Trekking in Kharkhiraa and Turgen mountains
Starting from 2530$
14 days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Magnificent trek amidst the grandeur of the Kharkhiraa and Turgen ranges in Uvs Province, supported by local camel drivers and their pack camel caravans.
- Explore highlands, expansive plateaus, Olon nuur valley, alpine lakes, and snow-capped mountains
- A true wilderness within the Kharkhiraa and Turgen ranges.
- Encounter various ethnic nomads, such as the Dorvod and Bayad.
- Arrive in Olgii, home to the Kazakh people, and visit an eagle hunter’s family in Sagsai.
- Camp under the stars at the foothills of snow-capped mountains.
- Discover museums and cultural sites in Ulaanbaatar.
Tour date :
1 June to 1 September 2025
Difficulty :
Comfort :
Tour description :
Join us on an exciting trek through the incredibly diverse and beautiful landscapes of western Mongolia, specifically in the Kharkhiraa and Turgen Mountains. Here, you’ll see impressive snow-capped peaks rising above dry plains and crystalline lakes, showcasing a remarkable variety of environments, from cold deserts to lush grasslands, forests, and wetlands. You can also find both freshwater and saltwater systems, sandy dunes, and even patches of tundra, all dotted with glacial lakes.
This is a comprehensive 14-day trip, featuring an 8-day independent trek supported by local Dorvod herders who will assist us as camel drivers and share their rich culture. The journey takes us deep into southern Siberia, through high plateaus, mountain glaciers, and vibrant valleys filled with wildflowers. Each day, we’ll cover distances of 15 to 22 kilometers, depending on the terrain and elevation, ranging from 2,000 to 3,300 meters. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet various Mongolian ethnic groups, including the Dorvod, Khoton, Bayad, Kazakh, and Uriankhai, each with their own unique traditions.
After the trek, you’ll explore Bayan-Olgii province and experience Kazakh culture, including the art of eagle hunting.
This journey is not just about endurance; it’s also a chance to connect with local nomads and enjoy the sublime beauty of Mongolia.
Arrival in UB and city tour
Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.
:
100 km
:
Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Flight to Ulaangom, Uvs Province: A Wonderland of Mountains and Lakes.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaangom City. Departures are scheduled for either early this morning or in the afternoon. Uvs Province is well-known in Mongolia for its sea buckthorn cultivation and beautiful, saline lakes. It is a popular destination in Mongolia, cherished for its unspoiled nature. The region is also home to many different ethnic groups.
After a 2-hour domestic flight, you will be welcomed by our support team (drivers, cooks, and guid. We will then set off toward the Tenuugiin Valley, where our trek begins and we will set up our camp. Later in the evening, local herders will arrive with their pack camels, ready to transport our camping equipment, luggage, and food for the days ahead. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a restful night in the tented camp.
:
2h
:
80 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Start of the Trekking: Lake Khokh (Blue Lake)
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will pack our camping gear onto the camels, with the help of local guides. Today, we will start our trek in a beautiful forested valley and follow a narrow, winding gorge that takes us up to the Uliastai high plateaus, reaching an altitude of 2400 meters. As we make our way to the pass, we’ll be greeted by magical views of the snow-capped Turgen mountain range and the peaceful Blue Lake, with its crystal-clear waters glistening in the sunlight.
After enjoying the views, we’ll head down into the valley, walking through green pastures and larch forests, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the campsite by the shore of the crystal-clear Blue lake and unpack our camels that have accompanied us on this journey. Our skilled cooks will then prepare a tasty dinner to end the day.
:
16 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Trek to Gyalsakh pass and Turgen river
Today, we will go on a trek through a rocky mountain valley, leaving behind the green pastures we enjoyed. We will cross the Gyalasakh Pass and also the Delger River. Our day will end with camping by the fast-flowing Turgen River.
:
18 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Trek to Kharkhiraa river valley
We continue hiking, leaving the Turgen River behind and starting a full day’s trek along the Kharkhiraa River. As we ascend a gentle slope decorated with alpine pastures, we may encounter herding families and their flocks, all set against the beautiful backdrop of impressive rock cliffs. At the end of the day, we settle down for the night on the riverbanks in cozy tents.
16 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Trekking amidst the Kharkhiraa and Turgen mountains, towards Khukh salaa valley
As we continue our journey upstream, the majestic Kharkhiraa Peak stands tall against the sky, a true testament to nature’s beauty. Rising to 4,040 meters, the magnificent Mt. Must beckons adventurers with its grandeur and challenges. Across from us, the enchanting white-capped peaks of the Turgen Massif capture our attention. Following the winding river, we will soon arrive at Khokh Salaa, where we’ll set up camp and unwind under the sprawling sky. At this spot, we will camp for two days.
:
19 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Short round trip hike to Alpine colorful lakes
On this day, we will stay at our camping spot while the adventurous trekkers head towards the numerous Colorful Lakes, hidden deep within Khukh Salaa upstream. The colorful rocks and stones along the shore will reflect their beauty in the lakes, creating a truly remarkable sight. As we walk along the winding trail, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire wildflowers, including the sacred Vansemberuu, an endemic flower known as the Snow Lotus.
:
13 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
:
Tent
Pass by the Kharkhiraa Plateau at 3,000m and Explore Olon Nuur Valley (Many lakes valley)
On the longest day of the journey, the group starts early, hiking across the Kharkhiraa Pass, which rises to about 3000 meters. From there, the path leads to Olon Nuuriin Belchir, passing through a flat, marshy area filled with small lakes that rely on rainwater and underground springs. The number of lakes changes with the rainfall each year, creating an important wetland that supports many types of waterfowl. This region features remnants of ancient glaciers and numerous glacial lakes, making it a valuable site for studying the transition from the Ice Age to today’s environment.
Today’s route traverses the lower slopes to avoid the swampy flat areas, allowing us to observe nomads herding their yaks in the fertile grasslands, which adds a unique charm to our trek.
After a 3-kilometer hike from the lakes, the group will reach the campsite, an ideal place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
:
22 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Yamaatiin pass (Black Goat pass)
After crossing the Olon Nuur Valley, we ascend to the Yamaatiin Pass at 2960 meters, marking our entry into the Black Goat Valley, an area renowned for its ibex. We should encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna here. The steep descent challenges our balance as we make our way to the valley, framed by the twin ridges of Turgen Peak.
:
16 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Last trekking day along the Black goat valley
We will trek through the mountain valley and cross the Yamaat River several times on our journey to discover remarkable ancient rock paintings and burial sites tucked within this beautiful landscape. The hike will be relatively easy as we descend the valley.
In the afternoon, we will reunite with our drivers at the campsite. It will be a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to the camel herders who have guided us throughout our trek. We will spend one last night in our tents, enveloped by the pristine beauty of the mountains.
:
15 km
:
2h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Drive to Olgii city
After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the great outdoors, we will drive 140 km to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Olgii province. This vibrant region is home to the Kazakh, Tuvan, and Uriankhai peoples. Along the journey, we will visit Achit Lake and stop by a local nomadic family to experience their lifestyle.
Upon our arrival, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel to unwind after an exciting day. During your free time, feel free to explore the local market and visit the regional museum.
:
140 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local hotel
Visit a Kazakh Eagle Hunter’s Family in Sagsai
Today, we’ll drive to Sagsai village, home to traditional eagle hunters. We’ll visit a Kazakh family renowned for their ancient skill of hunting with Golden Eagles. Although the actual hunting happens in winter, you’ll have the chance to meet the eagle hunter, take photos with the beautiful eagle, and learn about their way of life.
In the evening, we’ll arrive back in Olgii in time for dinner and will stay overnight at the same hotel.
:
40 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Local hotel
Return flight to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Olgii Airport, where we will board our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel. You will have free time for the rest of the day. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.
:
3h
:
Breakfast, Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Departure: See you next time 🙂
Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.
:
Breakfast
Price per person:
Tourists |
2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
9-10 |
11-15 |
Price p.p |
3780$ |
3350$ |
3190$ |
2990$ |
2610$ |
2530$ |
Dates:
Tour dates |
Available places |
Status |
1 June to 1 September 2025 |
15 |
OPEN |
The tour includes:
The tour excludes:
