The nation has and always will be known for the real rough riders and cowboys. Mongolia is a place that has some of the largest plains in the world, which makes it one of the most ideal countries for horseback riding. Many of the Mongolian tribes still travel primarily by using this as a means of transport. The advantage of Mongolia is that traveling in this country is very budget friendly. Here are some of the best trekking trails in the country and facts for your knowledge.
1. The Altai Mountains
The Altai mountain range is the largest and highest mountain terrain in the nation. It is one of the tourist’s favorite general locations when it comes to trekking and any other mountaineering activities. Camels are commonly used while trekking in this area.
Good to know:
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The Altai were formed during the great orogenic (mountain-building) upthrusts occurring between 500 and 300 million years ago
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The Altai Mountains are the source of the Ob and Irtysh Rivers, two of the major rivers in Asia.
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This is the place where many of the important Pazyrk tombs were discovered. The climate here is ideal for preserving the bodies in the tombs.
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Most of the peaks weren’t discovered until the 1960s, so there are many unexplored areas around the mountain.
2. Kharkhiraa and Turgen mountains
The Kharkhiraa and Turgen mountain ranges are a larger part of the Altai mountain ranges. It is a terrain that is abundant with glaciers and river basins and makes for a very picturesque hiking trail.
Good to know:
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The area is the habitat of rare species like snow leopard, argali sheep and ibex.
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The weather is unpredictable in the mountains and we have to be prepared for everything, including snow, even if it is summer.
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During this trek you will see the paradise of various types flowers surrounding you, the 108 lakes in one valley, eternal snow capped mountain, and experience Western Mongolian lifestyle.
3. Khangai Mountains and Otgontenger Mountain
The Khangai mountains are not a very steep range of mountains and make for comfortable hiking trails instead of the rugged difficult terrains. There is barely any snow in the area, but is still generally wet and cold. Camping in this location is a popular activity, and animals such as brown bear and moose are common in the area.
Good to know:
- Otgontenger Mountain, Zavkhan province was registered in UNESCO as one of the Sacred Mountains of Mongolia. in 2015 was declared as a State protected and worshipped mountain.
- Its elevation is 4031m above sea level (ASL). It has snow-capped peaks and glaciers which remain from the "Ice Age".
4. Khagiin Khar lake
The Khagiin Khar lake is set at the foothills of the Khentii mountains. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the area. It is also known for the huge plains with gentle slopes of the mountain. The lake is set in a very beautiful setting, much like the European Alps. The water in the lake is one of the most naturally pure water in the world. This is also a very common camping site.
Good to know:
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Road to the lake is covered with marshes, small rivers, mud and willows.
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The way to the lake is very difficult, so travelers mostly trek or use by helicopter to get there.
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Even most of Mongolians have not been in the lake due to its isolation.
5. Bogd Khan mountains
The Bogd Khan mountains are one of the most conveniently located mountain ranges in Mongolia. It is very close to the capital. The region also boasts a national park in the area where hunting is prohibited. There are many tribes who inhabit this area and you might come across them too. It is a very large mountain area that covers a vast expanse of inhospitable and inaccessible land.
Good to know:
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The Bogd Khan Mountain, along with Mongolia's other sacred mountains Burkhan Khaldun and Otgontenger, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on August 6, 1996 in the Cultural category.
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Bogd Khan Uul was also protected during Zanabazar's time.
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There are two ovoos (sacred pile of stones or cairns) on the Tsetsee Gun (Duke Tsetsee) peak.
We hope this artice can help you to choose your destination and plan the most adventurous trip. Discover Mongolia Travel offers various types of tours that specialized for your needs. If you need an assistance, please feel free to contact us!
