Khoridol Saridag Mountains

The Khoridol Saridag range runs between Khovsgol lake and the Darkhad depression, a limestone wall rising above three thousand metres with cirques, screes and larch forest on its flanks, and it is designated a strictly protected area, the highest level of protection in Mongolia, which restricts what visitors may do and where they may go. Argali, ibex, wolves and brown bears live in it, and moose and reindeer use its northern margins. Crossing the range by one of the passes is how travellers move between the lake and the Darkhad valley, a hard two or three days on horseback through forest and over high ground. Permits must be arranged and a guide is required, both by regulation and by common sense: the terrain is unmarked and weather changes quickly. The reward is landscape that almost nobody sees.

What you actually see

• Limestone peaks - the range wall above three thousand metres.
• Larch forest - woodland on the flanks and in the valleys.
• Wildlife country - argali, ibex, wolves and bear habitat.
• The crossing passes - the routes between Khovsgol and the Darkhad.

When to go

June to September; passes are snowbound the rest of the year. Even in summer weather can turn to snow at altitude. Horse crossings need settled conditions and are organised from either side.

Honest expectations

Permits are required for a strictly protected area and rules limit camping, fires and routes; take them seriously. There are no trails, huts or rescue. Bears are present. Everything is carried and arrangements are made with guides in Khatgal, Moron or the Darkhad villages.

Nearby

Khovsgol lake lies east; the Darkhad valley is west over the passes.