Cycling Through Chinggis Khan Historical Trail
About this tour
Imagine that you are cycling through the birthplace of Chinggis Khan, where he grew up through hardships and was eventually enthroned 8 centuries ago. A total of 7 days including 4 days of fully supported cycling trip will allow you to visit the great Khan’s homeland, where he was proclaimed as the ruler of the Mongol Empire. In addition to cycling through breathtaking natural beauty of Mongolia, you will get a chance to visit one of the four most important monasteries dating back to the 19th century, see large herds of livestock freely grazing in the wide open grasslands and visit dome-shaped, traditional felt homes of the Mongolian nomads.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, tour briefing during welcome dinner. We will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to a 4-star hotel within the city center. In the afternoon, sightseeing on foot will bring you to the central square with a grand statue of Chinggis Khan in front of the parliament building. Then there are 2 museum visits within a walking distance. The National History Museum briefly introduces Mongolia’s history from early humans to the modern era. The Choijin Lama Temple Museum is named after a state oracle who had occupied this 6-temple complex during the time of his brother’s rule, who was Bogd Khan, the last king of Mongolia heading both state and religion in the early 20th century. This temple museum displays some of the best samples of Buddhist artworks and religious masks. After sightseeing, attend a show of traditional music, throat-singing, dancing, and contortion at 6 p.m. followed by a welcome dinner and tour briefing.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur Lake, Mongolia
Drive to the starting point, then cycle to the Blue Lake. Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive east of Ulaanbaatar to Tsenkhermandal region where the cycling tour starts. Today we cycle ups and downs on a hard-packed dirt track to Blue Lake for 30 km. The Blue Lake area consists of 2 freshwater lakes that are linked underground. The surrounding picturesque environment and mountains are abundant with vegetation and wildlife. This lake is one of the important places in Mongolian history, especially during Chinggis Khan’s period. According to a historical source titled, “The Secret History of the Mongols”, this is the place where Temujin was enthroned to become Chinggis Khan in 1189. A monument that was erected for the 840th anniversary of the birth of Temujin sits on the shore of the lake. The central part of this establishment displays woodcrafts of Chinggis Khan, his father Esukhei, his mother Oulen, and his queen Borte-Ujin. This evening, we will erect a camp near the lake.
Day 3: Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur Lake, Mongolia to Khangal Lake, Mongolia
Bike to Khangal Lake, Chinggis Khan’s horse pasture. Today we cycle for a total of 42 km on smooth dirt road. The route will lead us through open valleys surrounded by wooded hills, grazing herds of livestock, and nomadic families. Be ready to get your shoes wet because there are a few stream crossings. Upon arriving at the shore of the lake, we will set up camp.
Day 4: Khangal Lake, Mongolia to Baldan Bereeven Monastery, Breven Kid, Mongolia
Loop cycle trip to Baldan Bereeven Monastery and return. Our destination for today is Baldan Bereeven monastery, which was one of the 4 largest monasteries in Mongolia during the 19th century, housing 5000-8000 monks with 4 religious institutions and 20 active temples. The complex suffered almost complete destruction during the anti-religion campaign of the 1930s Communist Purges. Now only 3 small temples remain partially. After 1990, a few monks started to rebuild with the help of locals. You can visit the main temple and walk around to see religious rock arts. Today we do a loop ride for a total of 30 km passing over 3 small mountain passes and returning to Khangal Lake. The support vehicle will come along with snacks and lunch.
Day 5: Baldan Bereeven Monastery, Breven Kid, Mongolia to Bayanmod, Mongolia
The last and longest cycling day. Today our destination is Khurkh River. This is the last and longest cycling day starting through an open grassland valley. After lunch, our terrain will change from steppe to wooded small hills, eventually reaching today’s highest point of 1635 m above sea level. Then a gentle descent along the river bank will lead us to our camping spot near a river. Today, the chef will serve you Mongolian barbeque locally known as ‘khorkhog’ (chunks of meat pressure cooked in a container with hot stones) with various salads for dinner.
Day 6: Bayanmod, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Load bikes onto the support vehicle(s) and drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch will be on the way. Transfer to hotel and rest until farewell dinner.
Day 7: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia
Departure day. Our guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
What's included
2 overnights at 4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (twin+breakfast) 4 tented overngihts (twins) All indicated meals + drinking water Extra drinks and snacks during cycling All visits and National park fees Russian 4WD van(s) equipped with bike racks as support vehicles during cycling English speaking cycling guide(s) Cook(s) Mountain biking gudie(s) Giant ATX 600 series hardtail shimano 3x7 bike
Optional activities Travel insurance Sleeping bags and mattresses Meals that are not indicated Gratuities Personal biking clothes and gears International flights Visa fee
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia