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Tags:
Level: Advanced
Length: 14 mi (22.5 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Out & Back
Elevation: +472/ -544 ft
Total: 2 riders
Mountain Biking Nukht to Zaisan
#36 of 70 mountain bike trails in Mongolia
This can be ridden as a one-way shuttle either way or as an out and back either way. I have listed it as an out and back. This trail has sooooooo much potential, but the last time I rode it or I should say "hiked it", the deadfall on the Nukht trail was unbelievable. It's probably not worth the effort at this time. Beautiful area though. Before I bring my bike again, I will hike or run it to check the condition of the Nukht trail.
First added by mongwolf on Feb 24, 2015. Last updated Apr 24, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
You can start either at the camp in Zaisan or at the camp at Nukht. Zaisan is easier to start from town. You can just ride to it. If you start at Nukht you will want to drive. You can no longer enter Nukht Camp and park. You can only go in if you are using the lodge. But you can park close, right near the gate. There is a break in the fence near the main gate on the right side. Go through this and ride around the camp on the West side until you pick up the trail on the south side.
In its current condition I have to rate this trail a 2, but it has the potential of a 5. This is gorgeous beautiful country, and there is ample topography and elevation for some awesome riding. But the deadfall on the Nukht Valley Trail makes it unrideable over a substantial distance.
Last May I "rode" the trail from Nukht to Zaisan. It wasn't much of a ride except for the first mile up the Zaisan Valley Trail, and the last 2.5 mi down the Zaisan Chutes Trail (exceptional riding).
It was tough going for quite a while with all the deadfall plus all the water from the spring melt coming off the mountain EVERYWHERE in Nukht valley. I finally had to bail out of the route I was taking, throw my bike on my back, and climb out a long exposed slope (about a 1000' ascent) of sustained 30-50% slope. Once on top the riding was still slow for a long time.
Although the day did not go as planned, I had an awesome time. The weather "elements" were really cool with a low pressure system moving through the area and snowing on me a couple of times. The nature was beautiful. Plus, I watched 4 eagles (2 pairs) dance and play together directly above me for about 15 minutes. And finally, this was the day I discovered the Zaisan Chutes at the end of the ride ... what a way to end the day!!!!!!!!!! Pure DH bliss. It took me nearly 4 hours to do the 11.5 km on the trail. Once in Zaisan, I rode home through the rush hour traffic in UB. I couldn't help but think how different the commuters' day and my day had been. Mine FAR better.
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