Trekking in Mongolia

Getting ready for trekking in Mongolia

How to Prepare for a Trekking Tour in Mongolia

A Complete, Practical & Detailed Guide

Trekking in Mongolia is unlike hiking in Europe, North America, or Southeast Asia. Vast open landscapes, extreme weather shifts, nomadic culture, and limited infrastructure mean preparation is absolutely essential. Whether you’re heading to the Altai Mountains, Khuvsgul Lake, or the Gobi Desert, this guide covers everything you need to prepare properly.

1️⃣ Understand Mongolia’s Unique Trekking Conditions

Before packing anything, understand what makes trekking in Mongolia different:

  • Very remote terrain
  • Few marked trails
  • Limited rescue infrastructure
  • Extreme temperature swings
  • Long driving distances to trailheads
  • Basic facilities (often no showers, no shops)

Most trekking routes are in wilderness areas like:

  • Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
  • Khuvsgul Lake
  • Gobi Desert
  • Terelj National Park

Each region requires slightly different preparation.

2️⃣ Physical Preparation (Start 6–8 Weeks Before)

Even moderate treks in Mongolia can be physically demanding.

🏔 Train for:

  • 5–8 hours of walking per day
  • Uneven ground (rocks, river crossings, sand)
  • Carrying a daypack
  • High altitude (some areas reach 3,000–4,000m)

🏃 Recommended Training Plan

  • 3–4 hikes per week
  • Stair climbing or hill walking
  • Strength training (legs & core)
  • Practice hiking with loaded backpack

If trekking in the Altai, altitude training is beneficial.

3️⃣ Weather Preparation (Very Important)

Mongolia’s climate is extreme.

🌡 Summer (June–September)

  • Day: 15°C–30°C
  • Night: 0°C–10°C
  • Windy conditions
  • Sudden rainstorms

❄ Night Temperatures Can Drop Below Freezing — Even in July

Always pack for cold weather, regardless of season.

4️⃣ Essential Gear Checklist (Detailed)

🎒 Backpack

  • 30–40L daypack
  • Rain cover

👕 Clothing (Layering System)

Base Layer

  • Moisture-wicking thermal top & bottom

Mid Layer

  • Fleece or insulated jacket

Outer Layer

  • Waterproof & windproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants

Additional Clothing

  • Down jacket (very important)
  • Lightweight hiking shirts
  • Hiking pants (quick-dry)
  • Warm hat & gloves
  • Buff or scarf
  • Extra socks (wool recommended)

👟 Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters (especially for desert or mud)

🛌 Sleeping Equipment

Even if the tour provides tents:

  • 4-season sleeping bag (comfort rating -5°C recommended)
  • Sleeping liner
  • Inflatable pillow (optional)

☀ Sun & Weather Protection

  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Wide-brim hat

Mongolia’s sun is intense due to altitude and clear skies.

💊 Health & Safety Kit

  • Personal medications
  • Blister treatment
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Painkillers
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine
  • Water purification tablets
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes

5️⃣ Travel & Entry Preparation

You will most likely arrive via:

  • Chinggis Khaan International Airport
  • In Ulaanbaatar

Important Documents

  • Passport (6+ months validity)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Travel insurance (must cover trekking & evacuation)
  • Copies of documents (paper + digital)

6️⃣ Travel Insurance (Non-Negotiable)

Because Mongolia is remote:

  • Helicopter evacuation is extremely expensive
  • Hospitals outside Ulaanbaatar are basic
  • Weather can delay rescue

Ensure your policy covers:

  • High-altitude trekking
  • Remote evacuation
  • Adventure activities

7️⃣ Cultural Preparation

Mongolia is deeply nomadic and traditional.

When Visiting Nomadic Families:

  • Accept food with right hand
  • Do not step on door thresholds
  • Do not point feet toward the altar in a ger
  • Always receive items with respect

Understanding local customs enhances your experience.

8️⃣ Mental Preparation

Mongolia is not luxury trekking.

Expect:

  • No WiFi
  • Limited showers
  • Basic toilets (or none)
  • Dusty conditions
  • Long bumpy drives
  • Simple meals

Prepare to disconnect and embrace wilderness.

9️⃣ Food & Nutrition Planning

Most tours provide:

  • Meat-based Mongolian meals
  • Rice, noodles, soups
  • Tea

If vegetarian or vegan:

  • Inform operator in advance
  • Bring protein snacks

Bring:

  • Energy bars
  • Nuts
  • Electrolyte powder

🔟 Best Time to Trek

☀ June – September (Best Season)

July is particularly popular because of:

  • Naadam Festival

Avoid:

  • October–May (too cold for most trekking)

1️⃣1️⃣ Booking a Tour vs Independent Trekking

Independent trekking is possible but challenging because:

  • Few marked trails
  • Limited English
  • Difficult navigation
  • Remote emergency response

Guided tours typically include:

  • Driver
  • Guide
  • Cook
  • Camping equipment
  • Pack animals (horses/camels)
  • Permits

For first-time visitors, guided trekking is strongly recommended.

1️⃣2️⃣ Budget Preparation

Typical 7–10 day trekking cost:

  • $1,000–$2,500
    Depends on:
  • Region
  • Domestic flights included
  • Group size
  • Level of comfort

1️⃣3️⃣ Final Preparation Checklist (Quick Summary)

✔ Physical training completed
✔ Boots broken in
✔ Layered clothing packed
✔ Proper sleeping bag
✔ Insurance purchased
✔ Visa checked
✔ Snacks prepared
✔ Emergency contacts saved
✔ Copies of documents stored

Final Advice

Trekking in Mongolia is raw, vast, and transformative. Preparation determines whether it becomes a challenging struggle or the adventure of a lifetime.

If you’d like, tell me:

  • Which region you plan to trek
  • How many days
  • Your experience level

And I’ll create a customized Mongolia trekking preparation plan tailored specifically to you. 🏔🌏