Experience Overview
Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. On our bikes, we follow good trails across open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is one of our most intrepid cycle tours. Adding to the experience, this special departure spends two days taking in traditional wrestling, archery, horse-riding, bone flicking and Mongolians dressed in their best clothes at the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar.
Profile
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 12 Simple nights (9 participatory camping, 2 traditional nomadic ger camp, 1 sleeper train) — 11 days of cycling (including two half days) with 100 percent vehicle support — Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 12 Simple nights (9 participatory camping, 2 traditional nomadic ger camp, 1 sleeper train) — 11 days of cycling (including two half days) with 100 percent vehicle support — Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This is an Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) cycling trip and classified as off-road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
We advise that you have reasonably good fitness and are a confident cyclist, with some off-road cycling experience. Please also take the number of nights camping into consideration; hotels are only used in Ulaanbaatar. We believe that camping allows you to experience the wonderful remoteness of Mongolia.
Average daily distance: 31mi (50km)Number of cycling days: 11 (including two half days)Vehicle support: 100 percent
Terrain and route: We take good quality, vehicle-width, hardpack dirt tracks across rolling forest and steppe. Roads vary from paved to rocky in places with some short, steep passes.
Two vehicles support the trip (depending on group size) including a 4×4/standard minivan for people and a separate one for bikes and equipment. You may ride as much or as little as you like. The only things you need carry with you on the bike are your valuables, sunscreen, extra top, camera and water bottle etc. One vehicle travels at the front of the group and one at the rear. The bikes return from Karakorum with the support vans at the end of the trip.
The terrain is best described as rolling. Our route mostly follows jeep tracks along river valleys and over ridgeline mountain passes, with some better-quality paved roads in the early stages of the trip. Trails are mostly hardpacked dirt tracks; however, mountain passes often have loose gravel on the descent, requiring extreme caution. Sandy patches are hazardous in places, particularly at the base of small dips in the road. Our route passes through some more mountainous areas where roads follow rivers upstream and occasionally cross up and over into the neighbouring watershed. The passes referred to in the itinerary are universally low – usually requiring just 330ft-655ft (100m-200m) of vertical rise/descent. Some of the descents can be rocky. Typically, there are four to seven hours of riding each day.
This trip will appeal to anyone who is physically fit, enjoys riding off road and who is happy to camp in beautiful and wild places (we use good quality camping equipment, but home comforts are not a feature of this trip). Our tented camps include a kitchen tent, communal dining tent, wash tent and toilet tents. Mongolia is a country with just 930mi (1,500km) of sealed roads and these tend to be heavily trafficked and in poor condition. By far the most appealing travel is away from the main transit corridors and this is where our route takes us.
If you are bringing your own bike, please ensure that suitable off-road tyres are fitted – if in doubt please contact us for clarification. Due to the open nature of the country and the fact this is a fully supported trip, it is best to be flexible and to adjust the daily itinerary according to circumstances. The exact location of campsites can be changed, as circumstances require, but weary cyclists are free to join the support vehicle.
Please note, the route and distances described in the itinerary are fluid. Depending on local conditions and how the group feel, plus the potential encounters with locals along the way, we may cycle further or less far that day.
Group Description
The trip is led by an experienced cycle leader and an English-speaking Mongolian guide. Two 4×4/standard minivan vehicles support the group; these are sturdy Russian-built minivans with roof-mounted bike racks. A professional chef and assistants (depending on group size) accompany the group in the countryside.
Eating Drinking
All meals are included.
In the countryside, our support vehicles carry the kitchen, food supplies and kitchen staff including a professional chef. Meals are Western style with a strong Asian influence. Breakfasts are typically cereals, toast and a hot dish. Lunches on the road are sandwiches, cheese, meats and salad. Dinners are a variety of vegetables, meat, rice, potatoes and pasta dishes. Filtered or purified drinking water is supplied on all cycling days, as are tea, coffee and fruit drinks. Dining in Ulaanbaatar is excellent and includes Mongolian, Indian, French, Chinese and Mexican restaurants. If you follow a vegan diet, the variety of food may be limited on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region, we cannot guarantee the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying.
Transportation
Two vehicles support the trip (depending on group size) including a 4×4/standard minivan for people and a separate one for bikes and equipment. Depending on group size, an additional bus will meet the group in Karakorum for the long drive back.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Bayangol Hotel, Chinggis Avenue-5, Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia
Phone: +976-11-312255
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
June to August is summer in Mongolia, characterised by daytime temperatures of 20C-30C (68F-86F) and evenings around 15C (59F). Summer is also the wet season and rainy days are certain over a two-week journey. September is the start of autumn (fall), expect daytime temperatures of 15C-25C (59F-77F), nights 5C-10C (41F-50F). Mongolia is a land of tremendous seasonal change, as temperatures plummet to -40C (-40F) in winter. It can snow on any day of the year and there is the potential that very cold weather could be experienced on these trips.
Spending Money
Budget an extra US$150 for incidental expenses such as laundry, telephone and excursions into the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar. Cashmere, leather products, carpets, woodcarvings, watercolour paintings and traditional Mongolian dolls all make great souvenirs – US$150 is a modest souvenir budget.
Optional excursions
Horse riding (for experienced riders) may be available at some locations within the itinerary. The price will be confirmed at the time as these are operated independently by local horsemen. Please note, riding helmets and instruction are very unlikely to be available and, where they are provided, the quality may not be of the highest standard. Mongolian ponies are generally unpredictable and more suited to confident and experienced horse riders. Any horse riding undertaken in Mongolia is done entirely at your own risk.
Theatre show in Ulaanbaatar: US$15
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. However, the tour leader normally prepares a tip kitty for trip/hotel staff. You should set aside US$65 for this. The kitty does not include a tip for the tour leader, which is also discretionary though US$15 is reasonable.
Highlights
— Discover a variety of landscapes as we cycle through open steppe and forests — Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and Genghis Khan's ancient capital — Camp wild and stay overnight at hot springs — Attend Naadam Festival and witness traditional gamesTrip Details
Product Code: 4275
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: ive back.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MCMN
Starts: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Finishes: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, 13 lunches and 15 dinners included — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Local bike hire — Free arrival transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Camping, hotels, Mongolian gers and sleeper trainMost of the trip is spent wild participatory camping and you will be asked to put up and take down your own tents. A toilet tent is put up at lunch and in the evening and a shower tent is put up when not camping near a stream (you should bring bio-soap for washing in streams and wet wipes). Ger camps are yurt-type felt tents with beds inside and shared bathrooms. The hotel in Ulaanbaatar has private bathrooms. The sleeper trains have four berths per compartment. There may be occasions when we replace a night camping with a ger stay should local circumstances, such as the weather, dictate it. Single supplement If you prefer to have your own room, please request a single supplement at the time of booking. Availability is limited and these cannot be guaranteed; however, when available a single supplement covers all nights of the tour with the exception of the sleeper train, which is shared with four berths per cabin.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,125 ($419 /day)
Itinerary
This cycling adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. There are free transfers available from the airport to all group members today – please see the Joining Instructions for more information. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
We start the day after breakfast with the trip briefing and then strike out on an introductory tour of Ulaanbaatar, which takes in Sukhbaatar Square (the main square in the city), National Museum and Gandan Monastery. In the afternoon, you have free time before boarding the overnight train to Erdenet in the early evening. Erdenet is the third-largest city in Mongolia and home to one of the largest copper mines in the world. We stay in sleeping compartments on the train. Accommodation: Sleeper train
Our train arrives early in the morning. Upon arrival, we are joined by our crew and support vehicles. After breakfast, we set up the bikes and head out towards the wilderness. The small township of Bugat makes a convenient lunch stop. After lunch, our route takes us over Chuluutiin Davaa, a long pass on which care must be taken as the surface is loose in parts. With a steep descent, we arrive at a long plain leading to tonight’s camp near Tal Tolgoi Well. Accommodation: Wild camping
After our first night near local herding families, we cycle through rolling country before descending to a bridge over the Altaan (Golden) River. Rock formations in the area hint towards a volcanic past. The riverbanks make an idyllic spot for a picnic lunch. It is a long, steady climb to Tuluugiin Pass, where the scenery changes dramatically as the forests give way to open steppe, at least for a while. Today is our longest cycling day on the trip. Accommodation: Wild camping
Today we pass through rolling hills, past small lakes and herds of horses. Steppe eagles can be seen in this area. We stop for lunch with views across the steppe. After lunch, we continue on tracks around the southern side of Khairkhan Mountain (6,108ft/1,862m) and make camp in an open, green valley beneath the Kholbooriin Pass (5,410ft/1,649m). Accommodation: Wild camping
We begin with a bit of exertion as we make the short climb in the morning up to the pass, giving us far-reaching views across the countryside. Down the other side, we wind along gentle river valleys before emerging at the township of Khairkhan. After lunch on the outskirts of town, we pass a series of small lakes before choosing a camp for the night. Accommodation: Wild camping
Today we follow the Khunjiin River as it rises gently towards its headwaters. River valleys like this provide fertile pasture for grazing livestock and are popular campsites with local herders. Wetlands near the river attract birdlife, including demoiselle cranes. We stay overnight in the upper reaches of the river valley, beneath Chingeltei Mountain. Accommodation: Wild camping
After a short climb to the headwaters of the Khunjiin River at the Uran Khutul pass, it is downhill to the Tamir River where we have lunch on the banks. Near the river, we pass burial grounds dating to the eighth century. We camp tonight on the banks of the Tamir, not far from Ikh Tamir or Great Rock. Locals say that if you can throw a rock over the rock, it will bring you good luck for the rest of the journey. Accommodation: Wild camping
Today is a half day of cycling and we make a good start to make the most of the afternoon for a chance to rest. The Gurviin Dava Pass is a long but steady ascent through forest for the most part, with a short, steep climb at the end. Arriving at the provincial capital of Tsetserleg makes the effort well worthwhile. Tsetserleg means garden and this township has one of the most attractive settings of any in Mongolia. We pitch camp by the Tsetserleg River. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy a hot shower and experience staying in a traditional Mongolian ger. Accommodation: Ger camp
We are now close to the Khangai Mountains and a short ride takes us to the foothills. The rolling country of Arhangai has been replaced by forested hills of larch and pine with dramatic alpine peaks in the distance. There are three short passes today, with lunch on the third before descending to tonight’s camp. Accommodation: Wild camping
Our route now takes us into the heart of the Khangai Mountains, following well-marked 4×4 trails. Herders still inhabit the valleys, yet yaks have replaced cows as the milk-producing animals. We follow picturesque valleys and camp beneath Ondor Khairkhan Mountain (7,585ft/2,312m). This a relatively long day that can be challenging if conditions are windy. Accommodation: Wild camping
Today we cross the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks and drop down to the Orkhon River on the longest, smoothest descent of the journey. The Orkhon River flows to the ancient capital, Karakorum, then to Lake Baikal in Russia and further northwards to the Arctic Ocean. After lunch, we continue downstream to our overnight camp on the banks of the Orkhon River. Accommodation: Wild camping
We ride from camp following rolling terrain, crossing and recrossing the Orkhon River as we head for the fertile plain chosen by Genghis Khan as the location for the capital city of his empire. Arriving in the early afternoon, we check into the ger camp for hot showers and a well-earned rest. This afternoon, we explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery in Mongolia. Built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital, much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalinist purges of the 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remains. Accommodation: Ger camp
We make a good start this morning for the 250mi (400km) drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travelling at an easy pace, we stop at Mongol Els to view the dunes with a picnic lunch en route. We check into our hotel on arrival in Ulaanbaatar – hot showers and cold beers! This afternoon, we enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the renowned Tumen Ekh troupe. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
The tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Linda Cunningham - Traveled, May 2019
Perfect Adventure I can not recommend this adventure enough: Mongolia is a special country and Exodus provided the ideal adventure to highlight all aspects of Mongolia and Mongolian life. We aren’t really mountain bikers but the biking was superb – not particularly easy – but truly enjoyable in terms of terrain, scenery and fun riding. We aren’t really campers – but have to admit it was kinda enjoyable in the end ??. Food on the trip was exceptional – we were v well fed: breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon snack, substantial dinner. Ghana and her assistant certainly kept us well fed. We even had a shower and a proper sit down toilet on camp ??. The whole Mongolian support team were superb and NK – our guide – was a special guy. Knowledgable, funny, kind and considerate – he really made our adventure special. Most Inspirational Moment Biking along with a herd of Mongolian horses zooooming alongside us was pretty special. Although the laugh we had playing football v Mongolian team was hilarious ?? Thoughts on Group Leader NK was superb: can’t fault him in anyway. Knowledgeable, funny, cheerful, friendly and v capable. He made our adventure special. Advice for Potential Travellers Get out on your mountain bike and get away on this adventure: you’ll love it. I’d highly recommend going on the Naadam departure. Suggestions This is a v special holiday. Mongolia was special, NK and his team were special. Naadam Festival was exciting and fun and I felt Exodus has pulled out all the stops to make the Festival experience great for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2019
Ville - Traveled, September 2019
11 amazing crew for 12 travellers. Overall excellent. I did not expect the nights to be so cold. I should have brought one heating gel pad. Exodus rates it as a 4/10 physical level. I would rate it 6.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2019
Ian Tucker - Traveled, October 2011
It was a real adventure holiday and did what the brochure said and more. Terrific fun , scenery was amazing and organisation excellent.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?BIking along with horses galloping along side me. Waking to ice on the tent and later in the day 28c of hot sunshine! The great comradeship in th group which kept us going even when it was tough. Also sitting on a Yak, When you are cold and it is lovely and warm.Seeing the locals and even staying in a local school (extra due to weather). Getting to learn how life was like out there. Also staying in a Ger.What did you think of your group leader?We had two leaders both excellent in their field and knowledge of the area.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for 4 seasons in a day. In other words layers of clothing. It can get very cold and hot. Take thick padded shorts for the bumpy tracks. Practice off road biking for the down hills, bits can be technical. Rocky and sandy. But great fun.Finally look at alternative flights if you have a long stop in Seoul or stop over for a few days there like we did and have a great time.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just don't hesitate, book it before UB changes and the tracks in the country change to tarmac roads as this wouldn't have been nearly so much fun if it had been on roads all the time. It is a wilderness still and needs to be appreciated before it changes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2011
Gillian Goode - Traveled, September 2011
A unique holiday in a unique country. Cycling gives the opportunity to really immerse in the landscape and interact with local herders.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?One day we followed a river valley and herd after herd of horses would gallop beside and across our path - watching their behaviour up close was fantastic. Returning home I cannot help but feel sorry for horses isolated in tiny paddocks and stables here. Having the opportunity to ride a Mongolian horse and finding how responsive it was to me (a beginner) was also great. I always love to discover the lifestyle of people in other countries and in Mongolia I was not disappointed - visiting two ger families, watching horses being milked, yaks being lassooed and children at play and school. Lodging at a boarding school overnight due to bad weather really enabled us to explore the small town and interact with the local people.What did you think of your group leader?Erdene is a very caring individual taking great care of all of us, and from the start helping us quickly become a functional team. Daily briefings were very useful.Misheel, his assistant, has a more outgoing personality and added to the trip with her obvious pride in and passion for her country.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for the cold. Even on sunny days the early mornings and nights will be very cold. Warm hat, gloves, coat and a good quality sleeping bag are ESSENTIAL. Do not forget lip protection - several people had very sore lips by the end. Good cycling glasses advised - my eyes suffered with the wind.Prepare for cycling day after day without many rest or 1/2 days. It was my first cycling holiday but others in the group commented that possibly the grading should be higher as the off road nature makes it quite tough compared to other 'moderate' grade holidays. Some of the downhills were quite difficult due to sand, gravel and ruts. The vans could not seat us all so you could not 'hop on and off' easily. I loved the holiday but be prepared for basic camping and, even at the ger camps, showers may not work. Plenty of wipes advised!! Inhibitions about toileting during the day are soon lost - there are very few bushes for us ladies to hide behind!!Is there anything else you would like to add?The food was fantastic throughout the trip and a highlight was watching our driver slaughter a sheep the traditional way and butcher it expertly to provide meat for the second half of the trip. 'Can kill a sheep in minutes' was heard many times when referring to him afterwards! Vegetarians were well catered for too. The habit of a mid-morning mars bar was hard to break when the cycling ended and energy requirements dropped!Twitchers among you take a bird book as being unable to name the many birds of prey seen became frustrating. Demoiselle cranes calling while flying overhead as we toiled uphill is another unforgettable memory.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2011
Steve Mallon - Traveled, September 2011
I think that mongolia is one hell of incredable place although it is a really long journey to get there but well worth it when you get there.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?there where to many to mention firstly the weather one minute it can be red hot then it be really cold frosty in the morning,also it did snow.The guides eddie and michelle were the best i have ever had made you feel really welcome from start to finish,the drivers cooks where wonderful people,and the cycling but this trip isnt for the faint hearted beware it can be quite tough.Staying in a local boarding school was also a highlight it made me realize how lucky us in the west are .Finally everyone in the group was very easy to get along with and by the end we where like a small family that memory will also stay with me foreverWhat did you think of your group leader?in one word Fantastic eddie and michelle and all the support team did us proud in my words the best leaders i have had on a cycling trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Dont let the travelling put you off,also if i was to vist again i would pack lots more warm clothes as it can drop below zero at nightIs there anything else you would like to add?yes i think exodus should look at a more direct route to UB as we flew over mongolia to get to seoul,then had to wait 6 hours to get another flight back into UB to me this doesnt make much sense, also maybe you could spent a few more nights in ger camps as having a fire at night was very welcome maybe 7 nights camping and a few more ger camps please.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2011
Michael Hayward - Traveled, September 2011
Once I arrived in UB the trip was very good apart from the last day. I could make nothing but praise for the staff who are the local based company that run this trip on behalf of ExodusWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The endless wide open spaces and big skiesWhat did you think of your group leader?Ganer was excellent, just the right balance between letting you find out for yourself but willing to answer any questions that you had.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I chose to rent a bike from exodus supposedly had front suspension. My bike only had 1" of travel so was pretty much like no suspension.I Took my own saddle and pedals of which I was glad.Biking was easy smooth technically not too demanding and 100% ridable. I found the food good and plentiful and the trip staff (cook, driver and guide )very good. There is not that much to do beside shopping and drinking in UB. The local kids love balloons - take some to give to them. Is there anything else you would like to add?If the Exodus staff in the UK were as good as the staff in Mongoila I would have no problems, but they are very variable in reliability. I rang quite a few times with queries and on some occasion I was told people would ring back, but they did not. Once I made a complaint, as one guy did not even pass on the message. Later I was told that no record of my complaint was made. The quality control there is clearly an issue.Exodus booked us flights via Soeul. S Korea- this was a 12 hour flight. On the way out We then had to wait 6 hours for a connecting flight back to Mongolia (which we had flown over on the way. However there was another flight to UB with the same airline that left 2 hours before our flight. We finished cycling on Thursday, and drove back to UB on Friday arriving at 4 p.m. then off to see a local cultural show which was good. Our flight was booked for Saturday at 23-50. So we had a whole day to do nothing in UB. We all felt that getting the flight friday night would have been better. OR sometime later on Saturday, since we then had a 10 hour wait to get our flight back to the UK.OR do another day cycling so there is not a dead day at the end of the trip.Presumably Exodus do some sort of deal with Korean airlines to get cheap flight tickets. Their priority should be to minimise transfer time and maximise cycling time.The first two days of the trip is now on road as the tracks were tarmac tarmac-ed 2 years ago. teh loacl guys say they have told Exodus- but the trip notes have not been changed.The trip notes say 'overnight is a comfortable sleeping compartments on a train. Dinner is taken on the train - the train trip is awful - to be endured not enjoyed. No-one got any sleep and dinner was a sandwich!! - This should be deleted from the trip and travel by road instead. There were only 4 people on my trip. A couple a lady and myself. I rang up four weeks before the trip to get add a single supplement- instead of informing me it would not be needed as there were only 4 on the they happily took my money. So I suggest to make the best of the trip expect exodus to cause you a few problems, Book your own flight to minimize the transfer times and likely contact the local company direct to avoid wasting a day at the end of the trip. Apart from that you will have a fab time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2011
Rebecca Taylor - Traveled, September 2008
It was fantastic, as I have come to expect from Exodus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole package - the scenery, the cycling, the crew, the Mongolian people, the scenery, the scenery!!What did you think of your group leader? He was okay - not the best I have had, however. Do you have any advice for potential travelers? Do distances in the heat to train for this holiday. In August, it is very hot and this takes your strength away when you are cycling so many miles. It is not technical, but you do a lot of cycling on tracks. You need to be quite fit! Is there anything else you would like to add? I want to move to Mongolia!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2008
Richard Millen - Traveled, October 2013
A brilliant trip involving reasonably challenging cycling through what must be some of the most beautiful and untouched country in the world - truly the way it was in the days of Genghis Khan (if a little safer!).What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The top moment was having a herd of horses galloping past us in the middle of a thunderstorm that we had seen brewing and then sweeping across the valley before the van could get to us to offer us shelter. We saw this scene (minus the thunderstorm) many times and it never ceased to send a tingle up the spine. What did you think of your group leader? Gana, our group leader was professional and effective. He was very efficient in arranging the evacuation of one of our party who came off his bike and broke his leg and the whole trip was very well organised (GREAT campsites!). Only slight negative is that he is a reserved individual so you had draw him out to get to tell you about Mongolia, it's history, our route etc. Tommy, the assistant guide was much more outgoing so there was some balance. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Definitely do this trip. We've done over 10 cycle trips with groups or self guided and this is right up the top of the list. September was a great time to go, a bit cold but we had the place to ourselves. Is there anything else you would like to add? We had an observer from Exodus on our trip. It was good to see that Exodus take their quality control seriously..and it's effective.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2013
Sarah Proud - Traveled, September 2013
Beautiful countryside, fantastic cycling and wild horses galore!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?there is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of wild horses galloping past your tent.  A sound I hope I never forget. Second only to seeing them gallop past our bikes/toilets/campsite! looking up... day and night! some of the most beautiful stars I have ever seen... and some of the biggest blue skys! What did you think of your group leader?Gana ran a tight ship, everything worked as it should. He wasn't quite as fit as I thought he would be, and didn't volunteer as much information about the local area/wildlife as I would have liked.  I couldn't speak more highly off all of the other staff, really fantastic.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure you are fit when you go, it will make the trip so much more enjoyable. (although the support bus is there if you need it). The bikes were great, and I didn't used an additional gel seat, but if you have a favourite saddle- its worth taking!Down jacket and sleeping bag are a must for the September departure- we had lows of minus 5 at night. The atmosphere is quite dry out there, I was very glad I took a few luxury moisturisers! Is there anything else you would like to add?This trip was the perfect combination if physical challenge, wilderness and luxury for me. The cycling was fantastic, not too technical (if you are used to cycling off road), the distances just enough to make you feel that you had earnt your dinner.. and talking of food.. YUMM!Mongolia has so much to offer- especially when you get out of the towns. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2013
Aileen Helps - Traveled, August 2013
Wide open spaces in an isolated country What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The countryside made for some exhilarating downhills! Hearty food in often beautiful countryside, friendly people and a great group! The Nadaam festival was a really interesting insight into the juxtaposition of old and new in this changing country. I'm very glad we got to go. What did you think of your group leader?Gana was a difficult customer. He did not seem interested in the group and was not a great in that he didn't warn us when it was time to leave-he just took off! He did not seem fit enough to be leading a bike trip and it seemed that he was maybe a bit burnt out. He told us that he is leaving soon to start his own company and maybe he was just treading water until this could happen. The rest of the team, however, were excellent, kind and extremely good at their jobs! After an emergency trip in the van (nicknamed Boris), I realised just how much skill is involved in driving in Mongolia. We may be cycling on jeep tracks but these are also the main roads for the traffic! Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go! Get some off road experience and be prepared to rough it a bit! Is there anything else you would like to add?I have written to Exodus separately due to some safety concerns on this trip, which in part may relate to the tour leader and not be generalisable the the trip as a whole. A client had a fairly serious accident and although I do not think there was anything avoidable with this, there were some aspects of the trip which were not as safety conscious as they could have been. Make sure if you go during July to see the Nadaam festival that Exodus know this is why you were going. Our guide initially seemed surprised that this was part of the Exodus trip notes. It started the holiday off on a sour note and is another example of the trip notes being inaccurate as has been mentioned in previous reviews.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2013
Monica Holland - Traveled, August 2013
Mongolia is a very impressive place. Ulaan Baatar is a boom town, construction everywhere and lots of bustle. The countryside was vast and empty. I loved the way there were hardly any fences, few trees, the views went for miles and miles. Very much 'big sky country'. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I found the local cooks and drivers who accompanied us were the most memorable part of the trip. Their friendliness and competence in not always easy situations left a lasting impression on me.What did you think of your group leader?Gana was wrong-footed by the trip notes not being up to date, also on the defensive about perceived complaints. I think this made it hard for him and he tended to be quite introverted. It was difficult to get him to smile and relax. Tommy was 'a true gentleman', as I often told him. Very caring and an excellent photographer.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Get some off-road experience for the cycling. Be ready for hot sun in the day but cold temperatures at night. I said it in another feedback form about this trip and I'll say it again here the most useful item I packed was lava-lava (aka sarong). It acts as a skirt, shoulder wrap for visiting temples, towel, dressing gown, and, best of all, mini tent to keep the beating sun off at the lunch and snack stops.Is there anything else you would like to add?It helps to have a 'take it as it comes' viewpoint; don't take it to heart when things don't come out exactly as expected. Be warned about safety. If you crash off your bike, there is no protective NHS bubble following you around that will put things right for you straight away. Expect the unexpected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2013
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