Altai Valley Ride: Conquer the Wild
Unforgettable, Wilderness, Adventures.
Highlights
Eagle Hunter – Visit Serik’s family, an esteemed eagle hunter, and explore the traditional art of eagle hunting.
Terelj National Park and Aryapal Meditation Temple, standing out for its great aesthetic value and its profound cultural connotations.
Tumen Ekh Ensemble: A captivating performance of traditional Mongolian music, dance, and throat singing (Khuumii).
Tour summary
Group Size: Must be between 5 and 12 cyclists.
Non-Riders: Up to 3 people.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to hard. Riders can hop on and off the support van as often as needed.
Stages: 9 stages
Total distance: 352 km (219 miles)
Average distance: 39 km (24miles)
Total climbing: 5830 meters (19120 feet)
Average climbing 650 meters (2130 feet)
Expected ride duration: 6-8 hours
Rest Days: We have two rest days. The first includes an optional 35 km ride, while the second offers an optional 53 km tarmac ride.
Road condition: The tour will be ridden on a mix of paved tarmac and good quality unpaved dirt ‘country’ roads. The approximate 20% paved roads and 80% off-road terrain.
Start point: 49.061696, 104.167668 (Erdenet)
End point: 47.911950, 106.914028 (Ulaanbaatar)
Accommodation: Includes 3 nights in a hotel, 13 nights camping, 5 nights in a ger camp, and 1 night on a night train.


Mongolia is much more than what you expect.

Additional activities such as horseback riding to the Potanin Glacier of Tavan Bogd Mountain and hiking to the Baga Turgen Waterfall make this trip even more adventurous and unique.
Western Mongolia is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Tuvan and Kazakh families, each with rich cultural traditions. Tuvans are known for throat singing and shamanistic beliefs, while Kazakhs practice eagle hunting and showcase vibrant Turkic culture. Both communities live in gers (yurts), migrate seasonally, and warmly welcome visitors into their unique way of life. Visiting these nomad families will be an unforgettable experience.

It’s an unparalleled opportunity to explore two of Mongolia’s most iconic regions—the Khangai and Gobi—while immersing yourself in the country’s deep-rooted heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty—an experience few travelers ever have. In other words, it allows you to ‘kill two birds with one stone.’ It also offers the advantage of experiencing the tour at a more affordable price.
Cycling through the Khangai and Gobi regions offers a diverse and thrilling experience with ever-changing landscapes and road conditions. In the Khangai Mountains, riders traverse rolling green hills, dense forests, and river valleys, mostly on dirt and gravel roads. The terrain varies with challenging climbs and exciting descents. Summers are mild, with cool mornings and warm afternoons, though occasional rain can make trails muddy.
The Gobi Desert presents a different challenge, with compact dirt paths, sandy tracks, and rocky terrain requiring good bike handling skills. Vast open plains, dramatic canyons, and rugged landscapes make for an unforgettable ride. The Gobi’s climate is more extreme—hot, dry days contrast with cooler nights, and strong winds add to the adventure.

In addition to the cycling, this journey offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s soul—the nomadic way of life. You’ll visit traditional nomad families living in their gers (yurts), where you can experience firsthand the timeless hospitality of the Mongolian people. Staying in a ger allows you to connect with the environment and learn about the daily lives of the nomads, who live in harmony with nature and have a deep connection to the land.You’ll also have the chance to meet local people, learning about their traditions, customs, and unique way of life. Mongolian horseback riding and camel riding are integral to the nomadic culture, and you’ll experience these iconic activities yourself, riding through the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert or the lush valleys of the Khangai Mountains.
Despite the varying conditions, cycling through these two regions is incredibly rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with Mongolia’s untamed wilderness. Whether riding through lush mountains, vast deserts, or staying with nomads in their gers, this journey promises an unforgettable adventure, rich in culture and natural beauty.
Customizable Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival & City Tour – Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and check in at Bayangol Hotel, followed by a guided city tour.

DAY 2

Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park – Take a bus trip to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue at Tsonjin Boldog. Explore Turtle Rock and visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple in Terelj National Park. Return to Ulaanbaatar and stay overnight at Bayangol Hotel.

DAY 3

Flight to Ulgii & Journey to Tsengel – Take a domestic flight to Ulgii, the westernmost provincial center of Mongolia. Upon arrival, travel to Tsengel town by minivan and stay overnight at a ger camp.

DAY 4

Stage 1 – Cycle 52 km upstream along the White River Valley on mixed gravel and hard-packed terrain. Set up camp for the night.

DAY 5

Stage 2 – Enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature as you ride 40 km along the same river valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The highlight of the day is a visit to a Nomad family for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight camping.

DAY 6

Today is horse-riding day. With the support of our herder crew, we’ll ride to the foot of Tavan Bogd Mountain and the Potanin Glacier. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, don’t worry – you’ll be in safe hands. Spend the night in a tent.

DAY 7

Stage 3 – Cycle 25 km downstream along the river valley. Along the way, we'll learn about the ancient rock paintings at Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain. Overnight camping.

DAY 8

Head south toward Khoton Lake. We'll skip some of the less essential cycling sections today with the support of our vehicle. 80 km, overnight camping.

DAY 9

Stage 4 – Today, you’ll truly feel the essence of this journey. Cycle 45 km from Khoton Lake to Bear Valley, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the wilderness. Another night of wild camping.

DAY 10

Stage 5 – If it's windy, the wind in Mongolia usually comes from the north or northwest, meaning it will mostly be at our backs. This will make today’s 45 km ride an easy roll down the valley. End the day camping by the lakeside under the blue sky, stargazing, and listening to another fascinating story about nomadic life.

DAY 11

Stage 6 – Pedal 15 km uphill to the breathtaking Baga Turgen Waterfall, then explore the area on foot. From there, descend into a vast open valley, covering 25 km to reach the serene shores of Lake Khurgan. Camp overnight by the water.

DAY 12

Rest Day – Relax at the same campsite, visiting an eagle hunter's family and learn about their ancient tradition of hunting with trained eagles. Ride a horse across the stunning landscape, play traditional games, and savor authentic local food. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals.

DAY 13

Stage 7 – Ride 42 km from Khurgan Lake to Khar Lake, passing through a stunning valley. Arrive at the tranquil Khar Lake, where we’ll set up camp by the water’s edge and enjoy another peaceful night under the starry sky.

DAY 14

Stage 8 – Cycle 30 km back along the Khargant River, winding through picturesque valleys. Set up camp by the riverside and relax in the serene natural surroundings.

DAY 15

Stage 9 – Continue cycling down the river valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, towards Tsengel town. The route covers 20 km but can be extended for those wanting a longer ride.

DAY 16

Final Day in Western Mongolia – Travel 80 km back to Ulgii by vehicle and check into a hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

DAY 17

Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy a special farewell dinner in the evening.

DAY 18

Departure – Board your flight home, marking the end of your journey. Safe travels!

Dates & Prices
DATES
DURATION
TOTAL COST
TOTAL COST INCLUDES THE DEPOSIT
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
2025.01.20
2025.01.30
10 Days
$2000
Book now
Included
All accommodations
All internal transportation
All food in Mongolia
All kitchen equipment
Tent
All sightseeing cost
All entry permissions
Not Included
Alcoholic drinks
Sleeping bag and mat
“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness, and of a freedom almost forgotten.” – Sigurd F. Olson