Mongolia motorbike route: Ulaanbaatar to China border
This 598.8 km route traces a motorbike adventure across Mongolia, starting from Ulaanbaatar and passing through Lake Kovkull near the Russian border before reaching the Mongolia - China Border. The route showcases the diverse landscapes of Mongolia's vast plains, forests, and terrain that riders encounter on this challenging cross-country journey.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Lake Kovkull
- End
- Mongolia–China Border
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Lake Kovkull — Major waypoint near Russian border, central to the 2,700 km loop route
- Ulaanbaatar — Capital of Mongolia reached after 9 hours of driving from border; departure point for 2,700 km loop
- Mongolia–China Border — Border crossing point reached after 14 hours by bus from Beijing
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Plan to meet at Beijing as a starting point before heading to the Mongolian border by bus.
- Transport
- Border crossing to Ulaanbaatar takes approximately 14 hours by bus from Beijing, then 9+ hours by car to the capital.
- Transport
- Rent motorbikes in Ulaanbaatar before starting your trip; have a mechanic in your group check bikes daily for mechanical issues.
- Avoid
- Avoid dense forest tracks and mud roads; stick to main tracks and travel slower during rainy seasons to prevent getting stuck.
- Avoid
- Be prepared for sudden severe storms and lightning strikes; storms are common and can be dangerous while riding.
- Avoid
- River crossings have slippery pebbles; drive carefully to avoid falling and flooding your motorbike.
- Food
- Try traditional Mongolian drinks like yak milk and fried dough with meat (huushuur) in nomadic camps and villages.
- Food
- In remote villages, instant noodles and canned tuna are the main available foods; bring a portable stove for cooking.
- Where to stay
- Rent camping gear and tents for the trip; expect average quality equipment with potential issues like burst mattresses and leaks.
- Where to stay
- Guest house mattresses in villages may be wooden planks; camp instead for better comfort.
- Timing
- Plan your trip around Naadam Festival in July; villages celebrate with traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
- Tip
- Expect to get lost on unmarked roads and experience mechanical failures; allow extra time for repairs and route corrections.
Video on this route
RIDING MONGOLIA: 20 Days of Adventure