Mongolia Mountain Biking

- Lake Hövsgöl & Eg River Valley -


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Mongolia has some of the most welcoming vast open landscapes for mountain biking in the world. Its pristine landscapes, its jeep tracks, forests and steppes provides for excellent mountain bike landscapes. On this dramatic journey you will travel to the northwest, to the areas southwest of Lake Hövsgöl. It is one of the most pristine large waterbodies of Asia, situated at 1645 meters above sea level. It is the twin lake of Baikal and its waters are equally blue. We will bike southwest through the Eg River Valley, which is inhabited by nomadic herdsmen. The trip will provide for a close encounter with these hardy nomads. We will camp on the steppes.

Brief Outline Itinerary

You will fly on a domestic flight to Mörön, the aimag capital of Hövsgöl or direct into the airstrip at Hatgal village, which is located at the southernmost tip of the lake. The terrain around Lake Hövsgöl is rugged taiga. For this mountain bike expedition we are fully equipped for expedition style travel, and our luggage will be carried by support vehicle. A cook and a local guide will follow the expedition. The bikes are specialized Rockhopper mountain bikes with front suspension.

Transfers to Nature's Lodge & Gers depends on arrival airport, and also on condition of the lake with waves and wind for a possible boat transfer to camp. Mörön airport is 130km from Nature's Door, and it takes 3 hours to Hatgal village (100km), located at the southernmost tip of the lake. Plus an additional hour to reach Nature's Door the last 30km overland, or 20 minutes by speed boat. Hatgal airstrip is 50 minutes by jeep from the lodge, or speed-boat 20 minutes from the jetty at Hatgal.

Day 01: Ulaanbaatar

Arrive by air in the Mongolian capital. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar.

Day 02: To Lake Hövsgöl

Pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the airport. Fly 1½ hours to Mörön or Hatgal. You will be met and a jeep will bring you to Hatgal village and on to the Nature's Door Lodge, located 30km away, either overland or by speed boat.

Day 03: Lake Hövsgöl

Enjoy a full day at the lakeside. There are opportunities to go hiking, horse riding or mountain biking. Or simply relax. Lake Hövsgöl great transparent cold waters are a delight and the Horidol Saridag Mountains right in the back of the lodge.

Day 04-08: Hövsgöl Mountain Bike

We will depart the lodge on the bikes to Hatgal village, located at the southern tip of the lake. Many people here live in log houses of the Siberian style. We will continue south through the Eg River Valley. A cook will follow and make most meals on open fire. We make our way on the bikes south, towards the Mörön River and eventually arrive at the most spectacular Deer Stones complex of Mongolia. Numerous nomads will look at us, and perhaps ride along on horseback, since this is a novel approach to travel in Mongolia. We will cover gravel roads, dirt tracks, horse trails, meadows and steppe. We will sleep in tents. Mattresses are provided, however, please bring your own sleeping bag.

Day 09: To Ulaanbaatar

Early transfer to Mörön airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 10: In Ulaanbaatar

A.m. Visit Gandan Monastery and Bogd Khan Winter Palace. Gandan is the most lively monastery in Mongolia and center for the Buddhist revival in the country. Bogd Khan was the theocratic leader and Living Buddha of the Mongols until 1924, and as such the equivalent to what HH Dalai Lama is for both Tibetans and Mongols alike.
P.m. Time for shopping.

Day 11: Fly out

Transfer out to your next destination.

Practicalities

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 2340 per person (2-5 members)

Single room and tent supplement USD 290
Group discounts for 6-10 members.

Includes: Leadership and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights at Nature's Door Lodge and all overnights in tents. Domestic flight Ulaanbaatar-Hövsgöl return and all transfers. Park entry fee.

Excludes: Imported drinks, airport tax MNT 12500 on departure (approx. USD 12 p.p.), laundry, air or train tickets in and out of Mongolia. Visa fee.

DATES ex. Ulaanbaatar

Any day 01Jun-01Sep excl. some Saturdays early and late in season.

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