Zavkhan Trekking

Zavkhan aimag (province) is a difficult area of Mongolia to get to, with erratic flights and challenging roads, which is why we are very unlikely to encounter any foreigners there (apart from the odd missionary, miner or Peace Corp worker). Tourism really hasn't made it to Zavkhan. For those who do make the effort, beautiful untouched landscapes, fascinating local culture, and perfect riding country awaits. If you have ever dreamed of galloping across the open steppe with the wind in your hair, this is the place to live that dream.

Despite having run a number of trips to the area in the past few years, there is a lot of new country still to explore in 2011. We start off by riding across open steppe, then continue through forested valleys, and up into the mountains of Tarvagatai Uul National Park (10 to 11 days riding). There are various routes we can take, some we know well but others we are keen to try out. We are really only limited by the need to meet the support vehicle at the end of each day. Whichever way we go, we aim to eventually reach an old abandoned natural spa in the mountains, perfect for a day of resting and soaking in the hot baths, before picking a route back out to the steppe.

After riding we drive west to where the forest-steppe meets the Gobi desert sweeping up from the south. No trip to Mongolia is complete without seeing the country's spectacular sand dunes, and here they plunge in to the clear waters of Khar Nuur, a lovely desert lake. Perfect for hiking, swimming or just relaxing after all that riding, before returning to Ulaanbaatar.  In a country full of beautiful places, this is our all time number one!

Finally we fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

This journey includes a return flight from Ulaanbaatar to Zavkhan. If you would prefer to drive there (and fly back), in order to see what you're missing on the ground, join us on the Zavkhan Classic & Great Mongolian Road Trip, which departs in July. One less day of riding perhaps, but two to three days of added adventure and the chance to visit Kharkhorin (Karakorum), the 13th century capital of the Mongolian empire.

For further information about what we plan to get up to on this ride please contact us for a more detailed trip plan. As the riding on our trips is non-itinerised, we won't be able to give you a day-by-day account of exactly where we will ride, or how far and for how long. For a description of a typical day's riding with Zavkhan Trekking, please see our FAQ How long do we typically spend in the saddle each day?

Trip Outline

Highlights

• Varied scenery – steppe, forest, mountains, lush meadows, desert sand dunes, lakes and rivers, you see it all in Zavkhan.
• Perfect riding country – everything from tricky forest trails to wide open steppe ideal for a faster pace, and not a fence or gate to be seen.
• Great horses - Born and bred in the wild mountains, they will give you the ride of your life.
• Unspoilt local culture – nomadic herdsmen still live the traditional lifestyle and will be as interested in you, as you are in them!
• No tourism development - You are extremely unlikely to encounter another foreigner, and no one will try to sell you souvenirs.

• Deserted hot spa in the mountains – A relic from the socialist days, and still great for easing any aches and pains.
• Camp amongst sand dunes by the shores of Khar Nuur, a remote and spectacularly beautiful desert lake.