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Places & Tips for Trekking in Mongolia

If you are looking for some of the best trekking options in Central Asia, you are in for a treat at Mongolia. From wild, barren landscapes to endless horizons, the populated nomadic land has been loved by trekkers from all across the globe. One can find a diverse range of terrain with valleys, plains and hills scattered all across the country. Sprawling over 1.5 million square kilometers (0.58 million sq. mi), it has one of the least population density which favors trekking in Mongolia.

From the wide steppe Altai Mountain to the Gobi Sand Dunes (See also Gobi Desert), Mongolia is paradise of adventure travel. You have to choose the destination depending on when you are trekking. The hiking and the adventure tour will not just be about connecting with the nature but also exploring the raw, nomadic lifestyles of the local people.

Before moving on to the list of the top places for trekking in Mongolia, here's a guide that can help you what to pack and how to prepare for the trek-

Tips for trekking

Horseback or on foot?

Trekking in Mongolia

Tourists who have the experience of horse riding can connect with local tour operator to get a horse on rent. Along with the guide interpreter and local instructor, you can opt for a more comfortable trek than on-foot travel. For many, however, the real connect with nature is only possible when they walk through the land. So, for such tourists, there is an option of combining the horse or camel trek with the on-foot trek. Additionally, if you have a lot of baggage to carry, renting a camel, yak or horse is a good idea who can take your load off.

Climate

Mongolia has a very unpredictable weather. In fact, there's a saying that you will see and feel four seasons in the same day. Morning and evening often are as cold as winter and in the afternoon, sunny and hot like summer. You have to be prepared for any kind of weather change during trekking in Mongolia.

Packing

After you are sure about the hiking route, you need to have a reliable local team who can help you assist all the way through. The packing list is elaborate and you should not miss any if you want to make the trek comfortable.

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Mattress
• Cooking utensils for Camping
• Candles and Lighter or match
• Knife or multi tools
• Compass and map
• Head lamps/ Tent lights
• Waterproof document keeper wallet
• Water & wind resistance trousers
• Light hiking boots (2 pairs of boots) and must be water resistant
• Jumper and Raincoat
• Mosquito or bug spray
• Sun cream
• Wet tissues
• Camera and charged batteries
• Mongolian garment- Deel

Top trekking destinations

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Sprawling over 6,362 sq. km (2,456 sq. mi), this trekking in Mongolia takes in the Tavan Bogd massif. The main attraction of this adventure is that it includes Khuiten Uul (4,374m), which is Mongolia's highest mountain.

This unique cultural adventure is generally a five-day trek and starts from Ulaanbaatar. Start from the Tavan Bogd Mountains which is set on the borders of Russia and China and will find the highest peak of the country. Malchin (herders) Mountain is undoubtedly the most thrilling peak and can be hiked without any technical equipment. With weather permitting, this is the most ideal place to enjoy the panoramic view of Mongolian landscape. Hiking to Tsagaan Gol (White River) is the National Park is yet another choice in the trek. Check out the eagle hunters’ village and the unique lifestyle of these nomads on your way back to the city.

Kharkhiraa Uul & Türgen Uul

Kharkhiraa Uul (Хархираа Уул, 4,037m) and Türgen Uul (Тргэн Уул, 3,965m) are the twin peaks that offer fantastic trekking choice for adventure travelers, especially during the summer. Apart from the brilliant natural scenes, you can meet the Khoton nomads, who are the only ethnic Islam practicing Mongols. The base for this trekking in Mongolia is generally about 9km (5.6 mi) from the Ulaangom–Khovd road. You need to get the permit from 'the Strictly Protected Areas office' in Ulaangom which is about 20 km (12.4 mi) away from the base.

Kharkhiraa Uul & Türgen Uul

Tsambagarav Uul National Park

Exploring the snow covered Tsambagarav Mountain at 4,208 m (13,806 ft.) is a sight to behold while trekking in Mongolia. Situated in the Bayan-Olgii and Hovd Aimags towers borders, the National Park is spread over 1,109.6 sq. km (428 sq. mi). Along with the diverse wildlife, the vista presents rocky gorges, waterfall, glacial lakes, balbal (standing stones) and a chance to meet the Uriankhai and Kazakh nomads. As said, you can find some of the rarest species including Rock Ptarmigan, Snow Leopard, and Altai Snowcock while hiking. The local tour guides will help you arrange for the trek. Apart from this, you can also enjoy mountain climbing, eagle hunting, horse and camel riding, fishing, and cultural and nature sightseeing.

Tsenkheriin Agui

Scrambling up the rocky path, you will reach up to a huge cave which otherwise has a very deceptive look from the far. This was one of the shelters for the prehistoric people and you can find some of the restored Palaeolithic art (13,000 BC). The part inside the Khar Us Nuur National Park is a very popular trekking destination of the country. Make sure to carry a strong torch and a pair of sturdy shoes as the floor is blanketed with feces of birds. However, if you are going up there to spot the paintings, you might be disappointed. The first cavern has some antelope and bird paintings from where you get in the main cave. About 100 km (62 mi) southeast of Khovd City, this place will excite those who have a knack for prehistoric findings.

Otgon Tenger Uul Strictly Protected Area

With lakes, rocky peaks and rivers, this is a place in the protected area of Otgon Tenger Uul (meaning 'the youngest sky'). You can see one of the three most sacred peaks at about 4,031m (13,225 ft.). Although the snow levels are receding at a steady pace, it is still one of the finest spots for trekking in Mongolia.