Why Mongolia?!
Chett and Rich - At Cheke’s in Ulaanbataar - 2025
I discovered Mongolia almost by accident and now I simply have to share it with others.
Experiencing the Mongolian Steppe should be a must on any adventurer’s list and doing it on a motorcycle adds a special kind of magic.
Chetty and I (photo) put our tour together in 2025 and we both came away with friendships and experiences of a lifetime.
I believe I have designed a great value package to tour this beautiful part of Mongolia. A planned but flexible itinerary supported by WOW! Travel in Melbourne and Fairfield Guesthouse Cafe & Bakery in Tsetserleg, Mongolia.
These are some of the other people you will meet…
“There is no honest way to explain motorcycles to people who don’t ride.”
— MARWA, THE STEPPE - 2025
What’s Included…
We have designed this trip to be comfortable for you without taking anything away from the adventure. Also, nearly everything is included in the upfront price apart from fuel for your bike and alcohol. For completeness, this is what is included in the price:
Return airfares; Melbourne to Melbourne (options available… if you live somewhere else or would like to travel further before or after!)
Required transfers in Mongolia (airport, hotel, bike hire) - if you come from Melbs in the group
Motorcycle hire to ride across the Mongolian Steppe
4WD support vehicles to carry all of our gear and our support crew of cooks and camp-helpers (fuel for support vehicle included)
Guided riding through the Mongolian Steppe visiting the best of the Steppe along with some secret and bespoke detours and camp-sites
Accommodation at Fairfield Guesthouse, Cafe and Bakery, Tsetserleg
Ger accomodation along the way (somewhat like the nomads!)
Camping accommodation (BYO gear or it can be hired for a modest price) - fires, fellowship and mind-blowing beauty
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with service in our camp HQ provided by Fairfield Cafe, Tsetserleg
Ulaanbataa Hotel accomodation prior to departure for home
Memories of a life-time and a blown mind
What’s Not…
Fuel for your motorcycle. We refuel regularly along the way.
Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag - these can be hired at a modest price from Fairfield Guesthouse.
Alcohol… albeit, beer, wine and spirits can be purchased in nearly every village at very reasonable prices. This will be one way in which we can support local communities with the purchase of our alcohol and snacks/ice-creams galore.
Unplanned guesthouse/hotel accommodation made necessary by weather or group choice. This is the best time of year to travel in Mongolia with the least amount of rainfall. But weather is weather and if you prefer to choose a hotel or guesthouse for whatever reason, that will be at the travellers expense.
Visa - At present, a visa is not required for Mongolia for a tourist period of 30 days - I will keep you up-to-date with this situation.
Travel Insurance. Definitely required. We’ll do everything possible to make ourselves safe but motorcycling is inherently risky. The insurance you require will be specific to your circumstances. Please ensure you carefully choose insurance well suited to your needs.
National Park entry fees. These will need to be paid in local cash on entry to parks. Very modest fees.
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Itinerary - Melbourne to Melbourne
〰️ Itinerary - Melbourne to Melbourne
Two choices of itinerary for 2027. Both will cover very similar ground; the first where relaxing and down-time are prioritised over the riding and one where the riding will be the number one! You choose.
13 June to 2 July (20 days) - See the best of the Mongolian Steppe over 18 days in country, with time to ride gently, relax and soak up the Mongolian vibe.
2 July to 18 July (16 days) - This one is for the rider, where the riding and the travel are equally desired. This trip is shorter and designed to fit wholly within the Victorian School Holidays.
Detailed itineraries are being finalised and will be published very soon. Both will be based out of Tsetserleg in Arkhangai, the most beautiful of the Mongolian Provinces. The route will explore the best of the Steppe north and south of Tsetserleg.
Standby for the details.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Will there be a support vehicle and do we have to carry gear?
We will have enough support 4WDs to support our group size. They will be with us for the whole trip and those vehicles 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 and that is good!
What riding experience do I need to come on this trip?
For the first 2027 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. For the second 2027 trip you will need more experience.
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 vehicles whenever you like. There will always be the opportunity for two or more people to travel in the support vehicles… although someone is going to have to ride your motorbike!
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. Our cook is used to cooking for western tourists.
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.
Can I charge on the go?
Yes… bring a USB A and C (the bikes vary) and you will be able to charge a power bank or anything else you would like to during the day on the bike. Just remember to think about your method of carriage and how that will work best for you.
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 in 2025 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 to Bring!
What to Bring!
What you bring is up to you, your tastes and your personal preferences; however, we understand you may welcome some advice based on our previous experience in Mongolia.
You will be able to bring (on the flight) 2 checked-in bags each of up to 23kg plus your carry-on luggage of about 7kg. This allows a LOT of stuff and you don’t HAVE to bring that much!
Please be aware that whilst on our tour, we should try to travel as light as possible. For this reason, you will be able to store those things you don’t need (in UB) for the entirety of our bike trip (extra bags, stuff you only need on the plane, etc.).
It’s best to break down your preparation into a number of categories. Scroll down to see our advice on the suggested equipment, clothing and tools which you may wish to bring dependant on the way you live and ride.
We will mark with an Asterix (*) those things which we believe are essential to this kind of travel in this country. Those things not marked with an Asterix (*), you may choose to follow, or insert an alternative item which will meet the appropriate need.
On you and your motorbike -
You need to take what you will be wearing and not much else. It is up to you if you bring tools, first-aid, snack foods and/or other comforts.
These are the things we think you should have on your check-list:
Helmet (*) (Australian safety standard).
Armour above the belt (*) (either in your jacket or as a separate item, level 2 armour [elbows, shoulder, back] with AAA abrasion resistance is advised).
Motorcycle pants (*) (with level 2 armour [knees and hips] and AAA abrasion resistance is advised).
Two pairs of motorcycle gloves (*) - one pair of summer gloves and one pair of warmer waterproof gloves.
Motorcycle Boots (*) - we suggest Motorcross/Enduro boots for the best protection. Whatever you decide, please ensure they are suitably protective.
Waterproof upper and lower layers (they WILL be used).
Enough ‘other’ layers to keep you warm. Eg. thermal (upper and lower), t-shirt, polar-fleece, puffer-jacket, over-pants…).
Also, prepare to be HOT!
Attached to your bike -
Some kind of bag; tank bag, tail bag and appropriate means to attach to the bike (*).
The stuff in the above list which you’re not presently wearing (*).
USB A and C leads (the bikes vary) and you will be able to charge a power bank or anything else you would like to during the day on the bike.
Tools of your choice. Highly recommended is a 14mm open ended spanner so we don’t need to help adjust your mirrors all the time! Anything else is up to you.
First-aid kit. We will be carrying an extensive first-aid kit as well as Wilderness First-Aid and Motorcycle First-Aid qualifications, but if you are trained and/or willing to carry additional first-aid then that will be appreciated.
Snacks and water.
For our camping and overnight stays:
Tent (*) - size and form is completely up to you. If you can sleep two people in a two-person tent then that is great (for you!). Bring a tent along (that’s why we have 2 lots of 23kgs). If not, you may need to bring two tents or hire one of Murray’s tents (from Fairfield Guesthouse; our supporters and caterers) to accomodate you. Please give us a yell if you’re not sure.
Sleeping mat (*) - size and form is completely up to you. There are some amazingly comfortable sleeping mats available these days and a good one will contribute to a good night’s sleep. Do your research, give us a ring if you need, but make sure you sleep well.
Sleeping bag (*) - A good one is essential although it’s not going to get super-cold at this time of year. We will be camping in areas which sometimes reach 0 degrees overnight in summer… so be prepared for that.
Layering is the best rule.
Pillow - absolutely worth bringing. It may make the world of difference to your sleep.
Music Ideas - We will have a good quality speaker for night-time tunes. Bring your ideas or you’ll be listening to my crap for two weeks.
Other stuff?
Mongolia is a country of simplicity.
Bring whatever makes you happy. Things you can’t do without; things that make you comfortable or which encourage you to relax.
Book/Kindle - we will have plenty of time to read and relax.
Enough clothes - (this is very subjective…) you can make one pair of undies and one bra last at least three days for certain. You probably only need one pair of pants, a couple of shirts, a jumper and a jacket but some people need more. It’s up to you. The lighter you pack the better, but if you want the luxuries; who are we to dispute that!? Just make sure you can be warm.
Nearly every night we will have water (river, guesthouse, lake) so you can wash things if you need to.
Merino - is the key! It doesn’t smell and it lasts a long, looooong time.
Power Bank - One 20000mAh per person is a good idea.
Bring as little as you can… In my experience of travel, the less you have, the simpler things are and the more relaxed you can be.
Travel Insurance?
It’s important! Shit happens.
Please ensure you consider your personal options for insurance. Everyone is different. Someone who is very experienced, having had a licence and ridden for years, is very different to someone who has held their licence for a few months. Please ensure you obtain insurance relevant to YOU. You need to be able to cover any medical needs as well as evacuation from remote locations.
Travel Insurance is one of the most important aspects of your trip. Don’t ignore it and think everything will be okay… it may not be. You need the right insurance cover and the right cover depends on your circumstances.
Please make sure you have insurance relevant to your experience…
For example, you may be someone who has been riding for many years in many countries around the world. Alternatively, you may have just got your licence in Australia and been riding for a short period of time.
These circumstances will determine the travel insurance you require. You need to complete your own due diligence in this regard and we are happy to provide advice based on our limited understanding (I’ve had a fairly good look at this and can provide some recommendations). Regardless, please ensure you are appropriately covered for whatever circumstance that may arise.
An extensive first-aid kit will be available and Wilderness First-Aid qualifications will be present. However, I know anyone signing up for this trip will be aware that anything can happen. We need to be prepared for that.
Prices and Payment
Return flights from/to Melbourne
Motorcycle hire (16 days/12 days)
Guided touring through the best of the Steppe
Three gourmet meals included per day on tour
Luxury Camp HQ when we arrive each afternoon with shelter, food, fire and memories
All transfers between; airport, bike-hire, hotel, airport
Support 4WD’s with drivers, cooks and support crew
Accommodation and food at Fairfield Guesthouse (at least 2 nights)
Accomodation in a traditional Ger (at least 2 nights)
Accommodation in UB the night before your departure home
Prices for 2027 tours.
Tour 1 - 13 June to 2 July (20 days) - Longer trip, more resting days, cruisy riding, soaking up the Mongolian vibe - $11,599 per rider (there is a substantial discount on this price if you would like to ride a Shineray; please contact me for details)
Tour 2 - 3 July to 18 July (15 days) - Shorter trip, more about the riding, adventurous Mongolian vibe - $10,499 per rider (no Shinerays on this trip)
Pillion on either tour - $7,999 per pillion
(Please contact me for adjusted pricing and arrangements if you need to fly from elsewhere - not Melbs - or upgrade flights).
Himalayan 450’s are becoming very popular in Mongolia; the sooner I can acquire the reservation of a Himalayan , the better. I will do so on payment of your deposit of $1000 within 7 days of your booking.
A further payment of $3000 will be required by 1 November 2026 with the balance to be paid by the end of February 2027.
Please note the tour from 27 June to 11 July 2027 falls entirely within the Victorian school holidays.
