What you need to know to hike in Mongolia

Here we begin a journey to hike all the way through Bogd Khan.  We made it - barely.

Hiking is easy.  The most simple of human activities.  All you need is a pair of shoes (some people are known to even forgo those) and the willingness to be on your feet all day.  You may also want (in no particular order): a compass, a marked trail, a destination, some hiking partners, and don't forget your camera.

Hiking is one of our favorite activities during the summer in Mongolia.  The Bogd Khan Protected Area is just south of Ulaanbaatar and offers many great places for hiking.  You just need to know where to go, which can be more of a challenge than you might think.  You see, in Mongolia there are very few marked trails (we have seen one so far), and the trails that do exist tend to meander and disappear at times.  Some are used by Mongolians who know their way around and do hike, though hiking is not a very popular activity here.  Others, and this is the case with many of the trails, are actually animal trails and so they are beaten down well for a while, but have no destination in mind other than a field of grass.

So, it is best if you go hiking in Mongolia to go with someone who knows where they are going, and a general sense of direction (which sadly over the years, I have proved to be lacking).  Cause hiking is a lot of fun until you get lost and find yourself walking in circles.  Tumi is our Mongolian hiking guide, and he has brought us to some great destinations in Bogd Khan.  Below are just some of pictures of our Mongolian hiking adventures.

The payoff.  Enjoying the view on our through hike.

On the top of the ridge on an overcast day

Soaking wet, but still smiling with fresh wildflowers

Enjoying the view during a short hike in Terelj

Tsetsegun, the highest peak in Bogd Khan.  There is even a real trail to follow the whole way.

Our guide Tumi scoping out the terrain because, once again, there is no trail.

The view from the fire tower shows rolling hills almost as far as you can see.

On our way to Nukht with no trail, Mongolia-style