Ultimate 4wd destination: Utrag Pass

Okay, buckle up for Utrag Davaa, a wild ride through Northern Mongolia's Khovsgol Province! This ain't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the most extreme roads in the country, topping out at a cool 2,343m (7,687ft).

Forget pavement, this route's all about unadulterated adventure. You'll be fording rivers and navigating a rocky, grassy landscape, so a 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. Keep an eye out for nomadic herders—this pass is their winter lifeline. And the views? Jagged peaks of the Sayan Range will steal your breath away (if the altitude doesn't first!). Word to the wise: Snow leopards call this area home, so stay alert.

Connecting the Darkhad and Ikh Oroo Valleys (Khovsgol lake), this hidden gem in the Sayan Mountains, also known as the Bayan Mountains, is best explored during the summer months. Don't expect any fancy amenities out here; electricity, running water, and Western toilets are about as common as a five-star hotel. Be sure to check out the ovoo—a rock and branch shrine built back in the late '80s/early '90s. Adventure awaits!