Motorbike Travel in Mongolia – Top Places You Shouldn’t Miss

A Complete Guide by Gobi Raid Mongolia

Motorbike travel in Mongolia is unlike anything else in the world. No fences, no traffic lights, no crowded highways — just open steppe, endless horizons, and the freedom to ride where very few people have ever been. For adventure riders, Mongolia feels like the last great frontier: rugged, wild, untouched, and extraordinarily beautiful. From the towering sand dunes of the Gobi Desert to volcanic craters, ancient monasteries, river valleys, and high-altitude passes, this country is a dream playground for off-road motorcyclists.

Yet, navigating Mongolia requires more than just enthusiasm. Weather can shift dramatically. Trails can be unpredictable. Fuel stops are far apart. And without the right support team, gear, and preparation, riders often underestimate how challenging Mongolia truly is.

That’s where Gobi Raid, Mongolia’s leading motorcycle tour company, comes in. With fully supported expeditions, professional guides, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles, a private chef, mechanics, 4×4 support vehicles, and a focus on safety and cultural immersion, Gobi Raid has become the go-to brand for riders seeking the ultimate Mongolian adventure.

This long-form guide will walk you through everything you need to know about motorbike travel in Mongolia, including:

• The top places you shouldn’t miss, especially in the Gobi Desert

• What makes the Gobi Raid Tour and the Mongolian Odyssey Tour different

• Why the Gobi Raid brand is trusted by riders worldwide

• What to expect during the safety briefing

• Practical tips, itinerary suggestions, packing lists, riding conditions, and more

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Mongolia or comparing tour options, this is your complete guide.

1. Why Mongolia Is the Best Place in the World for Motorbike Travel

Motorbike travelers are constantly seeking something new — a place where roads turn into trails, trails turn into plains, and plains turn into total wilderness. Mongolia offers exactly that.

1.1. Endless Off-Road Riding

Over 80% of Mongolia’s road network is unpaved. You’ll be riding on:

• Hard-packed steppe

• Rocky trails

• Sand tracks

• River crossings

• Mountain passes

• Desert dunes

The variety is unmatched.

1.2. A Culture That Respects Riders

Nomads have always traveled by horse — and motorcycles are the modern equivalent. Riders often get invited for tea, food, or simply to rest. Mongolians admire long-distance travelers and treat them warmly.

1.3. Raw and Untouched Nature

There are no barriers between you and nature. You can ride across valleys with wild horses, stop at ancient temples, climb sand dunes, or camp beside lakes under complete silence.

1.4. Perfect for Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

The Himalayan 450 is the ideal machine for Mongolia:

• Light enough for sand

• Comfortable for long days

• Strong suspension

• Reliable in remote areas

Gobi Raid exclusively uses brand-new Himalayan 450 units for all tours.

2. Top Places You Shouldn’t Miss — The Ultimate Motorbike Rider’s List

This guide focuses on places most relevant to adventure motorcyclists. These aren’t simple tourist stops — they’re immersive riding destinations that reward effort, skill, and curiosity.

2.1. The Gobi Desert (A Must-Ride for Every Adventure Motorcyclist)

The Gobi Desert is the heart of Mongolia’s adventure landscape. Covering over 1.3 million square kilometers, it’s the world’s fifth-largest desert — and one of the most diverse. Contrary to what many believe, the Gobi is not only sand dunes. It’s a mix of steppe, mountains, rocky ridges, canyons, cliffs, and small pockets of golden dunes.

Here are the Gobi Desert destinations riders should never miss:

2.1.1. Hongor Sand Dunes (The ‘Singing’ Dunes)

These are the most iconic dunes in Mongolia — stretching over 180 km and rising up to 300 meters. They create a surreal riding atmosphere with:

• Endless golden sand

• A winding river at their base

• Camel caravans

• A dramatic horizon

Riding along the edges of the dunes on a Himalayan 450 gives you a sense of scale you can’t get from photos.

2.1.2. Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

Known for dinosaur discoveries by Roy Chapman Andrews, the Flaming Cliffs glow deep red during sunset. Riders can:

• Explore the sandstone formations

• Ride across soft steppe sand

• Enjoy wide-open tracks

It’s both a geological marvel and a superb off-road playground.

2.1.3. Yolyn Am Ice Canyon

Located in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, this canyon is full of dramatic cliffs and narrow passes — a completely different environment from the rest of the Gobi.

You often ride through cooler temperatures, crossing rocky paths and seeing wildlife like:

• Ibex

• Eagles

• Vultures

2.1.4. Baga Gazariin Chuluu (Granite Rock Formations)

A favorite of many Gobi Raid guests, this area features massive granite rock stacks rising from the flat desert. The riding conditions are perfect:

• Technical rocky sections

• Smooth plateau flows

• Photogenic landscapes

It’s also a spiritual site with ancient meditation caves.

2.1.5. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

One of Mongolia’s most breathtaking wonders — a cliff formation shaped like a giant stupa.

Riders love it because:

• The road leading to it is fast and flowing

• The cliffs drop 90 meters

• Sunrise and sunset are unbelievable

2.2. Central Mongolia (For Riders Who Want Variety)

Not everything is desert. Central Mongolia is green, lush, and full of cultural monuments.

2.2.1. Ugii Lake

Ideal for lakeside riding, relaxing, and photography.

2.2.2. Orkhon Valley & Waterfall

A UNESCO heritage site with volcanic soil, river canyons, and nomadic families.

2.2.3. Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery

The ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

3. The Gobi Raid Tour — Mongolia’s Signature Motorcycle Adventure

The Gobi Raid Tour is the flagship tour of Gobi Raid Mongolia. It is specifically designed for riders who want the perfect combination of:

• Pure adventure

• Comfort

• Professional support

• Cultural immersion

3.1. What Makes the Gobi Raid Tour Special?

It stands out for several reasons:

3.1.1. Fully Supported Expedition

Every tour includes:

• Brand-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles

• Lead tour guide

• Moto guide

• Professional mechanic

• Two 4×4 support vehicles

• A private chef

• Camp assistants

• Spare fuel, tools, and recovery equipment

This level of support is rare in Mongolia.

3.1.2. Carefully Designed Route

The Gobi Raid route is not the typical tourist route. It includes:

• Remote backcountry tracks

• Photogenic high points

• Secret off-road trails

• Avoids crowded tourist areas

• Combines steppe, desert, mountains, and dunes

The route requires years of research — something only a dedicated local company can provide.

3.1.3. Luxury & Comfort in the Wilderness

Even in the Gobi Desert, riders enjoy:

• Gourmet meals prepared by a private chef

• Comfortable ger camps

• Clean campsites

• Hot showers in selected locations

• High-quality tents & sleeping gear

It’s the perfect balance between comfort and adventure.

3.1.4. A Unique Riding Culture

Gobi Raid groups are made up of riders from:

• Australia

• Europe

• Singapore

• India

• Chile

• Argentina

• Mongolia

The camaraderie is unbeatable. Every night becomes a story-sharing session around the fire under Mongolia’s crystal-clear skies.

4. Mongolian Odyssey Tour — For Riders Seeking Extreme Variety

The Mongolian Odyssey Tour is Gobi Raid’s grand expedition across Mongolia’s most diverse landscapes. Compared to the Gobi Raid Tour, the Odyssey covers:

• Volcanic plains

• Forests

• Grasslands

• River crossings

• Canyons

• Altai foothills

• Alpine meadows

• Desert steppe

4.1. Why Choose the Mongolian Odyssey?

It’s ideal for riders who want:

• A longer ride

• More terrain variety

• A deeper cultural experience

• More challenging off-road sections

This tour is the definition of a true odyssey — unpredictable, breathtaking, and transformational.

5. The Gobi Raid Brand — What Makes It Trusted Worldwide

Gobi Raid is not just a tour company; it’s a fast-growing adventure brand in Mongolia, built by riders, for riders.

Here’s what defines the brand:

5.1. Local Expertise

Gobi Raid’s founders and guides are local riders who know:

• Every shortcut

• Every hidden trail

• Every seasonal change in terrain

• How to navigate sandstorms, rain, and desert weather

5.2. Professional Operations

The company is the official Royal Enfield distributor in Mongolia (GT Motors), ensuring:

• Access to parts

• Service expertise

• Training

• Fleet reliability

5.3. International Standard Safety

Gobi Raid maintains:

• GPS tracking

• Satellite communication

• Emergency medical protocols

• Pre-ride safety briefings

• Daily bike checks

5.4. Strong Global Reputation

With riders coming from more than 15 countries, the brand is increasingly recognized as:

• Mongolia’s most reliable motorcycle tour company

• A premium adventure provider

• A company with top ratings on TripAdvisor

6. Safety Briefing — The Most Important Part of Your Ride

Adventure motorbike travel requires preparation. Before every tour, Gobi Raid conducts a professional safety briefing.

Here is what’s covered:

6.1. Bike Handling

• How to ride the Himalayan 450 in sand

• Weight shifting on soft terrain

• How to cross rivers safely

• Braking technique on loose gravel

• Proper clutch usage on long climbs

6.2. Riding Etiquette

• Group formation

• Overtaking guidelines

• Hand signals

• Stopping procedures

• Keeping distance in dust

6.3. Safety Equipment

Riders are shown how to use:

• Full-face or ADV helmets

• Knee and elbow protection

• Gloves

• Riding boots

• Hydration packs

6.4. Emergency Protocol

Includes:

• Satellite phone communication

• First-aid response

• Evacuation procedures

• Vehicle recovery steps

6.5. Daily Routine

The team explains:

• Start times

• Fuel stops

• Lunch schedules

• Check-in procedures at camps

• Daily bike inspection routine

This prepares even first-time off-road riders to enjoy the tour confidently and safely.

7. Practical Tips for Motorbike Travel in Mongolia

To help riders prepare, here’s what you should know:

7.1. Best Time to Ride

The ideal riding months are:

• June

• July

• August

• September

These months offer the best weather, although the desert can still get windy or hot.

7.2. Riding Gear

Essential items include:

• Base layers

• ADV jacket

• Gloves

• Sunscreen

• Goggles

• Hydration system

• Buff or neck gaiter

7.3. Documents

You will need:

• Passport

• Travel insurance covering riding

• International riding license

7.4. Physical Preparation

While not mandatory, it's recommended to:

• Train leg strength

• Practice balance

• Ride off-road before arrival

7.5. What Gobi Raid Provides

• Motorcycle

• Fuel

• Mechanic

• Support vehicles

• Food

• Drinking water

• Camping equipment

• Safety briefing

• Airport pickup

8. Why Join a Tour Instead of Riding Solo in Mongolia?

Many riders dream of navigating Mongolia alone, but here are the risks:

• No phone signal in 80% of the country

• Fuel stations can be 200–300 km apart

• Tracks disappear after storms

• Sand becomes dangerous without help

• Weather changes instantly

• Bike breakdowns become emergencies

With Gobi Raid, you don’t worry. You focus on riding — they handle everything else.

9. Mongolia Is the Adventure of a Lifetime

If you’re dreaming of motorbike travel in Mongolia, the time to go is now. Tourism is still light, trails are still natural, and landscapes remain untouched. With vast deserts, mountains, lakes, monasteries, and raw nomadic culture, there is no destination on Earth like it.

And if you want the ultimate experience, the Gobi Raid Tour and the Mongolian Odyssey Tour are the two most complete motorcycle adventures available in Mongolia. With strong support teams, premium equipment, and a commitment to safety and authenticity, Gobi Raid Mongolia ensures every rider goes home with memories — and stories — that last forever.