Russia and Mongolia this summer - what to see?
Hi
I'll be travelling from Sweden to Mongolia and back this summer during 8 weeks. I'll be travelling with a van and a Ktm. On the way to mongolia I'll probably just drive the whole distance in as few days as possible (5-7?). After that I'll unload the bike and travel around Mongolia for a month. Then I'll load the bike in the van again and start heading home. On the way back I'd like to stop in Russia at 2-4 places where I'll park the van and go for a few "weekend" trips on the bike.
A few q's:
Russia:
1. I'd like to camp (or sleep in the van) as much as possible, but I am reading that there aren't that many camping sites around...true or not? Any alternatives to camp sites? Any places where truckers stay at night?
2. What about guarded parkings? In Eastern Europe there are a lot of guarded parkings where one could park the vehicles safely. Is it the same situation in Russia?
3. What would be good places to stop on the way back for shorter detours with the bike? I am planning to stop in Altai for the solar eclipse, but have no plans other than that? Any other places I shouldn't miss?
Mongolia:
4. What would be the best motorcycle clothing for Mongolia? I am thinking of using my enduro/mx outfit with a thin jacket as an option for the mountain (and rain clothes for the occational rain). I am thinking that it will be too hot to use my Gore-Tex suit - right?
5. Where should I go for the best off-road riding experience? What shouldn't be missed to see? I'll probably do two/three (in different directions) 7-10 day trips to the countryside using Ulaan bator as a base camp. I am planning to see the Naadam festival, but other than that I have no plans.
6. Will the KTM adventure 25 litre fuel tank be enough in Mongolia? Or do I need to bring a 5/10L fuel can along?
7. According to the LP guide it is possible to buy decent maps in Ulan bator that covers Mongolia. True or not?
Sorry for the long post and I hope someone can answer some of my questions...otherwise I'll find out along the way :-)
Can't wait to leave :-)
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