MONGOLIA NOBLE CHALLENGE
6TH – 11TH AUGUST 2024
6 DAY TREK, BIKE & OPTIONAL HORSE RIDE
Encounter the country like no other before, challenge yourself, connect with nature and help to break our world’s generational cycle of poverty.
LIVE THE LEGEND…
IN THE LAND OF THE ETERNAL BLUE SKIES
For the past 15 years, individuals from across the globe have come together for an experience of a life-time through CNCF’s Noble Challenges in support of the Foundation’s life-transforming work with many of our world’s most vulnerable communities.
In 2024, our annual challenge returns with one of our greatest and most spectacular 6 day adventure itineraries yet with additional time to visit CNCF’s Blue Skies Ger Village.
Join us on this unique journey of self-discovery in breathtaking Mongolia run alongside our trusted parters, leading travel and adventure company Bike Asia.
THE CHALLENGE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BIKE ASIA, MONGOLIA’S LEADING ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANY
Keep in mind, distances in Mongolia off-road are typically double the difficulty to what you would expect on a road ride (so a 120km road ride demands a similar level of physical exertion as a 60km journey in Mongolia) compounded by the challenges of navigating the terrain. Terelj Park boasts some of Mongolia’s most stunning scenery and hosts the annual Mongolia Mountain Bike Challenge, attracting professional elite riders from around the globe.
Day 1
Tuesday 6th August – Day 1: Arrive at Ulaanbaatar/ Group Meeting / local sightseeing
On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, the group will be transferred to the hotel where there will be an orientation meeting and a chance to explore downtown Ulaanbaatar. In the evening we’ll head out for our first dinner together after a cultural performance where participants can see traditional Mongolian throat singing, dancing and music.
B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel | Meals: D
Day 2
Wednesday 7th August – Day 2: Drive from Ulaanbaatar/Bike into Terelj National Park
We depart early after breakfast to drive for 1.5 hours into the countryside to our start point. Here we’ll pull on the cycling gear and set off across the Mongolian steppe after a brief biking orientation and briefing. The cycling is undulating with some sharp climbs and descents, mostly on smooth hard- pack jeep trails, but there will also be some sandy and rocky sections, so you’ll need to keep your wits about you. We’ll see open steppe land, where Mongolian herdsman and their families tend to their herds, and there will be plenty of opportunities to see birds of prey, small mammals and plenty of sheep and cattle. Tonight, you’ll experience your first night camping under the stars. Our trusty cooks will serve up a hearty meal as we settle in to see the sun set on the Mongolian steppe.
Accommodation: Tented Camping | Meals: BLD | Cycling: 40km or 60km for those wishing to push themselves the extra mile.
Keep in mind, distances in Mongolia off-road are typically double the difficulty to what you would expect on a road ride, and in addition you are up against Mongolia terrain. Terelj Park boasts some of Mongolia’s most stunning scenery and hosts the annual Mongolia Mountain Bike Challenge, attracting professional elite riders from around the globe.
Day 3
Thursday 8th August – Day 3: Hike into Terelj National Park
We swap out the cycling shoes for hiking gear and commence our hike across the Tuul River and up a long spectacular side valley. Travelling on foot will allow you to observe the surrounding scenery and landscapes at a more soulful pace. Toward the end of the valley, we ascend onto a ridge-line and make our way through forests of birch, larch and pine, crossing over the ridge-line and into the next valley to camp. Tonight we’ll experience a traditional Mongolian Barbecue, horhog, for dinner together on our final night in the Mongolian countryside!
Accommodation: tented camp | Meals: BLD | Hike approx: 20km or optional extended 25km
Day 4
Friday 9th August – Day 4: Horse-riding to Terelj River
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel | Meals: BLD | Horse-riding approx: 20 km
Day 5
Saturday 10th August – Day 5: CNCF visit
Today, after breakfast, we’ll take a short bus ride to visit the Blue Skies Ger Village and meet the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation team and the wonderful children they support. In the evening, we’ll head out for our final celebratory dinner and celebrate the end of an epic adventure!
Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel | Meals: BLD
Day 6
Sunday 11th August – Day 6: Departure
The challenge comes to an end, but you take away amazing memories and friends for life. Transfer to the airport or feel free to extend your stay to explore this wonderful country.
Or email CNCF Mongolia Challenge Coordinator Jane at jane.barrell@cncf.org
Challange Cost Payment Dates
- Non-refundable Registration fee 10% – $160 USD
- 1st April 2024 – $480 USD
- 1st June 2024 – $480 USD
- 1st July 2024 – $480 USD
$1,600 USD
is the cost of your participation on the challenge, from the day you arrive in Mongolia to the day you leave including in country travel, accommodation, bikes, guides, medical support, horses (if chosen), and meals as listed. Your flights to and from Mongolia and travel insurance are not included.
$2,000 USD
In addition, we ask each challenger to aim to fundraise $2,000 USD for CNCF to support our Blue Skies Ger Village for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children. You will be visiting this project in Mongolia and will see first-hand the long-lasting and deep rooted impact your efforts will have and where this money is going in helping to support some very special young people. Our fantastic and experienced challenge coordinator Jane will help you set up your fundraising page.
The 2024 Mongolia Noble Challenge is run by our trusted partners Bike Asia.
Hear from a previous CNCF Noble Challenger below…
Join us in taking this challenge of a lifetime into the wilds of Mongolia and fundraise for some of our world’s most vulnerable children from CNCF’s Blue Skies Ger Village (view below) whom you will meet on completion.
“The Mongolia 2019 Challenge was, and remains, as one of the greatest experiences of my life. Mongolia changes you as a person, it is a country of something quite magical. Never have I felt so connected to nature and inspired to push myself physically. Meeting some of the children we supported at the end of the challenge was very emotional and truly humbling, I don’t think I will ever have a moment like it again. To any potential 2023 challenger – do it. You will see for yourself this will be the best decision you make.” Tom Acrey (UK), 2019 Mongolia Challenger
