Trekking the Majestic Kharkhiraa and Turgen Peaks

Today, we take a flight to Ulaangom, the capital of Uvs province. After about three hours, we’ll arrive at Ulaangom Airport, where our guides will be waiting. Uvs province, tucked away in Mongolia’s far northwestern corner, offers breathtaking contrasts—towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers, rushing rivers, vast sand dunes, and both freshwater and saltwater lakes. Its rich biodiversity, along with the traditional lifestyle of locals who rely on camels and horses for work and travel, makes this region truly unique. For our journey, we’ll be joined by local guides on horseback, accompanied by their camels.

Our 8-day trek will take us through the dramatic landscapes of Mount Kharkhiraa and Mount Turgen, covering roughly 120 kilometers. Along the way, we’ll cross two high mountain passes, each at nearly 3,000 meters in elevation. While a moderate level of fitness is required, the route is not overly strenuous. Still, we must be ready for all kinds of weather—even snow in the height of summer.

Before beginning our adventure, we’ll make a brief stop in Ulaangom to explore the city and visit the historic Dechinravjaa Monastery, established in 1871 on the site of the earlier Ulaangom Monastery. Historical records also note grain plantations operating here as far back as the late 17th century.

Afterward, we’ll drive to the Blue Lake, the starting point of our trek.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll load our gear onto the camels and horses before setting out on our trek. Our route begins along the sparkling shores of the Blue Lake, a beautiful alpine jewel with crystal-clear waters. From there, we’ll gradually make our way over a series of small mountain passes, surrounded by breath-taking scenery.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

We’ll leave the Blue Lake and follow the Kharkhiraa River upstream toward the towering Kharkhiraa Mountain. Over the next two days, our journey will lead us through a rugged mountain valley, trading the wide, grassy pastures for dramatic rocky terrain.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

Today, we’ll cross a mountain pass and arrive at the wide-open Kharkhiraa Plateau, encircled by majestic glaciers. Scattered across this highland are several small, shimmering lakes. Interestingly, the Kharkhiraa River is fed directly by these very glaciers.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

After crossing the glaciers, we’ll continue our journey toward Turgen Mountain. To reach the Yamaatiin Valley, we’ll traverse the Kharkhiraa Mountain Pass at an elevation of 3,000 meters. Nestled between the towering 4,000-meter-high Kharkhiraa and Turgen glaciers, the pass offers sweeping views of both valleys and the dazzling white glaciers surrounding us.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

After a few more hours of hiking, we’ll reach the “110 Lakes” region, a striking valley where unique flora and unusual geological formations create a vivid contrast to the landscapes we’ve passed through so far.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

We’ll continue our trek down the Yamaatiin Valley until we reach Damjig Canyon, where we’ll take time to explore its dramatic landscapes on foot.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

Today, we’ll continue our trek toward Goojuur Waterfall, a stunning cascade plunging 17 meters into the valley below.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

On our final day of trekking, we’ll make our way to Shaazgay Lake, where our vehicles will be waiting to meet us.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

Today, we’ll travel to Uureg Lake, located near the Russian border and Siberia. This vast, shimmering lake—slightly salty yet strikingly beautiful—is framed by towering mountains, with snow-capped peaks soaring above 3,000 meters. At the valley’s entrance, where it opens toward the lake, you’ll find the summer gers of local nomadic families.

Accommodation:

• Tented camp L, D

Activities:

• Trekking

It’s time to depart and fly back to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital. Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can enjoy a captivating cultural performance, featuring skilled contortionists, throat singers, lively traditional dances, and the rich rhythms of Mongolian music.

B, L