This 10-day Mongolia bike tour takes riders deep into the wild landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast steppe, volcanic terrain, and nomadic culture. Using a comfortable retreat as our base, we explore flowing grassland trails and ridgelines before heading out on a three-day bikepacking loop through Mongolia’s remote wilderness. Along the way we ride ancient herding paths, visit the mountaintop Tövkhön Monastery, and camp beneath Mongolia’s famously massive skies. With experienced guides, full support, and all logistics handled, this trip blends real adventure riding with cultural immersion in one of the most unique mountain biking destinations on Earth.
Arrive in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your arrival time, we either transfer toward the Orkhon Valley or spend the night in the hotel in the city before continuing deeper into Mongolia the following morning. It’s a relaxed start designed to help everyone settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Disclaimer: If you arrive late at night, you can stay in a hotel in the city at your own expense (with a guide’s discount).
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Dinner
We drive about 5–6 hours into the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for sweeping steppe landscapes and deep nomadic history. After settling into our gers at the retreat, we assemble bikes and head out for a relaxed warm-up ride through the surrounding hills—perfect for stretching the legs and catching a Mongolian sunset.
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: 300 m (984 ft)
Today we explore the surrounding ridgelines and steppe trails of the valley. Expect rolling terrain, flowing grassland tracks, and big open views in every direction. Shuttle support allows us to focus on the best descents if desired, and the afternoon leaves time to relax or try activities at the retreat.
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: 400 m (1,312 ft)
Another full day exploring the valley’s terrain. Nomadic tracks wind through grassy hills and volcanic features, occasionally passing herder camps and grazing livestock. In the evening we prepare gear for the upcoming bikepacking loop.
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: 400 m (1,312 ft)
Our bikepacking journey begins as we follow the Orkhon River deeper into Mongolia’s wilderness. The trail winds through dramatic canyon landscapes, volcanic terrain, and wide open steppe as we ride toward our first remote campsite.
Accommodation: Wilderness camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 60 km (37 mi), 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: 300 m (984 ft)
Today’s ride crosses vast grasslands in Övörkhangai Province. The horizon stretches endlessly, occasionally broken by volcanic rock formations and small streams. Along the way we visit a beautiful waterfall before setting up camp near a peaceful river.
Accommodation: Wilderness camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 60 km (37 mi), 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: 200 m (656 ft)
We climb steadily toward the sacred Tövkhön Monastery, perched high above forests and steppe landscapes. The effort is rewarded with sweeping views and a visit to one of Mongolia’s most spiritual sites before we camp nearby.
Accommodation: Wilderness camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 65 km (40 mi), 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: 500 m (1,640 ft)
Our final day of the bikepacking loop leads through rolling hills and wide open steppe back to our retreat in the valley. After several nights camping in the wilderness, returning to a hot meal and comfortable bed feels especially rewarding.
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 70 km (43 mi), 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: 200 m (656 ft)
Today is flexible. Ride more local trails or enjoy activities at the retreat such as horse riding, kayaking, archery, fishing, or massage treatments. It’s the perfect way to wind down after the bikepacking adventure.
Accommodation: Genghis Khan Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Riding: 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: 400 m (1,312 ft)
After breakfast we begin the drive back to Ulaanbaatar, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Mongolia’s vast steppe landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
This trip is best suited for riders with intermediate mountain biking skills. You should be comfortable riding singletrack, uneven terrain, and small obstacles.
Expect daily riding up to 70 km (43 mi), from 3 to 7 hours, with up to 500 m (1,640 ft) in elevation, with longer days during the bikepacking loop. A good level of fitness is recommended, and preparation rides on varied terrain before the trip will help ensure you get the most out of the experience.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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High-quality Commencal Meta HT mountain bikes are available to rent for an additional cost if you prefer not to bring your own bike. This modern hardtail is built for aggressive trail riding, with a lightweight aluminum frame, stable geometry, and long-travel front suspension that performs well on everything from flowing steppe trails to rougher terrain. Durable, playful, and efficient on climbs, it’s a reliable option for tackling Mongolia’s vast and varied landscapes.
Group sizes and pricing
A Mongolia bike tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Mongolia bike tour is Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. To get there, most people fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).
Your guides will meet you at the airport on Day 1 and you’ll be transported to the Orkhon Valley.
We can transfer you directly to the Genghis Khan Retreat in The Orkhon Valley, or if you arrive late in the night then we suggest spending a night in a hotel before transferring to camp. We have special rates for our guests with our partner hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.