Horse Trek to Tavan Bogd

If you’ve ever wanted to get away from it all, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is about as far as you can get.

To get out here, you’ll need to hire a Russian Jeep to drive the seven hours across the steppes. There are no significant roads to follow, no signs and the way is dotted with woolly camels and high mountain passes.

Mongolian hospitality means you can stop in at any house or ger (felt tent), and expect to be fed and sheltered. Bringing gifts for the family is appreciated. There are no laws about camping within Mongolia, you are free to pitch your tent wherever you like.

As you enter the National Park, you’ll need to stop in at the Ranger’s Park for permits. They’re necessary for every person travelling within 100km of an international border.

From here it’s a steady climb on hired horses (you can hire them from local families, who will also come as guides) to the top of the world.

4374 meters above sea level Khüiten Peak in Tavan Bodg is the highest point in Mongolia. It towers over the border junction of Russia, China and Mongolia, and from the steppes you can even see into Kazakhstan.

To reach the viewpoint will take you 1.5 to 3 hours on horseback, depending on the weather, and you’ll loop back around to return to the jeep. The elements are fierce out here, you’ll need to bring both sunscreen and ski gloves but the views are spectacular, and you won’t have to share them with anyone.