Mongolian Exploration by Any Means

Ever had dreams of riding across the Mongolian steppe in the footprints of Genghis Khan? Exploring this little known and even less visited region, once the domain of adventurers that would have put old Indy Jones to shame, is now within the grasp of us ordinary folks.

Zavkhan Trekking (www.zavkhan.co.uk), a Kiwi-Mongolian partnership, takes adventurous types on true exploratory trips in the Zavkhan region of central Mongolia through landscapes of forested mountains, open steppe, desert sands, lakes and rivers which are as varied as the modes of transport used to cross them.

After experiencing Mongolia’s largest horse racing festival, Nadaam, in the country’s capital Ulaanbaatar and the ancient ruins of Kharkhorin, the great Mongolian road trip by 4WD leads to traditional horse trails. These can be trod by traditional Mongolian horses as well as mountain bikes and hiker’s boots. Across the desert sands, reminiscent of Lawrence of Arabia, camels carry explorers to lakes where humps are exchanged for paddles and kayaks.

By offering a variety of options (horse, mountain bike, camel, kayak and hiking) travellers can make their own choices as to which they prefer on any given day. Not all the options must be done as there is always an alternative making this trip ideal for those who don’t feel their backsides could stand up to days in the saddle, while their partners might be happy with exactly that.

Nights are spent under the stars, or at least under the canvas of traditional Mongolian round tents, gers, and days pass with the excitement of wondering what is coming next as one canters across the steppe, thunders down a mountainside on a bike or glides across a silent lake. The routes taken are truly exploratory and never the same on any two trips with variations being made to take into account weather conditions, new trails discovered, advice from local guides and wranglers or just someone saying ‘hey, I wonder what’s up that way?’.

Exploration and adventure in Mongolia is extremely rewarding for those really wanting to get off the beaten track and for the traveller keen for some honest old fashion action where the boots get dusty and the hands get dirty!

The 2010 Zavkhan Multi Activity is a small group expedition and spaces are limited:

Runs from 13th July to 2nd August 2010.
£1950 ex-Ulaan Baatar.
www.zavkhan.co.uk