This itineraries of 14 days, where 8 days of trekking takes you into the Uvs wilderness northwest of the country, not far from Siberia. This province in the far north west of Mongolia is a spectacular region of 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 moderate level of fitness is required, but the hike is not too strenuous even at the higher levels. The weather is unpredictable in the mountains and we have to be prepared for everything, including snow, even though it is summer.
Difficulty: 4/5 – Sports Travel!
Average: 5 to 6 hours of walking a day, mostly off-trail or on rough terrain. Up to 25 km a day so little gradient.
Ascents: be prepared at relatively long climbs. Max. 1000 m of elevation gain during the day.
Altitude: 3000 m.
Portage: small knapsack for picnic, water and personal belongings, the rest is carried by pack camels.
This trek presents no technical difficulty, but requires good physical condition and experience of hiking in the mountains.
Also: the itinerary may be slightly modified depending on the location of the nomad camp of Davaa’s family. We will remain vigilant to maintain maximum balance in the intensity of hiking days.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Transfer to your hotel. You visit the Gandan Monastery, housing a 26 meters high gilded statue of the Buddha. Your tour also takes you to the Chinggis Khan monument on the Chinggis Khan square and the Museum of National History. In the evening, you will enjoy a Mongolian folk Music and Dance Performance. Then welcome lunch in a Mongolian restaurant.
Today we will take the plane for Ulaangom, capital city of Uvs province. After 3 hours of flying we will reach the airport of Ulaangom where vehicles will be waiting for us. Then our vehicle will transfer you in Davaa’s family, local guide who will accompany you during the hike.
His ger is located near the “Lake Blue”, one of the sparkling lakes of the famous “The Great Lakes Depression”.
Today after a good breakfast at our host family we will load our packs on the camels and horses. We will start trekking along the shores of the Lake Blue and cross several small passes. This lake is a beautiful small alpine lake with crystal clean water. The area offers amazing views. Facing you at the end of the valley emerge Kharkhiraa the mountains to the south, and Turgen mountains to the north.
Along the path of the stone circles indicate the graves of ancient warriors dating back to the Bronze Age. You are in a semi-desert landscape with a series of terraces overlooking the river. You reach the confluence of the two rivers forming the Kharkhiraa.
Continuation in the upper valley of the Kharkhiraa you discover the ocher cliffs. You spend close to winter sheep pens surrounded by stones. With the approach of its source, the river enters in a small canyon. You progress to the heart of a tundra landscape. Then we will install our tent at the foot of Kharkhiraa Mountains.
Climb to the foot of Mount Kharkhiraa glacier. You move on stony ground, slightly unstable. We will cross a pass to reach the open Kharhiraa plateau, a plateau surrounded by glaciers. Those glaciers are the sources of the Kharhiraa River. Magnificent view of Mount Kharkhiraa and several mountain lakes. Also, you will see snow-capped Mount of Tsambagarav culminating at over 4000 meters, a hundred kilometers away. Return to the tent camp.
Today we will cross the massive of the north-west towards to Mount Turgen. Rebound in the Turgen Valley by terraces and small marshy plains where torrents flow is. Bivouac on the foothills of Turgen Mountains.
Climbing through a landscape of rocky ledges and tundra. You will discover small springs and glacial lakes. At the foot of the glacier, spectacular views of the mountains rising in the middle of the steppes. A clear day, you distinguish the Lake Achit.
Return to the tent camp.
Back to Davaa’s family, it will be a two-day trek on foot. You hike to the heart of a barren landscape of steep mountains, crossed by numerous streams and rivers. Passing multiple passes. You reach Chigagchin, the summer camp of nomads, the afternoon of the first day.
Day of rest and relaxation at the edge of the “Blue Lake”. Swimming in the lake. Observation of daily tasks and life of nomadic breeder.
Goodbye to your local guide and his family. Drive to Lake Uvs, the biggest lake in Mongolia. This huge salt lake situated amidst a desert area gives the impression of an inland sea because we do not distinguish the opposite bank. It is frequented by migratory birds. Then arrive in Ulaangom in the afternoon. Walk through the village and the local market.
Today we will fly back in Ulaanbaatar. You will have an opportunity to shop at cashmere and souvenir shops.
Farewell dinner with your interpreter and driver in a Mongolian restaurant.
Transfer to the airport