Nomad Trails

NOMAD TRAILS: BIKEPACKING ROUTES MONGOLIA Last updated: September 2017 Please help keep this information up to date! OVERVIEW Mongolia—the land of angry winds, endless horizons, and magical light. But this country offers far more than just vast, empty spaces. It is a place where nomadic culture remains an integral part of everyday life; a place where your gaze gets lost in the distance, making you feel tiny yet—as a bike nomad—deeply connected to the whole. Scenically, Mongolia delivers much more than gently rolling hills. Few places on earth feature passes this steep or offer such a close proximity between desert, rugged mountains, and open steppe. With its infinite network of dirt tracks, it is a bikepacking paradise unlike any other. Check sub folders for sections, descriptions, tracks and waypoints Are you more up for a Winter bikepacking adventure in Mongolia? You are crazy, but here are some short notes for that: Khövsgöl Lake freezes from early January through March, creating a spectacular but unforgiving arena for winter cycling. Information on current ice conditions can be difficult to find, as most Ger camps in Khatgal close during the winter. However, local contacts like Gambaa from MS Guesthouse or tour agencies offering dog sledding can be excellent resources. Lake Khövsgöl serves as an ideal training ground for those preparing to tackle the much larger and more difficult Lake Baikal. However, do not underestimate it: meticulous preparation and prior experience in extreme winter cycling are mandatory. ROUTE & TERRAIN The general strategy is to ride near the shore, navigating the bays from cape to cape. * The Path: No fixed track for this. Ride along the western bank before crossing the lake at the Doloon Uul peninsula toward Khank. * Ice Hazards: The big bay at Doloon Uul is a major compression zone. Expect active cracks and ice disruptions. For detailed tips on navigating these hazards, please refer to our Lake Baikal route description. * Logistics: The crossing from Khatgal to Khank typically takes three days. In Khank, it is often possible to organize a Jeep for the return journey to Khatgal. INFRASTRUCTURE & LOGISTICS * Accommodation: Unlike Lake Baikal, we never had to camp on the ice and were able to sleep indoors each night. We identified yurts and lodges at: Toylogt: 50.651914N / 100.235172E Hachum: 51.126739N / 100.320688E Jigleg: 51.003579N / 100.281194E * Climate: Daytime temperatures typically hover between -20°C and -30°C, while night temperatures can plummet to -40°C. Proper gear selection is critical; we recommend the winter equipment guides on sites like bikepacking.com. * Navigation: The Soviet Military Maps app (Android) is highly effective for this region. A printed tourist map serves as a reliable backup. DIFFICULTY Winter cycling on Khövsgöl is an expert-level undertaking. The extreme cold, the psychological pressure of the "living" ice, and the isolation of the Siberian-border climate requires winter cycling and mongolia experience. © bikepackground, for private use only and at your own risk.