Mongolia is a destination that many adventure riders are curious about. You often hear stories about wide open landscapes, long distances between towns and riding on dirt tracks instead of paved roads.
Because of this, some riders wonder whether travelling across Mongolia by motorbike is realistic, or only something for very experienced off-road riders.
In practice, riding in Mongolia is challenging at times, but for many people it is also very achievable with the right preparation and expectations.
What Riding in Mongolia Is Really Like
Riding across Mongolia is very different from a typical road trip.
Outside the main towns, you will mostly ride on:
- dirt tracks across the steppe
- gravel roads
- sandy sections
- rocky mountain routes
- muddy terrain after rain
- occasional river crossings
There are usually multiple tracks leading in roughly the same direction. Choosing which one to follow becomes part of the experience.
Distances between settlements can be large, and services such as fuel, food or accommodation are not always available on demand. This means planning ahead is important. At the same time, Mongolia is not completely empty. You regularly encounter nomadic families, small villages and other travellers during the summer months.
How Difficult Is It?
The difficulty of riding in Mongolia depends mostly on:
- your off-road riding experience
- weather conditions
- the type of route you choose
- how many kilometres you plan to cover each day
If you follow established tracks and keep daily distances realistic, the trip is achievable for many people with basic off-road skills.
Common Concerns Riders Have
Before travelling to Mongolia, many riders worry about:
- getting lost
- running out of fuel
- mechanical problems
- riding alone in remote areas
These are valid concerns, but they can be managed with preparation.
Fuel is generally available in towns and sometimes in small roadside shops or with local families.
GPS navigation works well in open terrain.
Locals are often curious and helpful when travellers pass through their areas.
Who Is This Trip Suitable For?
You do not need to be an expert rally rider to travel by motorbike in Mongolia.
It is suitable for riders who:
- have basic off-road riding skills
- are comfortable riding for several hours a day
- can handle simple mechanical issues
- enjoy travelling in remote environments
- are willing to adapt plans when needed
For many riders, Mongolia becomes one of the most memorable trips they ever do.
Planning Your Own Ride
Planning a motorbike trip across Mongolia involves more than simply choosing a direction and riding.
Route choices, fuel strategy, daily distances, bike setup and packing decisions all influence how smooth the journey will be.
In my full Mongolia Motorbike Guide, I share:
- the route I followed
- realistic daily riding expectations
- navigation and fuel planning tips
- preparation advice
- packing recommendations
- lessons learned on the trip
- and much more
If you are planning to ride in Mongolia, this guide can help you prepare and save you many hours of research.
👉 Explore the full Mongolia Motorbike Guide
