This is a place for the strong, the route is not for weaklings, real untouched nature, you want to stand and be silent, ride and shout: «I am wild», ask for strength to go up and cherish every descent, thank the Universe for preserving such beauty, which from the saddle of a bicycle seems the strongest and indestructible.
«By bike? Mongolia? What kind of nonsense is this?» you might say. — «There are steppes, constant sets and drops of altitude, winds and soft ground! It's definitely not for a bike!» And you're right, cycling through 95% of Mongolia is hard and not interesting. But there are 5% of the territory where cycling is cool, where the mountains are high, beautiful and pleasant. The ground is rocky, and the landscapes change each other so often that you get tired of turning your head. This place is called Tabyn National Park in Bayan-Ulgi aimag! Yes, military passes, permits from environmental services, and even a Mongolian guide are required there. But for real adventurers, these are definitely not problems, but only beautiful obstacles!
For 11 days in the Mongolian Altai, we:
- Let's drive along the Chuisky highway — this is one of the most picturesque roads in the world according to National Geographic;
- visit Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola National Park;
- we'll take a ride around Lake Khoton and Khurgan, the valley of the Khovd River;
- On our way we will meet ancient burials and monuments of the Scythian civilization, which dates back to the III-I millennia BC.;
- Let's catch and roast grayling on coals, because Mongolia is a real mecca for anglers.;
- We will circle into the passes above 2,600 meters and visit the high-altitude lake Khara-nur.;
- let's bargain at the local market in Bayan-Ulgiy;
- We'll drink tea with milk and salt and taste juicy mutton in a real yurt.
What awaits you
Majestic mountain range and the largest glacier of the Altai Mountains (Potanin Glacier)
Photos and videos for your social networks. We know and will show you the best places.
One of the most scenic roads in the world according to National Geographic
Photo
Route
Departure from Barnaul at 8:00 (in Gorno-Altaysk at about 13 o'clock). We are moving along the Chuisky tract, one of the most picturesque roads in the world (according to National Geographic), in the direction of the village. Tashanta. Dinner at the national cafe in the village of Kosh-Agach, overnight at a hotel in the village of Tapanta, near the border with Mongolia.
Transfer — 750 km.
Crossing the state border. The start of the cycling section is from the 2,450 m high pass. First overnight in Mongolia in a picturesque gorge, on the banks of a small river.
Bike — 40 km. The climb is 1000 m.
We take mountain roads to the area of the Tabyn-Bogdo-Uul National Park.
Bike — 60 km. The climb is 1400 m.
A half-day trip. We reach the national park. Daytime rest.
Bike — 35 km. The climb is 700 m.
Today we are waiting for one of the highest passes in our entire cycling tour program — the pass to the Potanin glacier with a height of 3,200 m. After the photo shoot at the pass, we rush down to the valley of the Tsagan-gol River. A wonderful uncomplicated descent, which can be varied with trail «cuts». After the descent, we roll 25 km through a beautiful valley.
Bike — 60 km. The climb is 1100 m.
A powerful day, and the biggest day run of our tour! After two passes we go to the protected lakes Khurgan and Khoton. This protected area is a Mongolian paradise, where mountains are covered with glaciers and forests of larch, lakes are clean and teeming with fish, and roads are a real fairy tale for MTB lovers! After a couple of small passes, we will get to the Played Bayou, where we will set up camp for two days! Today we have a simple day, and you can spend the evening with a fishing rod, because this is one of the best places in the world for grayling fishing (a freshwater species of salmon that is found exclusively in the purest mountain water).
Sapboard on Lake Haughton is optional and feasible.
Bike — 95 km. The climb is 1400 m.
Radial exit to Kurkure waterfall is the most famous and largest waterfall in the Mongolian Altai. An uncomplicated entrance, and a beautiful trailer entrance to the decay with a waterfall. And the descent is even better: )
Sapboard on Lake Haughton is optional and feasible.
Bike — 30 km. The climb is 300 m.
A circular route around the protected lake Haughton. The landscapes that we will see on this day cannot be described, the scale and variety of landscapes are amazing. We will pass through many fords, sands, rocks and even break through a remote border post!
Overnight at the same camp. This day can be used as a day of rest and chill.
Bike — 75 km. The climb is 600 m.
We continue our journey! We leave the national park through a simple pass and descend into the valley of the Khovd River. We drive along the river to the village of Tsengel. Overnight on the banks of the largest river in Western Mongolia. Fishing, sauna.
Bike — 80 km. The climb is 1100 m.
We cross the secret Mongolian trails to the Sagsai River, and from it through another small pass we drive to the town of Bayan-Ulgiy. Purchase of wool souvenirs and dinner at the national restaurant.
Overnight at a yurt campsite. Without tents, with amenities, there is Wi-Fi.
Bike — 75 km. The climb is 1300 m.
Crossing the state border. Rest in the largest mountain basin of Altai — the Chuiskaya steppe in the village of Kosh-Agach.
The road to Barnaul. Along the way, we visit the sights of the Chuisky tract.: «White Bom», petroglyphs of the tract Kalbak-Tash, the confluence of the Chuya and Katun rivers.
Arrival and departure day
Route map
Information
- Transfer of participants with equipment;
- full-fledged enhanced meals on the route;
- group equipment;
- recreational fees;
- escort car;
- the work of a cook guide and a mechanic instructor.
You engage in physical activity 3-5 times a week. It's not difficult for you to ride a bike 5-6 hours a day, with photo stops and snacks. Ascents are as easy for you as descents. You love cross-country skiing.
It is necessary to be able to use the rear and front brakes, speed switches (all range), to drive through roots, stone sections, dirt narrow paths, to have an idea of the attacking position on the bike. There are dense dirt and gravel dry roads, natural trails, narrow mountain paths, and snow is possible at the top of the pass.
Every morning we hold a briefing and discuss plans for the day, if you feel like you want to rest for a day or half a day, then you can travel part of the route in an escort car. The car closes the group and carries general and personal equipment. There will be autonomous days on wild trails without an escort car for several days per route. If you are not confident in your abilities, you can drive the easy part or get in the car.
To get the most out of your trip, you will need a reliable mountain bike. Ideally, it should be a two-suspension bike with shocks with a stroke of around 120 millimeters. The bike should have a Shimano Deore level or higher. If you have a front derailleur, the rear cassette should be 11-36, and if you have one gear in the front, the cassette should be around 46-50. If you are unsure about what gearing to choose, please let us know and we can help you.
Before you go on your trip to Mongolia, it is important to make sure your bike is well-maintained. This includes checking the brakes, gears, cables, shocks, and tires.
FAQ
How can I guarantee a tour booking?
You need to submit a request on our website. After that, one of our managers will contact you to help you sign a contract and make an advance payment. The advance payment amount can be from 50% to 100%, with the remaining funds due 30 days prior to the start of the tour. The reservation will only be confirmed after the advance payment has been received.
What are we going to eat?
In cycling tours, we don't have a strict nutrition plan like «three candies — two cookies» for each person. We provide food so that everyone can enjoy a well-balanced meal. If you need more sweets or other treats, feel free to take them! Our menu includes:
- Breakfast options: Muesli with milk, hot porridge, sandwiches, tea or coffee, sweets, and fruits.
- Lunch — A «lunchbox» is provided, along with a snack stop featuring cheese, sausage, cured meats, canned goods, sandwiches, and more sweets and fruits. For more challenging routes, we offer energy bars and gels as part of the diet.
- Dinner — Soup, salad, or a main course with meat, fish, or grilled dishes. Desserts, tea, and coffee are also available.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time. Vegetarians, vegans, and people who prefer raw food are all welcome!
We don't prepare hot meals for lunch on our tours, as there isn't usually enough time for it during active trips, and lunch is often eaten away from the main camp. Instead, we plan meals in advance and provide «lunchboxes» in the morning for participants who don't want to rely on a vehicle to bring them food.
Whenever possible, we also try to introduce our guests to local cuisine from the area we are visiting.
How to pack and transport a bike on a plane?
Each airline has its own rules for carrying sports equipment. Most often, when buying a ticket with luggage, sports equipment is included in the price. We recommend that you study this information on their official websites.
There are three main packaging options: soft case, hard case, cardboard box (we recommend it).
Preparing the bike for packing includes:
- removing accessories;
- removing wheels (with reduced tire pressure) and pedals;
- rear derailleur with cock;
- twisting the steering wheel and pressing it along the fork.
- It is recommended to place a soft material between all touching parts for additional protection. If your bike is equipped with hydraulic brakes, it is important to install caps for calipers. Then the frame should be placed in the box, and the wheels should be positioned on both sides of the frame.
You can read more about this in the blog article from our head Ivan Kryukov: Transportation of a bicycle on an airplane, packaging, and tips.
What are the requirements for an MTB bike and the list of equipment?
To get the most out of the ride, you need a reliable mountain bike. A hardtail with attachments at least the Shimano Deore level is perfect.
It is very important to prepare the bike: complete maintenance, check the condition of the brakes, switches, cables, shock absorbers, tires. We ride in wild places, and there is no way to service the bike in a stationary workshop during the route.
If you don't have your own bike, we can rent it to you. In addition, you can rent an electric bike from us.
After completing the application, we will send you a complete list of equipment.
Reviews
I went on 13 cycling tours with AltayRussia in summers of 2020-2023. Those were multiple tours in the Mountains of Altay (Altay Republic), Dagestan, Abkhazia, South-Eastern Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Western Mongolia. AltayRussia team offers absolutely exclusive MTB and road cycling travel experiences at great price. Bike rentals are available for Altay and Mongolia. You have to bring your own bike for other regions/countries.
Mongolia Bike Tour. Last year, I had a dream of visiting this country by bicycle. Mongolia is a country with a thousand destinations and millions of roads, pristine nature, friendly people, changing weather, endless grades, challenging passes, and thrilling descents. When you arrive, you forget all your worries and disappear from the internet and mobile networks. You can also forget the Russian language and simply enjoy the changing landscapes: snow-capped mountains, vast steppes, cool lakes, and swift mountain rivers. There are only lonely tents, herds of sheep, cattle, horses, camels, and yaks, as well as golden eagles soaring above you. This is a bike tour for those with strong minds and iron wills. The 678 kilometers and 10 kilometers of climbing already say a lot. If you're seeking adventure, you will definitely find it here. Thanks to RA and Ivan for providing a complete immersion, it was an unforgettable experience. I'm not saying goodbye; I'm saying «see you later.» Dreams do come true!
If you are looking for a bike tour in Barnaul, you have come to the right place. I have ridden with several organizers and can tell you that bike tours are the best. On a bike tour, you pedal, enjoy the scenery, and eat and sleep as you go. No one forces you to do anything you don't want. You don't have to worry about cooking your own dinner after you finish the tour, like with some other organizers. Here, you can relax! The routes are beautiful, and the support along the way is excellent.