Mongolia Route

There are two border entries into Mongolia:

1. Tsagaannur (border open Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm) in the far west of Mongolia in Bayan-Olgii aimag (province). This gives the best choice of off road routes across Mongolia:
   • From Tsagaannur head south through the small towns of Olgii, Khovd, Altay, Bayankhangor, Arvakheer and finishing in Ulaanbataar. To say this is the easiest route is an understatement: you have around 1000 miles of unpaved surfaces, valleys, deserts, rivers, mountains and plenty of wildlife to get through. In a top powered 4x4 you might complete it in a few days... we are told the record is 40hours non-stop for a Mongolian who knows the route like the back of his hand. Others haven't survived...
   • From Tsagaannur head due east. This is the unknown route with a few choices. This is serious off road country and some of the most difficult terrain with deep rivers and non-existent roads. Experienced Mongolians laugh at inexperienced foreigners trying to take this route. They've got a point. One for the 4x4 cars only unless you've got 10 days to spare and you're in a convoy!
2. Sukhbataar (Altanbulag) in the north with paved road from the border straight to Ulaanbaatar. The road isn't great but it is paved and the whole journey can be completed in hours rather than days.