You will need a high volume gravel endurance bike for this expedition. Tubeless tyre setups are obligatory with a MINIMUM volume of 700 x 47c/650b x 2” to smooth out your ride over the gravel roads of the Mongolian Steppe. If you can fit a bigger size we highly recommend it!

Riders will be able to vehicle transport a small bag of personal items between accommodation each day. This bag is to be "carry on" style luggage. Riders will be expected to be self supported during each day of riding, carrying everything they will need during the day. This includes ride snacks, water and riding clothes for all conditions. Keep in mind that this could mean heat, cold, wind, rain, and even snow. (although typically short lived). Standard bike packing equipment will be most suitable for transporting this gear.

Expedition guides are experienced cyclists and mechanics and will be able to help with any mechanical problems that may arise however you should be completely self-sufficient with spare tubes, puncture repair systems, chain links, unique spares, tools etc to keep yourself rolling. Once on the expedition there are no bike shops on route.

You will need to bring your own bike to ride on this expedition. You must start this expedition with your bike in good working order, with new or near new tyres and drivetrain in good working order. We recommend a thorough service by a professional mechanic before you arrive in Ulaanbaatar. E bikes are not permitted on this expedition. Your bike and setup will need to be checked by our expedition team ahead of booking and travel to ensure you are planning to bring the correct bike.

A more extensive list of requirements will be provided to confirmed participants.

We want to make sure this expedition is for you. The riding and terrain on this expedition is very challenging with mostly gravel roads at high altitude in the Altai Mountain Region. You must be in excellent physical shape, capable of cycling 100km with upwards of 2,000m of climbing in a single day on gravel roads.

You will be well supported with adequate food, water, snacks etc and you will have basic ammenities each evening such as compostible toilet and off grid shower to reduce our ecological footprint on the land.

It is important to consider you will be sleeping in tents each night, although well equipped it is different to sleeping in a hotel bed.

You must be prepared to do this day after day for 10 days. If this sounds exciting to you and you have proven that you are up for the challenge then we can't wait to ride with you.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. It should also have at least two blank pages when you arrive in Mongolia.

Visa requirements

For a large number of countries, their citizens can enter Mongolia visa-free for limited periods. Please check your individual visa requirements prior to departure. You need to carry proof of your onwards or return ticket to enter Mongolia

Vaccinations

A number of vaccinations may be recommended depending on your origin. Please ensure you check these recommendations prior to departure. COVID–19 entry requirements are not currently in place to enter Mongolia.

Weather

In September the weather is expected to be mostly dry with mild temperatures. Overnight the temperature may drop into the single digits so pack appropriate clothing. That being said Mongolia experiences large variations in temperature and weather. Pack for all climates, you can have snow and warm temperatures within the same day.

Currency

The local currency is Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). We advise you to carry some cash rather than relying on the use of credit card facilities. This is especially the case outside of Ulaanbaatar. ATMs are readily available in Ulaanbaatar.

For those travelling internationally, travel insurance is compulsory. As a minimum, we require that you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country, before joining the expedition, we need you to confirm that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur and you need medical treatment.

Insurance details must be confirmed with our expedition team before you are issued an invoice and booking your travel.

There are no major safety concerns along the route. Extreme care has been taken in planning the expedition with extensive reconnaissance and local information sources. We will travel with a full support team who are extensively trained and equipped with backcountry safety training and emergency experience.

You can expect to have almost zero mobile signal on the expedition. There may be very small windows of mobile coverage from time to time. For this reason our support team are there and will utilise radio communication, satellite tracking, and satellite communications to ensure safety.

Inclusions:

• Cyclist-friendly, comfortable and at times truly unique Mongolian camp-style accommodation

• 13 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 13 dinners

• Welcome dinner and drinks events

• Farewell breakfast

• Bus transfer to and from Chenggis Khaan Airport and the hotel base in Ulaanbaatar.

• Bus transfer to and from the Steppe.

• Experienced guide, with global cycle touring and bikepacking experience, and first aid training will cycle with the group every day.

• Pro mechanical support to resolve issues on the trail and provide minor tune ups along the way

• Support vehicle to move a small bag of personal belongings for each rider from accommodation locations each day (riders will carry all gear, snacks, water, and clothing they will need each day on their own bikes)

• Itinerary, including GPS files for each day of riding

• Daily rider briefings

• Contingency arrangements for dangerous weather, road closures, injury or sickness

• Expedition GPS tracking

Exclusions:

• Flights

• Travel and medical insurance

• Visa costs

• Meals and drinks not specified in itinerary

• Alcohol

• Bike hire

• Bikepacking bags

• Bicycle parts and accessories costs and workshop fees for additional bike repair

Do I need to take out travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is a compulsory item to attend the expedition. Proof of insurance will need to be shown in order to secure your booking.

What bags should I use to carry my gear?

We recommend a handlebar roll or saddle bag to carry spare clothing during the day. A top tube or handlebar mounted feedbag is a good idea for carrying snacks and sunscreen. We can work with you on setting up your bike for the expedition.

Do I need to be a strong cyclist to ride this expedition?

You don’t need to be the strongest cyclist in the world to ride this expedition. However, you do need to have a solid level of fitness and experience riding long distances, particularly over gravel roads. You must have bike packed previously. The daily distances should not be a new circumstance to you.

How do I get to Ulaanbaatar?

There are limited flight options to Chenggis Khaan International Airport. Check out what would be the best option for you. It is only a 30 minute taxi ride from Central Ulaanbaatar. We recommend arriving well ahead of the starting time to give yourself plenty of time to acclimatize and allow for any travel associated delays.

Where will I sleep each night?

We will sleep in a tented camp that will be erected each afternoon. This will include shower and toilet facilities and a mess hall style yurt where meals will be catered by local expert chefs. This is a common way to travel and camp in the Mongolian Steppe for the nomadic people. It is also means unique and stunning accommodation each night!

Will there be mobile signal?

No. You can expect to have minimal signal at best. We will be traveling with the necessary safety equipment to contact emergency services if required as well as GPS satellite tracking. Radio communications will be utilised by the support team. There will be small sections of the route where we find mobile signal.

Will there be points to resupply my snacks?

There will be only a few opportunities to resupply snacks with very limited options. Our support crew will carry your snacks and supplies that you may need for the lengthy trip.

How can I get more information?

If you have any questions about the expedition feel free to get in touch at expeditions@curvecycling.com

Please read our Curve Expeditions Booking Conditions, too, for further information.