Trekking in Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains
(12 days)

Guranteed Departure

Uvs province is a spectacular region of permanently snow-capped mountains, glaciers, torrential rivers, salt and freshwater lakes, sand dunes and a fantastic variety of animals and plants. You will climb to reach the high plateau nestled between Kharkhiraa and Turgen Mountains.

Detailed description

Flight to Ulaangom

We will fly to Ulaangom, the capital of the Uvs province, today. We will arrive at Ulaangom Airport after a 3-hour flight, where our guides will be waiting for us. Uvs province, located in Mongolia’s far northwestern corner, is a stunning landscape of permanently snow-capped mountains, glaciers, raging rivers, saltwater and freshwater lakes, sand dunes, and a diverse array of animals and plants. Camels and horses are used as working animals by the locals, and we will be accompanied by local guides on horses with their camels.

Our 8-day trek to Mount Kharkhiraa and Mount Turgen covers about 120 kilometers and involves two high passes at elevations of 2930 and 2944 meters. A moderate level of fitness is required, but even at the higher levels, the hike is not too strenuous. Even though it is summer, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and we must be prepared for everything, including snow.

Dechinravjaa Monastery was founded on the site of the Ulaangom Monastery in 1871. There were grain plantations in service in the late 17th century in the Ulaangom district, according to historical evidence.

We’ll head to the Blue Lake, our trekking starting point, after a quick tour of Aimag’s capital city.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Blue Lake

We’ll load our belongings onto the camels and horses after a hearty breakfast.

We’ll begin our trek along the Blue Lake’s shores, passing through several small passes. The Blue Lake is a lovely small alpine lake with sparkling clear water.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Kharkhiraa River

We will leave the Blue Lake behind and trek upstream along the Kharkhiraa River towards Kharkhiraa Mountain.

We’ll be trekking through a rocky mountain valley for the next two days, leaving the lush open pastures behind us.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Kharkhiraa Plateau

We’ll cross a pass today to meet the open Kharkhiraa plateau, which is ringed by glaciers. In that location, we’ll see a number of smaller lakes. Fun fact: The Kharkhiraa River gets its water from those glaciers.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Turgen Mountain

We’ll trek to Turgen Mountain after passing through the glaciers. To get to the Yamaatiin valley, we’ll have to cross the Kharkhiraa Mountain Pass, which is 3000 meters above sea level. The pass is situated between the 4000m high Kharkhiraa and Turgen glaciers. We’ll have amazing views of both valleys on either side of the pass, as well as the breathtaking white glaciers.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Three Colours Lake

We will arrive at the 110 lake region after some more hiking. This beautiful valley has flora and geological formations that are in stark contrast to previous landscapes.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Yamaatiin Valley

We’ll keep walking down Yamaatiin Valley. We’ll arrive at Damjig Canyon, where we’ll spend some time hiking through the canyon.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Goojuur waterfall

We’ll continue our trek today in order to reach Goojuur Waterfall. The waterfall is 17 meters high.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Shaazgay Lake

Our final day of hiking will take us to Shaazgay Lake, where we will meet up with our vehicles.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Uureg Lake

We will be going to Uureg Lake today, which is close to the Russian border and Siberia. It’s a big, stunning, slightly salty lake surrounded by majestic mountains and some snow-capped peaks rising to 3000 meters or higher. Summer gers of nomads line the valley’s mouth, which leads into the lake.

(Tented Camp B, L, D)

Flight back to Ulaanbaatar

The time has come to leave and fly back to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. You can use your free afternoon to see as you fit. You could always go see the lovely cultural show and admire the contortionists while watching colorful and rhythmic Mongolian dances.

(B, L)

optional

Option: Drive 3 days between Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhiraa

You could take the 3 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.

FIXED DEPARTURES CALENDAR

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June 2023

INCLUDED

Land transportation
1 night hotel
10 nights tented camp stay
Meals 11B, 12L, 11D
Tour guide
National park entrance fee
Local flight ticket
Local airport transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
City touring
Medical, trip insurance and evacuation costs
Alcoholic and soft drinks
International airport transfer
Local flight excess baggage charge