Kharkhiraa and Turgene Trekking Adventure

Start your adventure with a transfer to the airport for a flight to Uvs Province in western Mongolia, a region celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and stunning landscapes. This area is home to various ethnic minorities, each with its distinct customs and traditions. The communities here speak dialects that differ slightly from standard Mongolian and are renowned for their significant contributions to the nation’s wrestling legacy, having produced numerous legendary champions.

As you near your destination, keep an eye out the window for the breathtaking sight of Uvs Lake, the largest lake in Mongolia, providing a magnificent welcome to the region's natural beauty. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to Uliastai Valley, where we will establish our first camp in the untouched wilderness, creating the perfect base for our upcoming adventures.

During the trek, two-humped Bactrian camels will transport your tents, food, and luggage. These remarkable animals are owned by the Khoton nomads, who will join us this evening. Their presence offers a unique chance to learn about their nomadic way of life and the harmonious relationship they maintain with their camels and the land. As the day winds down, settle into your camp and embrace the sense of adventure that lies ahead.

Today our journey begins with a climb up the Uliastai Pass (2410m), where you'll be greeted by the stunning sight of a freshwater alpine treasure known as the "Blue Lake." Beyond the lake, the rugged contours and snow-capped summits of the Kharkhiraa and Turgen mountain ranges will come into view.

After a delightful picnic lunch, we’ll descend to the lake and trek along its picturesque shoreline, eventually reaching our campsite at an elevation of 1795m. Shortly after lunch, our camel caravan will arrive to help set up camp and prepare dinner. This will be our routine each day during the trek. We will spend the night in tents by the tranquil "Blue Lake."

As we bid farewell to Blue Lake, we’ll navigate a series of gentle ridges before descending into the picturesque valley of the Turgen River.

This powerful river, nourished by the immense glaciers of the majestic Turgen mountain massif, carves its way through the landscape. The massif towers nearly 4000 meters above, its snow-capped peaks rising proudly against the horizon. We’ll establish our campsite in the serene valley of the Turgen River, enveloped by pristine wilderness.

As the sun sets, take in the soothing atmosphere and embrace the deep connection to nature that this secluded spot offers.

Leaving the Turgen River behind, we ascend a gentle slope that guides us into the Kharkhiraa River valley. As we navigate this beautiful landscape, we are surrounded by numerous burial mounds—silent guardians of a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age—dotting our path.

This well-worn trail is essential for the Khoton people, who depend on it for their seasonal migrations from winter homes to the verdant summer pastures found in the high mountains. Depending on the season, we might be lucky enough to see camels, their humps swaying under heavy loads, gracefully making their way along the riverside, guided by horsemen who expertly maneuver through the terrain.

As the sun begins to set, we establish our campsite on the banks of the Kharkhiraa River, perched at an elevation of 1860 meters. Our site is framed by stunning fifty-meter-high red rock cliffs on the opposite shore, providing a breathtaking backdrop for our evening. Once again, we will settle into cozy tents, relishing the peace of the wilderness and sharing stories beneath the expansive, starry sky.

We press onward along the river, where the magnificent Kharkhiraa Peak rises to an impressive 4,037 meters, commanding the skyline with its splendor. To our right, the snow-capped peaks of the Turgen Massif emerge, enhancing the already stunning landscape. The path meanders upward, following the river valley nestled between two towering rock faces.

Tonight, we'll establish our campsite at an altitude of 2,660 meters, just before the trail becomes steeper as it approaches the pass. The breathtaking Turgen Massif will be close by, providing a magnificent backdrop for our evening beneath the stars.

Staying at our current campsite, we embark on a hike to discover several alpine lakes nestled within the Turgen mountain massif. This excursion provides a chance to immerse ourselves in stunning scenery and enjoy a revitalizing half-day break after several days of physical activity. Along the way, we will encounter vibrant alpine flora and the serene blue waters of the lakes, beautifully reflecting the towering peaks above.

For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the camp serves as a tranquil haven where you can unwind, read, or simply appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you opt to hike or take it easy at camp, this day offers a fantastic opportunity to recharge and prepare for the exciting adventures that await.

A challenging ascent leads us to the summit of the 2,976-meter pass, where we are welcomed by stunning vistas of snow-covered peaks and distant desert plains that shimmer in the sunlight. Below, turquoise lakes sparkle in the valleys, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. On clear days, the Sayan mountain range in Russia comes into view.

"Many Lakes" is an alpine meadow, scattered with numerous small lakes and marshy areas. This location is also a favored summer grazing ground for the Khoton nomads, who have depended on its fertile pastures for their livestock for generations.

As we make our descent, we will encounter their felt tents, known as gers, which offer a warm refuge from the elements. You’ll spot the nomads caring for their large herds of yaks and goats as they graze contentedly on the lush grass, adding a unique allure to our journey through this enchanting region.

We journey through the Olon Nuur valley, ascending to a lofty pass at 2,959 meters. The climb is gradual, offering us the chance to soak in the breathtaking vistas. However, the steep descent tests our balance as we navigate down to the Black Goat valley, bordered by two parallel ridges that stretch from Turgen Peak.

The lower slopes are thickly wooded, serving as a habitat for the elusive snow leopard and its main prey, the wild mountain goat.

Once we arrive at the valley floor, we pitch our tent camp, pausing to admire the stunning scenery that surrounds us.

Throughout the day, we hike downstream beside a fast-flowing mountain river that winds through the Black Goat Valley, flanked by wooded slopes on one side and steep mountains on the other.

This leg of the journey is fairly straightforward, featuring a gentle incline all along the route.

We continue our journey down the Black Goat Valley. With each step towards our pick-up point, a sense of accomplishment washes over us as we reflect on the adventures we've experienced. After completing the trek, we take a moment to bid farewell to the Khoton camel herders before heading to Ulgii, a lively provincial capital predominantly inhabited by Kazakhs.

This evening, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in traditional Kazakh songs and music, while also indulging in flavorful Kazakh dishes that showcase the local cuisine. To round off the experience, we will spend the night in comfortable felt-walled gers.

You'll be transferred to Ulgii Airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, we'll take you to your hotel.

You'll have the afternoon free to unwind, discover the city, or shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts.

In the evening, we'll come together for a farewell dinner, where we'll share stories and reflect on the wonderful experiences we've had throughout our journey. This will be a great chance to celebrate our time together and say goodbye to new friends.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.