For over two decades, we've been blazing trails across the rugged terrain of Mongolia, creating unforgettable experiences for adventurers from all over the world. With the help of expert suppliers, we've sourced the best equipment and gear to ensure that our tours are not only exciting, but also safe and well-run.
Our journey began in 1998 as "Off The Map Tours," and we quickly made a name for ourselves as the go-to operators for adrenaline junkies looking for a true wilderness experience. As we grew, we expanded into KTM off-road enduro motorcycle tours and rebranded as "Motorcycle Mongolia”.
Setting up of Adventure Tour Company
Brief History About OTMT
Charity Challenge Events in Mongolia
Branched out to Motorbike Tours
Choosing the Off-Road Motorbikes
Bought Yamaha WR250F's
The Success of the First Motorbike Tour
Disaster on the First Motorbike Tour
New Zealand "Britton Adventures"
in the Khangai Mountains
Gobi Desert Reconnaissance Trip
Joe Pichler's "Trans-Asien" Ride
Around the World 27,000km
Extended Gobi Desert Tour
Australian Riders on Genghis Khan Moto Trail
"Kidult" Moto - Riders From Chile
Thai BMW Motorbike Club Trip
New "Factory Edition" KTM 450 EXCs
Suspension Service Workshop
"Red Bull" F1 Engineer in the Gobi Desert
"Master Rally" Motorcycle Trail Introduced
"White Lake" Motorbike Route Revised
American Astronaut on 'Master Rally' Trail
'Rock Oil' Official Distributor in Mongolia
"Cathay Pacific" Pilots to Middle Gobi
No business due to
Corona "Covid-19" Virus
New 2020 KTM 450 EXC 6-Days Motorbikes
After 100 years, the grandsons of Danish
explorers followed their "Grandfathers"
trails across Mongolia by Motorcycle
Corparate team from China including
"Best Female Rider Middle Gobi"
Motorbike Trail
and you will see previously unexplored places, and experience the most remote parts of Mongolia!
These are the companies that we work with to provide the most exceptional equipment, parts and services.
They are all experts in their own field and their advice and skill are invaluable to us.
You are welcome to contact us at any time to discuss travel to Mongolia. We are happy to answer questions and give advice about motorcycle riding in Mongolia.
Company Reg No: 6145086
UNITED KINGDOM
20 The Meer
Fleckney
Leicester
info@motorcyclemongolia.com
Tel: +44 (0) 116 2402625 (GMT +0)
MONGOLIA
Khan-Uul District
19th Microdistrict
Ulaanbaatar
info@motorcyclemongolia.com
Tel: + 976 95145291 (GMT +8)
© 1998 - 2024 MOTORCYCLE MONGOLIA - All Rights Reserved
In 1997 company name "Off The Map Tours" was chosen after a brainstorming session with a group of English friends who had visited Mongolia in 1995.
Off The Map Tours members (photo: Macmillan cycling charity challenge)
Several of our original team members were in the "National Cycling Team" (in the early 90's) and the company founder, Ts. Darjaa was a coach of the "Mongolian Olympic Cycling Team" and founder of the "Mongolian Cycling Federation".
Tokyo 1964 Olympics Games Opening Ceremony - 'Team Mongolia' Athletes
So, based on our combined skills and interests, we set up the company to operate mountain bike tours in Mongolia. The goal was to provide visitors with an experience different from that which other travel companies were offering. Furthermore, we would give a personal and reliable service.
Our logo, designed by D. Bat-Tumur whose earlier work includes the well-known logo for Mongolian Airlines' national carrier, features a black camel and a white camel against the sunset.
'Off The Map Tours' original logo was drawn by hand, including the letter font which is an "old English" typography writing style.
Business registered as a Limited Liabilty Company No: 6145086
In association with UK tour operator, "Barfield Travel & Tours Agricultural Travel Bureau", an advert was placed in the UK's "Sunday Observer" newspaper. The description still holds true today: "Mongolia is one of the world's few remaining wilderness destinations and it is still possible to see no one else whilst travelling in the countryside."
Photo: Screenshot of Sunday Observer newspaper classified advertisement (April 1998)
In February 1998 we attended a "Business Link" course in Leicester, UK, for business planning. Initial contacts were made in the Travel Industry.
Our website, www.mongolia.co.uk was launched in 1999 and hosted by "Virgin FreeSpace" server.
Photo: Screenshot of OTMT's first website home page (1999)
Travel Consultant - Mary Stephens was posted to Ulaanbaatar by the (BESO) 'British Executive Service Overseas' organisation to work with OTMT to create a feasible business plan.
Photo: In office Summer 1999
In 2000 we organized mountain bike charity challenges to raise funds for "Macmillan" cancer support.
▲ The riders on these very remote charity challenges were a brave and hardy group committed to the cause. For some, it was their first overseas trip and many had never camped in tents before.
▲ Meals for the group of 30 riders plus staff, were cooked on three traditional Mongolian stoves, fuelled with wood which had to be transported. Compared with today's propane gas stoves, that was hard work !
▲ Each day the route was explained to everyone, before setting off into the wilderness.
▲ The first 5km of the 400km Macmillan ride, starting from the airport at 'Bayankhongor', were the only black-topped section of the ride, the rest was all off-road.
▲ We were the first to travel the route over the 'Khangai' mountains by mountain bike. The participants witnessed a country unspoiled by modern interventions.
▲ After 4 days of riding they arrived at the highest point: "Khul-Sayan" pass, which marks the border between the Gobi Desert and Arkhangai province in Central Mongolia.
▲ This tour took place in August ! Believe or not?
▲ Fortunately, on the other side of the pass, the sun was shining again.
▲ The finish line in Kharkhorin at the Buddhist monastery "Erdene Zuu".
▲ The first season of OTMT as a tour company was pulled off successfully.
In 2002 we expanded our mountain biking tour routes into a new region in northern Mongolia's Khovsgol province.
OTMT became a member of "PATA" (Pacific Asia Travel Association): Member no. 557422
OTMT founder Ts. Darjaa a distinguished teacher, is known for being the coach of the 'Mongolian Olympic Cycling' team and founder of the "Mongolian Cycling Federation". His second edition of the Mongolian language “The World of Cycling” is published.
The "Anthony Nolan" charity accomplished a 200 km horse trek across Mongolia to raise money for the UK Leukemia Charity.
▲ Charter flight for the "Anthony Nolan" charity group, ready for departure on Mongolian Airline (MIAT)
▲ Crossing the Orkhon river. The horses belonged to local Mongolian herdsmen who accompanied the trek and took care of the animals.
▲ The local horsemen who supported the trek used part of their income to buy Russian-style horse saddles for their riding horses. This would enable them to get further work in the future with foreign tourists.
Mountain Bike Charity challenge events for the NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society), once again raising a large amount of money for the cause.
▲ The cycling challenge route went over the Khangai mountains in Central Mongolia and finished in Kharkhorin.
▲ The cyclists flew to the Gobi Desert and were met by the tour crew and vehicles who supported the trail over the Khangai mountains and back to Ulaanbaatar.
▲ The participants were far from being typical cycling tourists and they worked really hard, first to raise sponsorship money and then to complete the challenge. The cyclists covered a distance of 400 km over rough terrain and without any luxurious facilities.
▲ NDCS cycling challenge finished at 'Erdene Zuu' monastery, the original center of Buddhism in Mongolia, at the site where Genghis Khan established the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th Century.
At the end of 2004, we decided to branch out and specialize in off-road motorcycle tours in Mongolia.
Based on our previous experience running large group charity challenge mountain biking events, and logistical expertise, in 2005 we decided to start doing motorbike trips. We researched well, focusing on 250cc engine size motorcycles, and keeping in mind the most suitable motorbike for Mongolian tough conditions.
▲ The Suzuki DR-Z400 was one of our choices, but it is quite heavy, the fuel tank is made of steel, the suspension forks & shocks a little out of date. This bike can take a passenger and the tyres were not really aggressive looking. All in all, it didn't really feel like a true off-road motorbike.
▲ Kawasaki KLX 300R was also on our list, but wasn't available in the UK (or Mongolia, of course). The Kawasaki model that interested us was manufactured and assembled only in Thailand, which would've been difficult for us.
▲ The Italian Beta RR 400 would be a good choice but spare parts seemed unusual and difficult to obtain. For example, the front "Marzocchi" forks are not really common in motorcycles, they are normally for the MTB market.
▲ The KTM 450 EXC off-road motorbikes were great but were too expensive, beyond our budget.
▲ The Honda CRF 250 was the best choice and at the time was the only off-road motorbike with an alloy frame. It has a good reputation, but the version with a headlight (road legal) was expensive.
▲ In this year (2005) Yamaha introduced a new model Yamaha WR 250R which was road legal. It had rather a civilian appearance (can take a pillion), not really aggressive looking, and a bit heavier. The deciding factor was the price.
▲ Finally, we decided on the 2005 Yamaha WR250F. When we saw it physically in the showroom, this Yamaha motorbike was very well built. The following year (2006) this Yamaha model introduced the alloy frame, meaning that the 2005 model was the last steel-framed design, and therefore cheaper. It suited our needs perfectly: (a) - Good looking proper off-road motorbike (b) - Good enough for us, just as we are starting motorbike tours (c) - Would we succeed or not, no-one knows, therefore don't need the best top range latest very expensive model (d) - No other Mongolian company had Yamaha machines.
▲ On 29 Dec 2005 we visited Fowler's motorcycle showroom in Bristol, UK.
▲ In April the shipment arrived in Mongolia. Our two Russian van towing trailers are loaded with new Yamaha WR250F motorcycles.
Our first-ever Yamaha motorbike tour in Mongolia. We were very excited about our new tour plan and the brand new motorbikes. We thought this was such a great mind-blowing new idea. At that time, we 'DID NOT' imagine for a moment how difficult and challenging motorbike tours would be. We thought our new motorbikes would last forever, and we had no idea how much responsibility was required.
▲ The first Yamaha motorbike tour riders before setting out.
▲ Crossing stream near Arvaikheer.
▲ Outside the city, signposts are such a rare thing.
▲ After many hours of riding, some riders had sores or injuries and required treatment from the team doctor. Our dear friend and brother, Doctor N. Tarvaa the most reliable, fun, experienced, skilled ex-athletes, was our valuable advisor and we enjoyed working with him for many years.
▲ This amateur video of our first tour was made in 2006 (low resolution)
Of course, everything wouldn't be a smooth run; that's part of the adventure. On day 3, a sudden thunderstorm hit us with massive hailstones and we couldn't continue riding.
▲ Every gully became flooded and absolutely impossible to cross. One of the riders did not follow the rest of the group, but tried to cross the flooded section by himself at a different place. He dropped the motorbike in the flood water, and lost one of brand new Yamaha motorbikes. The rest of the group stopped and several minutes later the rider appeared, walking towards us without his motorbike. Most importantly, he himself was safe and sound.
▲ Later when the storm stopped we found our motorbike, several hundred meters away. Flood water filled every possible open hole with mud, wood, rock, and grass.
▲ Foot pegs were badly damaged, but luckily enough still there.
▲ The exhaust pipe and the whole side of the motorbike were completely damaged, like a wounded soldier.
▲ You can see even the thunderstorm stopped, how strong the current was.
▲ Visiting a Mongolian nomadic family, near Bayankhongor.
▲ Finally, our first tour ended well and everyone enjoyed it.
We ran our first motorbike tour to the birthplace of Genghis Khan in the northeast corner of Mongolia, following a reconnaissance trip we had done last summer to check it out. Riding in remote areas and wild camping every night, we visited the places where Genghis Khan grew up, and the Blue Lake (pictured below) where he was honoured with the title "Genghis Khan", leader of the Mongols, in 1206.
▲ The Blue Lake was the most beautiful, peaceful spot and perfect for camping and relaxing. Nowadays almost all Mongolian families own a car and so many people visit the Blue Lake at weekends during the summer that it has become very crowded, surrounded by buildings and holiday homes.
▲ We stayed one night with one of our staff's relations and they welcomed and greeted everyone in the traditional Mongolian way, offering the snuff bottle. Our tour group was invited into their home (a "ger") and given freshly distilled Mongolian vodka to drink.
▲ They dressed up in the Mongolian traditional dress "Deel", joined in with a real Mongolian BBQ "Boodog", and watched untamed horses being caught and broken in. This tour was a cultural experience as much as a motorcycle trip.
▲ The rider swapped his motorbike for a horse one evening, a very different experience.
▲ There are some ancient bronze-age rock paintings and writings here near 'Binder' village.
▲ This was the first time we had a female motorbike rider on one of our trips; this was a practice trip for Claire Elsdon, who went on to ride the full length of Africa on her motorbike.
▲ This amateur video of our first "Birthplace of Genghis Khan Motorcycle Tour"
A group of riders from New Zealand came to Mongolia and rode down to the Gobi Desert, then over the 'Khangai' mountain range and back up north through the old capital, Kharkhorin.
▲ This ancient grave marker from the 'Turkic' era is situated on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert and is one of many examples of Central Asian art that can be found in Mongolia.
▲ Re-fuelling motorbikes at a petrol station in Bayankhongor town.
▲ Brand new imported Chinese motorbikes for sale in the local goods market at Bayankhongor.
▲ Heading to the north near 'Shargaljuut' at Bayankhongor.
▲ Serving outdoor lunch during the ride.
▲ Team before setting out from 'Khogno Khan' ger camp in Central Mongolia.
▲ This amateur video was taken in 2008 on the Central Mongolia Motorcycle Tour
A Spanish Motorbike group "Moto Planet" chose Mongolia as their destination for 2009. Their circular route ran down south to the Gobi Desert.
▲ Moto Planet riders poses for their annual team photograph near 'Khongoryn Els' sand dunes in the Gobi.
▲ The riders recognized the thrill and freedom of riding motorcycles across Mongolia where there are no fences or restrictions.
▲ The riders stopped in the middle of nowhere to buy some felt souvenirs made by local people.
We also did other motorbike tours in summer 2009, including a second Gobi Desert trip with a group of individual riders from different countries.
▲ The riders at the "Flaming Cliffs" in the Gobi Desert where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews in the Central Asiatic Expeditions of the 1920s.
▲ The Gobi is the fifth largest desert in the world. The landscape includes vast barren steppes, grasslands and lush green valleys, massive sand dunes, oases, rivers, lakes , cliffs and canyons.
▲ This amateur video was taken in 2009 of the 'Gobi Desert' Motorcycle Tour
This summer we hosted the Austrian motorcycle-adventurer, Joe Pichler, who came through Mongolia on his 27,000 km "Trans Asien" expedition: https://www.josef-pichler.at/content/as/trans-asien-2010/. Having started in Salzburg, Pichler rode his KTM 990 Adventure all the way to Kamchatka in Siberia, meeting up with a group of his friends in Mongolia for a detour with us to the Gobi Desert.
▲ Pichler's own motorbike KTM Adventure 990.
▲ Joe Pichler and his friends in Ulaanbaatar's busy morning traffic.
▲ Big 200 meter high sand dunes at 'Khongoryn Els' at the western end of the Gobi Desert.
▲ Pichler takes a photographic break amongst the horses of Middle Gobi.
▲ The fattest, healthiest camels in Mongolia live in the Gobi Desert.
▲ "Trans Asien" expedition 27,000km, up to Kamchatka to the end of the World, traveled the Austrian adventurer Joe Pichler with his KTM. Along the legendary Silk Road, the journey leads to Tajikistan. Along the Pamir highway to the border with Afghanistan, he crosses 4,500m high mountain passes and in Mongolia he shares his camp with nomads.
More riders experienced the grandeur of the Gobi Desert:
▲ Group photo in the middle of nowhere beside a stupa that houses religious relics.
▲ This amateur video was taken in 2010 of the 'Gobi Desert' Motorcycle Tour
In mid-May, a group of hardy Spanish riders "Viaje En Moto" came and did a trip to the White Lake in Central Mongolia. They weren't able to come any later in the season, so arrived when the ice on the lake was just starting to melt, and no other tourists whatsoever.
▲ White Lake fun riding on the beach, warmly dressed.
▲ The tour was in May and the lake was still partly frozen, just starting to melt round the edges.
▲ One of the riders was 2m 7cm tall and Mongolians along the way were very interested in him and wanted their photo taken with him. This tall Spanish man was not quite as tall as Mongolia's tallest man 2m 37cm, who came from this region.
▲ The gers all have a wood-burning stove so it was warm at night, but setting out in the morning was cold.
▲ Our KTMs lined up outside the ger camp at Ikh Tamir.
▲ This amateur video of the Viaje en Moto tour to White lake in spring 2011
The new 2010 model KTM 450 EXC's that we had experienced mechanical failure. The automatic hydraulic timing chain tensioner on the 2009/2010 KTM 450 EXC bikes becomes stuck in one position resulting in damage to the whole engine.
▲ Engine seizures on several bikes, necessitated very expensive replacement of the cam shafts, piston, cylinder head, valve, timing chain, and connecting rods.
▲ on the left-hand side is an automatic hydraulic timing tensioner seized in one position. On the right-hand side is a normal working tensioner.
▲ Connecting Rod (Con-Rod) replacement is very expensive. Later we would be able to press the con-rod and crankshafts in our own workshop.
▲ Our change to "Rock Oil" 100% fully synthetic off-road engine oil and the "Dirt Tricks" tensioner did the trick. No more engine failures!
We did tours for riders from Israel, Belgium and New Zealand, as well as other nationalities. All riders enjoyed the most amazing experiences across Mongolia.
▲ X-Trip group from Israel at a stupa in the Gobi Desert.
▲ A group of riders at 'Tsagaan Suvaraga' pink and white limestone cliffs in the Gobi Desert.
▲ This amateur video was taken in 2012 of the 'Gobi Desert' Motorcycle Tour
Later in the summer of 2012, our tour with Belgian and New Zealand riders went to Khongoriin Els sand dunes in the Gobi Desert, southern Mongolia:
▲ A local nomadic family welcomed us into their ger and gave us "Airag", fermented mare's milk and other milk products.
▲ Relaxing on the steppe whilst motorbikes are refueled.
▲ The Riders in the 'Ongii Steppe'.
▲ Riding across South Gobi towards Middle Gobi.
At this time our Gobi Desert route was the most popular. Accommodation on this tour is in tourist ger camps (not wild camping) where facilities include a restaurant, showers, etc.
▲ 'Ongii Hiid' ger camp in Middle Gobi.
▲ Riding on the 'Ongii' steppe.
▲ The road in the Gobi Desert is often sandy like this.
▲ In the evening our riders and other tourists dressed up in traditional costumes as lamas, warriors, princes, etc. They enjoyed acting out their roles in a little performance for everyone staying at that ger camp. It was a lot of fun.
▲ Visiting a nomadic family, riders are offered "Airag", fermented mare's milk.
▲ This amateur video was taken in 2013 of the 'Gobi Desert' Motorcycle Tour
The motorbike tour to the birthplace of Genghis Khan is in the eastern part of Mongolia where several of our staff come from. We always spend one night with their family, giving our riders a brilliant chance to experience the Mongolian way of life firsthand, often including a traditional BBQ, horse riding, watching the guys lasso horses, and enjoying an evening with nomadic people whose lives have changed little in centuries.
▲ Collecting the horses and bringing them back in the evening sunset. (Credit: Simon Lister)
▲ Stopping for a lunch break near 'Bayan-Adraga' village overlooking the 'Onon' river. (Credit: Simon Lister)
▲ Overnight camping near 'Bat-Shireet' village.
▲ "Binderiin Ovoo" - here there are rock paintings and the writings of past generations.
▲ "A Trigger Happy Film" short video by Simon Lister. To see the full- length video go to our this page here: https://www.motorcyclemongolia.com/genghis_khan_motorbike_trail.html
The same year we hosted "KIDULT" Mototrail from Chile who also rode to Dadal, the place where Genghis Khan was born in 1162.
▲ One of the riders (guess which one !) had been told by a Shaman priest in Chile that he had been a warrior in Genghis Khan’s army in a previous life. This guy rode a horse magnificently and fitted right in with the Mongolians, so probably the Shaman was right.
▲ Riders from Chile pose at 'Baga Gazariin Chuluu' granite rocks.
▲ Picnic lunch break and motorbike refuelling time.
This year we got our new KTM 450 EXC "Factory Edition" motorbikes.
▲ Unboxing the 2015 Factory Edition bikes.
▲ Our motorbikes were upgraded from the ordinary KTM 450 EXC model to limited edition performance bikes, the high-spec "Factory Edition". The frame is orange, the triple clamp is anodized, sponsorship graphics are better, and several other improved features.
Thailand BMW Club members came to do a tour to the Gobi Desert.
▲ The warriors lined up and were ready to go!
▲ An amphibious machine KTM 450 EXC Factory Edition - the most perfectly suited motorcycle for Mongolia.
▲ A proud moment for this schoolboy at the fuel station in Mandalgov, Middle Gobi.
▲ Enjoying riding across the rolling hills and open steppe of Central Mongolia.
▲ We joined the new tarmac road that leads to Dalanzadgad in South Gobi province. The Mongolian government has spent a lot of money improving the infrastructure and many roads have been upgraded across the country.;
▲ Suddenly it started snowing, to everyone's surprise ! This tour was in mid-June in the Gobi Desert.
▲ The riders rushed to warm their hands in the bonnet of the Defender when we stopped for a break.
▲ Later that same afternoon, we arrived at 'Juulchin Gobi 2' tourist ger camp and everyone celebrated that they had survived the snowstorm and escaped frostbite.
▲ Ready to Continue Riding.
▲ Most riders come to enjoy the off-road tracks, but some love the smooth paved roads.
Setting up our 'Suspension Service Workshop'. In 2014, two members of our team had attended a study workshop in Italy by The Andreani Group, motorcycle suspension specialists.
▲ The general layout of our suspension workshop.
▲ It is now possible to adjust and maintain the company KTM suspensions as well as provide a service to the Mongolian motorcycle community.
▲ 'Ready to Race' and 'Ready to Service' off-road motorcycles with WP, KYB, Öhlins and Showa forks and shocks in Mongolia.
A group of riders from the United Kingdom, including Adrian Newey, "Red Bull" British F1 engineer, completed the "Gobi Desert" Motorcycle Tour.
▲ Adrian Newey, Red Bull F1 Racing’s Chief Technical Officer has won 10 Formula One Constructors’ titles. (Photo: motorsport.com)
▲ They were accompanied by film maker Leander Ward of "Wayfarer Media" who made a short film as a memory of their trip.
"In Motion" Motorcycle Tour Mongolia "Wayfarer Studios" short video. To see the full-length video go to our Middle Gobi Motorcycle Trail page: https://www.motorcyclemongolia.com/middle_gobi_motorcycle_trail.html
The "Master Rally" motorcycle new route follows part of the original route of the Mongolian Automotive Motorcycle Federation "MAMF" rally. It is 90% off-road, covering a distance of 1650 km over 7-days of riding in a remote part of ‘Ovorkhangai’ province. The trail goes south from Ulaanbaatar to the edge of the Gobi Desert, returning via a more mountainous landscape.
"Ikh Gazariin Chuluu" granite mountain, which the Master Rally motorcycle tour passes through
We improved the "White Lake" motorbike route to provide more off-road sections.
▲ After a quick reccie of the route beforehand, the off-road sections were increased by an extra 20% which everyone preferred.
▲ The group were delighted and it turned out to be a brilliant trip, with the improved route being successfully incorporated. Particpant Mr.Deelip Menezez published a complete and insightful blog of the trip. See here: http://deelipmenezes.com/mongolia-by-motorcycle
▲ Crossing the 'Tamir' river by raft avoids a long detour to reach a bridge.
Master Rally motorcycle trail is the most remote motorcycle trail and is based on the route taken by the 2014 Mongolian Master Rally competition event.
▲ The Master Rally motorbike tour group included an American astronaut, Mr. William "Bill" Oefelein. (Photo: Wikipedia)
▲ The Master Rally route is way off the regular tourist trail and passes through Central "Tov" Province, Ovorkhangai, and Middle Gobi.
We became an official distributor for "Rock Oil" in Mongolia, focusing on high-performance off-road motorcycle-related lubricants.
● Rock Oil Exhibition Display in 'Motorbike Show'
▲ Rock Oil Presentation Video
● We concentrate on off-road products, for example: Chain lube, Air Filter Eco Factory Foam, Super Marine Inhibitor, Kontact Kleen, White Spray Grease
● Dirt Blast, EP2 Lithium Grease, White Grease, 1L Factory Foam Oil filter cleaner
● 1L XRP Gearbox Oil, 1L SVI 5 Fork oil, 1L SVI 2.5 Rear Shock Oil
● 4L Synthetic XRP 10W60 Engine Oil, 4L Synthetic XRP 10W50 Engine Oil, Suspension Fluid
"Cathay Pacific" pilots riding the Middle Gobi motorbike tour were fascinated to see Mongolia at ground level, having previously only seen it from the sky.
▲ "Cathay Pacific" Airlines Fleet. (photo: FlightGlobal)
▲ "Cathay Pacific" pilots riding the Middle Gobi motorbike tour were fascinated to see camels up close.
▲ There are more than 250,000 camels in the Gobi Desert. They are used as a means of transport, their milk is used to make various milk products, and their wool is made into clothing.
▲ The "Cathay Pacific" pilots in Middle Gobi.
Motorcycle riders from the Himalayan Kingdom of BHUTAN, including owner of the "Tashi" Group and Bhutan Airlines, came to Mongolia and rode to the birthplace of Genghis Khan.
▲ The Bhutanese wanted to see the land from where their ancestors had originated; Mongolia features in many of their traditional songs.
▲ This Royal rider and his excellent companions were a lot of fun, despite the weather.
▲ The bikes we are using now are KTM 450 EXC 6-Days 2018 model "France Edition".
▲ A peaceful morning in Eastern Mongolia. Motorbikes serviced and ready to go!
2018 model KTM 450 EXC 6-Days replaced our older fleet.
▲ The most exciting and suitable motorbikes for the job.
Gobi Desert Challenge for Christina Noble Foundation. Blue Eyed Sun MD, Jeremy Corner, is embarking on a challenging 1,500km off-road motorbike trip across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia
▲ Local town in the UK. In addition to physical training, Jeremy has spent the last six months learning to ride a motorbike, passing his license and training on off-road bikes in the UK to be able to complete this trip.
▲ Riding KTM 450 EXC off-road motorbikes on this self-funded trip, he is aiming to raise £3,000 for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation which helps street children in Mongolia. See more: https://www.blueeyedsun.co.uk/blog/gobi-desert-challenge/
▲ Video Gobi Desert Challenge for 'Christina Noble Foundation'
On the Eastern Mongolia tour, an inexperienced rider crashed into the bike in front of him whilst riding too close and not paying attention.
▲ This was the damage done to the bike of the rider who was not keeping a safe distance. It is important that riders are honest about their own assessment of their riding ability before they sign up.
▲ Damage to the bike in front that was hit could have been avoided.
'Expedition Life' is the brain child of Canadian explorer and ‘activity activist’ Jamie Clarke. He and his son, Khobe Clarke, set out on an adventure to motorbike across Mongolia - (what some may call “an Instagrammable trip of a lifetime”) - but disconnected from their devices in the hopes of re-connecting with the wilds of the planet and with each other.
(photo credit: Jamie Clarke)
Read more about their adventures on BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50830944
They climbed Mongolia's tallest mountain western Mongolia "Mt.Khuiten" (photo: Jamie Clarke)
New 2019 KTM 450 EXC 6-Days model "Chile Edition" motorbikes replaced older motorbikes in the fleet. No other motorbike rental company is offering such top-of-the-range bikes for their riders.
Another Gobi Desert Motorbike tour video.
▲ Mongolia Epic Off-Road Adventure motorcycle tour (short film) video by Swiss rider Maxime. Full-length video: https://www.motorcyclemongolia.com/gobi_desert_motorcycle_tour.html
Covid-19 hit the entire travel industry hard. There were no tourists at all in Mongolia this summer.
The COVID-19 crisis severely restricted international travel
New 2020 KTM 450 EXC 6-Days 'retro-style' motorbikes were released, although the Six-Days Enduro event was canceled due to COVID-19.
COVID-19's Omicron variant posed a "very high" global risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This was particularly difficult for Mongolia due to the short tourist season (June - September).
Many countries' governments revoked the restriction on entry for travelers, including Mongolia itself
New Edition of KTM 450 EXC 6-Days 2022 model "READY TO RACE" to be saved for the next season.
In 1922 a group of Danish explorers set up a mission in remote northern Mongolia establishing a Danish farm. One hundred years later, the grandsons of Erik Isager, the farming expert of the original group, came to pay tribute to their celebrated grandfather.
▲ Descendents of Isager overlooking "Bulgan Tal", site of the 1920s farm.
▲ The first night on the ride to "Bulgan Tal". Camping in Buren sum district.
▲ Team riders after crossing 'Tarvagtain Davaa' pass.
▲ Overnight camping near "Zurkh" Lake. Early morning packing up and getting ready to continue.
▲ Erik Isager's grandsons with the present governor's mother in the village of Erdene Bulgan. The stone celebrates the friendship between Denmark and Mongolia, and lists the names of the original Danish group in 1922.
Erik Isager and the other Danish settlers who came to Mongolia 100 years ago, took photographs of the people, their lifestyle, and the setting-up of their agricultural project in Bulgan Tal. There was an exhibition of these fascinating photographs on display in Ulaanbaatar in October 2020. The title of the exhibition was "Country of Mongolia and Mongolians".
▲ The water wheel built on the 'Egiin Gol' river to irrigate their crops.
▲ The original expedition was supported by the "Royal Danish Geographical Society".
▲ Overnight stop between Beijing and Urga (Urga is now Ulaanbaatar).
▲ Transporting the furs they had traded up in the north back to Urga to sell.
▲ Travelling from Khalgan Hot in China to Urga across the Gobi Desert.
▲ The Danish had prepared months before for their first Christmas in Mongolia, bringing Christmas decorations and smart clothes.
▲ Local hunters came to the Danish farm at 'Bulgan Tal' to trade their furs for tobacco, sugar and other luxuries.
▲ A local herder's family employed at the farm in 'Bulgan Tal'.
▲ The Danes had brought the tools to make a plough to dig the virgin soil. They planted seeds brought from Denmark and experimented with varieties of plants that could survive the harsh climate.
▲ Young monks at a monastery on the way to Northern Mongolia.
▲ Two Buddhist monks chanting prayers.
▲ Even nowadays, Mongolians make felt using the same methods.
▲ The Danish settlers at 'Bulgan Tal' were delighted with the fish they caught in the 'Egiin Gol' river to supplement their diet. Mongolian ladies dressed like this with huge hair ornaments.
▲ The Danish explorers had a camera and so were able to record the liefestyle of the Mongolian people they met.
▲ The Great Northern telegraph line ran across the steppe through inner and outer Mongolia to Russia. These Mongolian Postal workers were repairing the telegram lines.
"Rocket Science Sports" embarked on an off-road motorbike odyssey through the amazing landscapes of Middle Gobi, Mongolia. This photo series captures some of the great moments in their adventure as riders conquered rugged terrains, from arid deserts to rolling steppe and rocky outcrops.
▲ Tour Short Video
▲ Ready to embark on their exhilarating journey.
▲ The fusion of modern exploration and traditional nomadic life captured in a single frame.
▲ These rugged motorbikes against the backdrop of tranquility symbolizing the harmony of exploration and spirituality.
▲ Arms outstretched and striking vulchure poses, the riders were just enjoying the freedom of Mongolia and having a good time in the dramatic granite rocks of Middle Gobi.
▲ The riders against a desert backdrop, share the stage with a group of horses.
▲ A Mongolian nomadic kid on a KTM bike. A simple scene that tells a story of contrasts in the Mongolian countryside.
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▲ Mongolian lady dispenses a traditional blessing, offering 'MILK' (Milk offerings, sprinkled into the air, are offered to Tenger (Sky God), Buddha, ancestors or nature spirits) to bless the journey ahead.
▲ Sandy tracks near Zorgol Khairkhan mountain in Bayan-Unjuul district.
▲ Visiting Mongolian nomadic family. Enjoying a bowl of airag, fermented horse milk, in a Mongolian ger.
▲ Local bridges are vitally important for the local nomadic people, but they are often not well maintained.
▲ This snapshot captures not just a break but the joy of shared experiences and the thrill of the motorcycle ride. It’s a memory they’ll cherish, a celebration of their journey together.
▲ Riders experience a variety of terrain, including the vast open Mongolian steppe.
▲ "Zayaiin Gegeenii Sum" monastery museum in Tsetserleg.
▲ The group enjoys the interesting traditional Mongolian costume display in the museum in Tsetserleg.
▲ Inside the museum is an early 20th century nomadic ger. It is not much different from the present day.
▲ The weather was not always pleasant and when it poured with rain the whole day, the road conditions were slippery and included some tricky technical sections.
▲ Lunch break with pre-ordered packed lunch. Location: "Middle of Nowhere" ?.
▲ Their smiles in the photo reflect not only their triumphs but also the shared experiences—difficulties included—that make every motorbike ride memorable.
▲ The last night at a "Ger" camp, bonfire party with other Korean tourists.
▲ It’s a perfect snapshot of freedom and friendship, a celebration of the bond formed through shared experiences on the road.
