If you’re planning a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour, one question almost always comes up before booking.
“How much of the ride is actually off-road?”
The short answer?
A lot.
In fact, that’s exactly why riders travel from around the world to experience Mongolia.
This isn’t a destination filled with endless highways and smooth asphalt.
It’s a country where roads often disappear.
Where GPS tracks replace road signs.
Where you’ll ride across open grasslands instead of painted lanes.
At Ride The Mongolia, we’ve designed our 16-day expedition to showcase the very best of the country’s remote landscapes.
That means riding through mountain trails.
Crossing rivers.
Exploring desert tracks.
Following ancient nomadic routes.
And experiencing the kind of freedom that’s becoming rare in today’s world.
If you’re expecting perfectly paved roads every day, Mongolia may surprise you.
If you’re dreaming of a true Offroad Mongolia Motorcycle Tour, you’re in exactly the right place.
Mongolia Has Very Few Roads—and That’s the Magic
Unlike Europe or North America, Mongolia has one of the lowest road densities in the world.
Outside Ulaanbaatar and a few larger towns, paved roads quickly give way to gravel tracks, dirt trails, and open steppe.
Sometimes there isn’t even a visible road.
You’ll simply follow multiple wheel tracks stretching toward the horizon.
That’s completely normal.
Locals have been travelling this way for generations.
Instead of building roads everywhere, they simply create new tracks as the seasons change.
After heavy rain, riders may choose a different line.
After winter, another trail appears.
Every year, Mongolia subtly redraws its own map.
That’s why every Mongolia Motorbike Trip feels unique.
What Percentage of Our Mongolia Motorcycle Tour Is Off-Road?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Mongolia is that you’ll occasionally leave the pavement for a scenic trail.
The reality is almost the opposite.
Our Ride The Mongolia expedition is primarily an off-road adventure.
Once we leave Ulaanbaatar, riders spend the majority of each day exploring natural terrain.
Expect approximately:
- 70–80% off-road riding
- 20–30% paved roads, mainly when entering or leaving larger towns
The exact percentage changes depending on weather and route conditions.
Heavy rain may require an alternate track.
River levels may influence the chosen crossing.
Occasionally we’ll use a short section of tarmac to connect two incredible off-road regions.
But make no mistake.
This is not a road tour.
It’s an adventure riding expedition.
That’s exactly why riders love it.
Off-Road Doesn’t Mean One Type of Terrain
Many people imagine off-road riding as one endless dirt road.
Mongolia couldn’t be more different.
Every day introduces new terrain.
One morning you might be riding across wide green grasslands.
By afternoon you’re climbing rocky mountain tracks.
The following day could include sandy desert trails.
Then comes a river crossing.
Followed by fast gravel roads stretching for miles.
That constant variety keeps every riding day exciting.
You’ll never feel like you’re repeating yesterday’s route.
Our 16-day itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the incredible diversity that makes a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour so famous among adventure riders.
Days 1–2: Getting Comfortable Before the Adventure Begins
Every great expedition starts with preparation.
The first two days in Ulaanbaatar allow riders to settle into Mongolia before tackling remote terrain.
You’ll meet the team.
Complete your briefing.
Take a test ride.
Become familiar with your motorcycle.
This is the perfect opportunity to adjust your riding position and build confidence before leaving the city.
Once the journey begins, civilisation quickly fades into the distance.
The real adventure starts on Day 3.
Days 3–7: Grasslands, Mountains and River Crossings
Leaving Ulaanbaatar for Khustai National Park feels like entering another world.
Traffic disappears.
Road signs become rare.
The scenery opens endlessly around you.
This section introduces riders to classic Mongolian terrain.
Expect gravel roads.
Rolling hills.
Grass-covered tracks.
Occasional rocky sections.
As the journey continues toward Ugii Lake and Tsenkher Hot Springs, the riding becomes even more rewarding.
Mountain valleys replace open plains.
Small river crossings begin appearing.
The tracks become narrower.
You’ll ride through landscapes where horses outnumber people.
The route toward Orkhon Waterfall is one of the highlights of the entire expedition.
Here you’ll encounter flowing rivers, volcanic landscapes, forests, and winding off-road trails that showcase everything adventure riders love about Mongolia.
The rest day around Orkhon isn’t simply a day off.
It’s an opportunity to explore one of Mongolia’s most spectacular natural regions without rushing.
Days 8–11: Entering the Gobi Desert
Many riders imagine deserts as endless sand dunes.
The Gobi is very different.
It’s one of the most diverse deserts on Earth.
As we ride toward Ongi Monastery and Flaming Cliffs, the terrain changes once again.
Fast gravel roads become more common.
Hard-packed dirt allows a smooth riding rhythm.
Open landscapes stretch endlessly in every direction.
The feeling of isolation becomes even stronger.
Flaming Cliffs offers one of the most iconic locations on any Mongolia Motorcycle Tour.
Beyond its dramatic red rock formations, the surrounding off-road tracks are simply unforgettable.
The ride continues toward the magnificent Khongor Sand Dunes.
Although the dunes themselves are enormous, most of our riding follows carefully selected tracks that balance excitement with rider safety.
This section perfectly demonstrates why Mongolia is considered one of the world’s greatest destinations for adventure motorcycles.
Days 12–16: From Towering Cliffs to the Journey Home
After a well-earned rest in the Gobi, the adventure continues toward one of Mongolia’s most dramatic landscapes.
Yol Valley.
Hidden within the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, this narrow canyon feels completely different from the desert you’ve just crossed.
The ride here combines fast gravel sections with winding mountain tracks.
As the valley walls rise around you, the scenery changes almost every kilometre.
It’s another reminder that a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour is never repetitive.
Every riding day offers something new.
From Yol Valley, the expedition heads toward White Stupa.
Known locally as Tsagaan Suvarga, these towering limestone cliffs look almost unreal.
Millions of years of erosion have created one of Mongolia’s most photographed natural landmarks.
Reaching White Stupa means tackling more gravel roads and remote tracks.
The riding is enjoyable rather than overly technical.
The reward at the end is one of the country’s most spectacular viewpoints.
The final major riding destination is Baga Gazriin Chuluu.
Massive granite rock formations rise unexpectedly from the surrounding steppe.
The approach combines open plains with rocky sections that perfectly capture the spirit of an Offroad Mongolia Motorcycle Tour.
By the time you return to Ulaanbaatar, you’ll realise you’ve experienced almost every type of terrain Mongolia has to offer.
Grasslands.
Mountains.
Forests.
Volcanic landscapes.
Deserts.
Rock formations.
River crossings.
Very few motorcycle adventures anywhere in the world offer this much variety in just sixteen days.
Is the Off-Road Riding Extremely Difficult?
This is probably the biggest concern for riders considering a Mongolia Motorbike Trip.
The answer is reassuring.
Most of the route is adventurous rather than extreme.
You don’t need to be a professional enduro racer.
You won’t be tackling impossible hill climbs every day.
Instead, you’ll ride long distances across natural terrain at a comfortable pace.
There are certainly technical sections.
Loose gravel.
Rocky climbs.
River crossings.
Occasional sand.
But these are spread naturally throughout the expedition.
The challenge comes from the variety, not from constant difficulty.
At Ride The Mongolia, our guides choose the safest and most enjoyable lines whenever possible.
The goal isn’t to test your limits.
It’s to help you enjoy one of the greatest motorcycle journeys on Earth.
Many riders are surprised by how quickly their confidence grows.
After just a few days, riding on gravel and dirt starts to feel completely natural.
By the end of the expedition, many riders say they’re more comfortable off-road than they ever expected.
That’s one of the hidden rewards of riding Mongolia.
How Weather Changes the Ride?
One of the reasons we schedule our expeditions during May and June is the riding conditions.
The weather plays a huge role in how the trails feel.
After heavy rain, some sections become muddy.
River crossings may become deeper.
Certain tracks become softer under the tyres.
During dry periods, gravel roads remain firm and predictable.
Dust levels also stay lower earlier in the season compared to the hotter summer months.
That’s why timing matters.
A route ridden in June can feel completely different from the same route in late August.
Choosing the right season doesn’t just improve comfort.
It improves the entire riding experience.
That’s also why we recently published our guide explaining the best time for a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour, helping riders understand how each season affects trail conditions.
What Riding Skills Should You Have?
You don’t need years of rally racing experience.
But you should feel comfortable handling a motorcycle on unsealed roads.
If you’ve ridden gravel roads before, you’re already building the right foundation.
Standing on the foot pegs.
Looking ahead.
Maintaining smooth throttle control.
These simple techniques make a huge difference.
If you’re new to adventure riding, don’t worry.
Our guides provide advice throughout the expedition.
They’ll explain upcoming terrain.
Offer riding tips.
And help you build confidence every day.
The journey is designed to challenge you in a positive way.
Not overwhelm you.
That’s one reason so many riders return home saying this was the best motorcycle trip of their lives.
Why Riders Fall in Love with Mongolia
Ask ten riders about their favourite memory.
You’ll probably hear ten different answers.
For some, it’s riding across endless green grasslands without seeing another vehicle for hours.
Others remember crossing rivers beneath snow-capped mountains.
Some never forget their first night sleeping in a traditional ger camp.
Others talk about sharing tea with nomadic families in the middle of nowhere.
That’s because Mongolia isn’t defined by one famous road.
It’s defined by freedom.
You aren’t simply travelling from one destination to another.
You’re exploring one of the last truly wild riding environments left on Earth.
Every day feels earned.
Every kilometre tells a story.
Every sunset reminds you why adventure motorcycling exists.
An Offroad Mongolia Motorcycle Tour isn’t about speed.
It’s about discovery.
Final Thoughts
So, how much off-road riding should you expect in Mongolia?
The simple answer is…
Plenty.
Our Ride The Mongolia expedition spends approximately 70–80% of the journey exploring gravel roads, dirt tracks, mountain trails, grasslands, desert routes, and river crossings.
That’s exactly what makes this adventure so unforgettable.
It’s challenging enough to feel rewarding.
Accessible enough for riders with reasonable adventure riding experience.
And varied enough that no two days ever feel the same.
If you’ve been searching for a motorcycle destination that goes beyond ordinary touring, a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour delivers something truly different.
It isn’t about checking famous landmarks off a list.
It’s about riding through landscapes where roads don’t always exist.
Where nature decides the route.
Where every day brings a new adventure.
At Ride The Mongolia, we’ve carefully designed our 16-day Mongolia Motorbike Trip to showcase the country’s most spectacular off-road routes while maintaining a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable riding experience.
If your dream adventure involves open horizons, remote wilderness, and the freedom to ride far beyond the pavement, Mongolia is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mongolia Motorcycle Tour mostly off-road?
Yes. Our guided expedition includes approximately 70–80% off-road riding, with the remaining sections on paved roads when entering or leaving towns.
Is Mongolia suitable for beginner adventure riders?
Yes, provided you have basic motorcycle experience and feel comfortable riding on gravel roads. You don’t need professional off-road racing skills.
What types of terrain will I ride?
You’ll experience gravel roads, dirt tracks, grasslands, rocky trails, mountain passes, desert routes, and river crossings during your Mongolia Motorbike Trip.
Are there deep sand sections?
There are sandy areas near the Gobi Desert, but our routes are carefully selected to balance adventure with rider confidence and safety.
How many river crossings are there?
The exact number depends on seasonal conditions, but riders should expect several shallow river crossings, particularly around central Mongolia.
Which month offers the best off-road riding?
Late May and June generally provide the best combination of stable weather, greener landscapes, manageable river levels, and comfortable riding temperatures.
What motorcycle is best for an Offroad Mongolia Motorcycle Tour?
Mid-weight and large adventure motorcycles with good suspension and dual-purpose tyres perform well across Mongolia’s varied terrain.
Why choose Ride The Mongolia?
Because our routes are built by experienced adventure riders who understand Mongolia’s terrain, weather, and remote logistics. We focus on creating an authentic riding experience that combines world-class off-road adventure with professional support, local knowledge, and unforgettable hospitality.
Looking for an authentic Offroad Motorcycle Tour in Mongolia? Explore our guided Mongolia Motorcycle Tour and experience 16 days of gravel tracks, mountain passes, river crossings, and the vast Gobi Desert with Ride The Mongolia.