Trekking Lake Khovsgol in Mongolia

DAY 1. 06 August, 2023. ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR

• Dinner

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital city. At the airport meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel. If time permit, take an afternoon orientation tour around the city center, visiting the National History Museum to learn about the story of the nation which have gone through some glorious heydays, but also seen some pretty grim ones. Then walk through the central square, surrounded by historic soviet-era buildings before attending a beautiful folk concert. After welcome dinner, drive to the hotel for a first night in Mongolia.

DAY 2. 07 AUGUST, 2023. FLY TO KHOVSGOL REGION

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After early breakfast revert to the airport for the flight out north, to Khovsgol province. Once landing in the provincial capital, leave the city by car. Pause by an ancient burial site dating back to the late Bronze Age, featuring unique and mysterious tombstones. Then enjoy a walk along the shores of Erkhil Lake, an important stopover site for flocks of waterfowls on their migration route from the Siberian tundra to the warm countries in the south. At the afternoon complete the short overland drive to the camping ground of the day. This is a last chance to check all the equipment before embarking on the forthcoming Trekking by Lake Khovsgol, and a first night of bush camping.

DAYS 3-6. 08-11 AUGUST, 2023. TREKKING LAKE KHOVSGOL

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

For the coming four days trek northwards along deep valleys, across mountain passes, through thick pine forests and flourishing meadows. Head towards the village of Renchinlumbe, nestled at the eastern edge of the Darkhad Khotgor (depression). Darkhad Khotgor is a wide valley of marshes, lakes and rivers at 1500 meters (4921 feet) above sea level. It is at the heart of the Khoridal Saridag Mountain Range, the highest mountain of the Sayan Mountains stretching dee into Russia. The area is inhabited by various minorities, among them the Darkhad, Khogoid, Buryats and Durvud. It is unlikely to see many of these nomadic people while trekking, as the entire area is strictly protected, and thus, nomadic herders are not allowed to graze their herds in this pristine environment. Bush camp on the first three nights of the trek, with the luggage being carried by horses from one camp to the other. On the very last leg of these four days meet the vehicles, and take a short ride over the vast plain leading to a simple yet cozy guesthouse, to enjoy the first hot shower for days.

DAY 7. 12 AUGUST, 2023. DAY WITH NOMADIC FAMILY

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Enjoy a morning of leisure, strolling through the village of Renchilumbe to meet the locals, and see the life in this extremely remote settlement. This is time to re-supply and allow some time for aching muscles to relax after four days of extensive trekking. After lunch at the guesthouse take a short hike out of the village to a family of Mongolian herders camping in the summer by the riverbed. Arrive at the host family in the early afternoon, and spend the evening with them. Learn about their ancient traditions and unique way of life and join them for a hearty traditional dinner. At dusk, pitch the tents next to the family’s dwelling and spend the night next to them.

DAYS 8-11. 13-16 AUGUST, 2023. CONTINUE TREKKING TO LAKE KHOVSGOL SHORES

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Another four days of trekking takes from the Darkhad Depression to Lake Khovsgol. After saying farewell to the generous host family, it is time to continue Trekking Lake Khovsgol. Travel up the Arsai River towards Jigliig Mountain Pass, separating the Darkhad Depression from Lake Khovsgol. From Jigliig pass glide gently through the slopes of the mountain range to the lake’s shores. For the last two days of the trip walk along the pristine beaches of crystal blue water and blooming flowers in all colors. After last night of camping by the lake side, meet again the cars and drive back to Murun, to stay the night in a local hotel, with en suite showers and toilets.

DAY 12. 17 AUGUST, 2023. FLIGHT TO ULAANBAATAR AND ON TO TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

In the morning visit the central market of Murun, providing city dwellers and nomadic families inhabiting the region with all their needs, from fresh produce to electronic equipment. If time permit, stop by Danzadarjaa Temple, which was erected after the original Murungiin Temple has been destroyed during the purges of the 1930’s. Then drive to the airport to board the short flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Once landing, embark on the one-and-a-half hours’ drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Arrive in time for a short hike to a small hill, to watch the sun setting over the uniquely shaped mountains of the park, often dubbed as the ‘stone park’ for its unique rock formations. Then drive to the camp for a night in the park’s vicinity.

DAY 13. 18 AUGUST, 2023. HIKING TERELJ NATIONAL PARK AND BACK TO ULAANBAATAR

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

On the last morning of the trip embark on a half-day hike through the park’s mountain range, to yet another vantage point to take in the mesmerizing beauty of this glacial valley of thick forests, flourishing meadows and unique rock formations. Back in the car, drive to Ulaanbaatar for a visit at the Black Market- the city’s main market. Then drive to the hotel for some time to refresh. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner before climbing atop Zaisan Hill for a view over the city at night. Late in the evening revert to the hotel for a last night in Mongolia.

DAY 14. 19 AUGUST, 2023. DEPARTURE FROM ULAANBAATAR

• Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chinggis Khan International Airport for the departing flight out of Mongolia.