas and remaining temples are extraordinary. Also explore the nearby Karakorum Museum (entry ~£2).

🚌Cycling (22km along Orkhon River)

🛏Ger tourist camp near Karakorum (e.g. Mongolian Ger Camp, ~£20–30/night with meals)

• →22km final cycling day along the Orkhon River
• →Arrive in Karakorum — ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
• →Erdene Zuu Monastery self-guided visit (~£3)
• →Karakorum Museum (~£2)
• →Overnight in traditional ger camp

The ~400km drive back to Ulaanbaatar takes most of the day. Arrange a shared minivan or hire a driver through your ger camp or a local agency (£20–35 per person for shared transport). Stop at Mongol Els sand dunes en route for a wander and a picnic lunch. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. Check back into your hostel, shower, and head out for the evening. Book tickets to the Tumen Ekh Ensemble traditional Mongolian song and dance show (~£10–15) — it runs most summer evenings and is a fantastic send-off for the trip.

🚌Shared minivan Karakorum → Ulaanbaatar (~£20–35 per person, arrange via ger camp or local driver)

🛏Ulaanbaatar hostel or guesthouse (~£10–15/night)

• →400km return drive to Ulaanbaatar (shared minivan ~£20–35)
• →Stop at Mongol Els sand dunes
• →Tumen Ekh Ensemble traditional show (book direct, ~£10–15)
• →Celebratory dinner in Ulaanbaatar

The adventure ends after breakfast. Return your hired bike if you haven't already done so. Take a shared taxi or airport bus to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (~£3–5). If you have time before your flight, the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the nearby Black Market (Narantuul) are both worth a final wander. Consider extending your stay to explore the wider country — the Gobi Desert, Terelj National Park and Khovsgol Lake are all accessible independently.

🚌Shared taxi or bus to Chinggis Khaan Airport (~£3–5)

🛏N/A (departure day)

• →Bike return
• →Explore Gandantegchinlen Monastery (free)
• →Narantuul Black Market browse for souvenirs
• →Airport transfer