The bikes were excellent - very light and great fun on all road conditions - sandy desert, rocky mountains, rivers, mud and potholed jeep tracks. Everyone had all the right protective kit and I have a lovely photo of an old Mongolian chap in traditional "del" robe posing with one of the Korean motorcylists who looked as if he had come from Mars.
Some people in the group were more interested in the culture of the country than others and one in particular took every opportunity to divert from the trail and call in at every nomads' ger we passed to brighten up their day and share sweets and baloons amongst the children. It was the same English bloke who at one point lay down his bike and jumped on a yak to see how it handled. In Mongolia people ride the yaks and milk the horses, you see.
We camped in some spectacular places, usually near a river which had loads of fish in, but no means of catching them unfortunately. Sometimes we stayed in ger camps which are just like the round white yurts that the nomads live in, but with posher furniture. That was quite a treat because there were hot showers and cold beer at the camp.
We did 2000km in 11 days and by the end of it everyone was pretty exhausted. However, no one would deny it was the trip of a lifetime. Mongolia is such a fantastic country - there's so much space, sometimes you can see more than 50km in every direction. We travelled for days without seeing a single building, which was quite a relief, especially for those coming from the cities of Beijing, Seoul and London. Most people know very little about Mongolia and guess that it is all vast open steppe, rather more sandy perhaps in the Gobi Desert. But actually the countryside is really varied with volcanos, canyons, big sand dunes, forested mountains and rolling green hills. The nomadic lifestyle seems to have changed little since the days of Genghis Khan and the people are so hospitable. Their lives must be so uneventful normally that when a crowd of foreigners and city Mongolians appeared out of the blue, we were welcomed with open arms and lavished with offerings of tea, yoghurt, rock hard cheese and fermented mare's milk.
If you fancy doing something similar, Off The Map Tours are running more motorbike trips this summer, from June until September. See http://www.mongolia.co.uk/motorcycle.htm for photos or E-mail info@mongolia.co.uk for more information.
Bonda Lake Camp
Hovsgol Nuur, Mongolia Bed & Breakfasts
Bonda Lake Tourist Camp would be happy to welcome you in Hatgal, Hovsgol.
You will find in there Mongolian Gers and Rooms for Accomodation, hot showers&sauna,internet, Mongolian and European cooking, and experienced Local Mongolian guides for trek...
Starting at US $15 Per Night
Feel your home at Idre's hostel
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Youth Hostels
We're the leading hostel and tour operator in Ulaanbaatar which provides variety of tours that full of adventures and excitement.The hostel is clean and cozy with excellent facilities....
Starting at US $6 Per Person
Zaya Hostel
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Bed & Breakfasts
"Modern, spacious and surprisingly upscale, Zaya's guesthouse raises the bar for quality guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar. " - Lonely Planet Mongolia 2008
We have operated in Ulaanbaatar since 1995 and strive to deliver a high quality, clean acommodation....
US $9 Per Night
Horse trek Khovsgol Mongolia
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5 days trek along the lakeshore and over breathtaking ridges with spectacular views of Lake Khovsgol
We will pass in the vicinity of the Uran Dush Mountain.Flattop Mountain 2893 meters high that dominates the western shore. Opportunity to climb th...
US $1,590 Per Group
Mongolia Horseback Riding Tours with Stone Horse
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Horseback Riding
At Stone Horse, we offer back country horse pack trips and trail rides in two of Mongolia's premier parks. Experience magnificent wilderness, scenic pastoral landscapes, herders life. Visit historic sites. Small groups. Low impact....
Starting at US $2,750 Per Person
Mongolia Expeditions and Tours
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Bike Tours
A premier source for trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, horse riding and jeep tours in Mongolia. Our tours are well planned and tested to ensure travelers of different fitness level have enjoyable holiday....
Starting at US $130 Per Night
Happy Mongolia tours
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We are travel agent specialized on trans mongolian railway tours. It is including a Terelj national park(75kms far from UB) for 2-10 days horse trekking and Khamaryn Khiid buddhist monastery in the gobi that can be done on the way to a Beijing....
Affordable Rates from US $89 Per Person
Blue Silk Travel: Experience Mongolian Culture
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Cultural Experience
Blue Silk Travel is the only U.S.-based tour operator focused exclusively on Mongolian travel.
Travel with us to Mongolia to experience the country's nomadic culture, arts and stunning natural beauty....
From US $2,535 Per Trip
Samar Magic Tours & Expeditions to Mongolia
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Sight-Seeing Tours
Samar Magic Tours is a fully licensed Mongolian Tourist Company. Inbound Tour Operator. Established in 1997, Samar Magic Tours specializes in Global Incoming Tourism to the Hidden Corners of Mongolia....
Starting at US $149 Per Night
Mongolia Samar Magic Tours
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia Sight-Seeing Tours
Samar Magic Tours is a fully licensed Mongolian Tourist Company. Established in 1997, Samar Magic Tours specializes in Global Incoming Tourism to the Hidden Corners of Mongolia....
Starting at US $149 Per Night
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