Imagine being in the middle of nowhere, with no internet or cell phone connection, only you and your local team traveling through magnificent untouched landscapes with wild animals. This is a true adventure that offers a safe and enjoyable experience.

Mongolia offers a paradise for hiking, trekking, and adventure travel, catering to everyone from beginners to pros, from the Gobi Sand Dunes to vast steppe landscapes and the impressive Altai Mountain region above 4000 meters, traversing beautiful boreal forests (taiga) in the north.

Depending on the season, you can choose destinations ranging from vast steppe valleys adorned with various colored flowers to extreme mountain treks and lakeside trails. It caters not only to adventure and nature enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate culture and enjoy interacting with local people deeply connected to Mother Nature. Mongolians have been herding livestock and living a nomadic way of life for thousands of years.

On Foot or On Horseback?

Some who prefer walking choose hiking, with the option to combine it with horse or camel trekking if fatigue sets in. If you have a heavy load, you can rent or ask your tour operator a horse, camel, or yak to ease the burden.

Climate: Mongolia's weather is unpredictable, with all four seasons often experienced in a single day. Preparation is crucial for travel.

What to Prepare: First, plan your hiking route with the help of local experts who can guide you on the best time and destination for hiking and trekking. Bringing a small gift for nomadic families and kids is advisable. Essential items for your rucksack include a map, GPS, sun cream with high UV protection, mosquito spray, hat, good water-resistant hiking boots, raincoat, and, of course, your camera to capture the memorable trip.

Check your packing list for items like a tent, a good warm and light sleeping bag, mattress, camping cooking utensils, lighter or matches, a knife or multi-tools, compass, headlamps/tent lights, candles, waterproof document keeper wallet, water-resistant light hiking boots, jumper, raincoat, mosquito or bug spray, sun cream, water- and wind-resistant trousers, wet tissues, camera, Mongolian garment (Deel), and more.

Best Places to Go Hiking and Trekking in Mongolia:

1. Khuisiin Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes): A remote destination surrounded by the Khangai Mountain, offering fresh interconnected lakes trekking adventure. Suvarga Khairkhan Mountain: Located in the Arkhangai province, it provides easy trekking through peaceful green meadows, rolling hills, and valleys dotted with wildflowers. Hiking tour can include visits to museums, historical sites, and interactions with nomads.
2. Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains: Western Mongolia offers a wonderland for hikers. The distance between Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and Ulaanbaatar is 1900 km. It is suggested taking domestic flight Ulaanbaatar- Ulgii-Ulaanbaatar. It is located  200 km from Ulgii. Or traveler can take a bus from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii which takes about 30 hours to cover the 1700 kms.

3. Terelj National Park and Bogd Khaan Mountain: For short-term trips near Ulaanbaatar, recommended for its thickly wooded and rocky mountainous range.

Mongolia, with its serene wild open valleys, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes, provides a trekker's paradise. The journey is expertly managed by local teams, with Mongolian horses, camels, or yaks carrying luggage through places inaccessible by vehicles. Encounters with local inhabitants offer insights into their lifestyle and customs. The adventure unfolds amidst the arid and spectacular nature surrounding them.