THE ORKHON VALLEY - 11 DAYS - 1037 KMS
Guaranteed departures
As big as France, Mongolia appears to be the ultimate wild west for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Only populated by 3 million inhabitants, a good part of whom are still nomads living in yurts and taking care of their livestock.
It is in this wild environment that we organise trips every summer which offer an unrivaled change of scenery. A carefully crafted itinerary that allows you to discover the best the country has to offer. Departing from Ulan Bator, the capital in full renewal, we head across the steppe due west to discover Kharkorum, the former stronghold of Genghis Khan with its most famous temple in the country. Regenerating hot water baths will allow tired bodies to recharge their batteries, a climb on foot or on horseback to the splendid Tovkon monastery will offer you splendid views, and a stop in the little Gobi are also on the program. The Orkhon Valley is considered the historical and nerve center of the country. The landscapes are undulating and sprinkled with yurts where nomadic populations live as they did 1500 years ago. It is a circuit of more than 1000 km completed in 9 days and more than half of which is off-road. Climatic conditions are continental with temperature variations which can be significant. This trip is accompanied by a Russian-made Uaz 4x4, which still reigns supreme in the steppe. They allow those who are not interested in motorcycling to participate in the adventure
A whole day is dedicated to the Nadaam festival in Kharkhorin. You will have the opportunity to attend horse races whose riders are around ten years old. There will also be plenty of wrestling matches and archery. This Nadaam is much more authentic than that of Ulan Bator and if you feel like it, you can even participate in the wrestling competition. But be careful because they are good
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On this trip you will see:
- Erdene Zuu monastery is the first Buddhist monastery established in Mongolia
- The Orkhon Valley inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
- Chinggis khaan's ancient capital city of Karakorum
- Tsenkher and Tsagaan sum hot springs
- Ogii lake
- The Tuvkhun monastery overlooking a hill at 2,600m. It was almost totally destroyed by the Communists.
- Khogno Khan, also named the "little Gobi"
- The Naadam festival in Kharkhorin
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VISAMongolia, 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.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COME TO MONGOLIAMay 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.
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AUTONOMY, USB PORT AND LOADING OF THE SHINERAY 150CCAll 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.
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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
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MONEY AND DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLEWe 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.
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PETROL, FOOD, ACCOMMODATION AVAILABILITY DURING YOUR TRIPYou 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.
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HOW TO NAVIGATENo 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
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SAFETYThe 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.
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INSURANCEIt 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.
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DRIVING LICENSEYou 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.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
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10 nights accommodation in 3 stars hotel and tourist camps
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All meals except those taken in Ulaanbaatar
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Airport transfers
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Entrance fees to national parks
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Shineray Mustang 150cc
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Fuel, mechanic and spare parts
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Experienced local guide
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Back-up van for the baggages and non-riders
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group of maximum 8 riders
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NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
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flight tickets to Ulaanbaatar
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Insurance valid for motorcycling in Mongolia
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VISA fees
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Personal expenses
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Some dinners, lunches and drinks