Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Olsberg, Germany
Posts: 2
Way from Barnaul to Ualaan Batar

Hello,
we are three guys from Germany planning a motorcycle (BMW R11XX GS) trip from Germany to Novosibirsk (shipping company for bikes and plane for drivers) or on the transsiberian highway. Then through the Altai mountins to mongolia. Then from UB to the lake baikal and back from Irkutsk to Moscow by train.
Can anybody give us a route tip for heavy motorcycles from Barnaul to UB?

The north route (margenta) should have more river crossings and heavy sand. We would prefer an easier "road" constitution like gravel(south route in red). Which route has the more interresting sights to see?
We are planning this trip for Mai/June 2012 or 2013. Hope to get here some information.
Does anybody know a shipping company for the motorcycles from Germany to Novosibirsk?
Is it possible to travel in the same train together with the bikes on the transsib-railway?

Best reguards from Germany

Andi
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Oct 2011
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318


Planning on going to Mongolia myself next year... so it'll be interesting to see where this thread goes. Have you checked out what the weather will be like that time of year? It's a toss up between temperature and rain. July-August are the summer months so they're the warmest but they're also the wettest.

The travel season begins in mid-May, although early May can still see snow, especially in the north. July is the time to see the Naadam Festival but it's also peak tourist season, however, I think unless your in UB how many travellers can there be?

August can see lots of rain, which isn't great for the river crossings, mud tracks and mossies. On the other hand it'll be nice for the vast grass steppe... September is cooler and apparently brings greater colours in the northern forests but more importantly the flies and mosquitoes start to disappear.

The cold season is November to February and nomadic Mongolians allegedly consider March and April the worst months as they can bring financial and psychological hardship after the winter months.

I'm sure I'll be corrected if wrong, but I've heard that the northerly route is preferable to the south in terms of things to see: landscapes etc?
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 68
Go South. YOu hit it on the head when you said easier river crossings. THere will still be some, but as you move further south in Mongolia, the rivers become more shallow and slower flowing. The scenery is AMAZING....I have never in my life breathed air so clean...seen sunlight without any air polution. It is incredible.

As far as sights go, Mongolia itself is the sight. There are a few "cities" along the way...Olgi, Khovd, Bayanhongor. They are good to grab some food and move on, but that's about it. There are gorgeous mountains near the Russian/Mongolian border and you'll hug the Gobi doing the southern route. You can try and hit up Kharkorum on your way to Ulaanbaatar....and you could check out the giant Chinngis Khan statue south of UB.

You'll have a fun trip and be amazed at what that incredible country offers you.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
Go North!

I would say the exact opposite and to go north!

We just did that route this summer, but we rode the bikes straight from Germany. The Altai region was my favorite place to ride in Russia, we also have the GPS point for a biker meeting point in Chemal if you want it just PM me for it. Konstantine is always open to new bikers. I wrote an article about it here if you want to know what you would be in for: (Naked With Strange Russian Men - Unleash Your Adventure)


The North is a more difficult route, but I think it is also the most interesting, I did it with my BMW F 650 with one minor crash (and that was due to stupidity). The other two (also a BMW F 650 and a Honda Africa Twin) had no such accidents. ;-) The big thing I think is time. If you want to be fast you may find yourself riding in mud and too fast in it. Go a little slower and really enjoy the scenery.



But like jpyrek says, no matter where you go the view is amazing. Mongolia itself is the sight to see. As far as motorcycling goes it was one of my fav places, Iceland beats it just a little bit. But do not expect much culinary delight before you hit Ulan Batar again.


As for shipping I am not sure, sorry! But I think you are going to have an awesome time on that route!


Sherrie

Last edited by gypsyprincess; 13 Oct 2011 at 09:27. Reason: funny formatting
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 27
Just came back from the trip to Mongolia with my bike. From Barnaul we went to Tashanta. I would keep south.
My trip in mongolia on From Italy Around the world on Motorcycles
Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Neer netherlands
Posts: 22
Hey,

In 2007 I did the southern route, the Mongolian Altain is stunning. Mongolia is for shure the most exiting motorcycle country in the world. Every view is mindblowing (exept in the cities), the roads are a challenge, the people are hospitable. What else do you need ( eh food........challenging aswell).
Be shure to visit the Oasis guesthouse in UB ( Willkommen in der Mongolei) It's a haven for stranded motorcyclists. They can help you shipping your motorcycle back to Germany.
We shipped ours in a 20ft container filled it up with Mongolian gers which we sold in the Netherlands. This way we payed for the shipping costs.
Rene and Sybille can help you with the customs and paperwork.

Visit my blog, unfortunately it is in Dutch but the pictures will show enough.
Altai & Gobi 2007
This one is in English......
To Mongolia 2007 - ADVrider

Have Fun,
Sjeng.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 37
from what I've seen of other reports I would say the northern route is more difficult but more scenic, but the southern route is faster but somewhat less interesting (a lot of desert apparently). Which is why when I go I plan to do both.

off topic, but what mapping software and maps are you using there?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Oct 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 554
I took the southern route 3 years ago (by car) and it was beautiful (in spite of the corrugations!). I have also heard that northern one is harder, but if it is even nicer, then it has to be really amazing.

In case it may help, a map from Barnaul to Tashanta, click on the link (I posted it in this thread about crossing Kazakhstan). And a map of Mongolia with the petrol stations (that not always work, though). I'm sure that Reise-Know-How map has to be great (and sturdy enough for Mongolia).

Have fun and enjoy the ride.

Esteban

PS: Get ready for all four seasons in the very same day (sun, heat, rain, cold...).
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Oct 2011
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
i wouldnt say the northern route is harder. Its more difficult if you want to ride fast, because the rougher terrain and windier roads make mean many parts of the road will limit your speed to 70-80 km/h. On the southern route, the speed is whatever you want it to be. If you are riding a bigger bike and not riding quickly, then the northern route is not harder, just not as quick.

The northern route is less sandy.

The northern route is much more scenic.

Last edited by colebatch; 28 Oct 2011 at 15:41.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Oct 2011
stephen.stallebrass's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 318
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
The northern route is less sandy.

The northern route is much more scenic.
Two very good reasons why I'll be taking the Northern route in 2012.
__________________
www.AdventureVagabond.com Mongolia & Siberia 2012: Adventure Moto Madness
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 52
Chinggis,

We used the reise know how for Mongolia (in English and German and water/tear proof) with open street maps on Navdroid. We were really impressed with open street maps for Mongolia, we had no problems!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Olsberg, Germany
Posts: 2
Hello,
first of all thanks for the informations. At the moment I use this map for planning:
Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap
A good WP-list I got from here:
Mongolian GPS coordinates tracks points database
At the end of this month a want to talk to a german guy who travelled this year from spain to magadan through mongolia.
What about river crossings on the north route? On Island we had some rough crossings with appr. 70cm water deepth and a fast flow speed of the water.
The wideth of the river crossings was 30 - 50m. With how much river crossings must we plan on the north route? I would prefer it if we can carry the bikes to Novosibirsk. So we would have more time in mongolia.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Oct 2011
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndiP View Post
At the end of this month a want to talk to a german guy who travelled this year from spain to magadan through mongolia.
Andreas and Claudia?

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndiP View Post
What about river crossings on the north route? On Island we had some rough crossings with appr. 70cm water deepth and a fast flow speed of the water.
The wideth of the river crossings was 30 - 50m. With how much river crossings must we plan on the north route?
It depends on the weather.

If it has been raining for 2 weeks when you get there, then you can have a lot of river crossings with fast flowing water. If it has been dry, you might only have one or two small ones.

If it has been raining and has now stopped, then wait a day or two and the water will mostly be gone.

As for maps, I also think OpenStreetMap maps and garmin receivers are the best way to go.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Battery needed around Barnaul. zakkwylde TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 5 Aug 2010 11:30
Free Tyres in Barnaul, Russia scottym Northern and Central Asia 0 24 Jul 2008 05:25
Beijing to Ulan Batar? cschluti Route Planning 1 22 Jul 2008 13:14
selling my XT in ulaan Batar Polly Northern and Central Asia 4 20 Aug 2007 16:09

 
 

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 23:48.