Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Maps for Mongolia

Hey guys,

I'm currently in Central Asia and recently decided to tour a little further up to Mongolia. I didn't start out prepared for Mongolia so I have no maps - also no GPS, which I prefer not to use. I understand there are no roads... What are the best maps for navigation? Do the Soviet maps cover this area? I plan to traverse from west to east, basically along the track that runs from ulaangom to ulan batar.

Any advice at all would be appreciated!

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Sep 2013
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
I think you'll find that there are quite a few more than just 'one track'!
So without GPS best thing I'd recommend is a compass. No batteries required!
Maps- I favour Reise Knowhow maps- they are very good, tough and the rain doesn't affect them.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Sep 2013
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
We bought a little atlas type map in UB when we were there. Got it from the main department store on the 4th level with the touristy things. It was very good and we used it a lot even though we had a GPS.

This was a few years ago, so not sure if they still sell it.

Sent from my HTC J Z321e using Tapatalk 2
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Sep 2013
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
without a GPS, you are going to be much more restricted in where you can confidently go in Mongolia without having local knowledge. You would be wise to confine yourself to the main routes across the country.

Decent paper maps (in for form of the popular Mongolia Road Atlas) are available in UB, but there is very little that will be available in the west of the country, or in the Russian border town of Kosh Agach. Maybe you can get lucky and meet a biker or group coming out of Mongolia who can give you their maps, tho it is late in the season now.

Failing that, Bertrands suggestion of the Reise KNow How map is probably your best bet - if you can get it. The STans are not exactly well equipped with map shops and the best maps, even of their own countries, are typically only available outside of the stans.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Thanks guys. Colebatch - I'm definitely planning to stay on the main routes. It's just hard for me to visualize exactly what to expect for road conditions. Everybody I meet says - "Oh! No roads at all! Absolutely nothing! Totally off-roading all the way!" That's definitely what appeals to me, but I'm trying to imagine what that looks like in reality. If there is nothing at all, and I'm just off-roading across the steppe, great! But that means I need to navigate with the map and compass, pretty much at all times, no? You seem to suggest that the main routes are a bit easier to follow. So I guess my main question now is: Is the Reise-Know-How map sufficient for navigational use? Just one map of the whole country? I've used the Reise maps in other countries and I think they're great road maps. But if I'm trying to analyze the topography of the landscape, take a bearing on my compass, and charge across the wilderness, is the Reise map going to be enough? Or are the tracks clear enough to follow where I don't need to be so meticulous with the navigation?

Also, I'm not totally against buying a GPS, it's just that I prefer to use map and compass and I have loads of experience navigating the old-fashioned way. But I don't know where to buy a GPS at this point in the trip and have never even used one before anyway!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Sep 2013
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabista View Post
Just one map of the whole country?
Yes- double sided


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabista View Post
So I guess my main question now is: Is the Reise-Know-How map sufficient for navigational use?
I would say yes they are, very much so but only you can decide.
What is £10 for an excellent map compared to attempting to cross Mongolia without it?
It can be ordered by mail order via the internet as can a gps - but as for the knowledge on how to use one- that's a bit more tricky!
Good luck to you whatever you do- have fun!
Here is a screen shot to help you decide

Last edited by Bertrand; 2 Mar 2016 at 16:17.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
Where are you now?
We're in Osh, and I have two different Mongolia maps with me, i can give you one for free...
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
O yes, btw:

Mongolia is 90% off road, ie there is no pavement BUT you just cannot miss the "track" as trucks use them also if you stick to the main ones. (North/south)
So no need for a GPS if you're not venturing into the wild.
A map would be fine, just to know where to go and the approx. distances. Recent pictures (two months old) can be found on our website > blog.
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Thanks so much everybody! This definitely helps. oo-seb-oo I am in Bishkek but returning to Osh in the near future. If you're not heading this direction, maybe you could leave the maps in the care of some guesthouse? It's up to you... I would greatly appreciate the help! Where are you staying specifically? I stayed at a really nice place there called TES Guesthouse where there were lots of other bikers and I plan to go back.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
I'm not staying at Tes, have found better and cheaper (with a swimming pool...) but I'll drop it there for you.
Give me your name so I can tell them to give it to you when you come for it.
Tomorrow evening (11sept) I'll be gone, so if you want a free Mongolia map, you know what to do...
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 7
Sweet thanks! Just drop it wherever you like! My name is Athanasios. I'm from Greece. You can tell them I'll pick it up in close to 2 weeks. Just let me know where! Thanks so much - I really appreciate it!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
I'll drop it today at TES GUESTHOUSE, since you know where that is, it will be the easiest...
Have fun with it!
(it's not the best map, but better than nothing...!)
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 Sep 2013
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oo-SEB-oO View Post
I'm not staying at Tes, have found better and cheaper (with a swimming pool...)
Sounds worthy of a waypoint
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Sep 2013
Oo-SEB-oO's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canary Islands
Posts: 291
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Sounds worthy of a waypoint
Of course... I already did it two weeks ago... ;-)
You'll get them all soon!

@ Jabista: I've given the map at the reception at TES bw, with your name and my sticker on it and told her that you would come and collect it.
__________________
Find us on Facebook or have a look at our website on wanderingsouls.be.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Sep 2013
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
Sounds worthy of a waypoint
40.522428,72.802474
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Downloading and Installing Open Street Maps (OSM) colebatch Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 168 31 May 2023 09:41
OSM vs printed maps furious Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 12 17 Sep 2013 02:00
Where can I buy road maps in Colombia? moto_girl SOUTH AMERICA 6 21 Aug 2013 03:12
Useful free Garmin maps beddhist Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 60 5 Apr 2013 13:20
paper maps for Africa, buy now or buy there? jimosse sub-Saharan Africa 8 23 Oct 2012 05:44

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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!

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 00:20.