Kharkhiraa and Turgen Mountains

Kharkhiraa and Turgen rise to just under four thousand metres on the southwestern side of the Uvs basin, both carrying small glaciers and permanent snow, and the valleys between them are the reason trekkers come: green meadows, braided rivers, waterfalls and summer camps of Khoton and Durvud herders, with the peaks above and the dry basin below. Multi-day treks link the two mountains over passes, usually with horses or camels carrying loads and a local guide, and the standard circuit takes about a week. Snow leopards, argali and ibex live in the range, and the rivers hold grayling. The contrast between the arid, salt-crusted basin floor and the alpine greenery a day's walk above it is the character of the area. Facilities are entirely absent beyond a few ger camps at the trailheads.

Highlights

• The twin peaks - glaciated summits above the basin.
• Green valleys - meadows, rivers and waterfalls between the mountains.
• Herder camps - summer pastoral life in the high valleys.
• Trekking circuits - multi-day routes linking the two massifs.

When to go

June to September; snow closes the passes outside that and rivers run high in early summer from melt. July and August are the reliable window. Nights are cold at altitude in any month.

Practical notes

This is unsupported trekking: no huts, no marked trails, no rescue, and river crossings that can be difficult. Horses and a guide are effectively required and are hired in Ulaangom or at the trailhead. Weather turns fast. Supplies must come from town.

Nearby

Uvs Lake lies northeast; Ulaangom is the provincial base.