Will there be a support vehicle and do we have to carry gear?

We will have a support 4WD with us for the whole trip and that vehicle will be able to carry all your gear. It will be sensible for you to carry some essentials on the bikes with you but that will be easily achieved by carrying a small bag such as a tank-bag, tail-bag or handle-bar bag. We are happy to provide advice in this regard. The key is, you will be riding without carrying lots of gear at all and that is good!

What riding experience do I need to come on this trip?

You just need to be able to ride a motorbike with a clutch and gears. You don’t need any special experience and you don’t need to worry if you’ve never ridden off-road. Mongolia is almost ALL off-road and the trails are well driven/ridden and mostly very smooth. There will be some more technical sections if you choose to take them and if so, you will be well supported.

What are the main differences between the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the Shineray 200?

Size and power are two obvious differences. The Shineray weighs 140kg and has about 17 horse power. The Himalayan weighs in at 196kg and has horse power of about 40. Each bike will offer you a different riding experience and you can make your decision based on your previous experience, the cost and what kind of motorcycle experience you want to have in Mongolia.

I guess another way to say it… The Himalayan is a surprisingly capable motorcycle and seasoned riders will appreciate the power and the handling of this amazing machine. It’s really REALLY fun. The Shineray is ubiquitous to Mongolia and will handle anything you throw at it. It will provide you with the perfect level of adventure required if you don’t want to be bothered with a heavy bike and you are more inclined to be happy cruising.

What about both types of bikes in the same group? Will that be a problem?

All the riding is suitable for both bikes and both bikes are suitable for all the riding. We will have systems in place which will ensure the group stays together and enjoys the same experiences. Even if you’re a couple, one on each kind of bike, you will enjoy the group experience and the opportunities you will have together.

Can we come as a couple on one motorbike?

Yes. Absolutely (even on a Shineray!). You can ride together when you want and also take the opportunity for one of you to jump into our support vehicle whenever you like. There will always be the opportunity for two people to travel in the support vehicle… although someone is going to have to ride your motorbike! Prices for pillions will be adjusted accordingly.

Will I have to eat Yak’s testicals?

No.

What will the food be like?

The food provided by Fairfield Guesthouse will be locally influenced and ‘western’ friendly. There will be no lack of opportunity to experience local food but if you are a bit reluctant, that won’t be a problem either. Yak meat and Yak milk are common and very yummy opportunities; it’s up to you if you want to experience it.

What if I’m vegetarian or vegan?

No problem. Just give us a heads-up and we will pre-arrange for the appropriate food to be prepared for you.

What should I expect from a riding and physical perspective?

This is a trip where we will be hitting the trails by motorcycle from the day you arrive in Mongolia and camping that night! This doesn’t mean you won’t have time to rest… there will be plenty of that. But the trip is designed to see the best of the Mongolian Steppe on the best mode of transport available. We’ll be riding a lot and this trip is for those with a moderate degree of fitness and physical ability; albeit, there will be plenty of time to relax and soak in the amazing atmosphere of this country.

Will we be able to have a camp fire?

Most nights we hope to have a fire. As you can imagine, Mongolia is not a country with lots of spare wood but there can be a little around from time-to-time and if we can, we will.

What about beer and wine?

Absolutely! Alcoholic and other beverages will be at your own expense but the ‘Buhanka’ (Russians for ‘loaf-of-bread, see photo below) will definitely be able to transport your desired beverage to our camp-spot each night. Most options for beer, wine and spirits are available in nearly every village we visit.

What’s the situation if I would like to come but need to fly from an origin other than Melbourne?

Please contact me directly for prices of the tour without flights, or to arrange flights from another destination. We can arrange those through WOW! Travel however, if you want to arrange your own flights, you will need to ensure you arrive at Cheke’s at the correct time on the first day in order to jump on board with all your gear.

What’s the weather like in Mongolia at this time of the year (June/July)?

Amazing. The stats tell you that Mongolia is 20-25 degrees max during the day and 7 (or more) overnight. When I was there this June (2025) we had days a lot hotter and nights somewhat colder. You need to be prepared for everything. Layering is the key… put as many on or take as many off as you need. Definitely prepare for rain on the bikes (we had three arvo/evenings of it this year whilst riding) and make sure you can easily layer on or off as the day goes on. Amazingly, every night on our trip this year was dry and beautiful. Apparently it’s a thing that storms can come in the late arvo and clear for the evening.

What would you suggest as a list of things to bring?

I’ll work on this one… standby.