MONGOLIA - Biking through Arhangai Mountains

Departure 2^nd July 2005 15 days, 15 nights.

Summary: 11 days cycling, 1 night on a plane, 9 nights in tented campsites, 2 nights in Mongolian Gers, 2 nights Hotel, 1 night on train.

Mongolian herdsmen, picture courtesy of Graham Taylor.

Brief Resume

Arhangai is known as the Switzerland of Mongolia, a landscape of mountains, forests, open steppe – dotted with white gers and small lakes. On this mountain biking adventure we dive pedals first into the Mongolian countryside travelling down back roads that – still to this day – have seen few if any foreigners. The landscape on the early part of this adventure is undulating open steppe, smooth dirt tracks make for easy riding with plenty of time to stop and meet local herders – who are only too willing to swap a ride on their horse for a bike ride. After passing through the provincial capital of Tsetserleg we enter Mongolia’s central Khangai Mountain range crossing over into the Orkhon River valley to finish our ride at the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum.

NOTE Participants are required to provide their own sleeping bag ( rated to 0 degrees C ) for this tour.

A valley with several gers ( local felt lined tents) pitched for the evening.	The Mongolians are very friendly and are here seen trying to ride one of the mountain bikes.	Camping out on the grassland, the support vehicle carries the water and food for the trip.

Tour Grade: Difficult to Challenging

Cycling distance: 500 km

Application/Full payment deadline: May 27, 2005

Prices are based per person and as this is adventure holiday tents and hotel rooms may need to be shared.

COSTS All prices in HK$

HK$ 21,557 per person

Price Includes:-

Ø Round trip Economy Class tickets with Korean Airways.

Ø Met at Airport.

Ø Transfers between airport and hotel.

Ø Train journey with sleeping berth as per the itinerary.

Ø Hotel accommodation, as booked, with daily breakfast.

Ø Use of mountain bike and support services. 21 Speed Diamond Back Response Sport/Apex SE Bikes with ROCKSHOX (available for a test ride in Hong Kong).

Ø Bottled water while cycling.

Ø Experienced Local English speaking Tour guide to accompany you at all times.

Ø Cook to prepare the meals.

Ø Meals as specified, some of these will be camp-fire meals.

Ø Travel Insurance by Blue Cross.

Ø Travel Industry Council Levy.

Price Excludes:-

Ø Airport Tax and Airport security Charges.

Ø Mongolian Visa, if required

Ø Personal expenses for drinks etc.

Prices and schedules are subject to change by Airline or Operator without notice.