Esplora is a collective driven by the spirit of adventure, seeking out remote landscapes and untold stories through human-powered exploration. On this journey to Mongolia, the team consists of Davide Ciarletta, Marco Ricci, and Giuseppe Papa (aka Cyclovagabond)—three travelers united by their passion for cycling, discovery, and the open road. Equipped with Resolute tires and the Gravelier saddle, they set out on a bikepacking expedition to push the limits of exploration.
Mongolia was chosen just a few days before returning from Nepal, a journey that marked the beginning of a new era for Esplora. The Lung-ta, Tibetan prayer flags whose name literally means "horses in the wind," inspired us to seek new lands to explore.
From Nepal to Mongolia: Chasing the Wind on Two Wheels
This journey was the natural continuation of our exploration, which began in the world's highest mountains. In Mongolia, we found ourselves once again chasing the wind on our bikes, feeling the thrill of freedom as we explored endless horizons. It was like connecting the energy of the Nepalese peaks with the vastness of the Mongolian steppes
Immersion into Mongolia
Mongolia hit us like a ton of bricks. In a matter of hours, we were immersed in a culture so vastly different from our own. The contrast in traditions, architecture, and way of life was striking, leaving us feeling a bit lost at first. It was a stark reminder of just how much of the world remains unexplored.
The Esplora crew equipped their bikes with:
WTB Resolute 50: Engineered for unmatched comfort, versatile weather performance, and reliable traction on any terrain.
WTB Gravelier Saddle: Designed to deliver the ultimate in pedaling comfort and high-performance support for every ride.
WTB TPU Tubes: Lightweight, robust, and ultra-compact—built to keep you rolling confidently on both trails and roads.
First Impressions: The Cultural Contrast of Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar was a sensory overload. It was like stepping into another world, a place out of time. The city, with its Soviet-era architecture and Cyrillic script, felt like a time capsule. The streets, bearing the scars of the past, offered a striking contrast to the warm hospitality of its people. While initially disorienting, the city's unique charm soon won us over.
Leaving the City Behind: Entering the Vast Mongolian Wilderness
Leaving Ulaanbaatar felt like taking our first real breath. The steppes stretched out endlessly, a grassy carpet dotted with wild horses galloping freely under an immense sky. The sense of freedom was almost overwhelming. As we traveled through these pure landscapes, we rediscovered the simple pleasures of life.
The Open Steppes and Endless Horizons
Our first day began with a wake-up call in a field, in the middle of a clearing. The night before, we had been hosted by a farming family that highlighted one of Asia's greatest virtues: hospitality. This is especially true in Mongolia, where nomads have always followed the rhythm of the seasons. Here, home is more than just a shelter; it's a place of sharing, a connection to nature and the divine, a reflection of the nomadic spirit.
Camping Under the Mongolian Sky: Finding Peace in the Silence
Underneath the vast expanse of the sky, we are all united by the great Tengri, the "god of the blue sky." This echoes the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Lung-ta, which represents the five elements harmoniously united within the vast expanse of the sky.
Wild Horses and Rolling Landscapes: The True Spirit of Mongolia
The pedaling is getting tough; the strong winds are blowing against us, slowing us down. We are alone, surrounded by an infinity of land and sky, but we never feel truly alone. The presence of the wild horses galloping freely alongside us in the steppe makes us feel part of something bigger, of an endless cycle. It's as if nature itself is pushing us forward.
Endurance and Isolation: Riding Hundreds of Kilometers Without Villages
Unlike Nepal, here we travel hundreds and hundreds of kilometers without encountering houses or villages, except for the occasional yurts where we find rest and hospitality. This vast, desolate landscape provides the perfect setting for introspection. It's in these moments of quiet contemplation that we've come to appreciate our place in the universe, realizing just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Traditional Ways of Life: Living in Harmony with Nature
Here, silence is so pervasive that it almost becomes a sound. The sound of the wind, of flowing water, of breath quickening with exertion, of moving clouds, of rustling leaves, of blades of grass brushing against each other, of nocturnal creatures calling out, all these sounds, usually lost in the cacophony of everyday life, become crystal clear. It's as if our ears, freed from the noise, can now hear the pure, raw sounds of nature.
The Challenges of Bikepacking in Mongolia
We wake to freezing mornings, shivering by the fire until the first light of dawn. But as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon, we're filled with a renewed sense of energy. The cold air and the warmth of the sun on our faces create a perfect balance. We hit the road, feeling completely free.
The Hospitality of Mongolian Nomads
As we venture deeper into Mongolia, towards the remote Lake Khuvsgul - our destination on the Russian border - the harshness of the wilderness of this Country becomes evident. In these 15 days and about 800 kilometers, the journey has been challenging. The rugged roads, sparse population, and Siberian winds make the journey demanding. However, among this untamed landscape and challenging conditions, we've encountered people of remarkable strength. These individuals, living boldly and yet gently, in harmony with nature, have welcomed us with kindness and generosity.
A Harsh but Beautiful Landscape: The Road to the Russian Border
Here, in the heart of Mongolia, the birth of the greatest empire of recent times becomes clear: the Mongols are indeed warrior people. Leaving Hatgal behind, we venture into the vast expanse surrounding Lake Khuvsgul. Our three-day journey to the northern tip is interrupted by an immense expanse of sand dunes, a natural barrier that defies our passage. As winter's icy breath draws near, we are forced to acknowledge nature's dominance and turn back.
The Transformative Power of Travel: Cycling as a Way of Connection
On our way back, we were fortunate enough to find shelter in a nomad's yurt. The family herds yaks and welcomed us into their home for the night. While communication was challenging, as we understood little of their language and vice versa, we rediscovered the simplicity of gestures and gradually began to understand each other. Despite the language barrier, we managed to engage in various activities together until, with just a pen, we began to draw. This moment marked a deep connection between us. Drawing brought us even closer, allowing us to explore their culture and stories. It was a powerful reminder that language is not always necessary for connection, as our imaginations and the images we created bridged the gap between us. This experience taught us the true meaning of such an experience: unity.
Mongolia: A Land That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Pedaling home, we carried with us the memory of the yurt's warm fire and the family's laughter. The realization that we might never see them again filled us with a sense of melancholy.
Traveling by bicycle is a transformative experience. It allows to discover not only new places, but also hidden aspects of ourselves and to forge authentic connections with the people we meet along the way. These memories will stay with us forever.
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All photos are words by Esplora.