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Riding a Motorcycle Across the Steppes of Mongolia
Exploring Mongolia on a Motorcycle
The most remarkable aspect of exploring Mongolia on a motorcycle is the complete absence of fences. Motorcycle riders can explore at will, carving their own paths across the steppe and riding wherever they want. The sense of liberation is tangible as you ride through landscapes where nomadic families tend their herds of sheep, goats, and horses, just as they have for centuries.
Mongolia’s nomadic culture makes an Explore Indochina motorbike tour unique. The countryside is populated by traditional herders, who move their families and livestock across the steppe with the seasons. As you tour the countryside, you’ll spot gers dotting the horizon and smoke curling from chimneys as herders prepare their meals.
The wildlife in Mongolia adds another layer of wonder to the experience. Riders will encounter wild horses, marmots, gazelles, and soaring eagles. The steppes are also home to more elusive creatures, such as snow leopards and wolves, which roam the mountains and forests. Extreme motorcycle tours in Mongolia allow you to see the unspoiled beauty of Mongolia’s landscapes and feel the freedom to ride wherever the terrain takes you.
Mongolia’s nomadic culture makes an Explore Indochina motorbike tour unique. The countryside is populated by traditional herders, who move their families and livestock across the steppe with the seasons. As you tour the countryside, you’ll spot gers dotting the horizon and smoke curling from chimneys as herders prepare their meals.
The wildlife in Mongolia adds another layer of wonder to the experience. Riders will encounter wild horses, marmots, gazelles, and soaring eagles. The steppes are also home to more elusive creatures, such as snow leopards and wolves, which roam the mountains and forests. Extreme motorcycle tours in Mongolia allow you to see the unspoiled beauty of Mongolia’s landscapes and feel the freedom to ride wherever the terrain takes you.
The Yeruu Valley to Uran Togoo Volcano
From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, motorbike riders quickly transition from the bustling urban environment into Mongolia’s untouched wilderness. The Yeruu Valley, close to the Russian border, has lush, green terrain with rolling hills and crystal-clear rivers, perfect for the tour’s first night.
An exceptionally breathtaking stop on this motorbike tour is the Uran Togoo Volcano, an extinct volcano that rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. The crater itself is covered in greenery, creating a stark contrast to the volcanic rock beneath.
An exceptionally breathtaking stop on this motorbike tour is the Uran Togoo Volcano, an extinct volcano that rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. The crater itself is covered in greenery, creating a stark contrast to the volcanic rock beneath.
Lake Khovsgol
Further north, Lake Khovsgol, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” is one of the country’s most stunning natural wonders. Nestled in the mountainous Taiga region near the Russian border, this massive lake contains nearly 70% of Mongolia’s freshwater. Riding along the shores of Lake Khovsgol is a highlight of the best Mongolian motorcycle tours, with its deep blue waters reflecting the surrounding forested mountains. The lake is also home to diverse wildlife, including ibex, moose, and migratory birds.
Zuun Nuur Lake
Heading south past Murun, the motorcycle tour takes you toward the isolated Zuun Nuur Lake on unmarked paths far from any signs of civilisation, offering solitude and raw adventure. The road to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake winds through rolling hills and past open grasslands, where only the occasional herd of wild horses or nomadic herders can be seen. This remote ride, far from well-trodden paths, allows you to experience Mongolia’s wilderness in its most unfiltered form—untamed, tranquil, and awe-inspiring.
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Another highlight of most extreme motorcycle tours in Mongolia is Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, or the
Great White Lake located in central Mongolia. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the lake is surrounded by dramatic lava fields and rolling hills. The ride to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake takes you through remote villages and pastures where Mongolia’s nomadic culture is alive and well. You will encounter families living in gers, their herds of yaks and camels grazing nearby.
Great White Lake located in central Mongolia. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the lake is surrounded by dramatic lava fields and rolling hills. The ride to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake takes you through remote villages and pastures where Mongolia’s nomadic culture is alive and well. You will encounter families living in gers, their herds of yaks and camels grazing nearby.
The Chuluut Valley
Venturing off-piste into the Chuluut Valley is an unforgettable experience for truly adventurous motorbike riders. The roads become little more than small tracks with many stream crossings. This motorcycle tour offers a raw adventure through remote valleys and ends at the spectacular Red Waterfall.
The Orkhon Valley
As you tour further into Mongolia’s heartland, the Orkhon Valley unfolds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the cradle of Mongolian civilisation. This valley has been a centre of nomadic culture for over two millennia and is steeped in history. Ancient Turkic monuments and the ruins of palaces and monasteries from the era of Genghis Khan dot the landscape.
Kharkhorin
Near the Orkhon Valley is the ancient city of Kharkhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan’s rule. Today, Kharkhorin is home to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in the 16th century. Kharkhorin was a key stop on the Silk Road.
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
The route continues west through the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, an area of striking contrasts where sand dunes meet green meadows. This landscape is home to various wildlife, including the rare Argali sheep and ibex. It’s also an ideal spot for those who wish to experience camel riding or simply relax in the vast openness of Mongolia’s diverse ecosystems.
The Mongolia motorbike tour ends in Ulaanbaatar, which is full of museums and monuments displaying the Mongol Empire and its legendary leader, Genghis Khan. After experiencing the freedom of exploring Mongolia on a motorcycle, you will return with unforgettable memories of this remarkable adventure.
The Mongolia motorbike tour ends in Ulaanbaatar, which is full of museums and monuments displaying the Mongol Empire and its legendary leader, Genghis Khan. After experiencing the freedom of exploring Mongolia on a motorcycle, you will return with unforgettable memories of this remarkable adventure.
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By Digby Greenhalgh
Digby Greenhalgh is the founder of Explore Indochina, and a recognized expert on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. All motorcycle tours are designed and guided by Digby.
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