Cycling through Chinggis Khan's historical trail

Mongolia Biking Experts’ team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to a 4-star hotel within the city center. In the afternoon, sightseeing on foot will bring you to the central square with a grand statue of Chinggis Khan in front of the parliament building. Then there are 2 museum visits within a walking distance. The National History Museum briefly introduces Mongolia’s history from early humans to the modern era. The Choijin Lama Temple Museum is named after a state oracle who had occupied this 6-temple complex during the time of his brother’s rule, who was Bogd Khan, the last king of Mongolia heading both state and religion in the early 20^th century. This temple museum displays some of the best samples of Buddhist artworks and religious masks. After sightseeing, attend a show of traditional music, throat-singing, dancing, and contortion at 6 p.m. followed by a welcome dinner and tour briefing.

Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive east of Ulaanbaatar to the Tsenkhermandal region where the cycling tour starts. Today we cycle ups and downs on a hard-packed dirt track to Blue Lake for 30 km. The Blue Lake area consists of 2 freshwater lakes that are linked underground. The surrounding picturesque environment and mountains are abundant with vegetation and wildlife. This lake is one of the important places in Mongolian history, especially during Chinggis Khan’s period. According to a historical source titled, “The Secret History of the Mongols”, this is the place where Temujin was enthroned to become Chinggis Khan in 1189. A monument that was erected for the 840^th anniversary of the birth of Temujin sits on the shore of the lake. The central part of this establishment displays the woodcrafts of Chinggis Khan, his father Esukhei, his mother Oulen, and his queen Borte-Ujin. This evening, we will erect a camp near the lake.    

Today we cycle for a total of 42 km on the smooth dirt road. The route will lead us through open valleys surrounded by wooded hills, grazing herds of livestock, and nomadic families. Be ready to get your shoes wet because there are a few stream crossings. Upon arriving at the shore of the lake, we will set up camp.

Our destination for today is Baldan Bereeven monastery, which was one of the 4 largest monasteries in Mongolia during the 19^th century, housing 5000-8000 monks with 4 religious institutions and 20 active temples. The complex suffered almost complete destruction during the anti-religion campaign of the 1930s Communist Purges. Now only 3 small temples remain partially. After 1990, a few monks started to rebuild with the help of locals. You can visit the main temple and walk around to see religious rock arts. Today we do a loop ride for a total of 30 km passing over 3 small mountain passes and returning to Khangal Lake. The support vehicle will come along with snacks and lunch.

Today our destination is the Khurkh River. This is the last and longest cycling day starting through an open grassland valley. After lunch, our terrain will change from steppe to wooded small hills, eventually reaching today’s highest point of 1635 m above sea level. Then a gentle descent along the river bank will lead us to our camping spot near a river. Today, the chef will serve you Mongolian barbeque locally known as ‘khorkhog’ (chunks of meat pressure cooked in a container with hot stones) with various salads for dinner.

Load bikes onto the support vehicle(s) and drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch will be on the way. Transfer to hotel and rest until farewell dinner.

Our guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight.