Uvs province in the far north west of Mongolia is a spectacular region encompassing permanently snow-capped mountains, glaciers, torrential rivers, salt-water and freshwater lakes, sand dunes and a fantastic variety of animals and plants. The local people use camels as well as horses as working animals, and we will be accompanied by local guides on horseback with their camels which carry all the luggage and equipment.
A good level of fitness is required for this 8-day trek to Mount Kharkhiraa and Mount Turgen which covers a distance of approximately 120 km and includes two high passes at altitudes of 2930 metres and 2944 metres.
There are several deep river crossings, for which we get a lift on horseback. The weather is unpredictable in the mountains and we have to be prepared for everything, including snow, even though it is summer. Some days are long and require stamina.
АНХААРУУЛГА: Хэрэв та болон таны компани тухайн аялалын маршрутын чиглэл, текст үг өгүүлбэр, фото, газрын зургыг хуулбарлахаар төлөвлөж байгаа болон хуулбарлан санаа авч өөр арга хэлбэрээр дахин нэр өгч өөрчлөн боловсруулж ашиглахыг хориглоно!
Domestic flight to Ulaangom. Start hiking from Uliastai valley, to Kharkhiraa mountains. Towards the end of the trek, as we get closer to Kazakhstan, the people are Kazakh rather than Mongolian. It is fascinating to be invited into the homes of people along the way and to see how the ethnic groups differ in culture and tradition. Finish trek at Khotgor village.
Arrive in 'Ulaanbaatar' and go to hotel. Afternoon or evening meet the tour leader and rest of group for pre tour meeting. Overnight in hotel.
Take the 3 hour 'Flight' to "Ulaangom" in Uvs. Travel by jeep to the top of the 'Uliastai' valley where the road ends and we meet the trek crew. Overnight camping.
Hike up to the pass for a great view of the "Kharkhiraa" range. Trek down to the 'Khukh Nuur' "Blue Lake" and around its shoreline. Overnight camping.
Hike over four low passes to reach the river where there are some ancient (7th and 8th century) 'Graves'. Continue along the valley and cross the river where the "Turgen" and "Kharkhiraa" rivers meet. Overnight camping.
Trek along the valley of the "Kharkhiraa" river, past a high wall of red cliffs and up to the foot of 'Kharkhiraa Pass' and set up camp in a dramatic valley surrounded by snow covered mountains. Overnight camping.
Climb to the top of "Kharkhiraa" pass and across a wild open plateau surrounded by 'Glacier'. Take lunch beside the beautiful 'Deglii Tsagaan' lake at the foot of "Deglii Tsagaan" mountain, then continue hiking to to reach "Turgen" Mountain national protected area. Overnight camping.
Hike up to 'Yamaatiin Davaa' pass, the highest point of the trek and down into "Yamaat" valley. Overnight camping.
Trek down this wonderful 'Yamaatiin Valley' whose flora and remarkable geological formations are in complete contrast to the landscape seen previously. Overnight camping.
Trek to "Khotgor", a small 'Kazakh' coal mining village. Meet our driver and travel by jeep back to Ulaangom. Overnight hotel.
Morning at leisure to enjoy the shops and market, which seem much more sophisticated than they did when we arrived 8 days ago. Afternoon 'Flight' to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight hotel.
Free day in Ulaanbaatar to enjoy the 'Sightseeing', art galleries, temples and restaurants. Overnight in hotel.
Departure.
Trekking in the remote mountains of Western Mongolia is a true wilderness experience. A few nomadic families set up their homes amongst the high peaks and glaciers, but it is possible to walk for days without meeting anyone.
The trek is supported by camels which carry all the camping equipment, food and bags. Local guides, the camel owners, ride on horseback.
Mount Kharkhiraa trekking description:
The following items are included in the price of the tour:
The following items will be in addition to the price of the tour:
The places you will see along the way:
These 6th and 7th century stone statues mark the graves of high dignitaries of the Turkic Khanate. The human figures hold a ritual cup against their chest, symbolising their participation in the funeral banquet held in their honour.
The twin peaks of Kharkhiraa mountain (4037m) and Turgen mountain (3965m) are part of the Uvs strictly protected area on the western side of the province of Uvs, not far from the Russian border and Kazakhstan.
This is one of the most beautiful and remote valleys in Mongolia, reached by a steep climb down from the Yamaatiin pass at 2944 meters. There have been several sightings of snow leopards in this valley.
The scenery on this trek includes high snow-covered peaks, glaciers, white-water rivers, and incredibly beautiful wild valleys. It is an area rich in its variety of flora, with endless wild flowers and some rare plants at high altitudes.
(PLEASE NOTE: This video is an old, low resolution and amateur video)
"Thanks again for an unforgettable trip this summer, - Now we are sharing stories and pictures with our families and friends."