Advice please - simplest route through Mongolia?
 

Hello,

I'm planning my route from London to Irkutsk then turn right into Mongolia, visit Ulaan Baatar and then exit in the west back to Russia / Kazakhstan.

I've been reading several journey diaries and this is obviously not the easiest journey in the world, especially as I am doing it solo.
I want to avoid river crossings and sand. I'm OK with shingle and light greenlaneing but the flush of youth and strength left me a long time ago.

This is my proposed route sometime in July this year.

Can anyone advise just how tough this is?

If it's going to be really difficult I'll simply go down to Ulaan Baatar for a couple of days then return to Russia and onward to Kazakhstan.

All advice gratefully recieved.

Its fine.. Just make sure you have a recent version of the OSM maps covering mongolia so you can stick to the main routes and not get lost. Unless you are on a big heavy bike (like an 1150gs) then you wont have too many issues

Thanks Colebatch.

Unfortunately I'm on a MotoGuzzi Stelvio so I'll keep the off piste to a minimum,
but for your re-assurance.
Tell me, is 150 -200 miles per day a reasonable figue for planning mileage/ journe times?
Thx a million

Hi Jake,
As advised above, as long as you have a decent map, you'll have no difficulties. In July, hundreds of Mongolia Rally or some other rally people will be traveling in the opposite direction so that you can get info on roads frequently. Many people have done it solo. If you need any help/info you ask me at info@adventuresmongolia.mn
Goodluck.

recent info
 

hi Gunnermon. just trying to get recent info on this route,lots of sand?

https://goo.gl/maps/ev1oU1kugDF2

,and if there is any shops to swap tires (Africa Twin) around the Shvee Khuren border? I bring tires along coming from China
Cheers :thumbup1:

Well, from UB to Tosontsengel you will be fine, but further on, specially West around Chjargas Nuur and Achit Nur there is lot of sand and water crossings in this area.

The easiest route ( and also the boring one ) is the southern route via Bayanhongoor

Sorry, was for the original post from Just jake

hi Klaus. OP is dated 2012...any input on the above question appreciated bier

From Bayankhongor to Olgii and border to Russia it is mostly prepared or sometimes paved road.

it is the "easy" southern main road .

From Bayankhongor to the Chinese border I don't know, beside that I think it is not an open border for travelers except Chinese and Mongolians....