Plan Your Trip Outdoor Activities - Mongolia - page 49

» If you are considering a multiday horse trip, remember that horses attract all
kinds of flies.
» A saddle, bridle, halter and hobble can all be bought at the Naran Tuul Market in
Ulaanbaatar ( Click here ). An English hybrid saddle can be bought for T75,000 to
T95,000, packsaddles for half that. Riders with long legs might consider bringing
narrow stirrup leathers from home.
» Buying a horse is best done with the help of a Mongolian friend. A decent-quality
horse will cost between T500,000 and T1 million. Herders will be reluctant to sell
their best (ie quiet and calm) horses and may try to sell you a nag. Buyer beware.
Test-ride any horse you are considering and try loading up potential packhorses to
make sure they don't crumple under the weight.
» The most important thing to consider when planning a trip is where to get water.
Following a river is a good idea, or you can ask around for a well, though these can
be dry. As a rule of thumb, where there are animals and people, there is water.
Cycle Touring
On the plus side for cyclists, there are few fences, lots of open spaces and sparse traffic.
On the downside, the conditions will shake the bolts loose from your bike. Roads mainly
consist of jeep trails so the going can be slow, usually 40km to 50km per day. Cycle tour-
ists need to be totally self-sufficient in terms of tools and spare parts. Other factors in-
clude washed-out bridges, fierce dogs, trails that disappear into rivers or marshland and,
in late summer, heavy rain and mud. Locals will be pleasantly intrigued by your bike and
you'll have lots of inquiries to test it out, but don't forget to show them how to use the
brakes! Specialist tour operators include Bike Mongolia ( www.bikemongolia.com ) and
Mongolia Expeditions ( Click here ) .
Routes
The following trips require several days. They can be made solo provided you are
equipped with a tent, sleeping bag, food and spare parts. Another option is to use vehicle
support: hire a jeep and driver to take you out to the best biking areas and keep all your
gear in the vehicle while you ride unhindered. Gobi areas, due to their lack of water and
facilities, are places to avoid.
Chinggis Khaan Trail This trail in northern Khentii offers plenty of cultural heritage and
nice riding terrain. Get a ride from Ulaanbaatar to Tsenkhermandal in Khentii aimag, then
cycle north to Khökh Nuur, in the Khentii Mountains. Continue northwest to Khangil Nuur,