Set in the heart of Central Asia,
Mongolia is a vast country covering an area the size of
Western Europe. With a population of just two and a half
million, many of whom are nomadic, this makes it one of
the least densely populated countries on earth. The climate
is extreme, with winter temperatures falling to - 30 °C
or lower, and so the tourist season is short, lasting from
June through to September.
For 80 years during the last century, Mongolia was under
Communist rule and until 1990 very few Westerners had
been allowed to enter. Tourism is still not well developed,
but this is part of the charm of the country, and makes
travel to Mongolia more exciting, more of an adventure.
The most famous character in the history of Mongolia
is Genghis Khan (also written "Chinggis Khaan")
who, in the thirteenth century, created the largest empire
the world has ever known. During a visit to Mongolia,
one can travel to the valley where he established his
capital, and ride horses or mountain bikes in the land
where the Mongol Hordes once ruled.
The nation has always been nomadic, and to a large extent
still is. There are three cities and a few small towns,
but the rest of the population still live a lifestyle
that has changed little since the days of Genghis Khan.
Mongolian people have a tradition of hospitality, and
passing travelers are always made welcome, be they city
boys from Ulaanbaatar or lycra-clad foreign cyclists.
Mongolia's great glory is in the space, beauty and variety
of the landscapes. The Gobi Desert, Altai and Khangai
mountains ranges, central steppe, taiga forest, lakes
and rivers, make this a wonderful travel destination for
the outdoor enthusiast. Ride mountain bikes, horses, camels
or yaks in this unspoiled wilderness to experience peace,
fun and friendship in a special vacation to Mongolia.
Internet
Resources
On
the Internet are many sources of information about
Mongolia. Below are some good sites for further
reading:
Try
out our new trail in the mountains of Bulgan and Selenge.
Finish at the spectacular monastery of Amarbayasgalant.
The trail grade is "intermediate" and
requires a reasonable level of fitness, but a support
vehicle will be available anyway....
Cycle
in the mountains and valleys once roamed by Genghis Khan
and his people. Finish at Kharkhorin where the center
of the great Mongol Empire once stood...
Take
your group to the heart of Mongolia and ride in the mountains
and valleys of this spectacular country. Let us make a
trip especially suited to your cycling experience and
interests....
