Along the trails of Genghis Khan - Mongolia

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1 Along the trails of Genghis Khan - Mongolia 14 days 12 riding days Best Time: June to mid-september Full Board HIGHLIGHTS : o Breathtaking mongolian landscapes o The legendary Royal Enfield 500cc motorbike o The discovery of the Region Therkhiin Tsagaan DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ADVENTURE This tour is for experienced and physically fit bikers. Long and beautiful riding days - sometimes on roads but mostly on trails. Depending to the weather conditions, certain parts can become very difficult. For adventurous, experienced riders only. ROYAL ENFIELD 500CC Divided between India and Mongolia, our fleet consists of 16 Machismos 500cc (2010 models) and 19 Royal Enfield Classics 500cc (purchased in 2012 and 2013). The bikes have a European style gear shifting system (left side, first gear down) to ensure the comfort and safety for our riders. The Machismos are also equipped with a tailor made 21l tank, which is very helpful for longer-distance trips, especially in the Himalayas and Mongolia.

2 LOGISTICS & ORGANISATION Your tour leader is a very experienced rider who speaks English and is familiar with the area you will visit. He is in charge of coordinating the support team (mechanic, driver, helpers ) and makes sure that the group travels safely. The tour leader is not a local guide, so, for your convenience, we advise you to bring a pocket guide with you to make the most out of your journey! The entourage comprises of a tour leader and a well experienced mechanic. A support vehicle will be provided to carry the luggage and the mechanical equipment. The van can also accommodate participants (who must be registered with a pilot) if they choose to enjoy the ride in the comfort of a van. To guarantee a safe and pleasant tour, we recommend a maximum of 8 bikes. P a g e 1

3 AT A GLANCE Along the trails of Genghis Khan is a real motorcycle adventure. We penetrate the heart of the Steppes and the Khangaï Mountains all the way to the Region of Therhiin Tsagaan on our vintage bikes. We spend every night in yurt camps. The route might be modified according to the weather conditions. The diversity of landscapes is amazing: The arid fields of Khogno Khan, the lush Steppes, the Mountains of Khangaï and the volcanic universe of the Orhon Valley will thrill each and every nature, adventure and freedom lovers. P a g e 2

4 YOUR ITINERARY (Subject to change according to the circumstances) Day 1: Arrival in Ulan Bator Depending on your flight schedule we will be receiving you at the airport and transferring you to the hotel. Visit of the city. Ulaanbaatar (1350 m) is located in the valley of the Tuul River, flowing south. The city stretches nearly 30 km from west to east and 15 km from north to south. Ulan Bator, with its million inhabitants, is composed of nine regions (or districts). At the centre you have a very mixed architecture mixed with chaos of urbanism and on the other hand you can experience something totally different, from riding horses, meeting nomadic families, enjoying fine dining, or simply relaxing in a luxurious spa. Day 2: Ulan Bator Hustai National Park [70 km 2h ride] We will meet our Tour Leader after breakfast. After a transfer of 10 km in a private vehicle, we jump on our Royal Enfield and off we go! We take a beautiful asphalt road through the valley. This first day is a perfect introduction to the picturesque landscapes of Mongolia. We arrive at the national park early in the afternoon to discover the Taki unique horses of Mongolia. For experienced riders, the visit of the park can be done on horseback.overnight stay in a yurt camp. P a g e 3

5 Day 3: Hustai National Park OgiiNuur [300 km 6/7h ride] We take a gentle road through the Steppes before taking a small track with changing conditions.a little bit of adventure before getting to the yurt camp on the shore of the OgiiNuurlake,next to the surrounding mountains. We arrive in the afternoon and you have some free time to take a walk around the lake or just relax in the yurt. Overnight stay in a yurt camp. * On the route, the yurt camps are most often the very best accommodation available for travellers. We will live in pairs in the yurts, identical to the ones we will pass on the road, while sharing a common bathroom. Most of the time you will be able to take a hot shower and the toilets are up to the European standards, too. The charm of these yurts is mostly due to the basic comfort they offer: two simple beds and a stove a truly pioneering experience! Day 4: OgiiNuur IkhTamir [120 km 5h ride] An exceptional riding day: the landscapes we will see today are simply stunning. We cross 3 valleys to get to the city of Tsertseleg. Picnic at a pass. The tracks are fine but can get tricky on the passes. Overnight stay in a yurt camp.. Day 5: IkhTamir TerkhiinTsaganNuur [160 km 6/7h ride] Early departure for 140 km of asphalt roads to get to the volcanic region of Terkhiin Tsagaan, also called white lake. Only the last 40 km will be on a trail. Overnight stay in a yurt camp on the lakeshore. Day 6: TerkhiinTsaganNuur Discovery day of the white lake region: visit the crater and the surrounding caves. Picnic at the waterfalls. The Horgo National Park and the Terkhin Tsagaan lake have been created to glorify the beautiful landscapes of the region and to protect the endangered species. The lake is 16 km long, up to 20 meters deep and has a total surface area of 61 square kilometers. The altitude of the lake is of 2060 meters. P a g e 4

6 Day 7: Terkhiin Tsagan Nuur Tsenkher [180 km 6h ride] We turn around and head towards the warm water springs of Tsenkher. After 160 km of good roads, we finish the day with 20 km of beautiful trails, going over three small passes before reaching our camp. Day 8: Tsenkher [120 km - 5h ride] We take a day off to relax in the hot water springs. You have the possibility to go on a horseback ride (supplement) or to take a walk to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Overnight stay in a yurt camp.. Day 9: Tsenkher Orhon Valley [80 km - 4/5h ride] The road takes as to the wonderful valley of the Orhonriver, where the landscapes becomes more mountainous. We gradually leave the steppes and enjoy a wonderful sight of hills and the volcanic mountains of Khangai. By the afternoon, we arrive near the Orhon waterfalls, where we will stay with our Mongolian hosts and discover the charm of nomadic life in the most authentic way. Overnight stay in a yurt camp, 3-4 people per yurt. Day 10: Day in the life of a nomadic family Today we change our motorcycles into a more traditional way of travelling horses. Equipped with multiple guides, we will ride on the horses through the most beautiful valleys of the country a truly unforgettable experience! Overnight stay in a yurt camp. Day 11: Orhon Valley Qaraqorum [120 Km - 5/6h ride] We jump back on our Royal Enfield motorcycles and head north towards the ancient capital of Genghis Khan s empire on magnificent off-road tracks and a beautiful asphalt road.overnight stay in a yurt camp. P a g e 5

7 Day 12: Qaraqorum Khogno Khan 100 km 2h ride Today, the sleepyheads can sleep in. The others can visit the archeological museum and the amazing city temple. After lunch, we take an asphalt road towards the dunes of Khogno Khan. The winds carry the sand up to the hills of the mountains so impressively that the area is often called the Small Gobi Desert. Overnight stay in a yurt camp. Day 13: Khogno Khan Ulan Bator 280 km 5h ride This is the last day of your journey across the incredible Mongolia. We leave for Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, first riding through the desert-plains and continuing across the steppes. After enjoying magnificent landscapes, we arrive at the city centre by the end of the day. Transfer to the hotel. Free evening. Day 14: Ulan Bator Airport Free day for those who have a late afternoon flight. We enjoy the unique atmosphere of the rough and warm capital. Ulan Bator is a city that leaves no one indifferent. A taxi will pick you up at the hotel to take you directly to the airport. End of our services. P a g e 6

8 CONTINUE YOUR VISIT... You still have some more time or found an international flight with competitive prices that allows you to spend a few more days in Mongolia...? Do not miss this opportunity, book an extension to visit the Gobi desert! For more information, ask your travel advisor. P a g e 7

9 PRICES & SERVICES* Fixed Departures Fixed Departures /rider /rider Prices applicable for all tours from June 1 st to September 30th, 2015 Prices applicable for all tours from June 1 st to September 30th, 2016 *Pillions : 800 less PRICES INCLUDE Royal Enfield motorcycle 500cc (2010 model along with spare parts) All land transfers as noted in the program by private vehicle Fuel English speaking motorcycle tour leader (from D2 to D13) A support vehicle with driver for groups with more than 4 participants. Backup vehicle assistance for carrying equipment for groups of 4 or more people, saddlebags for groups of less than 4 people Accommodation: hotel or yurt, double or Twin (two single beds). People not travelling in pair share a twin room with another participant. If you wish to be accommodated in a single room (extra charge), please inform your travel advisor about it. Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinners except on days D1 and D14 transfer) Third party motorcycle insurance Entrances in temples & museums as per the program PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE Compulsory insurance, such as repatriation assistance, which covers you in case of a motorbike accident in India, and legal assistance; Visa Fee International flights and airport taxes A refundable security deposit of 400 for the motorcycles; Meals during the transfer days (D1 and D14) Drinks, personal expenses and tips; P a g e 8

10 My checklist Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly, TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS) BAGS: A sailor bag would be perfect, a walker's bag too (without steel bar). You can close it with a padlock if you want to (Don t forget to tag it with your address before leaving. Also with the address of Vintage Rides in India) A small backpack of 20 liters is advised for daily necessities, such as camera, sunscreen lotion SLEEPING BAG: For people sensitive to cold: a warmer sleeping bag, e.g., suitable for -10 ºC, or an extra duvet; Sleeping bag liner (recommended); For more comfort, bring additional foam mattress to complement the local mattress that will be provided for you; To know: beds, mattresses and duvets will be provided on the site. Other sleeping material is optional and depends on the individual needs of every traveller. CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: 2 light pants; 4 shirts (including some with long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun); A swimsuit; Hot sweater or jacket for cold nights; Sun glasses; Hat; Light sport shoes; Flip flops; 1 liter canteen (flask) and a flashlight (don t forget the batteries); Some sweats and cereal bars. SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE CLOTHES: Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof) Light motorbike jacket (leather or synthetic) A rain suit (just in case!) Gloves Helmet Bandana PERSONAL MEDICINE: Sun screen lotion Lip balm Broad-spectrum antibiotic Paracetamol Anti-diarrhea (Imodium) Elastoplast Skin disinfectant Bandages and special blisters bandage Any further questions? Please contact us at: info@vintagerides.com P a g e 9