Mongolia's Twin Peaks

15 days - from $3680

Trek through snow leopard country in the remote alpine landscape of western Mongolia
In a far-flung corner of Mongolia, the magnificent twin peaks of Mt Turgen and Mt Kharkhiraa stand amidst a backdrop of wilderness terrain: snow-capped mountains, soaring ice cliffs, glaciers and fast flowing rivers. On this adventurous trek we discover the little-visited region between the two peaks, camping under a sprawling mass of stars. The unique charm of Mongolia lies in the landscape and people of the countryside. Without fences to restrict movement, nomadic lifestyles still thrive and journeying through this wild region we will encounter local families moving with their large herds of horse and cattle. This allows us a glimpse into a country with overwhelming hospitality, where the people we meet are as curious of us as we are of them. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Ulaan Baatar. 2 City tour. 3 Fly to Ulaangom; afternoon visit the museum and National Parks Centre; drive to start of trek. 4 Trek up the Kharkhiraa Valley past turkic gravestones; cross Turgen River. 5 From junction with Turgen River continue up Kharkiraa Valley as it becomes a distinctly glacial U-shaped valley. 6 Continue to the source of the Kharkhiraa River, camp beneath Kharkhiraa Pass (2974m). 7 Rest day, explore the surrounding valleys and lower slopes of surrounding peaks. 8 Cross the broad alpine plateau between the two massifs, past Blue Lake. 9 Cross Yamaatiin Pass (3147m) into the spectacular Yamaatiin River Valley. 10 Rest day in the Yamaatiin River Valley; daywalk high onto ridgelines searching for ibex. 11 Trek in the isolated valley, a renowned habitat for snow leopard. 12 Our final trek to the mouth of the Yamaatiin Valley, then jeep transfer to the Lake Uureg. 13 A relaxing day on the shore of Lake Uureg and the chance to swim in the fresh waters or visit neighbouring herding families. 14 Midday transfer to Ulaangom, evening at leisure in Ulaangom. 15 Visit to markets and museum in Ulaangom, afternoon flight to Ulaan Baatar, farewell dinner; end Ulaan Baatar.

Mode of travel: 10 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 2975m, average 2200m. 
Group size: Normally 4 to 14, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 11 nights participatory camping, 3 nights hotels (1 night basic).
Food: All meals included on trek; all breakfasts and 1 dinner included in Ulaan Baatar.
Optional Single Supplement: from $350.00
Trip Reference: TRM
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TRM