MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
Arrive into Ulaan Baatar, capital city of Mongolia, and transfer to our hotel. Those people on land-only arrangements should meet the group at the hotel in the evening.

Day 3
We start today with a trek briefing covering an overview of trek conditions, the route and essential logistics. After the briefing we begin a tour of Ulaan Baatar: first stop is Sukhbaatar Square, the central square named after the revolutionary hero of 1921 Damdiny Sukhbaatar who declared independence from China. Next we visit Gandan Monastery, the largest and most famous functioning monastery in Mongolia; here we may experience monks in worship and see the impressive Golden Buddha Statue of Migjid Janraisig. Next we will visit the National History Museum to get a perspective on Mongolia's history, ancient, recent and modern. We will conclude today's tour with a visit to the State Department Store, to make an early start on souvenir shopping. At 6pm we watch a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance by the Tumen Ekh dance troupe.

Day 4
In the morning we fly to Uvs aimag and receive a spectacular view of Mt Kharkhiraa as the plane banks to land. Arriving in Ulaangom the capital of Uvs at midday we have the afternoon to explore town and visit the local Museum and National Parks Centre for an introduction to the natural heritage of this region. Uvs aimag is most famous as a habitat of Snow Leopard in the Mt Turgen Strictly Protected Area (our destination) and for Uvs Lake, the largest lake in Mongolia and home to a recorded 220 species of birds. In the late afternoon we drive southwards to the small township of Tarialan Soum (40km) by the Kharkhiraa River. We continue through the Kharkhiraa gorge, crossing the fast-flowing river numerous times before making camp at the mouth of the gorge.

Day 5
Bactrian (two hump) camels and packhorses support our trek. This morning we meet our pack animals and load up for the first-time - the camel train is quite a sight. The Kharkhiraa valley broadens out above the narrow gorge and today's walking is a relatively easy first day along smooth trails. Turkic gravestones dating back to the 6th Century AD dot the landscape by our trail and make interesting diversions along the way. In this broad river valley many herders' gers flank the river in summer months. Here we can stop for tea, to exchange stories, and - as always - a horse ride for those who are keen. We cross the Turgen River before making camp in a grassy glen after a day's walk of approximately 15km.

Day 6
The morning light hitting the snow capped peak of Mt Turgen makes a beautiful start to the day. Herds of yaks and alpine camels will be grazing nearby in the lush green pastures of this region as we pack up camp and continue upstream. The Kharkhiraa valley is remote and seldom visited so the interest between the herders and us is mutual. This valley is a homeland for Hoton ethnic people who are famous for their special style of dancing (so-called biyelgee). It is said that their children are taught how to dance at their early age of 2 or 3 years, even before they start to ride horses! Today we gain noticeable elevation and camp overnight besides the Kharkhiraa River after walking approximately 15km.

Day 7
We have gained approximately 1,000m over the past two days and are now nestled in a distinctly U-shaped valley at around 2,000m elevation. The Kharkhiraa River now cascades over boulders in a ravine below us. We have not seen Mt Kharkhiraa since flying into Ulaangom and so it makes a spectacular sight when we round a major bend in the valley to see its cathedral-like ice cliffs towering above the glacial moraine. We continue past herds of yaks and horses to camp in the confluence of rivers that lead to Mt Kharkhiraa and Mt Turgen, after a 15km walk. This afternoon is free to scout out the surrounding region in preparation for tomorrow's excursions.

Day 8
Our camp is on lush green river pasture yet we are surrounded by glacial rivers, moraine and the peaks of Mt Turgen and Mt Kharkhiraa. Today we explore the region of our camp and can split into two groups - for gentle walking along the valley floors and for the energetic, scramble rock ridges to get fantastic views of Mt Turgen and the other glaciated peaks. As locals say, only local herders know how to cross the Kharkhiraa River when it is flooded and reach the mountains when paths are covered by snow. Many small glacial lakes dot the moraine and we may even see an Argali wild-sheep or snow leopard.

Day 9
Back on the road it is a short steep walk up the glacial moraine wall to the Kharkhiraa Pass (2,975m), before we travel across a broad alpine plateau beneath the massifs of Mts. Kharkhiraa and Turgen. The Altai Tavan Bogd range, Mongolia's highest peaks, lies in the far distance beyond Lake Achit. After enjoying a picnic lunch at the picturesque 'Blue Lake', we camp tonight beneath the pass that will lead us to the Yamaatiin Valley. Today's walk is 20km.

Day 10
Yamaatiin means Goat in Mongolian, and today we cross Yamaatiin Pass (2,950m) and cross into the Yamaatiin river valley. We make tonight's camp after lunch by the Yamaatiin River. To our left and right are steep sided grassy hills rising almost 1000m above us, it is a spectacular valley - wild, remote and undisturbed by domestic animals. The Yamaatiin River flows from the permanent icecap of Mt Turgen and this afternoon we take a short hike (15km) upstream to explore the upper reaches of this valley.

Day 11
Today is a full rest day to explore the Yamaatiin Valley and its surrounding ridgelines. Options are to valley hike, rest at camp, or hike to the skyline ridges for the best vantage points. This wild and remote region is renowned for its wildlife: Argali and Ibex will be grazing on the upper reaches of the surrounding hills. These animals are very skittish and stealth is required to obtain a good view. This region is also Snow Leopard habitat and an area of active research.

Day 12
Today we walk down the Yamaatiin river valley. The river drops quickly as we pass herders' gers and the National Park Ranger station along the way. The Yamaatiin Valley is noticeably 'wilder' than the Kharkhiraa Valley and the absence of domestic animals leaves the valley floor covered in deep grass. Our final camp on the trek is near the mouth of the Yamaatiin valley, with a view over the rocky depression of Lake Achit. Our walk today is 15km.

Day 13
In the morning we continue our walk to the road head where our vehicle meets us at midday. It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to our team of camels for the drive to Lake Uureg. Lake Uureg is nestled in a basin close to the Russian border; there are no permanent dwellings although we share the edge of the lake with herders. Little invitation is needed to swim in its clear fresh water.

Day 14
We make the most of the stunning setting of Lake Uureg to explore, visit local herders, swim in the lake or just relax at camp. The lake is ringed by the Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain Ranges on the border with Russia and these rise upwards from the opposite shore to our camp. Weather permitting this is an ideal spot to bask in the sun on the lakeshores.

Day 15
After a morning swimming and relaxing by the lake we break camp after lunch and make the 2.5hr drive to Ulaangom. Facilities are basic at the hotel, but our kitchen crew will ensure that we are well fed on the last night. After dinner the bright lights of Ulaangom beckon for those who are game!

Day 16
This morning we have the opportunity for a fascinating visit to the markets and museum in Ulaangom, before transferring to the airport for the mid-afternoon flight to Ulaan Baatar, arriving in the capital city late in the afternoon. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner before a late evening transfer to the airport for the flight back to London.

Day 17
Arrive London.