If you’ve been dreaming of wide-open landscapes, endless dirt roads, and the kind of freedom you can only feel on two wheels, Mongolia is probably already on your adventure list.

It’s raw, wild, and unbelievably beautiful — a playground made for riders who crave something real.

But there’s one question almost every rider asks before joining our Mongolia motorcycle tours:

“How difficult is riding in Mongolia, really?”

At Ride The Mongolia, we want to give you the most honest and practical answer possible — because we’ve built this company not just to guide tours, but to help riders experience Mongolia with confidence.

Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or someone who has only ridden highways, you deserve clarity, not guesswork.

So let’s break it down: the terrain, the challenges, the skill levels, and what you can expect from a motorcycle expedition in Mongolia.

The Truth About Mongolian Terrain: Pure, Untouched, and Wild

Mongolia doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Roads here are not polished, paved highways lined with cafés. They are mostly dirt tracks, rocky stretches, sandy patches, and grassy steppes shaped by nature — not construction.

This is what makes riding here extraordinary…
But also what makes it challenging for some.

Here’s what you’ll face:

1. Dirt Tracks

Most of Mongolia is a network of natural dirt trails. They are not difficult in a technical sense, but they require balance, control, and comfort with loose surfaces.

2. Gravel and Stones

You’ll encounter everything from small loose gravel to baseball-sized stones. These sections can be tiring if you’re not used to them.

3. River Crossings

Nothing dramatic — usually shallow streams — but they require slow, steady riding and confidence.

4. Sandy Patches (especially in the Gobi)

Soft sand is challenging for beginners, but with the right technique and a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

5. Open Steppe With No Marked Roads

This is the identity of Mongolia. You may ride for hours with no signboards, no traffic, no fixed “road” — just pure open land. This is one reason guided expeditions, like those from Ride The Mongolia, make your journey smoother and stress-free.

Skill Levels: Who Can Ride in Mongolia?

The good news?
You don’t have to be a pro to ride here.

The slightly harder news?
You do need basic off-road comfort — or at least willingness to learn.

Let’s break down what riding here feels like for different experience levels.

For Beginners (Highway Riders With Little Off-Road Experience)

If your riding history is mostly highways or mild countryside roads, Mongolia will be a new world — but not impossible.

What You’ll Find Challenging

• Loose gravel under tires
• Long riding hours
• Managing the bike in sandy patches
• Riding without clear road markings
• Sudden changes in weather

What Makes It Easier

• Mongolia’s terrain is open, not technical like Himalayan mountain passes
• We ride at a manageable pace
• Our support vehicles and guides help you every step
• You’re never pressured to perform — this is a tour, not a race

Our Honest Advice

If you’re a beginner, come with an open mind and willingness to learn. Many first-timers start nervous and finish the tour as confident riders.

Just keep your expectations real — Mongolia is adventurous, not cushioned.

For Intermediate Riders (Some Off-Road Experience)

This is the ideal level for Mongolia.

If you’ve ridden gravel roads, dirt trails, or mild off-roading before, you will absolutely love it here.

What You’ll Enjoy

• Long stretches of smooth dirt trails
• Fun river crossings
• Gentle challenges that feel exciting, not scary
• A sense of real freedom you won’t get anywhere else

Possible Difficulties

• Sudden dips or ruts
• Constant riding on natural terrain
• Weather-caused surprises like mud patches

Our Take

You’re going to have a great time. Mongolia was practically made for intermediate riders seeking a true adventure without extreme risks.

For Advanced Riders (Experienced Off-Road Riders)

If you’re someone who rides enduro or does regular adventure motorcycling, Mongolia will feel like paradise.

What You’ll Love

• Open spaces that let you ride your way
• Wide variety of terrains
• Zero traffic
• Optional technical sections if you want them

What Might Challenge You

• Honestly, not much — except maybe the wind on open plateaus
• The temptation to ride too fast (the landscape is deceivingly open)

Our Advice

Use your skill, enjoy the terrain, but respect the environment. Mongolia punishes overconfidence, especially in remote regions where weather can change instantly.

The Real Factors That Make Riding Difficult in Mongolia

1. Weather

Mongolia is famous for experiencing all four seasons in a single day.
A sunny morning can turn into rain or strong winds by afternoon.

2. Loneliness of the Land

No petrol pumps every 20 km.
No shops at every corner.
No hotels in every village.

This remoteness is magical — but also why guided motorcycle expeditions in Mongolia are safer.

3. Long Riding Days

Most rides here are 6–8 hours of riding. Not extremely difficult, but tiring if you’re not used to endurance.

4. Altitude

Some regions go slightly high, but not like the Himalayas. So breathing is comfortable, but weather can be colder.

5. Bike Handling

Adventure bikes like the Himalayan, Honda CRF, or similar models perform beautifully here — but they require certain basics:

• Standing while riding
• Balancing on uneven tracks
• Throttle control on loose surfaces

Nothing extreme, just foundational adventure riding skills.

How Ride The Mongolia Makes the Experience Easier for You

At Ride The Mongolia, every tour is planned with real riders in mind. We understand the challenges of Mongolia’s raw landscapes and design each expedition to make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable — no matter your skill level.

1. Rider Briefing & Terrain Orientation (Instead of Training)

Before every expedition begins, we conduct a detailed rider briefing.
We explain:

• the day’s terrain
• riding techniques suitable for Mongolia
• safety guidelines
• how to handle gravel, sand, river crossings, and open steppe tracks

This gives you the confidence and awareness you need — without formal training.

2. Beginner-Friendly Riding Pace

We never rush the group.
Our pace is designed so riders of all skill levels stay comfortable and in control.

3. Full Support Backup

Every Ride The Mongolia tour includes:

• A support SUV
• An experienced mechanic
• First-aid trained staff
• Tool kits, spares & tire support
• Fuel backup in remote regions

You always have a reliable team behind you.

4. Route Customisation

If the group struggles with a certain trail, we have alternate tracks mapped out.

5. True Rider Companionship

We ride with you, not ahead of you.
Our team supports you with guidance, tips, and real on-ground experience — making the journey feel like a ride with friends, not a strict tour.

So… How Difficult Is Riding in Mongolia?

Here’s the most honest summary:

✔ Beginners:

Challenging but completely doable with guidance.
You’ll learn a lot, grow a lot, and finish the expedition proud of yourself.

✔ Intermediate Riders:

A perfect balance of adventure and enjoyment.
This is your ideal playground.

✔ Advanced Riders:

Pure joy — fast, open, wild terrain that feels made for off-road lovers.

✔ Overall Difficulty Level:

Moderate.
Not too easy, not extreme — just the right amount of adventure.

Mongolia rewards patience, openness, and a love for real-world riding.

Final Thoughts: If You Want Raw Freedom, Mongolia Is the Place

Riding in Mongolia isn’t about perfect roads or luxury stops.
It’s about:

• riding through landscapes untouched for centuries,
• watching wild horses gallop beside you,
• exploring valleys with no one else around,
• discovering your confidence on dirt and gravel,
• and experiencing the purest form of motorcycle travel.

At Ride The Mongolia, we created our tours with one goal — to let you feel Mongolia the way it’s meant to be felt: free, wild, and unforgettable.

If you’re ready for an adventure that will stay with you forever, your Mongolia story starts here.