Mongolia is a wild land par excellence with the world's lowest population density and exuberant nature, offering countless hiking possibilities for all levels.

During our "discovery" itineraries, certain days will include easy hikes lasting an hour or more, allowing you to explore specific locations and fully appreciate the natural landscapes. These hikes are always straightforward and require no particular physical fitness. In most cases, the vehicle can follow along, and those who prefer not to walk or worry they may not complete the entire hike can take advantage of this option. For these hikes, no specialized equipment is necessary—lightweight low-cut hiking shoes or even a good pair of sneakers will suffice. Still, choose waterproof footwear or bring a second pair, as Mongolia can surprise you with sudden downpours.

During our "hiking" itineraries, you will walk for several days in complete autonomy, with your logistics and personal belongings carried by pack animals. For these hikes, you naturally need to enjoy walking and be in good physical condition. They don't all require the same level, and while some are easily accessible, particularly in Orkhon and Gorkhi Terelj National Park, our hike in the Altai is designed for those who walk regularly, especially in high mountain terrain.

For your comfort during multi-day hikes, please follow these general guidelines:

• Before departing, ensure you have the required physical fitness and can walk 5 to 6 hours per day.
• Bring comfortable hiking boots you've already worn on hikes. Nothing worse than new shoes that will give you blisters after two days.
• During the hike, you won't carry your main backpack—it will be transported on pack animals. Simply prepare a small daypack to carry your daily essentials. Once loaded on the animal, your main pack will be inaccessible throughout the day.
• During the hike, you will cross streams and rivers on foot multiple times. Bring a pair of water shoes that you'll keep accessible during the hike, in your personal daypack.
• Trekking poles are not provided. If you're accustomed to hiking with them, please bring your own.
• For our Altai hike, which takes place above 2,000 meters altitude with a pass at 3,600 meters and an ascent to 4,100 meters, bring medication for altitude sickness.

Hikes are accompanied by your guide-interpreter and a local guide. The latter will generally ride horseback and lead the hike, while your guide-interpreter will close it on foot. Horsemen also follow the hike to care for the animals.

On a typical hiking day, you'll rise around 7:00 AM. After breakfast, camp must be packed so herders can load the animals. Your day's hike typically departs around 9:30 AM (and it won't be too hot to walk). After 1.5 hours of walking, we'll take a first 30-minute break with a light snack (cereal bar), then resume for another 1.5 hours. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM is lunch break. In the afternoon, we'll walk another 2 to 2.5 hours, arriving at the evening camp around 5:30 PM. Of course, this is indicative only and can vary depending on your pace, weather conditions, possible encounters along the way, or your guide's preferences.