15 DAYS - THE GOBI DESERT

THE GOBI DESERT - 15 RIDING DAYS

Around 2100 kms

Vast expanses of emptiness, driving for days through dry, dusty land, this Gobi desert itinerary will take you to some of the iconic sites: the Khongryn Els and the Flaming cliffs. Traveling by motorcycle in the Gobi might be easier and faster than in the steppe but the distances are greater and there are fewer nomads who could help you in case of problems. . This itinerary is given as an indication and does not include rest days that you will have to add to your program.

After a few years of experience, we realized that most travelers who went to the Gobi returned disappointed. Since then we have done everything possible to discourage people from going there. The attractions are disappointing with high mileage, lots of tourism and prices much higher than the rest of the country. Mongolia is too big to bother going to places where overtourism has taken its toll.

Be careful, the same village can have several different names which adds to the confusion. The best application is Komoot which can be used off line and whose names roughly match those of the map of Mongolia. Google maps is only recommended to find hotels. The names of the villages are often different.

This route that you can download on your phone is not 100% reliable. Indeed, a river whose water has risen due to rain may prove to be impassable at the location indicated on your GPS. The tracks are in perpetual motion but the general direction remains the same.

VISA

Mongolia, which previously only granted visa exemption to visitors from 27 states, today announces excellent news for European travelers: tourists from 34 new countries are now visa-exempt to stay in Mongolia until at 30 days. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland. These 34 countries therefore join the following 27 states that are already visa-free: Germany, Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, United States, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Singapore , Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Uruguay. It is therefore no longer necessary for European, Australian and New Zealand tourists to apply for a visa; either upon arrival in Mongolia; either at a Mongolian embassy or consulate or even on the internet, since October 2021 the country has been offering the issuance of an online electronic visa (e-Visa), which the "country of blue skies" wishes to elsewhere develop in the coming months.
ULAANBAATAR - WHERE TO SLEEP

For those who want a place to stay not far from cheketours, here is an airbnb with restaurants and supermarkets nearby. Our customers benefit from an attractive price of 40 USD with the airport pickup included in the price: https://www.agoda.com/eagle-town/hotel/ulaanbaatar-mn.html?cid=1844104 For those who prefer the city center: https://www.kayak.com/Ulan-Bator-Hotels-Zolo-Hotel.2468816.ksp
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COME TO MONGOLIA

May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the warmest months of the year.
AUTONOMY, USB PORT AND LOADING OF THE SHINERAY 150CC

All our motorcycles are equipped with a USB port in order to be able to charge your electronic equipment. IMPORTANT: Only connect your external battery to this USB port, not your phone, which may be damaged Equipped with a 13-litre tank, the Shinerays have a range of over 400 km. It is therefore useless to have an extra jerrycan in a country where gasoline is found everywhere. Rear and side luggage racks offer more than enough transport capacity for those who know how to travel light.
MOBILE CONNECTION IN THE STEPPE - WHICH SIM CARD ?

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport. The best operator is Gmobile or Unitel. You can find the connection in all the villages and in some tourist places like the Orkhon waterfalls for example. When traveling in the countryside, make sure to stand at a high point for a signal. The government is working hard to improve connection signals in rural areas
MONEY AND DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE

We require a deposit of 600 euros per motorbike or a passport. We only accept payment in cash and in the currency of your choice. You can withdraw money fom any ATM that can be found around the country. But you should know that these ATMs are sometimes - often - not working properly and that you should always have cash with you for more security.
PETROL, FOOD, ACCOMMODATION AVAILABILITY DURING YOUR TRIP

You can find gasoline everywhere and in the worst case, you can always buy a few liters from a nomad. Same for food. No need to stock up. To sleep, there are tourist camps in all tourist places. You can pitch your tent anywhere and the nomads often offer yurts in which you can stay for a modest price. These same nomads can cook for you. It won't be a 5 star meal but at least you'll have a full stomach.
HOW TO NAVIGATE

No need to travel with a GPS, your phone will suffice. We use the Komoot app for itineraries and google maps for accommodation, gas and supplies. These apps work without a network
SAFETY

The crime rate in Mongolia is low, but petty crime is rampant in the capital but also in the steppe. Vigilance remains essential, even during the day, especially in places frequented by tourists (markets, airports, buses, nightclubs, etc.), and during Tsaatan and Naadam celebrations. Travelers are the victims of pickpockets every year, in Ulaanbaatar especially at the Narantuul market and the department store. In the steppe, it is essential to pitch your tent near a nomadic family and to avoid camping near villages at all costs. Drunk men are also real scourges that are best avoided.
INSURANCE

It is important to take out health and repatriation insurance. Normally this assistance is included in your credit card. Check all this before coming to Mongolia.
DRIVING LICENSE

You need a motorcycle driver's license to be able to rent one from us. The license of your country seems sufficient to drive in Mongolia but for more security, we recommend you to come with an international driving license.