Trekking Info

Trekking characteristics:

• Trip Type: Moderate
• Pack horse or pack camels
• No vehicle support possible
• With/without local flight
• Glaciers trek
• Green meadows, rushing streams, clear lakes
• No Fishing

Trekking dates:

• Departure any time
• From May until October

Duration:

• 15 days tour
• Can be customized
• 5 to 9 days trekking
• 6 optional days
• Can be combined with another trek

Group size:

• Minimum 2 people
• Maximum 12 people

Accommodation:

• Tented camps
• Ger Camp
• Family Stay

Meals:

• With cook and food
• Western and Mongolian food
• Self cooking possible

Price Includes:

• Transport within Mongolia
• Full pension in the countryside
• Accommodation as described in the tour description
• All support staff including driver, translator, camp assistants
• All excursions and entrance fees
• National park fee entrances
• Road taxes
• Pack horses and/or camels
• Transfer between the airport and the hotel

Price Excludes:

• International transport
• Passport and visa costs
• Medical and trip insurance
• Evacuation costs
• Excess baggage charges, local flights are limited to 10 kg.
• Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
• City touring
• Drinks
• Laundry
• Telephone calls
• Items of personal nature
• Fishing equipment
• Other items not specifically mentioned as included

Kharkhiraa Trekking

Short Trek Description

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

DAY 2: FLIGHT TO ULAANGOM

DAY 3: BLEU LAKE

DAY 4 AND 5: KHARHIRAA RIVER

DAY 6: KHARHIRAA PLATEAU

DAY 7: TURGEN MOUNTAIN

DAY 8: THREE COLORS LAKE

DAY 9: YAMAATIIN VALLEY

DAY 10: GOOJUUR WATERFALL

DAY 11: SHAAGAY LAKE

DAY 12: UUREG LAKE

DAY 13: FLIGHT BACK TO ULAANBAATAR

DAY 14: FREE DAY IN ULAANBAATAR

DAY 15: DEPARTURE

OPTION: DRIVE 6 DAYS BETWEEN ULAANBAATAR AND KHARIRAA

Map

Detailed Trek Description

Uvs 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.

Our 8-day trek to Mount Kharkhiraa and Mount Turgen covers a distance of approximately 120km and includes two high passes at altitudes of 2930 meters and 2944 meters. 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.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at the airport we will be welcomed by your guide. He will bring us to your comfortable, centrally located hotel.

In the afternoon we will stroll around Ulaanbaatar. We will visit the Natural and the Historical Museums.

We will stop at the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. It is the largest and most important monastery of Mongolia. We will scroll through the different monasteries and see the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, an 82-food high statue gilded in gold and covered with silk cloths.

(Hotel)

DAY 2: FLIGHT TO ULAANGOM

Today we will take the plane for Ulaangom, capital city of Huvs province. After 3 hours of flying we will reach the airport of Ulaangom where our guides and vehicles will be waiting for us.

The foundation of the Ulaangom Monastery was erected in 1871 as Dechinravjaa Monastery. Historical evidence indicates that there were grain plantations in operation in late 17th century in the area of Ulaangom.

After our short visit of the Aimag capital city we will head for our trekking starting point, the Bleu Lake.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 3: BLEU LAKE

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 Bleu Lake and cross several small passes. The Blue Lake is a beautiful small alpine lake with crystal clean water. The area offers amazing views.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 4 AND 5: KHARHIRAA RIVER

We will leave the Bleu Lake behind us and trek along the Kharhiraa River, upstream into the direction of Kharhiraa Mountain.

For the next 2 days we will trek through a rocky mountain valley, leaving the fertile open pastures behind us. On the way we will pass ancient burial mounds.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 6: KHARHIRAA PLATEAU

Today we will cross a pass to reach the open Kharhiraa plateau, a plateau surrounded by glaciers. We will see several smaller lakes in that area. Those glaciers are the sources of the Kharhiraa River.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 7: TURGEN MOUNTAIN

We will pass the glaciers and trek to the Turgen Mountain. We will cross the Kharhiraa Mountain Pass, lying at 3000m above sea level to reach the Yamaatiin valley. The pass is located between the Kharhiraa and Turgen glaciers, both over 4000m high. As we pass between the glaciers we will have spectacular views of both valleys on either side of the pass, and of the stunning white glaciers.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 8: THREE COLORS LAKE

After more trekking we will reach the 110 lake area. One of those lake is named the Three Colors Lake. This wonderful valley has a flora and remarkable geological formations in complete contrast to earlier landscapes.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 9: YAMAATIIN VALLEY

We will continue trekking down Yamaatiin Valley. We will reach the Damjig canyon where we will trek for some time in the canyon.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 10: GOOJUUR WATERFALL

Today we will trek more to reach Goojuur Waterfall.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 11: SHAAGAY LAKE

Our last trekking day will bring us to Shaagay Lake were we will meet our vehicles.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 12: UUREG LAKE

Today we will head for Uureg Lake, which lies close to the Russian border and Siberia. It is a large, beautiful slightly salt-water lake surrounded by glorious mountains and some snow-capped 3000 meters plus peaks. The mouth of the valley leading into the lake is lined with nomad's summer gers. The scene is breathtaking and so are the people. We will have the opportunity to visit some families.

(Tented Camp, B, L, D).

DAY 13: FLIGHT BACK TO ULAANBAATAR

Today we will reach Ulaangom and fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

(Hotel, B, D)

DAY 14: FREE DAY IN ULAANBAATAR

We will have a full free day to stroll around in Ulaanbaatar and buy some souvenirs before heading back home.

(Hotel, B)

DAY 15: DEPARTURE

Departure or connection to another trip.

OPTION: DRIVE 6 DAYS BETWEEN ULAANBAATAR AND KHARIRAA

You could take the 6 days trip to drive one way between Ulaanbaatar and west Mongolia. You will discover a variety of landscapes on the way. It's a great option for people who have more time in Mongolia.