Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
least those who live near water, or in big cities with rinks. The National Amusement Park
(
Click here
)
in Ulaanbaatar has ice skating and skate hire.
Long-distance skating
With proper planning, long-distance skating is possible on Lake
Khövsgöl (the tour operator will need to dig the toilet holes in August). Nomadic Journeys
(
Click here
)
is most qualified to run this trip.
Skiing
The only downhill ski resort in Mongolia is Sky Resort (
Click here
), which will only
be of interest to beginners. There is much potential for cross-country skiing, although
there are no developed trails and hiring equipment is difficult. If you have your own equip-
ment, the best places to try are Nairamadal, about 20km west of Ulaanbaatar city centre,
Khandgait or Terelj. The best months for skiing are January and February - but be
warned: the average temperature during these months hovers around a very chilly -25°C.
Dog sledding
Trips, organised by Wind of Mongolia (
Click here
), are offered in Terelj
(December to February) for US$60 to US$80 per day, and in Khövsgöl Nuur (March to
April); cross-lake trips take eight days (all-inclusive US$2600).
Mountaineering
Mongolia offers spectacular opportunities for mountain climbing. In the western aimags
there are dozens of glaciers, and 30 to 40 permanently snow-capped mountains. You
must have the necessary experience, be fully equipped and hire local guides. The best
time to climb is July and August. Karakorum Expeditions (
Click here
)
is a leader in this
area. There is good potential for rock climbing in Mongolia, though you'll need to bring
your own equipment. For more info see this blog on climbing:
ht-
