Festival Cycling Tours
from
$1,255 pp
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Blue Bear Winter Cycling Adventure: Ice Festival Experience in Mongolia, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural traditions come together in a spectacular winter setting. This unique tour invites you to explore the pristine beauty of Mongolia’s frozen wilderness while cycling through serene snowscapes and picturesque villages. As part of your adventure, you will witness the mesmerizing Ice Festival at Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, which transforms into a stunning playground of ice and snow each winter. Experience exhilarating activities, such as traditional ice fishing, horse sledding, and various ice sports, all while immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with friendly locals, taste authentic Mongolian cuisine, and learn about the fascinating customs that define this enchanting country. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a newcomer to winter biking, our expert guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Easy (this tour) — Around 30–50 km a day on dirt tracks at low altitude, no serious climbs. No special skills needed.
Moderate (this tour) — Longer days at average altitude with sandy or washboard sections, short steep passes and some sustained climbs.
Demanding — Long mountain days with big, steep climbs, partly at high altitude. Good fitness and riding skills needed.
A support vehicle always stays close — hop in whenever you need a break. How we grade our tours →
Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to a 4-star hotel in the city centre. Evening our guide will pick you up at the hotel and welcome you to dinner at a local restaurant and will provide a comprehensive tour briefing, ensuring you're well-prepared for the adventure ahead.
After check-out, the hotel staff will place your luggage in our support van, which will head to Erdenet. Meanwhile, your tour guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the city. The first stop is the main square, where you'll see the impressive statue of Chinggis Khan in front of the parliament building. Next, visit the National History Museum for a brief overview of Mongolia's history, from early humans to the modern era. Following this, explore Mongolia’s Tibetan Buddhist tradition at the Choijin Lama Temple Museum. After dinner, you will board a train to Erdenet in the evening.
We will arrive in Erdenet early in the morning, where our drivers will pick you up from the train station. Afterward, we’ll head to a local restaurant for breakfast. Following breakfast, we’ll drive to Khatgal town, situated on the southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake. Along the way, we will stop for lunch to enjoy some rest and refreshments. In the evening, we will check in at a tourist guest house for an overnight stay. Dinner will be served at the guest house restaurant.
Today, we will drive 100 km towards Khankh town. Once we arrive starting point of cycling, we’ll begin a warm-up cycling session, covering approximately 20 km on the ice of Khuvsgul Lake. Khankh town is located on the northern shore of Khuvsgul Lake and is well known for its wooden saunas. You’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy this traditional experience. We will stop for lunch along the way, and in the evening, dinner will be served at the guest house restaurant.
After breakfast, we will hop on our bikes and begin cycling 50 km across the ice of Khuvsgul Lake towards Modon Khui Island. We’ll enjoy snacks and lunch along the way. In the evening, we’ll arrive at a tented camp where we will stay overnight.
After breakfast, we’ll set off on an exciting cycling journey towards Toilogt, covering around 50 km on the frozen surface of Khuvsgul Lake. The route will take us along the beautiful, icy landscape, with views of snow-capped mountains and the pristine surroundings of the lake. We’ll take short breaks along the way to recharge with snacks and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the breathtaking views of the lake. As we reach Toilogt, located on the beach of Khuvsgul Lake, you’ll have some time to relax by the lake’s shore, taking in the serene atmosphere. Tonight, we will stay at a tourist ger camp, surrounded by nature. Dinner will be served at the camp, offering a perfect end to a day of adventure.
After breakfast, we will begin our cycle journey to the "Blue Bear" Ice Festival, held annually on the frozen Khuvsgul Lake. This event is a celebration of Mongolian winter traditions and a highlight for both locals and international visitors. The festival takes place near Khatgal village in Khuvsgul province, known for its pristine freshwater lake and stunning winter landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in a variety of cultural and sporting events organized by the local community and government. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the unique traditions of Mongolia’s reindeer herders, joining in on horse sleigh races, watching ice-skating competitions, and seeing participants engage in the traditional ice ankle bone shooting game. After spending an exciting day at the Ice Festival, we will drive to Murun town for an overnight stay at a local hostel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive back to Erdenet, passing through beautiful landscapes and local villages. Once we reach Erdenet, you will board the train for a comfortable journey back to Ulaanbaatar (UB).
Early in the morning, we will arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Our driver will pick you up from the central train station and transfer you to the hotel. Free day till farewell dinner.
Our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Pre & post tours
Flying all the way to Mongolia? Add a few days before or after this ride — we can plan the connections for you.
9 days · from $1,865
When you think of the Gobi Desert, images of sweeping sand dunes might come to mind. However, only about 3% of this vast landscape is covered in sand. The majority features flat terrain adorned with gravel and resilient low vegetation. While this remote region is less populated than other areas of Mongolia, it is home to nomadic families who skillfully tend to their livestock, including iconic two
View on Mongolian Tours (opens in a new tab)
1 day · from $90
Shake off the jet lag with an easy day ride to the giant Chinggis Khan statue before the big tour starts.
View tour →Tell us your dates and level — we reply within 1–2 working days.
