MUNKHKHAIRKHAN TREKKING TOUR

ITINERARY

• Arrival to Ulaanbaatar, guided city tour

  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. In the afternoon, a guided city tour will introduce you to some of its highlights: the Gandan Temple - city's main Buddhist center, the central square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and the Zaisan Memorial, an elevated hill on the city's edge providing a panoramic view of UB. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: National Museum introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era, Dinosaur Museum with a unique collection of dinosaur fossils, Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. Winter palace of Bogd Khan showcasing rare statues of Buddhist deities and items of personal use of this last theocratic ruler of Mongolia is also worth considering. An evening folk show of music, throat singing and contortion will be followed by a welcome dinner. (Dinner, hotel)

• Flight to western Mongolia, drive to Munkhkhairkhan NP

  Fly to Khovd, a center of the multi ethnic province of Western Mongolia, inhabited by friendly and hospitable nomads with different ethnic backgrounds as well as a home to some of the rarest fauna on the Earth, including Argali – the largest wild sheep, snow leopard, and Siberian ibex just to name a few. The second highest peak of Mongolia, Munkhkhairkhan, 4204m high snow-capped mountain is also located in this province. Massive glaciers covering this region make up a significant part of Mongolia’s fresh water reserves. Upon arrival, meet your support team and drive to the Munkhkhairkhan National Park. Travel across mountainous desert for 6 hours and setup a tent camp near the mountain base at 2850m. This evening, local herders of Uriankhai ethnics will arrive with their pack camels that will carry our camp, luggage and food for the next few days. Due to its remote location and inaccessibility, this national park is one of the least visited natural beauties of Mongolia. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Blue lake

  Accompanied by our stock camels, we trek through the southern folds of Munkh-Khairkhan massif to 3500m high pass. Climbing on the rocky terrain is quite a challenge for the camels and therefore in times of bad weather, we may need to help the camel herders. On reaching the pass, we will see spectacular views of the snow-caps of the Altai range and even those of the neighboring Xinjiang province of China in the distance. Throughout the day, we will see abundant wildflowers typical to high mountains and may see rare birds such as Altai Snowcock and Rock Ptarmigan. At the end of the day’s adventures, we camp in a scenic spot near small glacial lake for the night. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Ikh Turgen river valley

  We descend on a rugged terrain along a fast mountain river and reach the Turgen river. Having crossed the shallow yet fast stream, we camp in a wide valley at the western base of Munkh-Khairkhan, inhabited by nomads of different ethnic groups of Mongolia primarily in the summer time. Felt tents of these nomads and their large flocks of yaks, sheep and goats will often come across our way. Every summer, Torgud nomads move here from their winter quarters in low desert lands south of the mountain range covering 400km, doing by far the longest seasonal migration in the country. The cool mountain weather is perfect for escaping the desert heat. This area is ideal for birdwatching because species including Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Merganser and Demoiselle Crane summer here. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Gurt river valley.

  We descend along Turgen river to reach its tributary, the Gurt river that takes source at 3100m and drops 100m meters per kilometer, resulting in an extremely strong stream. We follow upstream enjoying spectacular views of alpine pastures and mountain sides till we reach a vast rugged slope covered in sparse Larch forest. This remote corner of the mountain range is known for the fact that Buddhist monks found refuge here during the infamous purges of 1930s. We establish our camp by the roaring river tonight. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Excursion to Gurt valley

  Today, we hike upstream along the river valley to visit a few alpine lakes that lie secluded in the shelter of Munkh-Khairkhan peaks. Our trekking route is dominated by views of V-shaped valleys, steep mountain slopes and lush open meadows. Beautiful yet intimidating, the wilderness here is a natural habitat to rare wild animals such as Argali Mountain Sheep, Ibex Mountain Goat, Red Deer and the elusive Snow Leopard. Though unlikely, we may spot an ibex or a red deer. After a pleasant excursion, we return to our camp for a well-deserved rest. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to Seruun lake

  Today is the longest day of our trekking journey. Crossing shallow creeks and negotiating rugged terrain, we head towards Ikh Turgen valley and continue to its confluence with another fast mountain river just a few kilometers away. Our destination is the basin of Seruun lake, a rich pastureland where Kazakh and Uriankhai nomads have grazed their animals for centuries. Uriankhai people move with stock camels whereas Kazakhs move by antique Russian truck. We will have an opportunity to interact and learn the way of life of Kazakh and Uriankhai people. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Explore nomadic lifestyle

  Visiting Kazakh and Uriankhai families. They share common ancestry of Turkic origin. However, their religious beliefs are different: Uriankhais practicing Buddhism with a shamanistic flavor whereas Kazakh practice Islamic faith. On the hilltop in near the lake, there is a sacred cairn of the Uriankhai nomads. Every summer, the they gather for a worshipping ritual ceremony of the cairn. We randomly visit a local family; strike a conversation and taste the foods and drinks. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Trek to wilderness

  These 3 days will be the most demanding part of our journey. We traverse along the northern foothills of the Munkh-Khairkhan massif on rocky surfaces, muddy terrain and across shallow creeks. Views in this part of the National Park are breathtaking. Landscapes dominated by icy crystal rivers, vast valleys and high-altitude steppe. The 4200m high true summit of the massif can be seen from up close. Our trekking adventure finishes when we reach the eastern base of the mountain massif. In the evening of the last trekking day, we have the last dinner with our camel herders and express our appreciations for the wonderful journey. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, tent)

• Drive to Khovd town

  Travel back to Khovd and on the way back, we briefly visit human shaped ancient stone monuments, and petroglyphs belonging to the stone age. A dinner with support team and stay in a regional hotel for the night. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel)

• Return flight to Ulaanbaatar, free afternoon

  After breakfast, transfer to Khovd airport for a flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your own disposal. Nevertheless, you may consider doing more city visits or souvenir shopping as your guide will still be available on standby. (Breakfast, hotel)

• Contingency day

  In the evening gather for a farewell dinner. (breakfast, dinner, hotel)

• Departure

  Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (breakfast)