Cycle with the Golden Eagles: Altai Mountain Adventure

Fly to Ulgii in Western Mongolia, where the support team will meet you at the airport. From here, drive 90 km toward the Mongolian–Russian border and set up camp in the nearby mountains. The campsite includes twin-share tents, a dining tent, shower tent, and toilet tent. After settling in, assemble and check your bikes, then enjoy a short ride around camp to get familiar with the terrain.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 90 km

After breakfast, begin cycling with a steady climb to the first pass at 2,560 m over 11 km. A fast 20 km stretch follows before entering the higher Altai Mountains. Reach the day’s highest point at Khaichinsar Mountain (2,740 m), then ride over two smaller passes with rolling terrain. Camp for the night in the Sogoo River valley, where Kazakh nomads may be seen along the route.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 60 km
Ascent: 1,093 m
Descent: 1,241 m

Cycle from the Sogoo River valley toward the Baga Oigor and Tsagaan Salaa petroglyph sites. The route climbs gradually into the Baga Oigor River valley, where camp is set near the river. In the afternoon, explore one of the world’s largest collections of rock art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 15,000 carvings dating from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 45 km
Ascent: 587 m
Descent: 341 m

Today’s ride leads to the entrance of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Cross several cold rivers in the first 5 km, passing a Mongolian border military checkpoint where passports are checked. Continue through the Oigor River valley, visiting Kazakh nomad families and tasting local yogurt, tea, and boortsog. The day ends near the park gate, where nomads run teahouses and guest gers.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 35 km
Ascent: 483 m
Descent: 171 m

Ride toward the heart of the Altai Mountains, with views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks. The road can be wet and muddy, and some sections may require pushing the bike uphill. Reach a sacred Ovoo at the highest point, then descend into the Tsagaan Gol River valley. Meet Tuva families along the way and share tea and bread. Camp beside the milky-white river, with the option of a refreshing cold-water dip.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 28 km
Ascent: 452 m
Descent: 770 m

Travel from the Tsagaan Gol valley toward Khar Nuur (Black Lake). The day begins with a demanding climb over the sacred Shiveet Khairkhan Pass. As altitude decreases, riding becomes easier and longer distances return. Pass ancient rock paintings before tackling a final steep ascent to reach Black Lake, where camp is set.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 45 km
Ascent: 640 m
Descent: 715 m

Continue south across grassy highlands and alpine terrain at an average altitude of 2,500 m. Pass Kazakh burial grounds that resemble small settlements. In the afternoon, climb through a larch-filled valley to a high pass with views over Khoton Lake and the Mongolia–China border. Descend to the lake’s shore for swimming, rest, and camp beside the water.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B.L.D
Distance: 62 km
Ascent: 1,320 m
Descent: 1,570 m

The longest cycling day begins with a ride to Khurgan Lake and the Godon River. Cross the wooden bridge linking Khoton and Khurgan Lakes and continue through rolling hills beneath snow-covered peaks. The final 20 km is a steady uphill climb back to Black Lake, where camp is set for the night.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 82 km
Ascent: 1,000 m
Descent: 530 m

Leave Black Lake early and descend 25 km before climbing again through the Harganat valley, home to nomadic families and views of Tsengel Khairkhan’s snow-covered peaks. Tackle the Modon Khushuu Pass, then enjoy a long descent into the Sagsai River valley, where camp is set along the riverbank.

Accommodation: Tent
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 65 km
Ascent: 780 m
Descent: 1,505 m

On the final cycling day, visit a Kazakh eagle hunter family and learn about traditional hunting with golden eagles. Continue riding through a narrow V-shaped valley to Shar Lake, then reach the paved road leading to Ulgii. Load bikes onto the vehicle, check into the hotel, enjoy dinner, and take an evening walk through town.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 42 km
Ascent: 427 m
Descent: 130 m

Fly from Ulgii back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and enjoy a free afternoon for shopping or rest. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Meals: Breakfast