Self-guided trip in the Orkhon Valley and the Eight Lakes

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.

From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.

I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.

Here’s the itinerary I’m planning: * UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses) A few days at Lake Khövsgöl * Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses) A few days at the White Lakes * White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver) A few days in the Orkhon Valley + the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide) * Return to UB

From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley. Here are my questions:

-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route: Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.

-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?

Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia: -> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi, Once you're in Mörön, you might get some help at Baigal Guest House for your trip to Tsetserleg. Just in case, I'll be in Mongolia starting early August, but in the opposite direction (if quarantine is lifted). Happy planning!

Last question for women who have traveled alone in Mongolia: -> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?

Hi, I get your question... wink wink ;) Well, first off, I’m not a woman, so my experience traveling solo in Mongolia is obviously biased. That said, I can tell you it can get pretty "dicey" if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time (pretty classic, really). I’ve had run-ins with drunk Mongolians (very drunk ) and I can imagine things could escalate quickly if you’re a woman and they’re particularly interested... Just to clarify, these "encounters" didn’t happen in cities (big or small), but out in the steppe during my bivouacs in the middle of nowhere. Passing Mongolians on motorbikes or horseback, probably checking out the yurts in the area...

You might want to read (if you haven’t already) a firsthand account from a woman who traveled through these regions. I don’t know her personally, but a friend’s daughter knows her and joined her for part of her journey in Mongolia. It’s Caroline Riegel and her book: *Méandres d'Asie* (*From Baikal to Bengal*) published by Phébus. It could give you some insights into possible "encounters" in Mongolia.

One thing... with Tiger, no worries....

Hi Perju, That’s really kind of you for the recommendation, But she’ll be in a "minibus" going the opposite direction, and my trip is unpredictable. I need to meet up with a French motorcyclist to drop off a camera for him. (And I’m already struggling to tell him where I’ll be and when.) You’re absolutely right! She’ll definitely need to make sure she goes with a guide if she wants to camp alone.