I have twice been on memorable rides with Monkhtuya and Bodio. The first unforgettable trip was in the wide-open spaces of Arkhangai province. Th...

Susan Belgrave

UK

Hangai Trekking

Duration
15 nights/16 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Group size
2-8 people

Overview

Hangai Mountain range runs through west and central of Mongolia reaching 4000m above sea level at highest. This is one of the oldest mountains and home of Mongolian nomads for many thousand years. The area we will be hiking is west end near around the highest peak called Otgontenger. Hardly ever visited by the tourists this area offers off the beaten path experience with untouched landscape. Trekking in a truly remote isolated part of the world and encountering age old nomadic tradition and culture is the soul of this trek.


Highlight

  • Trekking and camping in a remote picturesque part of Mongolia
  • Visiting and getting first hand experience with nomads
  • Campsites that are guaranteed to be one of the most scenic
  • Adventure with good food and comfortable stay

Itinerary

  • expand_more Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar, city sight seeing. Kempinski hotel
    Arrival in Ulaanbaatar the capital city of Mongolia. You will be welcomed at the airport by your local guide and driver who will transfer you to the comfortable hotel in down town.  Depending on your flight we will have some optional sights to visit this day before resting for the night. Kempinski Hotel. /L, D/
  • expand_more Day 2: Sightseeing day in Ulaanbaatar
    Sightseeing day in Ulaanbaatar. This morning after breakfast we will have a full day of city sightseeing through the major sites of Ulaanbaatar, including Sukhbaatar Square, National Museum, Gandan Monastery, Zaisan Memorial Hill and Bogd King’s Winter Palace Museum. In the evening before dinner we will be entertained with the folk music concert that presents very unique art of age-old Mongolian traditional singing, dancing and music. Kempinski Hotel. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 3: Fly to Uliastai drive to Khukh Us - Blue Water. Tented night
    Domestic flight to Uliastai Province. This morning we will catch an early flight to Uliastai for 2 hours. Upon arrival we will meet our 4x4 vehicles that will take us to our starting point next to a small water river called Blue Water. Tented night looking down river valley. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 4:  First day hike to Temeen Huzuu. Tented night
    Trekking to Temeen Huzuu. Today we will have our first full day trekking. Trekking starts hiking into the narrow valley that takes you up on the top of the mountain giving you extended view of the area we are going to be trekking in coming couple of days. From the top we will trek along the mountain ridge before coming down to secluded little corner called Temeen Huzuu meaning Camel’s Neck after a rock formation resembles camel neck.  Tented night next to one of the greatest horseman in the region. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 5: Trekking to Shiree river. Tented night
    Trek up to Shiree River. Today’s  trek will take us up along the river valley called Shiree. It is a popular summer pasture by local herders so we will be passing many of the families and stopping at some of them for a short break or cup of tea. In the afternoon we will reach our campsite set up by the riverside. Tented night watching animals coming home for milk hour. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 6: Trek to Doloo pass. Tented night
    Trek up to Doloo Pass. Today we will mostly ascend into a long valley called Buurug and we will gradually walk away from families into less populated area. By the time we get to the top of the hill we will be able to see the highest peak of the Hangai mountain range towering over other mountains at altitude of 4021m above see level. This is the only permanently snow covered peak and worshiped highly by whole of Mongolia. This afternoon we will come down to bottom of the mountain to make the camp. Tented night in an isolated corner/B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 7: Trek over to Tsagaan Lake.  Tented night
    Trek to Blue Lake. Today we will trek over into a high summer camp and will settle down by the small fresh water lake Tsagaan or White Lake. Because of the altitude this are is inhabited by local herders for only short 2 summer months and then they are forced to move down for a warmer place towards the end of summer. Tented night at the shore of a lake. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 8: Trek to Khukh Lake over Dayan. Tented night
    Trek to Blue Lake via Dayan Mountain. This morning after breakfast we will hike up to a big mountain next to our campsite. The highest peak of the Hangai Mountain range is called Otgontenger and it had been worshipped by states for several centuries. Local people come up tot the top of Dayan mountain to pay their respect. We will hike up to the mountain top not only to see the worshipping site but also for the incredible view on both sides. Taking little hike down from the top we will look for a very special and grand flower called Snow Lotus. Highly respected and worshipped by locals people don’t even put their shadows over it. Descend down to the east of the Dayan will guide us to another fresh water lake only bigger than White lake called Blue Lake, where we will have our next campsite set up. Tented night enjoying the serenity of the wilderness. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 9: Trek Tsagduultai valley. Tented night
    Trekking into Tsagduultai valley. After breakfast we will trek into a long narrow valley that leads up to holy peak of Mt Otgontenger. This valley is only accessible by horse or on foot that makes it very secluded area. Tented night with post card like view. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 10: Trek down to Bogd river. Tented night
    Trekking to Bogd River. Starting today we will gradually head back towards Uliastai following the river Bogd. The terrain is rocky close to the river but there are some open pastures as we head further down. We will clear out the wooded and high mountainous region to little bit more open areas we will be camping by the fast running mountain river of Bogd. Tented night with sound of river. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 11: Trek to Mod Tolgoi bridge. Tented night
    Trekking to Mod Tolgoi bridge. It is our last day of trekking along the river Bogd until we get to the old wooden bridge. We will set our camp site here and our vehicles will pick us up here. Tented night by the river Bogd. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 12: Drive to Uliastai. Local hotel
    Drive to Uliastai. We will pack our tents and drive to Uliastai provincial center after breakfast. We will reach Uliastai in the afternoon and check in the local hotel. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 13: Domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Kempinski Hotel
    Fly to Ulaanbaatar. This morning after breakfast we will catch a 2 hours domestic flight back to UB. Upon arrival we have optional sightseeing or shopping before having farewell dinner. Kempinski Hotel. /B, L, D/
  • expand_more Day 14: International Departure
    International departure. Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international departures to your next destination. /B/

Inclusions

This price includes:
  • All accommodations based on twin share
  • All transportation including domestic flight
  • All meals in the city and out in the field
  • All local staff and field guides
  • Entertainments as shown in the itinerary
  • National Park and Protected Area fees
This price doesn’t include
  • International flight
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa processing
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Expenses of personal nature

Dates

Trip date:
30 Jun – 15 Jul, 2019

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