Last year Mongolia in September was very good. I was there from 2nd -23rd. Tourist camps were still (just) open but as Chingis says tourist numbers were down. In September too the weather is dry and the river levels were down. I saw lots of washouts and the likes on the roads I travelled suggesting if I'd have come in July and August I'd have got very wet and muddy feet.

I arrived in Mongolia by myself and had planned to travel by myself - I don't think you'll have any problems as long as you use common sense. Petrol and water are available every 100k's or so in most areas. Whilst the population in the Mongolian numbers are low they are very spread out. In all except the most remote areas you'll see people and vehicles regularly.

If you don't fancy travelling by yourself simply stay at the Oasis Hostel in UB - its a wonderful place where 90% of all wheeled travellers seem to stay - there you should have no trouble hooking up with someone else. I did this because it let me get to the more remote areas of the southern Gobi which might have been a bit adventourous on my own.

As for the plan to buy a bike there I think it makes sense. But maybe not an IZH - Russian bikes are now in the minority in Mongolia. The vast majority of bikes used by locals are 200cc chinese imports. These cost around $1000 - $1100 new in the markets around UB and parts are available in every village (you go into any small shop and on the walls thay have dried food, clothes, carburettors, instruments etc). If you think the 200cc won't be enough power wait to you see the locals riding them -I was often doing 70kmh down a dirt track on my big 650cc feeling a dirt hero when one of these little bikes would wizz alongside 2 up and keep pace with me for many kilometres.

Another thought is I believe the owners of the Oasis Hostel sometimes have bikes for rent. (Search the site for details of Oasis Hostel or look it up in the Lonely Planet guide - if you get stuck PM me and I'll find and email the details)

Good luck - wish I could be back there this September.

__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/