Motorcycle Rent & Itinerary - Mongolia

Hi,

1. Not sure where you could rent a bike although you can easily buy one. Try getting in touch with off the map tours (http://www.mongolia.co.uk/motorcycle.htm) I've seen them taking crosser tours around the countryside and I think they would definitely either know where is best to rent a bike, recommended models, etc or just be able to rent you one themselves as well as provide servicing and pick up if you needed it.

2. The weather is definitely turning for the worse now with occasional heavy rain, clouds and high winds and we might be seeing a bit of snow by the end of next week. That in mind you should probably stick to the best roads so how about this itinerary:

First night in UB to rest up, next day North to Darhan which is a great city and almost free of tourists. Third day head to Mörön, long ride so you could stop off along the way and either camp or guesthouse. Ride from Mörön to Khatgal then north along the east coast of lake Khovsgol. Go all around the lake and back down the west side if you feel up to the bumpier roads - they were planning to build a paved road along the west side but I don't know if they've made much progress on that yet, in either case the track was in good condition the last time I saw it, hardcore but no tarmac. If you do this route and then all the way back to Ulaanbaatar that should take you 10 days or so depending on how much time you want to spend each day. The roads will also be pretty good everywhere except for west Khovsgol and for a few miles north of Mörön before the new highway kicks in.

Weather will definitely be cold so wrap up warm and bring good waterproofs.

Good Luck.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your reply. I knew that Sept is the 'shoulder' of the peak season but I didn't know it would already be cold, rainy, windy. Hmm, I currently live in Shanghai and wonder if I should put Mongolia off until next summer.. Not sure now.

I just saw this itinerary online but have no idea if it's good for turning weather and if its the best scenic choice. If you would be so kind, please let me know your thoughts.
UB
Dashinchilen
OgiiNuur
Tsenher
Orhon Valley
Tal Beun (horse riding?)
QaraQorum
Khogno Khan
UB

Thanks,
Dennis

Hi Dennis,

Autumn weather is at least better than spring but does gradually decline. Certainly not warm anymore, we've had to get the barbour jackets out already.

All of Bulgan province is really nice and not too far north so a bit warmer than elsewhere. Uugi lake is alright, lots of migrating birds at this time of year if you're an ornithologist but I wouldn't recommend swimming on the grounds that the shallow water is pretty muddy. Tsenkher is excellent, hot springs and big woods, high altitude so very cold at night though even in summer and I'd book your camp in advance as they might be closing about now. If you can, try and get the Duut Resort which is the best in the area by miles.

Orkhon and Khogno are ok and KharaKhorum - by the way, that's an interesting spelling you've got there, took me a few moments to get it - is worth a visit. I'm afraid I've never heard of Tal Beun. I checked with some of the guys I work with and we're not sure where it is. As far as we can tell it'll probably be a small soum between Orkhon and Kharakhorin city where the guide knows someone with a few horses to rent or maybe makes a commission for bringing tourists. I couldn't say anything else about it but I'm sure that some of the other forum contributors will know it.

This route doesn't get much outside of central Mongolia which means that apart from Tsenkher it won't be too cold up till October (5-15 celsius although Tsenkher will go below freezing at night). However, it will mean quite a bit of off road riding. This is not a big problem if you're guided but without good local knowledge leaves a high risk of getting lost in the middle of nowhere especially in Bulgan , Tsenkher, Ugii and Khogno.

Chris.

In my opinion there are advantagers and disadvantages of doind a bike ride in Sept/Oct when compared to the summer:
- Sept/Oct can be cold. But as long as your prepared for that you should be fine. (read: gloves, sweater, good socks and something for rain/wet snow as well)
- The rivers will contain less water, which is a plus since you will have to cross them every once and a while.
- There are less tourists at the more touristic spots. There are a lot of (Mongolian) visitors in the Orkhon valley and Ogii in the summer (among them are moskitos that are absent in this time of year btw).
- There is no big Naadam at this time of the year, but the horsemen championships will start around this time of year. They are also pretty impressive to visit.

I always love to go to the area you mentioned. I think there are a lot of interesting things to see there, but of course there are other options such as Chris mentioned.

Btw, last summer one of the bridges you will probably use on the route around Orkhon was broken, so you probably need to take a little detour/cross the river at a safe place. I have sent you a private message about renting a motorbike in this area, please reply if you need help with that.

PS. I am not a Mongolian, but I do speak Mongolian and have some friends that I promised to help last summer. They live in Kharkhorin, so thats on your route.
PSPS. sorry for the typos :)

Hi Chris!

Just bought my ticket and arrive Tuesday evening.
I just sent you a private message with some questions please.

Thanks!
Dennis

Hi Dennis

I also am arriving Tuesday evening - and am interested in motorbiking it. I am there from Sep 11-22.

Please get in touch if interested...

Cheers
Jon

Sorry - got that date wrong.

I actually arrive morning of Thursday 11th.

Jon

Hi Jon,

I sent you a message. Please take a look.
Dennis