Mongolia postscript. Altai-khovd-Ögli-border Tsagaannuur

Our last few days in Mongolia

each was as different as the other. Perfect paved roads,  desert, and gravel. 

All under a boundless sky.

We arrived in Mongolia via the Kyakhta-Attanbulag border

On 19 June. It was 30°C, 2410km and 13 days later on 1 July

we departed from the Tsagaannuur-Tashanta border. It was 4°C

The Historical significance of Persia and Central Asia is well-described in

Peter Frankopan’s  recent book, The Silk Roads-A new world history

Which challenges those of us with a Eurocentric world view.

Mongolia was a sovereign socialist state from 1921- 1992.

Soviet presence led to improved education and health provision but also

To religious persecution. Freedom of religion can be restricted in lots of ways.

Let’s not take it for granted wherever we are.

We set off from Altai hoping that rumours of paved road

 all the way to Khovd were true. They were!

The lovely new Steppe Hotel was our tent for the night.

From Khovd we knew that there would be a mix of paved road 

with some off road sections where new roads are being constructed.

It took longer than we expected. About 8 hours.

The location of a bed for the night can run smoothly or not

We are tired at the end of the day and an uncooperative GPS

Adds a frisson of stress.  The brightly coloured houses cheer us.

It seems that there are two Eagle hotels in Ögli

We are relieved to find the Eagle dreams Hotel. 

Complete with amazing decor and the ‘on trend’ glass walled bathroom.

Next morning we set off for the border crossing.

To leave Mongolia with many vivid memories.

Leaving Altai. Paved roads are welcome. We have risen to the challenge of two-up on rugged off road routes. 

We have left plenty of routes to those who are half our age and riding alone.

I have developed a new technique for righting the bike when it has a lie down. All those reclining leg press exercises at the gym paid off.

When the bike falls I lie on the upper side of the bike with my feet against the pannier and push. That lifts the bike enough for Dick to get himself out and to join in the hefting.

I didn’t think of taking a photo till afterwards.

Ger with refreshments.

Fuel tankers drive off road, too.  There is fuel available along the route we have ridden and we are amazed at how the supply chain works.

Glorious hues. Resene Paints would be proud of the diverse selection of hues. 

It makes me wonder, ‘Why are we so cautious about house colours in New Zealand?’

Our last breakfast in Mongolia. Kefir,  bread,  margarine, jam, spiced cookies and tea. At the Eagles Dream Hotel.

Near Tsagaannuur. There is about 40km gravel road to the border.

Painting the white lines using a stencil.

Arriving at the Mongolian border post near Tsagaannuur.

Bikes called to the front. Hooray!!! Because we were chilled. A nice warm building with passport, customs, and quarantine all in the same place.

It was very cold 4°C here in No-Man’s land. The lone biker deserves a medal.

To the Tashanta border. Dick has described this border crossing. 

It was a Monday. We couldn’t avoid crossing on Monday but our advice is...

Don’t cross this Tashanta border on a Monday!!! 

There are extra vehicles because the border is closed on Sunday. Plus there were numerous Kazach people with their vehicles loaded to the gunwhales with people and stuff after a weekend shopping trip from Kazachstan to Mongolia. 

There is not much shelter and you have to wait outside. Bring snacks and a drink and dress in warm clothes.

We have crossed many borders. This took six hours all up.

In Iran at Agarak/Norduz we took 20 minutes through customs and we were treated well and were given a bottle of water each.  The Norduz border crossing into Iran is our all time favourite border to cross.