How difficult is this tour ?
Each cycling tour is graded based upon the daily riding distance, technical difficulty and elevation. All the trails are challenging, but can be achieved by anyone in good physical condition, provided they have trained beforehand. All our groups are accompanied by support vehicles, so you can put your bike on top and sit in the vehicle for a while if you are finding the going too tough.
For the motorbike tours, participants must be good confident riders and have some off-road experience. Some routes are more technical than others, so check before choosing a trip to make sure the trail matches your ability.

How far are the daily riding distances ?
On mountain bike tours we normally ride between 35 - 65km per day depending on the terrain. This might sound like a great difference, but sometimes the route is tough with long slow uphill's or some difficult stone river valleys. At other times the track is quite flat, smooth and easy.
On motorbike tours the distance is usually 100 - 200 km per day, but depends on how many interesting things there are to do along the way and the distance between ger camps. If riding on a good asphalt road surface then we can of course ride much further.

Are there any special insurance requirements ?
If riding a motorcycle in Mongolia you must inform your insurance company. We will want proof that your travel insurance covers you for riding a motorbike. You must also check that you travel insurance covers you for this activity even if your own driving licence does not specifically include the motorcycle class.


Do I need a licence to ride a motorbike in Mongolia?
Yes. You must have a valid driving licence (from your own country) to ride a motorbike in Mongolia.

How many people will be in the group ?
Some people prefer traveling in a small group, others prefer the companionship of a larger group. The group size depends on how many people join. Our minimum group size is four people, maximum number is usually about twelve (ten participants for motorcycle tours). For special charity challenge tours the groups are up to forty people.


Do single travelers join your group tours ?
In our groups we usually find that approximately half the people are single and others are traveling with their partner or friends. If you are single and prefer your own tent or hotel room, we can arrange this, otherwise you can share.

Do I need to train beforehand ?
The more training you do, the more you will enjoy the tour. These trails are designed to be a challenge for everyone, and plenty of stamina is needed to complete the whole course. We recommend that you train properly beforehand, but support vehicles are with you if you need a rest for a particular section (we have special racks to carry either bicycles or motorbikes ).

Can you cater for vegetarians ?
If you tell us beforehand, we can manage most kinds of special diet. Our cooks are professionals and will prepare food separately if necessary. They are quite used to vegetarians.

Can I use my own accessories ?
If you are hiring one of our mountain bikes, but prefer to use your own SPD pedals or seat, you are welcome to do so, but please tell us in advance. We have ordinary pedals and SPD pedals for our hire bikes. We prefer no modifications to our motorcycles.

Can I bring my own bike ?
If you prefer to bring your own bike for a mountain bike tour, please do so. We don't mind either way, but several of our past clients have said that they would have hired our bikes if they had known what we have available and how well they are maintained.
If you want to ride your own motorbike to Mongolia, or send it by air freight, we can help with the organization, but the process is very beaurocratic.

Do I need to bring tools and some parts ?
We have the tools that we are likely to need for maintenance and repair of our own mountain bikes and motorbikes. We also take some spare parts. If you bring your own bike, it is up to you to decide what tools and parts you might need. You must remember that there are no bike shops in the remote places in which we travel, and even in Ulaanbaatar parts are unavailable.

How can I get a visa ?
Some visitors do not need a Mongolian visa (tourists traveling on a US passport currently fall into this category). We have a complete list of Mongolian Embassies and Consulates worldwide (see the link from our Travel Information page). Everyone requiring a Mongolian visa must get it before travelling. We do not take responsiblity for people travelling without a visa and expecting to obtain one on arrival in Ulaanbaatar.

Do you sell air tickets ?
We do not sell international air tickets to Mongolia, except from Beijing and Moscow if specifically requested. We can, however, suggest the cheapest and most convenient routes to Ulaanbaatar. In the UK we work with ATOL holding travel agents who can provide the tickets. Please ask if you need advice.

What kind of accommodation will we be in ?
In Ulaanbaatar we use the Continental Hotel, which is one of the newest and best in the city. In the countryside we are usually traveling in remote areas where the only option is to camp. We supply good spacious, weatherproof dome tents (included in the price). Occasionally we can stay at traditional ger camps in the nomadic style round felt tents, set up for tourists with toilet and washing facilities nearby.

What else do I need to take ?
When you make a booking, you will receive a Tour Dossier in which there is a complete list of all you need to take in the way of equipment, clothing, medicines, etc.. Generally speaking you need to bring everything to cover all eventualities because outside Ulaanbaatar you cannot depend on anything being available. For motorbike tours you must bring all protective gear including helmet, proper rigid off-road riding boots and body armour. Safety is foremost and anyone without suitable clothing will not be allowed to ride and will not be refunded.

Can I get references from past clients ?
If you want to know what our past clients thought about the route and our services, we can supply you with contact details of some people who have done the tour you are interested in.

What is the temperature at night time ?
At higher altitudes it can get chilly at night, even during the summer months, so we recommend that you bring a 4-season sleeping bag for any of our tours. During the day, temperatures range from comfortable (+15 °C) to hot (+35°C), and you need to be prepared for rain as well.

How much do airlines charge for a bicycle ?
International airlines vary on their baggage allowance and excess charges. Often they are lenient when it comes to bicycles, but you should check beforehand with the airline and be prepared to pay the full cost. For domestic flights the baggage allowance is 10kg and excess charges are US$ 1 - 3 per kilogram.

Can I extend my trip ?
If you want to spend longer in Mongolia before or after your tour, we can arrange your hotel and transfers as necessary. If you want to stay in China or Russia our agents in Beijing and Moscow are excellent and will organize anything you require.