Our Mongolia trekking tours are not about testing endurance or reaching the highest peaks. Instead, they offer a chance to connect with the landscape, slowing down to explore herding trails and migration routes alongside local herders. These herders, with whom we have established long-term community partnerships, lead our treks and intimately know the region you will be exploring.
What sets our Mongolia trekking tours apart is the flexibility and organic nature of the routes. Unlike many rigid itineraries, we allow your herder guide to determine the path, creating a more authentic Mongolian exploration experience. In a country renowned for its freedom, fixed routes feel out of place. While there will be natural challenges such as varying terrain and weather conditions, our focus is on slowing down, getting to know your Mongolian herder guide in their home area, and enjoying the journey.
If you don’t see the trekking experience you’re looking for, we also offer private, tailor-made treks, all in partnership with our trusted herders. Explore the location ideas below and embark on a unique adventure that celebrates the wonder of Mongolia’s landscapes and the joy of exploration.
You may well ask, why are our herder guides all men? Within the Mongolian herding culture, roles are quite specific and women are typically responsible for the domestic matters within the ger, such as the provision of food, the raising of the children, the milking of the livestock and the making of dairy products. The man’s role extends over a broader area including the herding of the livestock so they typically have a greater knowledge of the wider area. The families choose who will accompany each trek but know that we’re flexible and supportive.
The Tsaatan are a community of nomadic reindeer herders, originally from Tuva in Siberia, who have historically inhabited the border region of Russia and Mongolia. Ethnically, the community identifies as Dukha, but their lifestyle as reindeer herders earned them the Mongolian name Tsaatan, which means roughly ‘with reindeer’.
They make their home in one of the most remote landscapes in Mongolia and as a result this trip is also tough. However, Narankhuu and his son are the kindest of hosts and will take care of you as they introduce you to their homeland and the families who live here. Due to the fragility of the natural environment and the Tsaatan culture we recommend small groups of a maximum of four and a minimum of five or six days for the horse trek itself.
Learn more in our guide to visiting Mongolia’s Tsaatan reindeer herders responsibly.
Khovsgol Nuur is known as Dalai Ej in Mongolian – Mother Sea. Khovsgol is famous for its lake (and rightly so as it is glorious) however, the Khoridol Saridag Mountain Range forms part of the national park and are a stunning region of limestone peaks topping 3000m.
Treks here can include exploring the Khoridol Saridag Mountains and into the Darkhad Depression, up the west shoreline of Khovsgol to the border community of Khankh and the eastern flank of the lake including hot springs. All are areas that Bambakh, our herder trek guide, knows like the back of his hand.
Learn more about Khovsgol Nuur National Park – and also the Khoridol Sairdag Mountains.
The Khangai often get by-
No formal trekking routes really exist here and that’s what makes trekking in the Khangai such a glorious experience – it’s just you, your trek guide and your choice of which horizon to explore and discover.
The Khongoryn Els sand dunes are known locally as Duut Mankhan – the Singing Sands. These are the largest sand dunes in the Gobi Desert although they represent only 3-5% of the entire landmass of the Gobi Desert (500,000 square miles). They form part of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.
The dune landscapes are extraordinary – sandwiched between the Bayan Tsagaan Mountains to the north and the Zoolon and Sevrey Mountains on the southern side. Don’t be put off at the thought of having to trek by camel – one of our guests on our Wild Gobi research trip likened it to ‘mind meditation’.
However, for those interested, we can arrange a trekking experience in the region including Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.
Altai Tavan Bogd is home to the highest mountains in Mongolia. The national park can be divided into two regions, the Tavan Bogd Mountains in the northwest (Five Holy Peaks) and the Lakes Region to the southeast. Both locations make a remarkable back-drop for both extended foot and horse treks and you can learn more here.
The Tsagaan Gol trek connecting the lakes to the region of the Five Holy Peaks is popular. If you want to experience a more hidden side to the Altai consider Tsambagarav Uul National Park on the border of Khovd and Bayan Ulgii Aimag. Another option is the region of Tsengel Khairkhan close to the district of Sagsai in Bayan Ulgii. Both offer an Altai that few others get to see and you can experience both on our Altai Migration Trails experience.
If you’re in Ulaanbaatar why not pop into our office. We love receiving guests. The kettle is always on. Just call Tuya to arrange +976 88011476
