Kharkhiraa Turgen Peaks Trekking Tour

Day 1 - Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. A show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion at 6PM will be followed by a welcome dinner. (Hotel/D)

Day 2 - Flight to Ulaangom town and Transfer to Uliastai valley

In the morning, you will be transferred from UB to the airport for a 3-hour flight to Ulaangom town, located just 40 km from Lake Uvs, the largest lake in Mongolia. Your guide will accompany you on the flight. Upon arrival, we will take a one-hour car transfer to the Uliastai valley, our trek's starting point. Here, we will set up our first tented camp and finalize arrangements with local camel herders. Throughout the trek, tents, food, and luggage will be transported by two-humped Bactrian camels belonging to the ethnic Khoton nomads, who will join us this evening. Distance: 35km. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 - Trek to Blue Lake

We begin our trek by ascending the Uliastai pass, standing at an elevation of 2410 meters. As we climb, the landscape unfolds to reveal the breathtaking Blue Lake, nestled amidst the rugged foothills of the Kharkhiraa and Turgen peaks, crowned with snow. After a delightful picnic lunch, we descend to the shores of the lake, where we walk along its tranquil shoreline until reaching our campsite at an altitude of 1795 meters above sea level. Our caravan of two-humped camels will soon catch up with us, arriving after lunch to set up camp and prepare a hearty dinner. This will be the typical routine for each day of our trekking adventure. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Distance: 14km. Ascent 715m, Descent 520m, Max elevation 2410m

Day 4 - Trek to Turgen river

Our trek commences from the Blue Lake valley, where the tranquil beauty of the surroundings immediately sets a peaceful tone for our adventure. As we gradually ascend towards the 2443-meter-high pass, the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning vistas of the majestic snowy peaks of the Kharhiraa and Turgen Mountains. This panoramic view is a testament to the untouched wilderness that surrounds us.

Descending from the pass, we enter the Turgen river valley, navigating through rugged terrain and following a narrow camel track that winds its way along the riverbank. The sound of rushing water and the sight of lush vegetation create a serene atmosphere as we continue our journey.

After a day of trekking, we finally reach the bank of the Turgen river, where our campsite awaits. Nestled amidst nature our tents provide a cozy shelter for the night. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Distance:19km, Ascent 406m, Descent 465m, max elevation 2443m)

Day 5 - Trek to Dund Khoroo Mountain

Trek to Dund Khoroo mt. It is an all day long ascent along the Kharkhiraa river at the end of which we will have gained almost 800 meters. The impressive red rock wall will continue alongside across the river. Rocky but well established trail steadily climbs up bringing more snow capped peaks into our sight. A noticeable temperature drop can also be felt. Our camel caravan will be struggling harder to catch up with us.

Time permitting we will visit one of the local herding families that graze their large flocks of sheep, goats and horses on the abundant alpine pastures. We continue trekking upstream along the Kharkhiraa river until arriving to its headspring. This is also the bottom of the main water dividing ridge. Several small streams are to be negotiated on foot. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Distance:15km, Ascent 760m, Descend 211m, Max elevation 2347m.

Day 6-7 - Trek to Kharkhiraa pass

Day 6: Starting from Dund Khoroo mountain, our trek leads us through the picturesque and narrow valley of the Kharhiraa river, where the gentle sound of flowing water accompanies our journey.
Our campsite for the night is nestled on the tranquil river bank, sheltered beneath the imposing presence of the Kharhiraa pass. Here, the soothing melody of the river serves as a lullaby, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
During today's trek, we will encounter the exhilarating challenge of fording two small rivers on foot, adding a touch of adventure to our expedition.
While the terrain remains relatively flat, our gradual ascent in elevation provides us with breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Turgen Mountains. We will stay for two nights here.

Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Distance:14km, Ascent 760m, Descent 211m, max elevation 2630m

Day 7: Leisure day - Exploring the Alpine lake. Distance: 11km

Day 8 - Trek to Ereesen at Olon Nuur valley

On the longest day of our trek, we will cover a distance of 24kilometers. Our first challenge involves ascending the Kharhiraa Pass, reaching an altitude of 2668 meters. Once beyond the pass, we traverse through flat and marshy terrain until we arrive at a picturesque small lake nestled amidst the mountains. Continuing our trek for another 5 kilometers from the lake, we will reach a location known as Ereesen. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Distance:24km, Ascent 654m, Descent 602m, Max elevation 2668m

Day 9 - Trek to Khar Yamaat valley

We cross the Olon Nuur valley, a typical highland tundra characterized by permafrost not far below the surface, leading to an abundance of water and marshy areas.

Exiting the Olon Nuur valley, we ascend the 2959m Black Goat pass, marking the entry point into the Black Goat valley. This valley is formed by two parallel ridges extending from the Turgen peak, with densely forested lower slopes on both sides. It is home to elusive species like the Snow Leopard and wild mountain goats, which are the former's main prey.

We descend into the valley and trek for a good half day before reaching our campsite. Accommodation: Tent. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Distance:19km, Ascent 491m, Descent 888m, Max elevation 2959m

Day 10 - Last Trekking Day to Tel Mod - Ulgii town.

Day 11 - Day trip Sagsai river - Visit Eagle Hunter's Family

Day 12: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar

This morning we catch a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 13: Departure

Transfer to airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast