A quiet rest day in Tsetserleg. Morning walk to and up an impressive staircase to some statues and a small temple. I was more interested in the view of streets and various buildings – still enjoying the colourful Mongolia palette for houses. Few ruins from Soviet times too. I left the others to check out a museum while I sought a beard and haircut – cheapest one I’ve ever paid for, before a luxurious nap.

Fun times continuing to discuss route options with proprietor Murray and quite a few other cycle tourists at Fairfield Guesthouse; some bike maintenance done too. Bit of time also spent trying to find various things – sunscreen lip balm (very difficult to find), a foam mattress so I no longer had to sleep on the ground (wasn’t looking hopeful, a yoga mat the only option for a while; but that went to Ian to cut up as a lunch seat when Rachel found a closed cell foam mat – bulky but light enough to carry) and a powerbank – amongst the normal supplies.

More sweet yak milk treats, yum!

Typical rest day gear explosion.

After Ian went to see the hairdresser I’d found, Rachel must have deemed us a bit more presentable – strangely we went out for a beer. That was easily topped by roast beef and Yorkshire puddings for dinner back at Fairfield. A good break from the bikes.