Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
How long to get to Mongolia? How long to get to Mongolia?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
How long to get to Mongolia?
Hi everyone,

I had plans to spend 3 weeks driving around Europe in Feb but now am thinking slightly different...

If myself and my friend drove pretty much solid for a week would we be able to make it into Mongoila? I've driven 1,000 miles a day for a few days before in Europe with the same friend with no real issues. But I understand driving through Russia is a little different.

I'd sell the car we had planned to do the Europe trip in (old Mercedes S600L) and buy a Nissan Patrol to drive there in.

Is it completely ridiculous to think that we could get to Mongolia in 8 days?
Would it be worth trying even if we didn't make it as the drive/scenery on the way there would be a nice one?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Oct 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
February? It will probably be about -30 to -40 in places like Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar in February.

I guess it would be possible to get to Ulan Ude from UK in about 8 -9 days doing 1000 miles a day. With 2 drivers and driving just about round the clock. I doubt it would be a very relaxing trip. And if you have a breakdown in those temperatures and the engine stops, you have a real problem.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
That's cold. I've experienced temperatures like that before in Norway and it wasn't overally pleasent at night. What would the temperatures be during the day?

I would have trouble in the colder times below -20c with diesel turning to jelly.
If we could get to Ulan Ude in 8 days have 5 days there and 12 days drive back I'd be happy with that.

Is the weather going to be a real killer? Making the journey nigh on impossible to do?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Oct 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
generally the weather will be dry and sunny ... low humidity (that makes it easier to bear)

Locals tend to keep engines running all winter ... especially in the colder parts of Siberia ... engine will fire up in November or so and wont be switched off for 4 months.

They also mix kerosine with diesel to keep it liquid.

To be totally honest, it doesnt sound like a huge amount of fun mate, but your call!

Irkutsk February historical average data ... Average Max -25, Average Min -38
Ulaanbaatar historical Feb data ... much the same. Avge Max -21, Average Min -38.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
I do agree. I wouldn't have a problem with driving 4 days absolutely solid and then doing some touring although I think heading east for 4 days will take me into deepest, darkest Russia with little to see or do?

I either need a lot more time away from work which I can't really get since I work in retail or I need to stick to the smaller Euro trip which I done already tens of times and am getting bored of it.

How do these people who stay on the road for months and months sometimes years on end fund their lifestyle. I don't have a mortgage I can just sell my stuff and go but I'd run out of money after a few months surely, do these people simply have bigger budgets or is there a secret?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
Maybe doing Northern Africa would be cool?

Would certainly feel very different, one of the reasons why I enjoyed driving to Nordkapp in Feb07 was just how different the Arctic landscape is compared to Britain, so perhaps I could settle with Northern Africa....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Oct 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Aalst, Belgium
Posts: 365
In 3 weeks you can do a nice tour in Marocco without having to drive 24/7.

A return trip always end up being many hours behind the wheel. Try to find a way to do a one-way trip and fly back if you want to go further.

Regarding people leaving for longer trips: I am sure there are people with bigger budgets, but for the most part it is about choices.
__________________
2006-2007-2008 : Brussels - Cape town - Tokio - Lubumbashi - Brussels

http://www.radiobaobab.be
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Oct 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 147
If you want to enjoy the trip don't go to Mongolia in the winter. As has been noted, it's very, very cold, but just as important, it's not very interesting/attractive.

Mongolia in the warm months has some of loveliest scenery in the world. But in the winter it's all white and brown. I've driven across most of Mongolia in the winter and it's just white and brown for hours and hours and hours.

Plus it's so cold that we had major ice buildup on the inside of the windows of a modern Land Cruiser that had the heat on full blast.

Go in warm weather!

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Oct 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Posts: 60
Morocco
Quote:
Originally Posted by James Rothwell View Post
Maybe doing Northern Africa would be cool?

Would certainly feel very different, one of the reasons why I enjoyed driving to Nordkapp in Feb07 was just how different the Arctic landscape is compared to Britain, so perhaps I could settle with Northern Africa....
able

We spent 3 weeks in Morocco around the time you are looking to go in 2005. The weather was lovely during the day and cold in the evening. The trip was very enjoyable and the pace was relaxing (only driving every few days and taking in the many sites etc.. I would recommend it highly at that time of year.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mongolia 2up DaveK Northern and Central Asia 16 14 Oct 2009 16:30
Anyone out there about to do Mongolia? darbya Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 9 Aug 2009 16:30
Mongolia dudelicious7 Northern and Central Asia 20 19 Feb 2006 14:32
paris to mongolia and back : via central asia mongolia russi oliviervalenza Travellers Seeking Travellers 7 12 Jun 2005 20:43
Mongolia Malcolm Northern and Central Asia 0 29 May 2004 00:22

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:08.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top