Trek Advice

thanks to tomongolia for information!

Find the following treks (horse, hiking, biking):

trek Darkhan to Amarbayasgaland Khiid
trek Khangai -Bayankhongor to Tseterleg
trek Bayan Ogii - Camp base Khoton nuur
trek Tavan Bogd
trek Tavan Bogd 2
trek Ulaan Uul
trek Tsagaannuur, taïga, Tsatan tribe
trek Khosgol to Darkhad
trek Otgontenger Uul

TREK DARKHAN TO AMARBAYASGALAND KHIID

Trek main points
Trek Length: 70Km, 3-4 days
Navigation: easy.
Start point: Darkhan - there is daily transportation from Ulaanbaatar.
End point: Amarbayasgalant monastery.
Getting out: hitch a ride on the 35km dirt road to the main paved road.
Gers: several gers along the trek.
Horses: Half way through the trek, there is a horse farm.
River crossing: Orkhon river, no bridge, walk across, or on horse.
Events: generally in August Buddhist ceremony.
Tourist Ger camps: near the monastery.

The trek follows valleys from Darkhan to the magnificent monastery Amarbayasgalant Khiid, once one of the three largest Buddhist centres in Mongolia. It is located in the Ivon Gol River Valley at the foot of the Burenkhan Mountains. It was built over a period of 10 years from 1726 to 1736. A few thousand resident monks served and studied at the monastery. The monastery was built to honor the memory of Zanabazar one of the great Buddhist leaders of Mongolia. After he died his remains where brought to be buried in this monastery.
During the Soviet purge the monks were persecuted, and some of the temples demolished. Restoration of the monastery began in 1990 after the fall of the Soviet Union. Today (2009) there are 50 resident monks, including ordained monks and those studying at Amarbayasgalant. They range in age from 11 to 104. Head of monastery today is Luvsansonom (Olonbayar).

Trek highlights
The trek from Darkhan to Amarbayasgalant monastery follows a green steppe valley. The trek crosses the Orkhon river (not an easy task). The Orkhon river begins in the Khangai mountains in center Mongolia, it flows across the border to Russia into the Baikal lake, one of the largest lakes in the world.
About half way along the trek you will come across a nomadic family with horses; they will be happy to offer you a horse ride to the monastery.

Navigation
Navigating along the trek is easy. It starts at Darkhan, a large town with daily connection to Ulaanbaatar. The trek itself follows valleys. There are Ger's all along the trek, enabling you to use the Mongolian GPS (Ger Positioning System), just ask about the way to Amarbayasgalant Khiid (the monastery).

Trek Description
The trek starts from Darkhan and takes 3-4 days. Except for crossing the Orkhon river there are no technical challenges. The length of trek is 70Km; about half of the trek follows a gentle slope along the river; the second half of the trek descends towards the monastery.

Crossing the Orkhon river
The 2 crossing locations marked on the map are relatively shallow.
You can walk through. The water will reach your waist at the most.
There are horseback riders in the region; one can hitch ride across.
After heavy rain in the Khangai mountains the river might be high; wait to see if locals or horseback riders are crossing.

Getting to Darkhan
There are daily buses, and minivans leaving from Dragon station. The cost is 6,000 Togrog.
Taxis are available at Teevriin Tovchoo next to Idre's Guest House . There are also daily trains going north that stop at Darkhan.

The ride from Ulaanbaatar directly to the monastery (350km) takes about 7 hours. Most of the way is on paved road, the last stretch of 35km is on dirt road.

Return trip (from the Monastery)
With patience you can hitch a ride on the 35 km dirt road to the paved road connecting Erdenet and Darkhan.
You can arrange in advance for a van from Darkhan to come and pick you up. You will have to pay the driver for both ways.

Tourist Ger Camps
There are tourist camps, one next to the monastery, and a larger one 17km south of the monastery. Cost is $35 a night including 3 meals.
Contact the monastery tourist camp manager at 99011818

Download maps (scale: 1:100,000)

http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--m48-092.html Darkhan map

http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--m48-091.html Monastery map

TREK KHANGAI - BAYANKHONGOR TO TSETERLEG

Trek descriptions
The trek follows a dirt road that is used occasionally by horses vans or jeeps.
There are a few Ger locations.
Start point is at Bayankhongor, the trek goes along the river up to a mountain pass, and down the river to Tseserleg, on the other side of the Khangai mountains.

Trek distances:
Total 178km (trek 123km, driving 55km)
Bayankhongor to Erdenetsogt 25km - get a jeep
Erdenetsogt to Mountain pass 52km going up the river (2-4 days)
Mountain pass at 2751m height
Mountain pass to Bulgan 71km going down the river (3-5 days)
Bulgan to Tseserleg 30km - get a jeep

Trek suitable for:
Motorbikes (river crossings),
mountain bikes (rocky),
horses, walking (long).

Walking Difficulty:
It is a long (6-10 days) walk not a technical walk.
Carry water, tent and food.
Water:The walk is along the river. Water has to be treated, purified with chlorine/iodine pills or filter pump (best).

Start point – Bayankhong

Byankhongor hotels (price 2011)
* Enh Nomins - Энх Номун - $10 - phone: 01-442-22255
* Uran Desh - Уран Дэш - Seoul - $20
* Negdelchin - Нэгдэлчин - $15
* Manduhai Ger Camp - out of town - 3 bed Ger 20,000T - tel: 99442009, 99442808, 99052577, 88118680

Transportation to Erdenetsogt (27 Km north of Bayankhongor)
Cars start to fill up from 13:00, and usually leave only in late afternoon after they fill up.Price - about 3,000 T(price 2011)

Private Jeep
To hire a private Jeep - expect to pay about 500 T per Km for same day trip.
You will be expected to pay for the driver's trip back. 2011 price

Download Russian maps - scale 1:100,000
100k-I47-023.gif - Tseserleg http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-058.html
100k-I47-035.gif - Bulgan http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-035.html
100k-I47-034.gif - River http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-034.html
100k-I47-046.gif - Mountain Pass http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-046.html
100k-I47-058.gif – Erdenetsogt http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-058.html
100k-i47-070.gif - Bayankhongor http://en.poehali.org/maps/100k--l47-070.html

TREK BAYAN OLGII-CAMP BASE KHOTON NUUR

This trek takes place in the highest region in Mongolia - the Altai Tavan Bogd mountains (5 peaks mountain). The trek goes through high mountain passes, freezing cold rivers, beautifull lakes, breathtaking views of the mountains and highest peak in Mongolia and through scattered Mongolian and Kazak nomads who aren't on the tourists path. This trek is difficult in several aspects - It's remoteness, physical difficulty and the need to be self sufficient as it doesn't pass through any villages on the way. While the Trek doesn't really start in the Altai Tavan Bogd base camp, it is a few hours walk from it.

Difficulty scales
Length - Takes about 5 days to one week.
Physical Difficulty - Long hiking days and altitude changes.
Navigation – Trail is not marked and navigation is needed.
Remoteness -: Arriving to starting point is only by hired jeep.
Equipment - Camping equipment is required as there are no villages on the way.

Getting in
The starting point is the park ranger's ger which is a few hours from the Altai Tavan Bogd base camp. Getting there is by hired jeep which can be organized through the tourist information office in Olgii. It is about 180km from Olgii on mountain dirt roads.

Getting out
You can either arrange with the driver a pick up at Khoton Nuur or continue walking about 2 more days to Tsengel and find there a car heading for Olgii. There is also a chance of finding a car leaving lakes area towards Tsengel.

Route description
The route starts where the dirt road into the mountains stops at the ger of the park's ranger. From there it is possible to wal a few hours to the base camp of the Altai Tavan Bogd peak. From the ger you start walking southwards, crossing a first ridge into Tsagaan Gol (The white river). Crossing the big river you start climbing slowly in the valey towards a steep climb to the hieght point in the trek - Khara Salaguun Davaa which is a big pass in the mountains about 3100m high. The pass could be covered with snow and difficult to cross, depending on amount of snow (it can also be clear and easy to cross). From the pass, the rest of the way is a descent towards the two lakes - Khoton and Khurgan Nuur.
From here you either head to Tsengel with a car you prearranged or find a car heading in the direction, or you can continue walking down along the river until you reach Tsengel.
The whole trek should take between 5 and 8 days.
On the way you will find nomad gers. Most of them are Kazaks but there are some Mongolians too. The biggest concentration of nomads are around the lakes.

Special notes

Because of the proximity of the region to the Russian and Chinese borders any one who travels in the area is required to carry a "border pass". The border pass is a piece of paper given to you by the army that states your route and number of people in the group. The border pass is free and can be acquired with the help of the tourist information office in Olgii. Note that if you are hiring a driver to take you to the starting point and out he needs a permit too. Once you have the permit technically you are not allowed to separate the group, but if you go alone without a guide and tell the army on the way that you are being picked up at the end of the trek by the same driver you can get around it.
You also need park permits to enter the area which can be bought at the tourist information too. Cost about 4000 tugrug.
The nomads in the area are mostly Kazak. Most of them do understand Mongolian but not necessarily.
In summer, along the lakes there are swarms of mosquitos. Make sure you have reppelent and nets

TREK TAVAN BOGD

Is the name of a region and national park in the far west part of Mongolia in the Bayan-Ölgii province.Tavan Bogd (Таван богд) meaning Five-Saints for the five snow covered mountain peaks.

Khüiten peak
The highest peak in Mongolia is Khüiten (Хүйтний) meaning cold in Mongolian.
Height 4,374m (14,350 feet), various other numbers appear on different maps.
In 1956 was the first recorded accent by the Russian Pieskariow and 12 Mongolians.

Malchin peak
Malchin (Малчин) means herder in Mongolian.
Height 4050m other numbers appear on various maps.

Nairamdal Peak
Nairamdal means friendship in Mongolian. The peak marks the border between Mongolia, Russia and China. Height 4180m (13,390 feet).

Potaniin Glacier
The Potanin glacier is the longest glacier in Mongolia, it is about 14Km long.

Trekking to Base camp and Malchin peak.
You can walk all the way to base camp, and get a good view of the glacier and peaks. Malchin peak is a non technical climb, and you get great views of the Potanin glacier, the peaks around and Russia. It takes about 5-7 hours to get to the top from the Potanin glacier. Several tour companies offer trips to the region, like the local company Nur Altai.

Climbing Khuiten peak.
To climb to the Khuiten peak you need all the technical gear including ropes, and crampons. From base camp to the peak and back it takes 3 days.
First day, walk from base camp to the front camp, second day climb to the peak 8-10 hours round trip. Third day walk from the front camp to base camp.
This climb is demanding and is done in a group with experienced climbers.
There are crevasses on the glacier and snow pits climbing the mountain.
There are several tour operators, that offer a trip to Khiten Mt. The cost is $2000-$3000 per person depending on company and number of people in the group. The cost includes domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar and back, food, guides, tents, gear, camels, Jeep transfers, lodging.

Getting there
Ask for assistance at the tourist information in Olgii, ask for Nazguul she manages the office. If the office is closed call her (her phone number is on the office door). She will arrange for a jeep, guide, give you directions, etc.
From Olgii get a jeep to take you to the end of the dirt road, and walk from there.

TREK TAVAN BOGD II

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=218253862662768441924.0004e08605e4c17751236&msa=0&ll=48.770672,89.14032&spn=1.513342,4.22699&dg=feature

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

a. Tavan Bogd (five saints) is the highest mountain in Mongolia and have massif-type. Tavan Bogd mountain located in Bayan-Olgii Province and its Hüiten Peak is the highest point of Mongolia at 4374 meters above sea level. Besides Hüiten, the mountain includes four peaks as Nairamdal, Malchin, Bürged (eagle) and Olgii (motherland).
The Nairamdal Peak forms the border tripoint between Mongolia, Russia, and the Xinjiang province of China.
b. Tavan Bogd Lakes - the lakes Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan. The protected area offers a home for many species of alpine animal, such as the Argali sheep, Ibex, Red deer, Beech marten, Moose, Snow cock, and Golden eagle.
c.Potanin Glacier -the Potanin Glacier is the longest glacier in Mongolia, its length is about 14 kilometres and it is located in the Altai Tavan Bogd mountain in Altai Mountains. The glacier is named after explorer Grigory Potanin.

HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transportation - there is no public transportation to the park. there is public transportation to Tsengel and you can try getting a driver there,
Social Transportation - you can hitchhike from Olgii to Sirgali (pinned on the map). can take some time, but there are vehicles going by.
Private Car\Hired Driver - the preferred method by most of the people. through tour agencies in Olgii.

DIFFICULTY
medium-hard.

NAVIGATION
medium. there is a car dirt road that goes from the starting point along the lake almost up the pass.when you get down from the pass on the other side you meet another dirt road that goes up to the glacier.

Maps
old russian army maps:
http://loadmap.net/en/m4773 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4772 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4760 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4759 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4747 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4748 - 1:100,000

LENGTH
total: 152km. Km per day: 20~.seven days by foot, five by horse

WATER SOURCES
the area is filled with creeks, springs and marshes.
flowing springs and creeks are fine after boiling. some of the cleaner marshes too.
the lakes are ok but drinking from the springs that flow to the lakes is a better option.

FOOD
small super markets are available at Olgii and Tsengel.

COST

a. guide - depends on tour operator.usually around 15,000\day (july 2013)/
b. jeep\van - a van from Olgii is about 50,000\person. jeep from Olgii is around 175,000 (depends which type of jeep).
c. ger camps - you can find some along the eastern shore of Khoton lake, and some more close to the peaks. they are mainly reachable through tour agencies, but if you have basic mongolian you can just show up and try negotiating a price
d. entrance fee and border permit - It is required by mongolian law that you have a border permit when traveling in the Tavan Bogd park area, as these areas are situated on the Mongolian-Chinese-Russian border. Be sure that you take your documents, including passport and border permit.
To obtain a permit, you must apply in person at the Mongolian Border Protection Authority either in Ulaanbaatar or Olgii.
You will need photocopies of all travelers' passports (including Mongolian nationals) and visas, and a request letter (from a tour agency, NGO, embassy, or other organization). sometimes a map of where you intend to travel is required (depends on the clerk's mood that morning).
Permits can be issued during business hours on week days and may require between three hours and three days for processing (the wonders of mongolian bureaucracy...).
Even with this permit, you must still check-in with the Border Post in Tsagaannuur so they'll sign your permit again.
Border permits can cost around 50,000. it changes from time to time. as for now (july 2013) the border office in Olgii does not handle foreigners, only local tour operators.

LOCAL CELLPHONE COVERAGE
only in towns.

NEAREST EMERGENCY POINT
there's a nurse and a little pharmecy in Tsengel. local hospital in Olgii.

TREK ULAAN UUL

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=218253862662768441924.0004d4edeed492d6a2b13&msa=0&ll=50.382254,99.162598&spn=1.031558,2.90863&dg=feature

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

a. Sayan mountains - this mountain range (average elevation 2500 m') is not only the western border of the Darkhad valley, it also functions as mongolia's northwestern border with siberia. the Sayan mountains are practically an eastern continuation of the Altay mountains. the Sayan mountains' towering peaks and cool lakes southwest of Tuva give rise to the tributaries that merge to become one of Siberia's major rivers, the Yenisei River, which flows north over 2000 miles to the Arctic Ocean.

b.Un-named lake range -a beautiful lake range along the trek route, featuring fresh water lakes and creeks, all flowing to the Darkhan valley.

HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transportation - there are public vans going from Khatgal to Ulaan Uul. not daily and leaves when full.
Private Car\Hired Driver - there is a route from Khatgal\Moron (pinned on the map) to Ulaan Uul.

DIFFICULTY
medium-hard. requires some navigating skills. alpine weather.

NAVIGATION
medium-hard. there is a car dirt road that goes to the starting point or to the first night camping spot. the dirt road isnt clear, but locals know it. after that - topographic.

MAPS
a. old russian army maps:
http://loadmap.net/en/m4311 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4310 - 1:100,000

b. Oruxmaps files (google terrain maps):
http://d01.megashares.com/dl/WX9NftO/ulaan%20uul.zip

LENGTH
total: 71km.Km per day: 12~.five days by foot (seven without a vehicle to starting point), four by horse.

WATER SOURCES
all the lakes are good to drink after boiling.

FOOD
small super market in Ulaan Uul. bigger ones in Khatgal\Moron

COST
a. guide - difficult to find one.
b. jeep\van - a van from Ulaan Uul\Renhinlkhumbe is about 10,000 tug. jeep from khatgal is around 125,000 (depends which type of jeep).
c. ger camps - some along the lakes.
d. entrance fee and border permit - It is required by mongolian law that you have a border permit when traveling in the taiga, as these areas are situated on the Mongolian-Russian border. Be sure that you take your documents, including passport and border permit.
To obtain a permit, you must apply in person at the Mongolian Border Protection Authority either in Ulaanbaatar or Moron.
You will need photocopies of all travelers' passports (including Mongolian nationals) and visas, and a request letter (from a tour company, NGO, embassy, or other organization). sometimes a map of where you intend to travel is required (depends on the clerk's mood that morning).
Permits can be issued during business hours on week days and may require between three hours and three days for processing (the wonders of mongolian bureaucracy...).
Even with this permit, you must still check-in with the Border Post in Tsagaannuur\Moron so they'll sign your permit again.
Border permits are free. don't expect english in the border post.
e. horses - this trek can be done by horses. average price: 15,000\horse for a day. horses can be found almost everywhere and through tour operators.

NOMAD HOME STAY
only if someone invites you in.

LOCAL CELLPHONE COVERAGE
only in Ulaan Uul.

NEAREST EMERGENCY POINT
there's a doctor and a little pharmecy in Ulaan Uul.

TREK TSAGAANUUR, TAIGA, TSAATAN TRIBE

MAP
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=218253862662768441924.0004e05abb327efb2e22a&msa=0&dg=feature

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

a. Tsagaanuur (White Lake) - a beautiful lake on the shore of Tsagaanuur village, east of it you can see the peaks of Khoridol Saridag.

b. Khoridol Saridag mounatins -a mountain range soaring east to the Darkhad valley. with an elevation average of 3000 m', some of the peaks are snow-covered during suumer as well. this chain of mountains seperates lake Khovsgol valley from the Darkhad valley and will escort you from the east along the trek.

c. Sayan mountains - this mountain range (average elevation 2500 m') is not only the western border of the Darkhad valley, it also functions as mongolia's northwestern border with siberia. the Sayan mountains are practically an eastern continuation of the Altay mountains.

d. Un-named lake - along the trek there is a little, beautiful, almost bug-free (at least in june) lake. water are good for drinking after boiling.

e. Tsaatan - a small Tuvan Turkic community of reindeer herders totaling somewhere between 200 and 400 people.They ride, breed, milk, and live off of reindeer. their main income is tourists buying their crafts.

HOW TO GET THERE

Public Transportation
there are public vans going from Ulaan Uul and Renchinlkhumbe to Tsagaanuur. not daily and leaves when full.
occasionally theres a van from Khatgal, but its pretty rare.

Private Car\Hired Driver
there is a route from Khatgal (appears on the map) to Tsagaannuur.

DIFFICULTY
medium. requires crossing some creeks and good warm clothes.

NAVIGATION
medium. there is a car dirt road that goes until the point where the forest starts (second walking day). after that its only horse trails an topo navigation.

MAPS
old russian army maps:
http://loadmap.net/en/m4286 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4271 - 1:100,000

Oruxmaps files (google terrain maps):
http://d01.megashares.com/dl/KTzBhtB/Tsagaannuur.zip

LENGTH
total: 90km. Km per day: 20~. six days by foot, 2 by horse.

WATER SOURCES
the area is filled with creeks, springs and marshes.
flowing springs and creeks are fine after boiling. some of the cleaner marshes to.
the creek that goes through the tsaatan spring camp is good for drinking without boiling (unless you have a sensitive stomach).

FOOD
small super markets are available at Tsagaannuur, Ulaan Uul, Renchinlkhumbe.

COST
a. guide
b. jeep\van - a van from Ulaan Uul\Renhinlkhumbe is about 15,000\person. jeep from khatgal is around 175,000 (depends which type of jeep).
c. ger camps - none.
d. entrance fee and border permit - It is required by mongolian law that you have a border permit when traveling in the Tsagaannuur area and visiting the taiga, as these areas are situated on the Mongolian-Russian border. Be sure that you take your documents, including passport and border permit.
To obtain a permit, you must apply in person at the Mongolian Border Protection Authority either in Ulaanbaatar or Moron.
You will need photocopies of all travelers' passports (including Mongolian nationals) and visas, and a request letter (from a tour company, NGO, embassy, or other organization). sometimes a map of where you intend to travel is required (depends on the clerk's mood that morning).
Permits can be issued during business hours on week days and may require between three hours and three days for processing (the wonders of mongolian bureaucracy...).
Even with this permit, you must still check-in with the Border Post in Tsagaannuur so they'll sign your permit again.
Border permits are free. don't expect english in the border post.
e. horses - this trek can be done by horses. average price: 15,000\horse for a day. Ask for horse and guide to Dreemaa who runs small guest house Namuun, behind the Kaas bank and near the school, she is also the director of the school and her daughter is doctor to the small hospital in Tsagaanuur. Also see www.tsatantours.com

TSATAN NOMAD HOME STAY CONTACT DETAILS
www.mongoliatours.org , mejet69@yahoo.com

LOCAL CELLPHONE COVERAGE
only in towns.

NEAREST EMERGENCY POINT
here's a nurse and a little pharmecy and a small hospital in Tsagaannuur.

TREK KHOVSGOL TO DARKHAD

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

a. Khovsgol Nuur (Khovsgol Lake) - a beautiful lake at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountains. It is 1,645 m above sea level, 136 km long and 262 m deep. It is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia, and holds almost 70% of Mongolia's fresh water and 0.4% of all the fresh water in the world. The town of Hatgal is at the southern end of the lake. north-west of it you can see the peaks of Khoridol Saridag.

HOW TO GET THERE
there is a new paved road between Hatgal and Moron, so the trip is not long and takes around 1 hour-
Public Transportation - there are public vans going from Moron to Hatgal. they leave daily and when full.
Private Car\Hired Driver - you can pick one up at Moron. should be around 30k tugrik per person.

DIFFICULTY
medium. requires crossing some creeks and good warm clothes.

NAVIGATION
medium. there is a car dirt road that goesalmost up to the pass. after that its only horse trails and topo navigation. check with locals if the Jigelyg pass is open! it can be closed due to late spring snow.

MAPS
old russian army maps:
http://loadmap.net/en/m4325 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4313 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4301 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4288 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4287 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4300 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m4312 - 1:100,000

LENGTH
total:125km. Km per day: 20~. seven days by foot, five by horse.

WATER SOURCES
the area is filled with creeks and springs. the lake is a good water source as well.
flowing springs and creeks are fine after boiling.

FOOD
small super markets are available at Khatgal and Renchinlkhumbe.

COST
a. guide - depends on tour operator. around 10,000\day (june 2013).
b. jeep\van - a van from Moron is about 10,000\person. jeep from Moron is around 30,000 (depends which type of jeep).
c. ger camps - tourist ger camps along the lake.
d. entrance fee and border permit -none.
e. horses - this trek can be done by horses. average price: 15,000\horse for a day. horses can be found almost everywhere and through tour operators.

NOMAD HOME STAY
mainly tourist ger camps. they are marked and signed.

LOCAL CELLPHONE COVERAGE
only in towns.

NEAREST EMERGENCY POINT
there's a nurse and a little pharmecy in Khatgal. small hospital in Moron.

TREK OTGONTENGER UUL

MAP LINKS
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=218253862662768441924.0004d4d99ab195b987ef8&msa=0&ll=47.659838,97.142487&spn=0.284422,0.727158&dg=feature

TREK HIGHLIGHTS
a. Otgontenger Uul (Youngest Sky mountain, elevation 4008 m') - the highest peak in the Khangai Mountains in Mongolia and the third highest in the country. The mountain is located in Zavkhan Province and it is the only peak in the Khangai mountain range that is capped with a permanent glacier. The south face of Mount Otgontenger is the most extensive granite wall in Mongolia.
traditional Mongolian beliefs have held that wrathful deities inhabit many of Mongolia's sacred mountains. Ochirvaani is particularly associated with Otgontenger.

b. Tsagaan Nuur (white lake) - fresh water lake along the trek's first walking day.

c. Khokh Nuur - anither, bigger fresh water lake. located closer to Otgontenger.

d. Dayan davaa (pass) - a very sacred mountain pass to the mongolians. features a lot of ovoo's and a great view of Otgontenger.

HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transportation - there are public vans from Uliastai to Otgontenger settlement. not daily and leaves when full.
Social Transportation - you can hitchhike from Uliastai to the junction of Bayan children's camp pinned on the map). can take ome time, but there are vehicles going by.
Private Car\Hired Driver - there is a route from Uliastai (pinned on the map) to Bayan children's camp and the starting point.
Horse - follow the car road to Bayan children's camp. takes about 2 days.

NAVIGATION
easy. there is a car dirt road that goes from the starting point, via Tsagaan Nuur east bank to Dayan Davaa. from the pass you can see Khokh nuur, and after that you follow the creek that goes from khokh nuur to the north until you hit Bayan children's camp or Bogdin gol (river).

Maps:
a. old russian army maps:
http://loadmap.net/en/m8130 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m8131 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m8132 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m8143 - 1:100,000
http://loadmap.net/en/m8144 - 1:100,000

b. Oruxmaps files (google terrain maps):
http://d01.megashares.com/dl/atv3UTw/Otgontenger.zip

TREK

difficulty: easy-medium.

length:total: 40km.
Km per day: 10~.
four days by foot, three by horse (aprox. six if you start in Uliastai).

water sources:
Tsagaan Nuur - clean water. good to drink, boiling is enough.
Khokh nuur - a little bit muddy. purify and filter
creeks from Otgontenger - clean. boiling is enough,
Bogdin Gol - good to drink only in the parts that are close to Otgontenger. boil/

food:
super markets in Uliastai.

Cost :
a. guide - there's no need. not sure you can find one.
b. jeep\van - a van from Uliastai is about 10,000\person. jeep from Uliastai is around 90,000 each direction (depends which type of jeep).
c. ger camps - there are ger camps on the road to otgon tenger and on Tsagaan Nuur's west bank.
d. entrance fee and border permit -since it is considerd a "strictly protected area" (by Mongolian law) you need to pay an entrance fee. the ticket can be bought at the ranger's ger (which is in Bayan children's camp). just look around the camp for someone who's dressed in army uniform. importent: since Otgontenger is a sacred mountain climbing it is forbbiden, the ranger will probably make sure that you don't have any intention of doing that (and don't show any because then he wont give you a ticket...)

nomad home stay:
only if someone invites you in.

local cellphone coverage:
only in VILLAGES AND TOWNS.

nearest emergency point:
there's a doctor and an emergency room in Uliastai.

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