Mongolian Wilderness Trek
Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
- ?
Moderate
- Duration: 14 days from the UK
- On trek: 7 days
- Private Departures Available
A two-week magical, mountain adventure in the remote northwest corner of Mongolia.
Highlights
- One of the Worldâs great adventure treks that crosses two high passes
- Wild, unspoilt terrain populated by nomads
- Enjoy the hospitality of the local people visiting a local family âgerâ
- Full service camping on trek and good quality hotels elsewhere
This fantastic trek between the twin peaks of Mount Kharkiraa and Mount Turgen, begins in the Uliastai Valley in the remote Uvs Province. Within only a day from the start of the trek, you will reach the jewel-like waters of the Blue Lake and from there progress over low passes, through steep-sided valleys and along the banks of the Kharkiraa River. As you continue across two high passes of around 3,000m/10,000ft, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic and varied with wild open plateaus, glacial lakes, high peaks and remarkable rock formations that create the captivating backdrop to your trek.
This is a truly wild, untamed region where local people live a continuous nomadic existence and you will undoubtedly encounter their ‘open house’ hospitality. At the end of the trek you have time to relax by the tranquil waters of Uureg Lake before returning to Ulaanbaatar to take in the sights.
Private Departures
Mongolian Wilderness Trek - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Moderate
Duration: 14 days from the UK
On trek: 7 days
Max. Altitude: 2,944m/9,656ft, Yamaatiin Pass, Day 9
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Camping
Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast in Ulaanbaatar, all meals elsewhere in Mongolia. On day 3 lunch will be included if you leave Ulaanbaatar before midday.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Arrive Ulaanbaatar. |
| 3 | Fly to Ulaangom. |
| 4-5 | Trek to Blue Lake. Trek over four low passes to the Kharkhiraa River. |
| 6-7 | Trek to the base of the Kharkhiraa Pass. Rest day. |
| 8 | Cross Kharkhiraa Pass, 2,930m /9,610ft, to lake camp. |
| 9 | Cross the Yamaatiin Pass, 2,944m/9,656ft and trek to the Yamaatiin River. |
| 10 | Trek through the Yamaatiin Valley. |
| 11-12 | Drive to Uureg lake. Morning at lake, afternoon jeep to Ulaangom. Fly to Ulaanbaatar. City tour (time permitting) |
| 13-14 | Day at leisure in Ulaanbaatar. Fly to London. |
Leader: Local leader, Mongolia
We use English speaking local leaders - they are certified/registered guides, and in their company you will certainly gain an insight into the way of life, traditions and culture of Mongolia.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London.
Fly from London to Ulaanbaatar.
Overnight: In flight.
Day 2 - Arrive Ulaanbaatar. Group transfer to hotel.
You will arrive in Ulaanbataar in the afternoon when you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and has a population of about one million people which means that it is home to over a third of the total population of Mongolia. Not surprisingly then, it is also the country's economic, cultural and political centre. You will quite likely witness traditional horsemen with their cattle, escorting them down the wide streets with parked cars either side. The city is located on the banks of the Tuul River and is surrounded by mountains, dense forests and of course the grassy steppes to the south.
Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Day 3 - Fly to Ulaangom, Khovd or Ulgii. Transfer to the Uliastai Valley.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight. Depending on the flight schedules you will fly direct to Ulaangom or, alternatively, to either Khovd or Ulgii followed by a 5-6 hour drive to Ulaangom.
On arrival at Ulaangom you will be taken by jeep to the Uliastai Valley, 30 kms - 2-3 hours. You will meet your trek staff and camels at the road head and camp in the Uliasti Valley.
Please note that if your flight from Ulaanbaatar leaves before midday you will receive lunch either as a boxed lunch on the plane or when you arrive at your destination. If you are not due to fly till the afternoon, lunch will not be included.
Overnight: Camp
Day 4 - Trek to Blue Lake, 600m ascent/400m descent - 5-6 hours.
Trek up to the pass at 2,215 metres from where there is a magnificent view of the valley below and the Kharkhiraa mountain range. Then today's route takes you steeply down the mountainside to the Blue Lake. There are often nomadic families living in the valley during the summer, with evidence of their winter shelters in the more sheltered places. Today you have your first experience of vast open spaces, nomadic flocks, and ancient burial mounds. You may see black kites circling ahead and Demoiselle cranes.
Overnight: Camp
Day 5 - Trek over four low passes to the Kharkhiraa River - 6-7 hours.
Today you will trek over four low passes to reach the Kharkhiraa River and pass by some ancient (7th and 8th century) warriors' graves and standing stones. You then continue along the valley and cross the river by horse at the junction of the Tarlian and Kharkhiraa rivers. You will walk through stunning carpets of edelweiss and gentian. You will continue trekking until you reach the campsite at Ovoljoonii denj.
"The adventurer will find many trekking options here, although arguably the finest is a through trek along the Kharkhiraa and Yamaatiin rivers" - The World's Great Adventure Treks (sadly now out of print).
Overnight: Camp
Day 6 - Trek to the base of the Kharkhiraa Pass, 2,530m/8,300ft - 7 hours.
You trek along the valley of the Kharkhiraa River, past a dramatic wall of red cliffs, with occasional views of Mount Turgen, climbing gradually, to reach the base of Kharkhiraa Pass. You will camp in a dramatic valley surrounded by high snow-capped mountains. Camp altitude - 2,530m/8,300ft approx.
Overnight: Camp
Day 7 - Rest day.
A chance to rest and explore the stunning area. Your guide will suggest a suitable short walk on this day.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 - Cross Kharkhiraa Pass, 2,930m /9,610ft, to lake camp at 2,475m/8,120ft, 500m ascent/500m descent - 5 hours.
You will climb steeply up 400m/1,300ft to the pass then cross the high open plateau, where you will be rewarded by views of several glaciers and high peaks. There will be a couple of river crossings by horse today. The ground may be quite boggy and the going tough. It is extremely remote and wild up here. You enjoy lunch beside a beautiful turquoise lake beneath the glacier of Deglee Tsagaan Mountain before continuing trekking to reach Turgen Mountain National Protected Area. The altitude at the camp site is 2,475m.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 - Cross the Yamaatiin Pass, 2,944m/9,656ft and trek to Yamaatiin River at 2,160m/7,103ft, 500m ascent/800m descent - 7 ½ hours.
Today, you will take a lift on horses to cross the icy river, then climb up and across another expanse of wilderness to reach the base of Yamaatiin Pass. There is a good track up to the pass which is used by nomadic families moving from one valley to the next. From the top of the pass, you take the steep and dramatic track down into the Yamaatiin Valley. You camp beside the Yamaatiin River near the snow-capped Yamaatiin Mountain. You may well see marmots, pika and vultures here. Altitude at camp - 2,160m.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10 - Trek through the Yamaatiin Valley, 1,865m/6,118ft - 7 ½ hours.
You will cross the river and trek down the beautiful valley which is enclosed on both sides by high cliffs with amazing and unusual rock formations. "Yamaa" means "goat" and there may be sightings of herds of wild goats (ibex) in the rocks. Highlights of today's include larch woods and a profusion of Edelweiss. The camp will be set up further down the valley beside the pinewoods. This valley is a protected reserve, so the flora grows undisturbed by domesticated animals. You camp at 1,865m/6,118ft.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11 - Drive to Uureg lake - 2 hours. Morning at lake, afternoon jeep to Ulaangom - 2 ½ hours.
You meet your driver again today and travel by jeep to Uureg Lake. The lake's setting is spectacular with the mountains to the north marking the border with Russia. The lake is fresh water, crystal clear and very cold, but good for a brief swim. Birdlife includes black kites, terns, geese, cormorants and gulls. From highpoints you can see for many kilometres in every direction and there is extensive nomadic activity in this region. In the afternoon you are driven by jeep to Ulaangom over the Ulaan Davaa Pass, 1,238m/ 4,061ft. The drive to Ulaangom takes 2½ hours.
Overnight: Hotel in Ulaangom
Day 12 - Fly from Ulaangom to Ulaanbaatar. City tour if time permits.
Today you will fly to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. If the flight schedule allows you will have a tour of the city taking in either the Museum of National History or Natural History Museum with its excellent display of dinosaur remains.
Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Day 13 - Day at leisure in Ulaanbaatar.
Today is free for you to do some further exploration of Ulaanbaatar or simply relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Bayangol Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Day 14 - Transfer to airport. Fly to London.
After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport for the flight back to London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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Flight inclusive holidays
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We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
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What’s included
- A local English-speaking leader
- International flights (flight inclusive option only)
- All internal flights
- A single, timed group airport transfer for international flights on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel in Ulaanbaatar (4 star) on bed and breakfast, twin share basis
- Best available hotels elsewhere
- Camp accommodation on full board basis
- Porterage on trek
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Sightseeing where specified
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Ulaanbaatar
- Lunch in Ulaangom (Day 3)
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 5 (Based on 3 reviews)
Transport worked well, leader was knowledgeable and food was good. Route was good with a feeling of remoteness.
This was an amazing trek and we thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the opportunity to meet nomads in the remote areas and partake in their hospitality. The guide in Ulaanbaatar was excellent.
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip overall, especially the trek, and would heartily recommend it to others. We particularly appreciated the feeling of remoteness and space in Mongolia.