An Adventure in Mongolia

Hanne from Norrøna Adventure led a group of 16 people to Mongolia in the summer of 2025. This was this year’s pilot trip, and anticipation was high about what awaited them in the world’s most sparsely populated country, nestled between China and Russia. The journey became a trip back in time, where nomadic culture is still alive and well. Mongolia is, after all, one of the last places on Earth where a large part of the population still moves according to the seasons.

The country is defined by vast distances with endless steppes and untouched wilderness, home to the world’s largest intact grazing landscape where livestock far outnumbers people. Climatically, the contrasts are immense, from the Gobi Desert in the south to the alpine terrain of towering peaks and glaciers in the west. Mongolia is often referred to as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" due to its 250 cloudless, sunny days a year, yet the climate is also extreme, with scorching summers and biting cold winters.

Tourism here is largely limited to a short summer season. While most visitors focus on the capital, Ulaanbaatar, the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert, and the lakes in the north, the demanding Altai Mountains in the west attract seasoned adventurers. And that is precisely where we are headed.

Nevertheless, our journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, where we receive a thorough introduction to Mongolia’s fascinating history shaped by its vulnerable geopolitical location. Here, we experience the sweep of time from Genghis Khan’s mighty empire, through deep Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese domination, and a 70-year Soviet grip, to modern urban life.

"Combining the unique history of the Mongol Empire with visits to museums, temples, the giant Khan statue, and Turtle Rock was essential for understanding their proud heritage, not to mention the tense geopolitical reality they live with having China and Russia as neighbors," reflects participant Kathrine.

From City Life to Glaciers and Alpine Peaks

After our days in the capital, we fly west to Ölgii. Our destination is the majestic Altai Mountains, a mighty and dramatic mountain range in Central and East Asia where the borders of four nations meet: Mongolia, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. The Mongolian section, the Mongol Altai, forms the country’s most alpine and inaccessible wilderness.

Here, we step directly into the realm of the Kazakh nomads and their traditional way of life in colorful ger camps, where hospitality is as warm as it is genuine. "Mongolia is a country where nature and culture are inextricably linked," says Anne, one of the other participants. "The nomadic lifestyle, which many still practice, is both impressive and thought-provoking. It is a culture that deeply values community, hospitality, and respect for the rhythms of nature. Throughout the trip, there were moments that stayed with me: waking to the sound of the wind against the tent canvas, sitting around the campfire with the nomads who carried our gear, or being invited into a ger to hear stories about a life so different, yet so relatable. Meeting the nomadic family was a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from other ways of living."

The journey deeper into the wilderness continues on foot alongside our local guides, horsemen, and good-natured camels patiently carrying our luggage. Along the way, the group moves steadily from open steppes and green river valleys toward raw, glaciated terrain.

Camaraderie along the trail quickly shapes the spirit of the trek: "Our second evening on the hike up to base camp was a true highlight. Gathering around the campfire, sharing songs and stories, bonded us as a group. The passion and pride our local partners put into sharing their culture was simply beautiful and went straight to the heart," shares Kathrine.

Ahead of us rises Tavan Bogd ("The Five Saints"), the most iconic massif in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Here, the five highest peaks in Mongolia stand like towering giants against the blue sky. Trekking toward this massive icefall, wrapped in silence and raw elemental force, turns the journey into an adventure that leaves lasting impressions.

As Anne recalls from their time in the national park: "From our very first night in a tent beneath the starry skies of Altai Tavan Bogd, I knew this was something truly extraordinary. The silence was absolute; it felt as though we were entirely alone in the world, just us and the open wilderness. The feeling of being at one with nature was overwhelming. It was a moment of peace and wonder I will never forget."

The crowning moment in the mountains was the summit ascent of one of the massif’s peaks: "And then there was the summit hike, Malchin Peak. A literal physical and mental high point. Standing at the top, gazing out over both China and Russia, was a powerful experience that put everything else into perspective," says Anne.

Safely down from the peaks and back in Ölgii, a warm and memorable celebration awaited: "The farewell our local partners gave us in Ölgii was equally beautiful. The Kazakh evening, filled with the finest local food and cultural experiences inside an authentic ger, was an incredible gift," Kathrine recalls.

"This is a journey for anyone seeking genuine wilderness, cultural immersion, and physical achievement," Anne emphasizes. "It is not a luxury tour, you have to be prepared for simple conditions, tent life, and somewhat repetitive food. But what you gain in return is a deeply rewarding experience that leaves its mark. A journey that challenges, enriches, and gives you memories for a lifetime."

Kathrine also recommends extending the stay if you have the chance: "For me, the trip to Mongolia was far more than I ever expected! Getting to know the people, the culture, and the sheer variety of the landscapes turned the journey into so much more than a mountain trek. If you have the opportunity to extend your trip, do it! Experience the Gobi with its endless steppes, desert terrain, and rock formations in the most stunning colors and shapes, surrounded by massive herds of horses, camels, yaks, sheep, and cashmere goats. Round off your journey by treating yourself to a spa day in Ulaanbaatar, and experience the warmth and sincerity of the Mongolian people."

Are you ready for a Mongolian adventure?