MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

17 days at GBP3,399 including flights
Tripcode: TRM

Countries Visited: Mongolia

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 7 reviews.

marilyn carroll

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written August 2011
A memorable trip - wonderful walking in a remote and wild part of the world - stunning landscapes - lots of wildlife - and the weather was kind too! Meeting the friendly local herders was always entertaining.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On a rest day I walked from camp up the nearest ridge and ascended for about an hour. I sat on top of the ridge just enjoying the total peace and stunning views of the snow capped mountains around and distant views into Russia.
What did you think of your group leader?
The trip ran like clockwork due to the hardworking staff - horsemen and kitchen staff
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Lip salve!!! The wind and low humidity made my lips very dry indeed.
Be prepared to cross rivers on the back of a horse. The rivers were too deep and fast flowing to cross on foot.
Take some loose trousers as there is so much food to eat.
If you are offered flights via Seoul think about going via another more direct route (like via Moscow or Berlin). The stop overs in Seoul were too long and you fly over UlaanBaator. It probably adds about another 5 or 6 hours flying time to the whole journey.
Bird watchers should take a book as there are lots of unfamiliar birds there.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Highly recommended trip - walking wasn't particularly hard - there was one long day of 20km but it was such a lovely days walking. The wildlife was interesting. Some of our party saw a pack of wolves (0.5 km away!). We saw Ibex. Lots of kites, eagles, vultures and various ducks and waders on Lake Uureg. Some of the party got bitten by small gnats by the lake so insect repellent was required there. Lots of alpine wildflowers for the botanists - some days there were carpets of them. There were lots of small rodents - like marmot, grounf squirrel, pika.
john murray

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written August 2011
An amazing country. Fantastic scenery, friendly people, a photographer's delight! The central 3/4 days of the trek were among the most spectacular I've been on, and reminded me a bit of The Andes.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
More than one. Sunset at Lake Uureg, immense blue lake in one direction, bounded by the mountains of Siberian Russia, and the Kazakh Altay, an immense landscape with barely a human in sight. Then the campsite below Mt Kharkiraa. Peaks, glaciers, rivers, it had it all.
What did you think of your group leader?
The trip had been organised extremely well, logistics were excellent, and everything went according to plan, no mean feat in a country as empty, remote, and devoid of communications as Mongolia. The animal handlers and cooks were brilliant, and the food served, as usual for these sorts of trips, was miraculous considering the constraints. Our leader, Gana, was the strong silent type. At times a bit more pro-active communication would have been desirable! Mishelle was incredibly positive, bubbly and great company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Strongly consider getting Exodus to find you different flights, or do it yourself. The group flights are ridiculous, overflying all the way to South Korea, and then flying 3 hours back, an immensely wasteful and eco-unfriendly way of getting there. The return leg also had a 9.5 hour stopover in Seoul!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The last day, in Ulan Bator, was not much fun, unless you really like shopping (!!) so you might want to arrange something for yourself. There are a number of interesting museums.
Take wet wipes, (the river water is very cold), a good sunhat, suntan lotion, lipsalve, (air is very dry), and a three/four season down sleeping bag - the temperature got down to -4C on night.
Exodus Response
Dear John,
It's great to read about your amazing experiences in Mongolia! I just wanted to reply to your comments regarding the flights. Unfortunately the airline choices to reach this remote destination are very limited. We favour Korean Air because of ticketing regulations that enable us to hold seats at a fixed price for our clients (providing there is availability), and often allow enough space for a group of at least 10 to travel together. With other airlines, such as Aeroflot, tickets can only be issued if they're paid for in full instantly which creates a problem for clients, especially before a trip has been confirmed. Given that availability and fares to this destination change regularly, it makes the logistics of running group trips much more smooth if we can rely on seats being available. I hope this helps to explain why we usually choose this route with Korean Air over others.
Kind regards,
Vicky Boughton (Trip Manager)

- Exodus Staff
Anthony Wells

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written September 2008
Slightly concerned beforehand about the degree of difficulty being recently retired and not having trekked previously. Happily we had no problems thanks to the sensible pace of our guide Naransukh.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scenery was quite spectacular, very wild and unspoilt and unlike any we have seen before. Our herders and cooks were amazingly cheerful, hardworking and considerate. Their wonderful singing around the campfire on their final night was something we will never forget.
What did you think of your group leader?
Naransukl, ably assisted by Uranchimeg was a very competent leader who was clearly conscious of our safety at all times. They were also excellent company, joining in our banter at meal-times.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. Learn a few English folk songs.
2.Take an air mat for sleeping not just a foam roll.
3. Packets of dried fruit and nuts would be good gifts to give to
the local herders when visiting their Gers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We cannot stop viewing our photos, but are also enjoying looking at those taken by the rest of our party, which help us to relive the pleasures of our trip.
Leslie Nanson

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written September 2008
For me, this trip didn't just surpass all of the expectations that I had, it simply blew them away. Western Mongolia is a very special place of vast open spaces, unspoilt beauty and inhabited by an amazing people whose friendliness and kindness is so unusual today. Ours was also a great group so thanks to all of them who also made this trip so special.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So difficult to single out inspirational moments as there were so many highlights.
1. The humbling experience of meeting local people who seem genuinley interested to meet you, who are happy to welcome you into their homes, share their food and drink and yet at no time do they see this as an opportunity to relieve some western tourists of a few dollars.
2. The spectacular scenery which in some parts is how I'd imagine the Lake District was 400 years ago before roads, dry stone walls and houses were built. It's just so much bigger though....
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Nara was very competent and together with our guide Uranchimeg ensured that we were well organised and led our team of herders and cooks with great efficiency.
The whole team is worthy of a mention here as our leader, guide, herders and cooks all added to this trip. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their work and joined in with our fun. It often felt as though there were 19 of us on holiday rather that the 11 of us who were paying for the pleasure.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. Spend as much time as you can on the trek even if the weather isn't great. There's no reason to spend any more time in Ulaangom than is absolutely necessary. The hotels there are very basic and less preferable to your tent, however, if you do stay there the 'Palace Niteclub' has to be experienced to be believed, though watch out for the vodka as it's only sold by the bottle!
2. As others have said, be prepared for any weather as most of the camps are at +2000m and it can be wet and it can be cold.
3. Take it easy on the milky tea, airag and cheese when visiting the gers as it doesn't always agree with our palate or stomach!
3. Don't have any expectations to see any snow leopards. Exodus' trip notes are correct in saying that this is snow leopard country, however, none of the guides or herders have ever seen one and they live there!
4. Consider alternative flights to the group flights as its a long slog via Korea as you fly 3 hours past Ulaanbatar, have a long layover in Seoul (nice airport) before flying 3 hours back to UB.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you're thinking about visiting Mongolia then you should seriously consider visiting this area. You won't regret it!
David Derbyshire

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written July 2008
Mongolia is a vast country with little natural resources. It is not just flat land, there is a large mountainous region. As the population is so small with so little industry. The sky's are absolutely crystal clear at night I cannot put into words the beauty of the shooting stars and the night sky. That is really one of the things you have to see to appreciate. The cities and towns, please expect very little and you will not be dissapointed. Once into the country itself. I am sure you wil be absolutey charmed by the people, the sheer vastness of the countryside, its beauty and the whole experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1. Climbing up to the base of the Glacier on one of the mountains. The herders and the people just love to speak to you, challenge you and respond incredibly if you make the effort to return in kind. One of the herders raced us up. Getting there together was a moment I will not forget. Especially when we then both turned around and looked back, to see three horses being ridden at full tilt up the rock face by the men of the last familly we had visitted. They where coming up just for the fun of it, to have a laugh and joke with us.
2. To stand out in the middle of the night and just look at the night sky. I can't even attempt to describe this. you are just going to have to go and see it for yourself.
3. Being challenged by the herdsman to a spot of mongolian wrestling. Tremendous fun. ( But please don't even think you stand a chance with these guys.)
4. Riding one of their horses one the last day of trekking. Again tremendous. They look after their animals so well and they are in such good condition. The animals though like the people have incredible spirit. Don't do it if you are'nt totaly happy.
What did you think of your group leader?
Good. There where two with us one struggled a little with his english, but nothing we could'nt cope with.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Things to take with you!
If you want to wash any clothes at all. A length of washing or tent line to hang them on.
Every one takes things for the local kids. Books crayons sweets etc. The men folk in these parts like a drink. You will be the most popular person in town if you take along a few miniature bottles of whisky to give in return.
Every possible combination of weather clothing in the space of an hour you can be sun burnt, blown over, drenched, snowed or hailed on. In general though we where incredibly lucky with the weather and the sun block was the most used.
Is there anything else you would like to add?

This I really think is a one off trip of a life time to see a vast and beautifull country. There are no roads, no planes in the sky. The people move with their animals, there are no buildings of any note at all and no facilities.
Rowan Malcolm

MONGOLIA'S TWIN PEAKS

Written July 2008
Found this holiday to be a life-changing experience. Mongolia is uniquely unspoilt and the people are cultured, dignified, skilful and have a great reverence for their environment. It was also a lot of fun!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Scrambling to a high glacier up a loose rocky incline, reaching the glacier after a great effort and seeing our herdsmen easily riding up on their nimble horses. Looking out of my tent window at a lovely young white camel, dozing in the morning light.
What did you think of your group leader?
Both leaders were knowledgable but I found our guide extremely empathetic and helpful. He was always there to give us a hand when needed and his English ws excellent. He had a good sense of humour!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Dollars do not need to be in large demoninations as it says in the notes. We spent very little money. Bring 'foot repair' kit. Be prepared for some effect of the altitude. Mainly I was a bit breathless but nothing that was not manageable. I found trekking poles invaluable and was glad that I took my binoculars. Travel as lightly as possible.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was wonderful
Richard Waller

Tremendous experience

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The opportunity to meet the local herders during the course of the trek. Found these interactions truly life-altering and was struck by the "culture clash" of 15 western European trekkers crowding into a traditional Mongolian ger. On the one hand found their way of life so different to mine that it was difficult to comprehend what their life is like, but on the other hand, was struck by our common humanity. Certainly couldn't have been more hospitable and it was great to exchange gifts with them.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Absolutely fantastic. Can't imagine a better leader of a trek. He adopted a relaxed yet highly professional approach, I guess because it was clear that each and every part of the trek had been organised. Was impressed by some of the simple touches, like the placement of a washing point mid-way between the toilets (complete with toilet seats!) and the camp that was kept topped up with warm water and supplied with clean towels. Was importantly someone who was easy to get along with and also who was tremendously knowledgeable about Mongolia and the region through which we were trekking.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take it easy on the meat when you first arrive. I over indulged over the first couple of days and paid with an upset stomach for the the next few days. Also, when purchasing duty free at Chinggis Khaan Int'l airport, make sure that you get a receipt. We didn't and promptly had it confiscated in South Korea.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All-in-all my first trek was very memorable and a great success. Has certainly encouraged me to go on similar "adventure holidays" in the future. Like the way in which Exodus in this instance sub-contracted the trek to a local company (Karakorum Expeditions). Then you have the security of booking with an established company as well as the detailed local knowledge of a local company. An ideal combination!