Mongolia Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Mongolia (Continued...)

rritory. That drive for survival, fierce passion and an unfaltering understanding of their environment are all clearly evident amongst the modern day Mongolian people.
Having not long been easily accessible to travellers, Mongolia is best suited to the open-minded, adventure-loving visitor. The range of adventure sports available in Mongolia is still fairly limited but what you can experience will, undoubtedly, leave a lasting impression on you. Magical Mongolia is quite simply awesome.
Mongolia’s pristine landscapes are where endless rolling steppes meet high glacial mountain ranges; here, impenetrable forests hide deep, crystalline lakes. The air is pure, and wild fresh water flows in abundance. Landlocked in amongst the geographic giants of the world, (China, Russia and nearby Kazakhstan), Mongolia is sizeable in its own land mass (603,909 square miles). Most of this land is of low productive arable quality across the steppes and of no sustainable resource in the southern Gobi Desert region.
In the north-west of the country are the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains, which straddle the border with Russia and China; here you’ll find perpetual snow and glaciers. The highest mountain is Mount Khuiten at 4,374 metres. Nearby, are four other peaks that also top the 4,000 metre mark, which makes this area a must for high altitude adventures.
The climate in Mongolia is divided in to the same four seasons as we have in the UK. The average summer temperature is around 20C while the average winter temperature can drop below -25C. There is a low annual rainfall, high annual snowfall and a high number of annual cloudless, sunny days. The winter season is inhospitable and lasts from November to late April; spring, summer and autumn are therefore the best times of year to visit.

Horse Riding

In Mongolia there are around 20 million horses for a population of barely 2.8 million! That’s about seven horses per person! And in Mongolia horses go where roads and cars cannot, and where walkers would be exhausted by the rough terrain. It’s not just a means of transport to have a horse, it’s a necessity and a way of life. Don’t miss out on the chance to hop in the saddle and canter off across the steppe on a small but powerful Mongolian horse.
Experienced riders could journey to the Zavkhan aimag area in central Mongolia or the Altai Mountains in the west. The terrain in these areas is challenging, and difficult to get to, but the upside is the low level of tourism development and the pristine wilderness that calls out to be ridden across.
For novice riders the Khentii National Park in the north-east gives you a chance to cross high mountain passes, ford gushing rivers, ride through tundra and marvel at the beautiful scenery of the Khentii Mountain range.

Mountain Biking

The amazing variety of landscapes and distinct lack of roads in Mongolia sets it up exceedingly well for determined mountain bikers in search of new routes. Expect high-mileage trips with a moderate to high level of lung-busting, leg-burning exertion! Mountain biking in Mongolia should be undertaken by riders with some technical experience, travelling with or without their own bikes.
There are moderately challenging routes in the northern Bulgan province or the Khan Khentii National Park, which lies north-east of Ulaanbaatar.
For a really tough challenge, travel from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Khovsgol in north-central Mongolia; here you’ll ride through valleys, rivers and forests in one of the country’s most remote regions. Another notoriously tough loop is across the Khangai Mountains in the north section of the Gobi Desert.

Whitewater Rafting

There are numerous rafting opportunities in Mongolia dotted all over the country – everywhere bar the desert sands of the south of course! In eastern Mongolia is one of the biggest rivers in the Pacific Basin, the Kherlen River. This river is suitable for rafters of any ability.
Over in the western Altai region, the steep mountain escarpments are laced with fast-flowing rivers. The water courses through pine and larch forests while tumbling over rocks and through eddies. Mention rafting in this area and there’s one river in particular that sets the hearts of experienced rafters racing - The Bashkaus River. It is considered the most difficult white water in Mongolia with high class V rapids that should only be attempted by proven, knowledgeable rafters.
The best time of year to raft across Mongolia is late July to September.

Trekking

The summer months, when the weather is warm, the meadows are in full bloom and there’s not a cloud in the sky, are the best time of year to trek in Mongolia. In western Mongolia trek across the Harhiraa Mountains, which are part of the greater Altai range. Follow the migratory routes of the Khotont people along the Harhiraa river gorge and up spectacular mountain passes.
In the Khovsgol region of northern Mongolia, trek the alpine peaks of the mountains beside beautiful Lake Khovsgol; it’s a challenging but incredible experience.
In central Mongolia the Khangai Mountains are the dominant feature of the area and make for excellent trekking. The lush green valleys and rolling hills are also home to many nomadic families, so this is a good place to combine a trekking tour with a rich cultural experience.

Classic Itineraries

All international flights to Mongolia land in Ulaanbaatar. Ease yourself in to the culture through this historic metropolis porthole. Arrange transport by land or air to the northern central regions and specifically Lake Khovsgol. A selection of adventure sports are on offer here but mountain biking and kayaking top the list.
From here travel west and do some trekking in the Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains – You could even attempt the five peaks of the Tavan Bogd Massif; four of which are over 4,000 metres.
A trip through this area should also incorporate some horse riding with the world famous herdsmen of the Mongolian Steppe.
Down south are the vast seas of sand that make up the Gobi Desert. Camels rule in this landscape, so why not make friends with the notoriously grumpy 'ships of the desert' and amble out across the dunes.
Finally, head out east to the Kherlen River and have some white water rafting fun before jetting back to Ulaanbaatar and home.

Other Activities

Unfortunately the weather closes in so badly in winter that any snow bound activities are rendered frozen. But, during summertime, if the above selection of adventure sports didn’t keep you busy then kayak the sparkling rivers and lakes in the western, northern or central mountain ranges; or journey south to the Gobi Desert and set out on a camel trekking excursion. If two wheels and a handle bar are preferable to four legs and a head, then the Gobi Desert is the perfect playground for dirt-bikers and off-road motor junkies. Alternatively, you could opt for a serene meander through the steppe and meadows from the comfort of your bicycle.