GRAVEL MONGOLIA

23 August – 03 September 2023

TRIP OVERVIEW

Mongolia, cradle of great civilisations. A country of contrasts. A land of adventure.

Come with us to discover one of the most incredible and challenging countries for the western traveller.

After more than a decade of organising the Mongolia Bike Challenge and having travelled so many times, we feel confident that we can offer you the best of the best of this country we love so much.

We will have a support vehicle (one of the legendary Russian vans) that will follow us with the necessary luggage and supplies. We will sleep every night in Ger Camps equipped with all the necessary comforts to ensure a good rest, except for one night, when we will camp by the lake under the stars.

For the success of this expedition and the safety of all participance the creation of a strong team is absolutely imperative. No one will be left behind or in difficulty for any reason. It will be the responsibility of not only the guides, but also of each team member (participants) to help solve any and all kinds of problems that arise during the trip.

It will not only be an unforgettable journey, but also a unique opportunity to experience self-education in group consciousness, to share joy in fatigue, planning, organization, coordination, in defeats as well as in successes.

Success will not only be the arrival at our destination, but through our journey. And knowing we have done our best to arrive, together.

Cancellation Policy

Refund and cancellation

Where, for whatever reason, one person is obliged to withdraw, the person must give written notice to Project Adventure Cycling.

Refund will be calculated with this penalty:

– Within 45 days from date of departure the penalty fare is 30% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 30 days from departure the penalty fare is 40% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 21 days from departure the penalty fare is 50% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 14 days from departure the penalty fare is 75 % of the total cost of the trip.
– After this date no refund will be given.

There will be no refunds for those who do not show up at the start of the trip or withdraw during the course of the tour.
There will be no refunds for those who are unable to start or complete the tour due to a lack or inaccuracy of personal travel documents (i.e Visa or Passport).

The traveller understands that some destinations pose more of a risk than other destinations due to weather conditions, socio-political situations and the geography of the region. The traveller acknowledges that factors such as, but not limited to, weather conditions, landslides, floods, flight cancellations or delays, strikes, labour issues, power failures, restrictive governmental laws or regulations, riots, insurrection, war or other (hereinafter called “Force Majeure Event”) are not the fault of Project Adventure Cycling and may hinder, delay or even prevent the Traveller’s ability to make or complete the trip. The traveller acknowledges that the Project Adventure Cycling shall not be liable to the traveller for any delay or cancellation of the trip due to a Force Majeure Event. The traveler is neither entitled to a refund nor any other payment for damages from the Project Adventure Cycling in the event that the trip is cancelled or delayed due to a Force Majeure Event. Please note that we are never responsible for any airfare ticket expenses.

Included + Non Included

The price includes

– Bike guides from PA Cycling depending on the number of participants

– 3 nights in 4* Bayangol hotel (BB, twin/double)

– 6 nights in tourist ger camps on twin share basis

– All meals, snacks and drinking water on the tour

– Welcome and farewell dinner in Ulaanbaatar

– 1 Russan van as support vehicle

– Airport transfers

– National park fees

– Travel insurance coverage

The price does not include

– Meals in Ulaanbaatar that are not indicated

– Drinks and alcohol

– Gratuities

– Return airfare and baggage fees, bike equipment

– Excursions, extra activities

– Additional costs in case of logistical changes (extra transfers etc.)

– Anything not included in “The price includes” section.

THE TRACK

THE STAGES

Stage 01 — 122 km | 1620 m

The adventure begins in a big way with an epic first stage in which we will cover 122 kilometres and 1620 metres of accumulated altitude gain. We set off from Ulaanbaatar, cycling through the streets of the capital. The large avenues give way to narrower streets until, finally, we take one of the connecting roads that will take us further and further away from the city. At kilometre 35, we leave the asphalt – which we will hardly set foot on again for a week of adventures – and enter the overwhelming Mongolian wilderness via a series of dirt tracks. Over the next 30 kilometres we will cross several high passes as we feel the vastness of the country embrace us.

Tonight we will sleep in our first Ger Camp under an incredible blanket of stars.

Stage 02 — 101 km | 910 m

In the second stage of the trip we are already completely immersed in the Mongolian steppes. Today we cycle up and down continuously, gaining altitude until, at kilometre 58, we reach an altitude of 1,500 metres and begin a beautiful descent of almost 30 kilometres until we cross the Tynn River and reach our destination for the day: the second Ger Camp, which awaits us with all the comforts to help us regain our strength.

Stage 03 — 137 km | 1320 m

Today we face the longest and perhaps the wildest stage of the trip, 137 kilometres and 1320 metres of elevation gain separate us from our third Ger Camp. We will cycle up valleys until we reach an altitude of more than 1,500 metres.

The sensation of immensity that Mongolia gives us today is intensified by the distance and the mixture of landscapes that each small peak we conquer and each valley we cross gives us.

The last 25 kilometres are the most bearable, as they run alongside the huge riverbed in a slight descent to the Ger Camp, where we will have to tread on some loose sand.

Stage 04 — 75,2 km | 740 m

This stage serves as a break between two demanding days of the journey. Today we will leave our luggage at the Ger Camp and cycle 75 kilometres on a circular route that will take us to the highest point of the route so far: 1700 metres. The tough climb will reward us with breathtaking views, show us the changes in landscape that occur at this altitude compared to the valleys and leave us ready for the descent back to our comfortable Ger Camp.

Stage 05 — 104 km | 950 m

Today’s stage runs almost entirely on a gentle ascent with 950 metres of elevation gain in just over 100 kilometres.

We will start the day crossing the sands of the small Gobi, where we will most likely have to push our bikes for a stretch.

Today we pass through Burd and Nessuelas, two small villages that, after four days with practically no contact with civilisation, will attract our attention.

We will camp by Sangiin Dalai Lake, where we will sleep under the stars in our tents.

Stage 06 — 126 km | 1380 m

In our penultimate stage, we leave the lake behind us, cross a road and head, jumping and climbing valleys, to meet the Opxoh riverbed. On its banks awaits us the spectacular Ger Camp, which will give us shelter and help us to recharge our batteries to face the last stage of this spectacular adventure.

Stage 07 — 83,8 km | 1200 m

Last stage of the journey. Today we will cover the 84 kilometres that separate us from Kharkhorin. It is an epic journey that takes us up rivers and valleys to a wooded peak from where we can see our goal, the ancient capital of Mongolia and once the centre of the known world.

YOUR GUIDE

Ignacio Pellejero

Travel Logistic Coordinator & Guide

With a divided heart, Argentinian parents, born in Venezuela and raised in Spain, Nacho has had a nomadic and adventurous soul since he was a child. In 2017, together with his best friend, they decided to travel the Americas with their bicycles with the @260litros project until the pandemic put on "stand by" the dream of getting from Patagonia to Alaska. Today, after living in South America for five years, he returns home (Spain) to join the PA-Cyling family and continue the dream of cycling around the world, but this time, giving others the chance to join him and experience, even if only for a few days, how wonderful it is to travel and get to know different places and cultures on a bicycle.

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MONGOLIA