Every second tourist arriving in Mongolia dreams of riding a horse across the steppes. This is definitely possible but by no means easy.

The best way of doing this is to head for a tourist-orientated area, such as Khövsgöl Nuur, and organize a horse trek with one of the local guesthouses.

Equipment is sometimes limited but Russian saddles are generally available (a good thing because Mongolian saddles are a pain in the arse).

Between the deserts of western Mongolia soar a number of peaks that rise above 4,000 meters.

Extremely remote and covered with snow for most of the year, the peaks present a formidable challenge to mountaineers and adventurers.

The most enticing is Tavan Bogd (4,374m), Mongolia's highest peak. It's actually a tightly knit chain of five peaks (the name means Five Saints), the tallest one being Khuitin (Cold) Peak.

Enjoy a hot meal in a ger after a long day of walking

Taking a cue from the successful tea-house circuit in Nepal, Mongolian tourism officials are promoting a 'ger to ger trek'.

There are several established walking routes in the Gobi Desert and the Khangai Mountains with gers spaced a few hours walk from each other.