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          THE GREAT  LAKES - 14 DAYS - 2000 KM

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This 2000 kilometer itinerary will allow you to discover all that Mongolia has best to offer. A journey through time and space where crystal clear lakes rub shoulders with extinct volcanoes across the infinite steppe. 

From Oulan Bator we go west to discover Karakorum, the old capital. After a bath in restorative spas, we set off to discover 2 of the most beautiful and emblematic lakes in the country: the Terkhiin Tsagaan and the magnificent Kovsgol, just south of the Siberian border. One of the largest open-pit coal mines and a fascinating monastery are still on the program on the way back. 

For lovers of wide open spaces, adventure awaits and you will not be disappointed. The tracks present hardly any difficulty apart from a few passages which can be a bit technical. 

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  • Distance: Around 2000 kilometers

  • Duration: 14 days

  • 12 riding days

  • 2 rest day 

  • Level: Intermediate - Expert

  • daily route: 33-260 kms

  • Accomodation: hotels and tourist camps carefully selected

  • Highlights: Terkhiin Tsagaan nuur, Karakorum, Kovsgol Lake, the Amarbayasgalant Monastery., Tsenher hot spas, Erdenet open pit mine

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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.
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