Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Bogd Khan Mountain Hike to Manzushir
The most accessible mountain hike from Ulaanbaatar climbs through pine and birch forests to the ruins of Manzushir Monastery. The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views over the city and surrounding steppe. Excellent for wildlife spotting including ibex.
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2
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – Turtle Rock Loop
A scenic loop around the iconic Turtle Rock granite formation through alpine meadows and along the Tuul River. Suitable for all fitness levels and families with children. Ger camps nearby for lunch and horse rentals.
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3
Aryabal Meditation Temple Trail
A peaceful forested trail leads to the Aryabal Buddhist meditation temple perched on a cliff face. The path passes prayer stones, wooden staircases, and mountain streams. Ideal morning hike with spiritual atmosphere.
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4
Hustai National Park Steppe Circuit
A wildlife-focused hike across open steppe with excellent chances of spotting Przewalski's wild horses (takhi), red deer, and wolves. The landscape shifts between grassland, rocky ridges, and river valleys. Best at dawn or dusk for wildlife.
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5
Khangai Mountains – Orkhon Waterfall Trek
A spectacular multi-day trek along the Orkhon River gorge through volcanic landscapes to the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall (20m drop). Route passes ancient rock carvings, nomadic camps, and extinct lava fields unique to Mongolia.
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6
Tövkhön Monastery Summit Hike
A forested mountain climb leads to a remote hermitage monastery where Mongolia's greatest artist Zanabazar meditated in the 17th century. The trail winds through larch and cedar forest with rock formations, meditation caves, and outstanding views over the Khangai highlands.
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7
Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley) Gorge Walk
A dramatic gorge hike through a narrow canyon in the Gobi Desert where ice persists even in summer. The valley narrows to just a few meters wide with soaring cliffs. Lammergeiers, ibex, and argali sheep frequent the area.
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8
Altai Tavan Bogd – Base Camp Trek
A multi-day wilderness trek to the base camp of Mongolia's highest peak, Khuiten (4,374m). Route crosses glaciers, alpine lakes, and ancient petroglyphs in the company of Kazakh eagle hunters. Complete wilderness experience requiring experienced guides.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Mongolia.
- Spring
- May brings wildflowers and green steppe but trails at altitude may still have snow. Excellent for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive. Unpredictable weather — pack layers.
- Summer
- June to August is the peak hiking season. Long daylight hours (up to 16 hours), warm temperatures, and all trails accessible. Coincides with Naadam Festival in July.
- Fall
- September and October offer crisp air, autumn colors, and fewer tourists. Excellent visibility for mountain views. Some high-altitude trails close by late October.
- Winter
- November to April sees extreme cold (-20 to -40°C) making most trails inaccessible or dangerous. Ice Festival at Lake Khövsgöl in March is an exception — winter hiking possible with proper gear.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Extreme temperature swings — carry warm layers even in summer as weather changes rapidly
Hazard: Sun exposure at high altitude is intense — wear SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses
Hazard: Stray and semi-wild dogs near nomadic camps — carry a walking stick and avoid approaching
Hazard: Flash floods in gorges during summer storms — check weather before entering canyon hikes
Hazard: No trail markings in most areas — hire a local guide for off-path routes
Hazard: Remote areas have no phone signal or rescue services — register your route with your guesthouse