TRIP SUMMARY
This special riding experience is an exclusively arranged horseback riding tour aimed at joining local Mongolian rangers to study the habitats of the endangered argali and ibex species at one of the most remote and beautiful mountains in Mongolia, known as Horidal Saridag. Overlooking the western shore of the magnificent Lake Hovsgol, this majestic mountain range appears in the background of almost every tourist photo of the lake. Our expedition chief guide will be Mr. Tumursukh, the director of Horidal Saridag Strictly Protected Area; he will take us on exclusive horse trekking trails used only by local rangers or hunters. There’s hardly anyone who knows the lake area and its surrounding ecosystem better than Tumursukh, for he was born and grew up in the adjacent Darkhad Valley and has been a local ranger in the park for many years. Tumursukh is also a licensed wolf-hunter; in Mongolia, wolf hunting is still officially permitted in order to reduce the wolf population and thereby reduce predation of herders’ livestock. This never-before-granted access to the backdoors of the mountain will be an epic journey for those who like adventure and thrill, and a rare opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts of these hard-working park rangers.
About the leader:
The expedition chief guide will be Mr.Tumursukh, the director of Horidal Saridag Strictly Protected Area who will take you on the exclusive horse trekking trails used only by local rangers or hunters. Born in the adjacent Darhad valley and started as a local ranger in the park, there’s hardly anyone who knows the lake area and its surrounding ecosystem better than Tumursukh. He is also a licensed wolf-hunter, in the country where wolf hunting is still officially permitted in order to control the population to protect herders’ livestock. This never before granted access to the backdoors of the mountain is an epic journey dedicated for those who like adventure and thrill, while contributing to the cause of promoting these hard working individuals.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After resting in your hotel room, enjoy a brief city tour including a visit to Zaisan Hill where you can get bird’s eye view of the city. This old Soviet period relic is a popular place for locals to hang out and offers great panoramic views of the entire city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city’s fine local restaurants. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; D)
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar / Hatgal Village / Lake Hovsgol
After breakfast, fly north to Lake Hovsgol, known also as the “Dark Blue Pearl.” This magnificent lake is one of most scenic regions in Mongolia, with the foothills of the breathtaking Horidal Saridag Mountains to the west and the Siberian larch forests to the east.
Upon arrival, we will begin driving to Hatgal, a village located on the southernmost point of Lake Hovsgol. We will stay in gers at the Ar Davhar eco-ger camp located on the lake. This ger camp was built intentionally to create a local sanctuary for the wildlife. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 3. Hatgal Village / Ulkhun Pass
Our epic journey begins. To save some time, we will drive about 40 km. in order to get close to our destination peaks. All our gear will be loaded in our vehicles and we will meet our horses at the campsite at Ulkhun Pass. Overnight in expedition style tents. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 4. Ulkhun Pass / Hoh Ashid
The northern Taiga and the high mountains of Horidal Saridag are crisscrossed with hundreds of small streams and dozens of rivers and lakes. Today, we will be mostly trekking in the Valley of Arsain River, one of the major tributaries to Hovsgol’s lake waters. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 25 km. riding; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 5. Hoh Ashid / Ulaan Had River
Today, we will be riding near the habitat of the ibex mountain wild sheep in the steeper rocky cliffs of the Horidal Saridag Mountain. We might be walking with our horses at certain high areas. It will get us closer to some of the highest points of the protected area. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 25 km. riding; Tent Camp, B, L, D)
Day 6. Ulaan Had River / Ibex Cliffs
On this day, we will ride and hike along the ridges of one of the highest, but also one of the most beautiful, parts of the cliffs. This is also one of our officially designated wildlife-spotting days. These ridges hide the elusive populations of the wild mountain goats of the lake area, which at one point were considered close to extinction in the region. Even to the hardened rangers, the area offers breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 15 km. of trekking; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 7. Ibex Cliffs / Arsai River Basin
After an early morning breakfast, we will begin our journey to the headwaters of Arsai River, ideal habitat for Argali wild mountain sheep. (Approx. 27 km. trekking; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 8. Arsai River Basin
We will spend our second designated wildlife day to spot the Argali wild mountain sheep. This day offers a rare opportunity for rangers to spot and observe the population’s condition, and to collect important scientific data. (Approx. 25 km. riding; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 9. Arsai River / Toshint River
Today, our journey will take us through remarkable scenery and geography that differ from our previous riding days. The mountain river Toshint divides Horidal Saridag Mountain, creating a unique land-shaft in the region. Overnight in tents.
Day 10. Toshint / Mungash Valley
We will spend today horse trekking in the southern valleys of the Horidal Mountain, exploring the different flora and fauna. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 20 km. riding; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 11. Mungash / Hoh Tolgoi / Ar Davhar
We will conclude our riding journey by arriving at Hoh Tolgoi. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Ar Davhar eco-ger camp. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 15 km. riding and 120 km. driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 12. Lake Hovsgol
We will spend one full day relaxing and trekking along the lakeshore on foot. In the afternoon, we will enjoy riding in a small boat to explore the surrounding lakeshore scenery from the lake. We will also have a group discussion with Tumursukh about what we saw and the significance of our journey to the conservation efforts of the park. We’ll enjoy a hearty farewell dinner at the ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 13. Murun / Ulaanbaatar
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport to fly back to Ulaanbaatar for our last day of explorations. Spend the remainder of the day there for last minute shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance, featuring Khoomii or “throat-singing”, followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D)
Day 14. Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
Trip Highlights:
- Travel to Darhad Valley, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful areas
- Enjoy hiking in some of the most scenic trails in Mongolia along the breathtaking Lake Hovsgol
- Learn about local plants and trees, including the medicinal plants
- Enjoy camping at some of the most scenic and secluded spots left at Lake Hovsgol area
- Enjoy meeting local Mongolian and join them over dinners at their homes
- Meet Mongolian individuals of various background and professions and hear their prespectives on Mongolia’s challanges and the future it holds
DATES & PRICING
Trip Date:
August 1 – 14, 2024
Prices:
2 travelers:
$3,880 per person, twin occupancy
3-5 travelers:
$3,690 per person, twin occupancy
6-9 travelers:
$3,450 per person, twin occupancy
10 and more travelers:
$3,270 per person, twin occupancy
Optional single supplement:
$410 per person
Domestic flight:
$230 per person
GALLERY
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a very well established hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.
Field camps
In the Darhad Valley, we will be staying expedition style tents. It is one of the best camping grounds in the entire country and be sure to watch for the northern stars and the entire Milkyway spanning over us!
Ger camps
At the lake Hovsgol, you will stay at Ar Davhar ger camp, a rustic, eco lodge built right on the shore of the lake. It was also built with a goal in mind to preserve and guard local wildlife population from poaching so there’s a chance to see roe deer and marmots.
Land Transportation
Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in the country.