Self-Launched Cycling in Mongolia – Naadam Festival

Arrive in Mongolia's capital and get your bearings. Ulaanbaatar is well set up for independent travellers — grab a SIM card at the airport (Mobicom or Unitel, ~£5) and head into the city by shared taxi or bus (£1–2). Wander Sukhbaatar Square, pop into the National Museum of Mongolia (£2 entry), and browse the State Department Store. In the evening, head to one of the city's excellent local restaurants — try Mongolian hot pot or tsuivan noodles.

🚌Airport to city centre by shared taxi or city bus (~£1–2)

🛏Ulaanbaatar budget guesthouses/hostels e.g. Sunpath Mongolia Hostel or Golden Gobi Guesthouse (~£12–16/night)

• →Explore Sukhbaatar Square
• →Visit the National Museum of Mongolia (£2)
• →Browse the State Department Store
• →Dinner at a local Ulaanbaatar restaurant

Spend the morning exploring Ulaanbaatar independently. Visit Gandan Monastery (£1 entry), one of Mongolia's most important Buddhist sites, and stroll around the Sukhbaatar Square area. In the afternoon, collect your pre-hired mountain bike from a local hire shop — Ulaanbaatar has several reliable operators such as Ayan Travel or local bike shops near the Naran Tuul market (Giant XTC-style hardtails available for approximately £6–10/day). In the early evening, board the overnight train to Erdenet from Ulaanbaatar Central Station. Book second-class sleeping compartment (kupe) tickets in advance at the station or via a local agency (~£10–15 per person).

🚌Overnight train Ulaanbaatar → Erdenet, ~8 hours (£10–15)

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

• →Visit Gandan Monastery (£1)
• →Explore Sukhbaatar Square and surroundings
• →Collect hired mountain bike
• →Board overnight train to Erdenet

Your train arrives in Erdenet early morning. Grab breakfast at a local guanz (canteen) near the station (~£2). Assemble your bike and load your panniers or dry bags. The route heads out of Erdenet on dirt tracks southwest towards the small township of Bugat — a good lunch stop with a guanz or market stall. After lunch, the route climbs Chuluutiin Davaa pass (loose surface — take care on the descent) before dropping to the plains around Tal Tolgoi Well. Wild camping is free and unrestricted on Mongolia's open steppe — find a flat spot near the well, away from ger settlements. Carry 2–3 litres of water from Bugat.

🚌Self-powered cycling (43 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →43 km off-road cycling on dirt tracks
• →Pass through Bugat township for lunch
• →Climb Chuluutiin Davaa pass
• →Wild camping near Tal Tolgoi Well

The longest and most demanding day of the ride. Set off early after a camp breakfast (pack stove and supplies from Bugat). The route rolls through open country before descending to the Altaan River — the rocky riverbank makes a perfect lunch spot. The afternoon is dominated by a long, steady climb to Tuluugiin Pass, where the landscape shifts dramatically from forest to open steppe. This is a big day — pace yourself, start early, and carry extra food and water. Wild camp on the steppe beyond the pass.

🚌Self-powered cycling (85 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →85 km off-road cycling — hardest day of trip
• →Lunch at Altaan River
• →Climb to Tuluugiin Pass with panoramic steppe views
• →Spot volcanic rock formations

A gorgeous day through rolling hills, small lakes and open steppe with herds of wild horses. Watch for steppe eagles overhead. The route circles the southern flank of Khairkhan Mountain (1,862m) and drops into a wide green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass — an ideal wild camp spot. Refill water from a stream or ask at a ger for well water (always accepted with a smile — bring small gifts like sweets or cigarettes as a courtesy).

🚌Self-powered cycling (65 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →65 km cycling through Arhangai steppe
• →Wildlife spotting — steppe eagles, wild horses
• →Camping in open valley beneath Kholbooriin Pass

A rewarding morning climb to Kholboogin Pass rewards with sweeping panoramas in all directions. The descent winds down through gentle river valleys to the township of Khairkhan. Stop for lunch on the outskirts — small shops and a guanz should be available for resupplying. The afternoon route passes a series of small lakes before you choose your wild camp spot for the night.

🚌Self-powered cycling (51 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →51 km cycling
• →Climb Kholboogin Pass for panoramic views
• →Resupply in Khairkhan township
• →Camp beside a steppe lake

Follow the Khunjiin River upstream through lush pastoral valleys — popular with nomadic herders and their livestock. The wetlands attract birdlife including demoiselle cranes. The valley provides a sheltered and scenic route to tonight's camp in the upper reaches beneath Chingeltei Mountain. A long day but mostly gentle gradient following the river.

🚌Self-powered cycling (64 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →64 km cycling up Khunjiin River Valley
• →Birdwatching — demoiselle cranes in wetlands
• →Wild camp in upper river valley beneath Chingeltei Mountain

A short climb to the Uran Khutul pass at the headwaters of the Khunjiin River, then a long descent to the Tamir River. Lunch on the river bank — take a dip if the weather allows. The route passes 8th-century burial grounds en route to camp near the famous Ikh Tamir (Great Rock). According to local legend, throwing a stone over the rock brings good luck for the journey ahead.

🚌Self-powered cycling (42 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →42 km cycling
• →Climb Uran Khutul pass
• →Lunch on banks of the Tamir River
• →Visit 8th-century burial grounds
• →Try your luck throwing a stone over Ikh Tamir

A well-earned easier day. The Gurviin Dava Pass involves a long steady forest climb with a steep final push, before dropping into the attractive provincial capital of Tsetserleg ('Garden' in Mongolian) — one of Mongolia's most scenic towns. Book a night at one of Tsetserleg's ger camps or guesthouses (£12–18/person including traditional ger stay) for a hot shower, proper meal and a genuine nomadic experience. Browse the local market for supplies. The afternoon is yours to rest.

🚌Self-powered cycling (28 km dirt track)

🛏Tsetserleg ger camp or guesthouse, e.g. Fairfield Ger Camp or local options (~£12–18/night)

• →28 km cycling — half day
• →Climb Gurviin Dava Pass through larch forest
• →Explore Tsetserleg town and local market
• →Relax at traditional ger camp

Leave Tsetserleg resupplied and refreshed. The landscape transitions from rolling Arhangai steppe to forested larch and pine hills with dramatic alpine peaks ahead. Three passes today — pace yourself and enjoy lunch on the third before a descent to tonight's wild camp. Navigation tip: download offline maps via Maps.me or OruxMaps before leaving Ulaanbaatar — these handle Mongolian tracks well.

🚌Self-powered cycling (52 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →52 km cycling through forested Khangai foothills
• →Cross three mountain passes
• →Wildlife and alpine scenery

Deep into the Khangai Mountains now, following 4x4 tracks through herder valleys where yaks graze in place of cows. A challenging day, especially if windy on the exposed ridges — start early. Camp beneath the impressive Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (2,312m). This remote section rewards with complete wilderness solitude.

🚌Self-powered cycling (53 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →53 km cycling on 4x4 tracks
• →Deep Khangai Mountains scenery
• →Spot yak herds in remote valleys
• →Camp beneath Ondor Khairkhan (2,312m)

A relatively short but spectacular day. Cross the Khangai range on well-graded jeep tracks and enjoy the longest, smoothest descent of the entire trip down to the Orkhon River. The Orkhon flows eventually to Lake Baikal and the Arctic Ocean — a humbling thought. Camp on the grassy riverbanks for a night under Mongolia's vast star-filled skies.

🚌Self-powered cycling (32 km dirt track)

🛏Wild camping (free)

• →32 km cycling — shorter day
• →Epic descent from Khangai range to Orkhon River
• →Camp on Orkhon River banks

Follow the rolling Orkhon River valley to the fertile plain of ancient Karakorum — Genghis Khan's imperial capital. Arrive at the town of Kharkhorin and check into a local ger camp (£12–18/night) for hot showers after days of camping. In the afternoon, explore Erdene Zuu Monastery (£2–3 entry) independently — Mongolia's largest and most significant monastery, built in 1586, with its remarkable wall of 108 white stupas. The attached museum has superb artefacts. Book your return transport to Ulaanbaatar for the following day (shared minivan/jeep ~£15).

🚌Self-powered cycling (22 km); arrange shared minivan to UB for next day (~£15)

🛏Ger camp near Kharkhorin, e.g. Munkh Khangai Ger Camp or similar (~£12–18/night)

• →22 km final cycling leg
• →Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery independently (£2–3)
• →Walk the 108-stupa wall
• →Hot shower and rest at ger camp
• →Book shared minivan to Ulaanbaatar for Day 14

Take the shared minivan or shared jeep back to Ulaanbaatar (~5–6 hours, ~£15). Arrange a brief stop at Mongol Els sand dunes along the way — negotiate this directly with your driver or book as a separate excursion. Back in Ulaanbaatar, check into your guesthouse. In the evening, book tickets to the Tumen Ekh Song and Dance Ensemble — Mongolia's most famous traditional performance group — directly at the theatre (~£8–12 per person). A spectacular introduction back to city life.

🚌Shared minivan/jeep Kharkhorin → Ulaanbaatar (~£15)

🛏Ulaanbaatar guesthouse/hostel e.g. Sunpath Mongolia or Golden Gobi (~£12–16/night)

• →Drive Karakorum to Ulaanbaatar by shared minivan/jeep (~5–6 hrs)
• →Stop at Mongol Els sand dunes en route
• →Evening performance at Tumen Ekh Ensemble (~£8–12)

The main Naadam Festival (July 11–12) is held at the National Sports Stadium and surrounding venues. Today features the spectacular Grand Opening Ceremony — a pageant of traditional costumes, horse displays and military pomp. Buy tickets for the Opening Ceremony in advance via the Mongolian government tourism portal or through your guesthouse (£5–15 for stadium seating). Head to the stadium grounds to watch wrestling (bokh) and archery competitions — the outer grounds are free to roam. The atmosphere is electric and Mongolians dress in their finest traditional deels.

🚌Local bus or taxi within Ulaanbaatar (£1–3)

🛏Ulaanbaatar guesthouse/hostel (~£12–16/night)

• →Attend Naadam Opening Ceremony (£5–15)
• →Watch traditional wrestling (bokh) at the stadium
• →Watch archery and knuckle-bone flicking competitions
• →Mingle with Mongolian spectators — food stalls, games, flags

The famous Naadam horse races take place at Khui Doloon Khudag, about 40 km from Ulaanbaatar — take a shared taxi or marshrutka minibus from the city (£2–4 return). Child jockeys race horses over distances of up to 30 km in a breathtaking display. Also catch the Deeltei Mongol Naadam (National Costume Festival) in the city. Today is also a great day to pick up handicrafts, cashmere and souvenirs from the festival stalls. Celebrate your epic journey with a traditional Mongolian meal and perhaps an airag (fermented mare's milk).

🚌Shared taxi/marshrutka to Khui Doloon Khudag and back (~£2–4)

🛏Ulaanbaatar guesthouse/hostel (~£12–16/night)

• →Travel to Khui Doloon Khudag for Naadam horse racing (~£2–4 shared taxi)
• →Watch long-distance horse races with child jockeys
• →Deeltei Mongol National Costume Festival in the city
• →Souvenir shopping — cashmere, crafts
• →Celebratory dinner in Ulaanbaatar

Your adventure ends in Ulaanbaatar. Return your hired bike if not already done. Enjoy a final breakfast at one of the city's cafes — try Modern Nomads restaurant or a local guanz for tsuivan or khuushuur. Head to the airport by taxi (~£10–15) or shared airport bus. Mongolia will have left its mark on you.

🚌Taxi or shared bus to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (~£10–15)

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Return hired bike
• →Final breakfast in Ulaanbaatar
• →Airport transfer by taxi or shared bus (~£10–15)