Nomadic Relay: A Cycling Adventure & Naadam Festival Journey
11 days
Overview
Set off on an 11-day cycling adventure through Central Mongolia, timed with the renowned Naadam Festival, celebrated annually on July 11-12. Covering 200 km over five days, cycle through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley—a breathtaking landscape steeped in the rich history of Mongolian nomadic culture. Explore Kharkhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and enjoy sweeping views of wild grasslands, lush valleys, and towering mountains. The Naadam Festival, which dates back to the days of Chinggis Khan, showcases “The Three Manly Games” of wrestling, archery, and horse racing—now with events open to all. Embrace the traditional Mongolian lifestyle by staying in gers or yurts, absorbing the essence of nomadic life on this unforgettable journey into Mongolia’s cultural heart.
Date & Price:
Departing: 03-07-2025
Finishing: 13-07-2025
Status: Open
Price Per Person:
Includes:
- 4 overnights at 4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (twin+breakfast)
- 6 overngihts at tourist ger camp (3-4 people in a Ger)
- All indicated meals + drinking water
- Extra drinks and snacks during cycling
- All visits, Naadam ticket and National park fees
- Russian 4WD van(s) equipped with bike racks as support vehicles during cycling
- English speaking cycling guide
- Bike mechanic
- Advanced quality mountain bikes
Exludes:
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Meals that are not indicated
- Gratuities
- Personal biking clothes and gears
Travel information:
- * Experience the unique Naadam Festival, a celebration like no other in the world
- * Camel riding at sand dunes
- * Cycling in the world heritage Orkhon valley NP
- * Relax at Tsenkher hot springs
- * Visit Mongolian biggest waterfall
- * Visit Mongolian ancient capital city Karakorum
- * Cycling through hundreds of livestock and visiting Mongolian nomad's home, learn about their lifestyle
- * Visit Mongol els sand dunes (elsen tasarkhai - the little gobi)
Day 1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital, where our team greets you at the airport and transfers you to a central 4-star hotel. After settling in, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for an immersive city walking tour. Discover Sukhbaatar Square with its grand statue of Genghis Khan, explore the Museum of National History covering Mongolia’s ancient to modern history, and visit the Choijin Lama Temple Museum showcasing Buddhist art and religious artifacts. Conclude the day with a unique traditional music and throat singing performance at 6 PM, followed by a welcome dinner and tour briefing.
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- Hotel
Day 2 Drive to Tsetserleg town
After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar for a scenic drive to Tsetserleg, the capital of Arkhangai province. En route, stop at Elsen Tasarkhai, the 'Little Gobi'—a stunning 80 km stretch of sand dunes where you can explore the landscape and enjoy a camel ride. After lunch here, continue on to Tsetserleg, where you’ll settle into a traditional tourist ger camp. End the day with dinner at the camp’s restaurant, immersing yourself in authentic Mongolian hospitality.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 480
Day 3 Cycle to Tsenkher hot springs
Our mountain biking guide will start with a trip overview and ensure proper adjustments on your selected bike. Begin a 25 km ride toward Tsenkher Hot Springs, following a smooth, hard-packed dirt road through scenic terrain. Tackle three hills before descending to the springs, where a cozy tourist ger camp awaits. Unwind in the natural hot spring pools and opt for a rejuvenating body massage for an additional fee, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Mongolia's beautiful landscapes.
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- Ger camp
- 25 km
Day 4 Cycle to Tsagaan sum valley
After a rejuvenating soak in the Tsenkher Hot Springs, embark on a scenic ride through mountainous terrain toward Tsagaan Sum Valley (White Temple). Early in the route, climb two small passes at 1,872 and 1,848 meters, followed by a gradual ascent to a third pass at 2,030 meters around the 40 km mark. Enjoy a rewarding 15 km descent into a peaceful campsite surrounded by rolling hills, where we’ll settle in for the night amidst Mongolia's beautiful landscapes.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 57 km
Day 5 Cycle to Orkhon water fall
Today’s journey starts with a climb over two mountain passes, offering a stunning view of the Orkhon River Valley from the second pass. Known as the cradle of nomadic culture, the Orkhon Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with history and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely 33 km descent through the valley, with a lunch break along the way. After completing the main ride, choose to either cycle or walk to the Orkhon Waterfall—Mongolia’s largest—cascading 20 meters down with a width of 10 meters, creating a truly memorable sight.
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- Ger camp
- 45 km
Day 6 Cycle to Orkhon river
Embark on a captivating 42 km journey along the stunning Orkhon River. This region's natural beauty fosters a vibrant community of nomadic families, offering you a unique chance to engage with them directly. Experience their rich culture by sampling traditional dairy products and gaining insights into their nomadic way of life.
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- Ger camp
- 42 km
Day 7 Cycle to Kharkhorin
Today's journey spans 33 km, beginning with a challenging ascent of 10 km. After conquering the climb, we’ll enjoy a leisurely ride through the beautiful Orkhon Valley, where we’ll stop for a delightful lunch. Following our meal, we’ll drive to Kharkhorin, a town named in honor of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Not far from Kharkhorin lie the remnants of this historical capital, which has mostly vanished over time. The ruins were later incorporated into the construction of the Erdene Zuu Monastery in the 16th century, which is now the area's main attraction. The monastery complex faced nearly total destruction during the Communist Purges of the 1930s, with only a few temples and sections of the surrounding walls and stupas remaining. Karakorum was a thriving multicultural center, playing a pivotal role in trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road during the 13th century. Founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, it reached its peak under the rule of his son Ögedei Khan, who completed its development in 1235. Tonight, we’ll stay at a tourist ger camp, providing a unique opportunity to experience the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolia firsthand.
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- Ger camp
- 33 km
Day 8 Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
Drive to UB. Load bikes to supporting vehicles and drive to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch on the way and upon arrival transfer to hotel and rest till dinner.
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- Hotel
- 360
Day 9 Naadam festival opening ceremony day
Meet your guide for an exciting day ahead as we head to the Naadam Festival stadium. This national holiday is not only a significant celebration for Mongolians but has also gained international acclaim, attracting numerous tourists, journalists, and visitors from around the world. The festivities kick off with a ceremonial procession of the nine white banners from the Government House to the Naadam Stadium, accompanied by a vibrant horse parade. These banners hold historical significance, as Genghis Khan used them during both festive occasions and peaceful times. Following the procession, prepare for a spectacular opening ceremony that showcases the three main sports of the festival: traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to witness anklebone shooting and explore the Naadam marketplace, featuring local delicacies such as huushuur (fried meat dumplings), unique souvenirs, traditional clothing, and more. In the evening, enjoy a captivating show filled with traditional performances, including music, throat singing, dancing, and contortion. Afterward, we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant, wrapping up a day filled with rich culture and celebration.
- B.L.D
- Hotel
Day 10 Visit national horse racing field
Our guide and driver will pick you up bright and early to head west of Ulaanbaatar to the horse racing fields. Here, you’ll witness six exhilarating races, which are organized according to the horses' ages, with race distances ranging from 15 to 30 kilometers based on these categories. The jockeys are impressively young, typically between 9 and 12 years old. As you await the races, the atmosphere is lively and full of activities. You can enjoy folk performances, horse displays, and a variety of festive foods. There are also opportunities to browse souvenir stalls and participate in mini-games designed for spectators, making for a truly engaging experience. After an exciting day, we’ll return to Ulaanbaatar and farewell dinner.
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- Hotel
- 30
Day 11 Departure
Our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
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Gallery
Reviews
David
瑋志 戴
Unforgettable Honeymoon Adventure with Exceptional Service
The experience was truly amazing. Our cycling guide was passionate, patient, and skillful, adapting seamlessly to our pace and never rushing us. When we faced challenges, such as crossing rivers, he skillfully managed the situation—even carrying our bikes across at times. His extensive knowledge of the local wildlife enriched our journey, satisfying our curiosity about Mongolia's wilderness. Additionally, his photography skills were a fantastic bonus; he captured many beautiful moments throughout our trip.
To our delightful surprise, Mongolia Biking Experts even decorated our ger camp for our honeymoon. While we had mentioned that it was our honeymoon, the extent of their efforts exceeded all our expectations. We were thoroughly impressed by their attention to detail and thoughtfulness.
We wholeheartedly recommend Mongolia Biking Experts and look forward to visiting Mongolia again in the future.