KHARKHIRAA AND TURGEN TREKKING TOUR

ITINERARY

• Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, guided city visits

  Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB) you will be met by your guide and transferred to a hotel in the city center. Time permitting you will be taken on a guided tour to some of the city’s highlights, including a giant Buddha statue at Mongolia’s main Buddhist center, the National Museum, and the central square. A traditional throat singing and contortion performance will be presented at the end of the day. At a welcome dinner, you will be given an informal introduction to the tour ahead of you. (Dinner, hotel)

• Flight to western Mongolia and transfer to a trekking camp

  Transfer to the airport and fly to Uvs province in western Mongolia inhabited by several ethnic minorities. They speak dialects slightly different from the common Mongolian tongue and are famous for “nursing” some of the legendary wrestlers of the nation. Just before landing, you will see the country’s largest lake – the Uvs. After lunch, we transfer to Uliastai valley and set up our first camp in the wilderness. Throughout the trek tents, food and luggage will be transported by 2 humped Bactrian camels that belong to ethnic Khoton nomads who will join us this evening. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to the Blue Lake

  We start trekking by ascending the Uliastai pass (2410m) which will bring into our view a freshwater alpine lake called the “Blue lake”. Beyond the lake, you will see rugged folds and snow-clad peaks of the Kharkhiraa & Turgen mountain ranges. After a picnic lunch, we descend to the lake and trek along its shoreline until arriving at our campsite at 1795m above sea level. Our camel caravan will catch up with us soon after lunch and continue to prepare camp and dinner. Such will be the routine for each trekking day. Overnight in tents by the “Blue lake”. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Turgen river

  Leaving the lake behind we cross a few gentle ridges before descending into the valley of the Turgen river. The torrential river takes source from massive glaciers of its namesake mountain massif that is nearly 4000m high. The Khoton camel drivers will shuttle you by horses across the deeper and faster mountain streams. We camp in the valley of the Turgen river. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Dund Khoroo mountain

  We abandon the Turgen river and cross over a low shoulder to the Kharkhiraa river valley which we ascend for the rest of the day. Numerous burial mounds dating back to the Bronze Age period lie on our route. This very route is used by the Khoton when they migrate from their winter quarters to their summer pastures in high mountain areas. Depending on the time in the season we may see a migration: a few camels laden with the most unpretentious belongings led by horsemen moving fast along the riverside. Tonight, we camp on the Khakhiraa river bank at 1860m above sea level. 50-meter-high red rock cliffs on the opposite bank make an impressive backdrop to the campsite view. Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Kharkhiraa pass

  We continue trekking further upstream. Views of the Kharkhiraa peak lying at 4037m above sea level are ever grander. On the right now you will also see the snowy peaks of the Turgen massif. The trail bends and climbs following the river valley that continues running between two massive rock faces. Tonight we camp at an altitude of 2660m just before the trail starts climbing towards the pass. The Turgen massif is also within close reach of the campsite. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Excursion to alpine lakes

  Without changing the camp location we hike to several alpine lakes nestled in the Turgen mountain massif. After days of continuous physical effort, it will be an easy excursion altogether making it a half a day affair. Those wishing can even stay in the camp and relax. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Cross the Kharkhiraa pass and descend to the “Olon Nuur” valley

  A steep climb brings us atop the 2976m pass. The views are immense: snow-capped mountains, distant desert plains, turquoise lakes glittering below in the valleys and even the Sayan mountain range in Russia can be seen in clear weather. We descend to the valley of “Many Lakes” –a typical alpine meadow with a multitude of small lakes and marshy soil. This is a popular summer grazing land of Khoton nomads whose felt tents and huge herds of yaks and goats you will see in abundance. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Cross the Black Goat pass

  We traverse the Olon Nuur valley and climb to a high pass at 2959m. The ascent is fairly gentle but the descent is steep. It brings us to the head of the Black Goat valley formed by two parallel ridges that extend from the Turgen peak. The lower slopes on both sides are densely forested. This is home to the elusive Snow Leopard and wild mountain goat the former’s main prey. We erect the tent camp upon reaching the valley floor. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek along the Black Goat valley

  Throughout the day we trek downstream along a swift mountain river that flows through the Black Goat valley with wooded slopes on one side and rugged mountainsides on the other. This is a relatively easy day with a gentle incline throughout the way. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• The last trekking day, transfer to Ulgii town

  The last trekking day. We continue downstream along the Black Goat valley until our pick-up point. We say goodbye to the Khoton camel drivers and drive to Ulgii town, the capital of the only Muslim province with the majority of its population comprised of Kazakhs. Tonight, you will have a chance to enjoy some Kazakh songs and music, traditional delicacies, and an overnight in a felt-walled tent. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel)

• Fly back to UB, goodbye dinner

  Transfer to Ulgii airport and fly back to UB. Upon arrival transfer to a comfortable hotel. You may enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and shopping. In the evening we all gather for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, dinner, hotel)

• Departure transfer

  Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)