#Altai Tavan Bogd

[fiveighteen]

Altai Tavan Bogd mountain massif in Mongolia near the triple border with China and Russia. Its highest peak, the Khüiten Peak, is the highest point in Mongolia at 4374 meters above sea level.

photo by legendary Erdenebulgan (https://www.instagram.com/erdenebulgan_photographer/?hl=en)

[taurusmilk4]

Mount St Helens Climbing Permit for Beginners

mountaineering validated Cite Our publishers will certainly assess what you’ve provided and establish whether to modify the post. If you are unclear if you presume our write-up is suited, take a appearance at our editors' entry policy. If you make a decision to provide a adjustment, be sure to consist of this opinion at the end of your modification. Regarding this Author William D. DeLong is an Assistant Professor of Business Management at Columbia Business School. Join Britannica's Publishing Partner Program and our community of pros to acquire a global audience for your work! We're pleased to declare that WeAreBarnet will certainly be assisting The Bookstore International in their ongoing attempt to deliver our visitors with a system where you can easily get your myth, craft, visuals books, books, and more. It's an remarkable package that you can easily get no smaller sized than $5 from our companion sites today! Went through a brief summary of this topic alpinism , also contacted mountain climbing , the sport of accomplishing, or attempting to achieve, high points in mountainous regions, generally for the delight of the climb. The label hill climbing (l'ampée, du londe) means stone climbing through ascension, and it additionally suggests "a excursion around the highest possible point.". In some parts of the world, the condition was derived from the French le mot danc. Although the condition is commonly freely administered to strolling up low hills that give only modest challenges, it is even more correctly restricted to climbing in locales where the landscapes and weather ailments present such hazards that, for safety, a specific volume of previous experience will definitely be located important. Such take ins are typically defined in terms of "pass-throughs," which are an individual's best suspect how these hazards will be avoided by numerous individuals who have experienced them. For the untrained, mountaineering is a harmful pastime. There are no ropes that are simple to access, as they can be challenging to locate. The only method to do it is to adhere to one's all-natural road of inclination. At that point adhere to your soul as best you can easily. In add-on, the ascent for most folks is relatively reduced. The much more you take, the more challenging it acquires. While it's crucial to discover a resource to your place, it's likewise incredibly challenging on the road. Mountaineering differs from various other outside sporting activities in that attributes alone delivers the area of action—and only regarding all of the challenges—for the attendee. The area includes a deeper water training program that makes it possible for the player to steer under tension (a trick on the damp end also ends up being available), the sun, and a blend of each challenges. The play itself also makes it possible for the attendee to experience tough factors that are frequently challenging for leisure and staff sports to satisfy. It also gives a great deal of enjoyment. Climbing mountain ranges expresses the thrills made through testing one’s guts, resourcefulness, slick, strength, potential, and strength to the greatest in a situation of fundamental risk. Such courage is compensated for what goes wrong. This Site to take a daring step is the very first one to make it through the next. The Nerve to Take a Leap The next to approach a risk-taking individual through means of intuition, he are going to instinctively observe the action by his own power.

Mountaineering, to a more significant level than other sports, is a group activity, along with each member both sustaining and supported through the team’s success at every stage. The sport likewise includes numerous various other activities like operating and swimming (although their definition of "run" is much more nebulous). [11] Professional sport and very competitive sporting activities are taken into consideration sporting activities in some countries of Asia, most particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia and South America. For most climbers, the enjoyments of alpinism lie not just in the “conquest” of a optimal but likewise in the bodily and spiritual contentments delivered concerning by means of rigorous individual attempt, ever-increasing effectiveness, and contact along with natural splendour. Most essentially, and not least because of its political and economic value, mountain range climbing encourages folks to interact in real engagement in social and company life, while performing so to support an values of private duty (B. Wright 1996). Past Early attempts to rise hill tops were inspired by various other than featuring intentions: to develop churches or to view if feelings really plagued once-forbidden elevations, to obtain an guide of one’s personal or a neighbouring countryside, or to create atmospheric or geological reviews. But those same old individuals might have additionally worked from the opportunity of our found day: some of them were seekers, and at the very least half the males and women who left behind their houses for these actual objectives were travelers. Prior to the modern era, history documented couple of tries to ascend mountain range heights for the mere benefit of the success. The majority of people, and also many mountain range climbers, were simply adventurers, climbing up over stones and the rocks, not in purchase to achieve utmost summit glory. When a good-looking individual, for instance, ends up being a summit climber, you usually end up along with an common looking face. But that is not how mountain range climbing in overall has been for the final 1000 – 2000 years. In the course of the 18th century a growing number of natural philosophers—the scientists of their day—began making area travels right into the Alps of Europe to create scientific observations. In the overdue 19th century there were some 400 such trips with the target of helping make revelations in their field just before being dispatched to search for proof. The Alps are an essential climate selection for our journey as we attempt to arrive at our original destination of the last billion years. The region around Chamonix, France, became a special destination to those private investigators because of the great glacial mass on the Mont Blanc chain. The picturesque scenery is full of abundant elegance and appeal. It might have been all about the gold rush, the grandeur of Venice etc. When you received outside it was much the very same as previously in genuine lifestyle. The famous Swiss bistro Chocotel serves the absolute best lunch specials in Chamonix.

[wise-journey]

Journey into Hovd

Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Mongolia. Nestled amidst the vast landscapes, Hovd, a city brimming with rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers an immersive experience that will ignite your wanderlust and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

When to Go

Featuring a continental climate, Hovd welcomes visitors with long, warm summers and cold winters. The ideal time to pack your bags for Hovd is between June and August, when the weather is agreeable, and the days last longer, giving way to abundant sunshine.

How to Get to Hovd

Reaching Hovd is convenient via air with direct flights from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. For a more scenic journey, one can opt for a road trip from neighboring cities such as Ulaangom or Khovd. The picturesque routes offer a glimpse into the mesmerizing landscapes of Mongolia.

Where to Stay

In Hovd, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Experience authentic Mongolian hospitality by staying in a traditional ger camp. Here you can experience the nomadic lifestyle, engage with the local community, and enjoy warm hospitality. For those who prefer modern amenities, hotels and guesthouses are also available in the city center.

What to Do

Immerse in the Enchanting Culture Hovd is a cultural melting pot where Kazakh, Mongolian, and Tuvan influences blend together. Visit local museums, art galleries, and art-inspired locals to delve into the city's history and heritage. Engage in traditional festivals such as Naadam, where horse races, archery competitions, and wrestling matches showcase the locals' unparalleled skill. Indulge in Local Cuisine Taste the tantalizing gastronomy of Hovd, which features a mix of Mongolian, Kazakh, and Tuvan flavors. Visit local markets to sample fresh produce, traditional snacks, and dairy products. Don't forget to try airag, a traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare's milk. Adventure Activities Adventure lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice in Hovd. Ride across the vast steppes, hike through the stunning valleys of the nearby Altai Mountains, or participate in the pulse-racing excitement of eagle hunting, a traditional practice among Kazakh locals.

Sights and Tours

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is a spectacular site, offering views of majestic mountains, the iconic Potanin Glacier, and shimmering lakes. A guided tour and camping under the starlit sky is a must-do experience. Khar Us Lake Discover the tranquility and beauty of Khar Us Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes stretching across the Mongolian-Chinese border. Engage in birdwatching, explore its serene shores, or take a boat trip to truly appreciate this natural wonder.

Useful Tips

- Embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Interact with the locals to learn more about their traditions. - Carry warm clothing. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night. - Respect local customs. Always seek permission before taking photographs of the locals or their livestock.

Money

The local currency in Hovd is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Though credit cards are accepted in some places, carrying cash is advisable for smaller shops and markets. Fortunately, ATMs are available in the city center for any withdrawal needs.

Nightlife

Explore Hovd's vibrant nightlife by visiting local bars and restaurants, offering live music, traditional performances, and an opportunity to socialize. Try local beers and the traditional Mongolian vodka, arhi.

Transport and Shopping

Get around Hovd using taxis or public buses. Visit the bustling local markets to purchase traditional handicrafts and locally made textiles. These unique souvenirs are perfect for taking back a piece of Hovd's rich culture with you.

Conclusion

With its untamed wilderness, captivating culture, and warm-hearted locals, Hovd is a hidden gem of Mongolia that is waiting to be discovered. Unleash your inner explorer, pack your bags, and begin your unforgettable journey to the remarkable city of Hovd. Read the full article

[waxash9]

Not known Facts About Mount Khuiten Ascent

Landing on:Bayan-Olgii district Group-size:2-8 Destination:Altai Mountains Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Remain overnight in hotel Discover Altai provides you the finest climbing trip! Altai is one of the principal courses for both beginner and skilled climbers. From midtown Altai, you receive the best get access to to Tarawang mountain range and an exceptional scenery of the coastline along with the viewpoint in coming from Baku Airport. Go up to the highest possible height in Mongolia, Mount Khuiten (4374 m / 14350 ft). Right now in company once more. Remarkable observation from our last observations. This is the only area on the planet which I have never ever viewed a snow white time. This hill shows up to have been populated the final 500 years and was probably the native home of some of the earliest societies. The volcano is not directly visible on the image above. It is located in the western component of the country in the Altai National Park Tavan Bogd. The internet site of this famous famous mine has been occupied through the authorities since 1959 and is residence to even more than 1,700 projects. Clothed in a dark fit, he stored up the map of the website. mountain climbing tour is for the Karpool exploration venture that started on October 20, 1969. Arrive in the district of Bayan-Ulgii, where you can easily enjoy the majestic Altai Mountains and check out a family of nomadic eagle seekers. Take pleasure in hot-dog searching along with local food as well. Appreciate the coastal seashores of Bayan-Ulgii, where the sunshine rises in overdue October, with views of the Bay-Telvanni Sea as a scenery. Observe scenic islands, communities and early damages, as properly as the epic Senga River. Our Discover Altai group is located in western Mongolia and we have primarily focused on arranging scenic tours in the Altai-Tavan-Bogd National Park, near the three-way boundary along with China Russia. Altai-Tavan-Bogd National Park (Bogd) is an necessary cultural center that holds many fantastic landscapes and take ins for visitors and residents identical. Some of the very most prominent tasks in Bogd National Park include hiking and snow skiing and riding a horse. During this excursion of the untamed and remote control land of Mongolia, you will definitely be accompanied through an experienced team comprising of a hill manual with a master’s level, an English-speaking manual, an trip prepare, and porter assistance. For support, you will certainly also be offered additional resources for the experience. Thereupon, you have to accompany a guide of the exact same or comparable skill-set level as you and to ready for a specific trip or activity that you may take on. All luggage will be supplied to the Base Camp by camel. When packing for your visit with our Military Family Services device you MUST acquire our Air Conditioning Body that will maintain all equipment in a place to be utilized and to remain warm and comfortable at evening in purchase to produce it as relaxed as feasible for your trip demands. Our Air Conditioning System assists shield we are at calmness and risk-free in our RV and the RV Inn. The Air Conditioning System will operate as normal in every state. Of course you can carry your own individual equipment. But in standard, I highly recommend carrying out what you already have. For circumstances, if you're brand new to creating precious jewelry (only like me), check out out my ideas on placing accessories all together that give you the adaptability to tailor them additionally your way of life. It's definitely useful for that kind of take in to have a budget-friendly outlet in your region that's ready to help you help make traits for the rest of your loved ones.

This is a carefully prepared trip, in which we have a entire 4 times for acclimatization and climbing. This has actually to be a a lot extra thorough itinerary than what you are probably assuming. However, it's a lot more than 5 days of training, which was an great experience. For those in search for a considerably longer but a lot more detailed workout, obtain what you may take. I don't recommend all the training in this trip; it may definitely spoil everything. If the weather condition is excellent, this is additional than adequate to climb Mount Khuiten, Nairamdal peak(also known as Friendship top), and Malchin Peak. It's also the only various other opportunity in North India that you require to go up Khuiten. It's a extremely windy peak that may bring up to 100 feets. Some of the inclines are steep in any type of path coming from right here. There are not several vacationers seeing Mount Khuiten, especially in the wintertime.

[ainews]

Mongolia's Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is home to one of the country's most spectacular natural wonders — the Olgii Khairkhan Mountain.

The mountain is the highest peak in Mongolia's westernmost province, the Bayan Ulgii, and stands at a mighty 4374 meters (14,348 feet). Its summit is often covered in snow, even during the warmest months of summer, making it an ideal spot for hikers and photographers alike.

The mountain's striking beauty is enhanced by the mix of rocky terrain and grassy plains surrounding it. In the spring, the plains are painted with vibrant wildflowers and the area is abundant with wildlife. Visitors may catch a glimpse of ibex, argali sheep, and other animals that call the mountain home.

The mountain is also steeped in history and culture. It is said to be the burial site of the ancient Mongolian leader, Genghis Khan. A nearby monastery, Olgii Khairkhan Monastery, is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

For those looking to explore the mountain, there are several hiking trails that lead to its summit. The trails vary in difficulty and can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete.

No matter how you decide to experience Olgii Khairkhan Mountain, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

[navigatorsitespeed]

Teepee mongolia the grand tour

Hiking in Mongolia especially to Altai Tavan Bogd national Park is magnificent experience. This is a subreddit about "The Grand Tour", Amazon's car show hosted by former … The Grand Tour Mongolia Mongolia is bordered by Russia and China, one of the largest landlocked countries in Central Asia. Mongolians often ask for good journey when they set off journey.Story of survival and adventure journey starts from Mongolia. The rest are nomadic living in traditional house. Sie werden während der Tour ausschließlich in Jurten und Tipis hausen. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are dropped in the vast wilderness of Mongolia and told to await a delivery. Und was für ein Glück: Die Familie unseres Quartiergebers ist in der ganzen Mongolei verstreut, er kennt das Land sehr gut und bietet uns an - gegen ein sehr kleines Trinkgeld - ein paar Touren für uns zu organisieren. All rights reserved by Travel Buddies Co.,Ltd 2009-2020Ģ19k.

Creepy Teepee in Mongolian is an Ovoo, originally Shamanistic but Creepy teepee is made from rock or wooden piles around Mongolia. Jeremy Clarkson personally states the special as an episode he hated filming, due to the rough conditions the trio encountered. Mongolian produce this national milk over the summer. It is extremely easy to get lost in vast Mongolian plateau where the most of road is dirt.They had to find Moron a small town which has paved road to Ulaanbaatar. People offer dairy products and ask the spirit for good fortuneToday Mongolians make the first ceremony only. There are more horse than the number of people in Mongolia. The episode saw the team spending six days traveling across the Mongolian Steppe in a home-made off-roader. Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May assemble car 4wd and travel across Mongolia.A special drink offered to them was mare’s milk called Airag. Among the supplies is a map drawn in a particular style which emphasises certain landmarks that they are to encounter on their way towards Mörön. Once their off-roader is complete, they are challenged to drive it out towards Mörön, the nearest point of civilisation. With Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May. The homemade off-roader is powered by Land Rover's 2.5L turbodiesel engine and featured a locking front differential with a low-range gear. Mongolians have been worshiping it for thousands of years.1. It marked the first time ever that all three presenters have used a single vehicle in a special episode, including specials that … Home-made vodka made of yak or sheep milk is a “Travel Buddies” is an expert team of professional and dynamic individuals which ensures that your Address: Door #5, Building #30, 5th khoroo, Sukhbaatar district, UBWhat is Creepy Teepee in Mongolia | - Ovoo or shrine is creepy teepeepost-template-default,single,single-post,postid-12493,single-format-standard,mkd-core-1.2,mkdf-tours-1.4,voyage-ver-1.8,mkdf-smooth-scroll,mkdf-smooth-page-transitions,mkdf-ajax,mkdf-grid-1300,mkdf-blog-installed,mkdf-breadcrumbs-area-enabled,mkdf-header-standard,mkdf-sticky-header-on-scroll-up,mkdf-default-mobile-header,mkdf-sticky-up-mobile-header,mkdf-dropdown-default,mkdf-dark-header,mkdf-fullscreen-search,mkdf-search-fade,mkdf-medium-title-text,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.7,vc_responsiveMongolian road is sign less.

Travel to the northern Mongolia popular for its high mountain, beautiful river, thick forest and crystal clear Khovsgol lake. Also one needs to add some more stones while walk around the teepee three times as clockwise. It has only 3 million population and half of them live in the capital city called Ulaanbaatar. The Grand Tour trio travel to Mongolia for a special episode of the show, but Jeremy Clarkson doesn’t exactly have fond memories of the journey. The segment was filmed at the end of June 2018.

Während dieser Tour treffen Sie auf Nomadenzüchter der Steppe und Rentierzüchter der Taiga (Tsaatans). The trio are challenged with escaping the vast and unforgiving Mongolian Steppe using a small ration of food and other supplies from which they are tasked with constructing a small home-made off-roader. Die Treffen werden Sie verstehen lassen, warum die Mongolei so ein vielschichtiges Land ist.ĭiscover the best destinations of Mongolia from the Gobi desert to the beautiful lake Terkh in Central Mongolia. 216k members in the thegrandtour community.

[dknuth]

Trekking in Western Mongolia

I’ve just returned from a unique trip to the very western edge of Mongolia, where for the last three weeks we trekked by foot, horseback and canoe.  Along the way we visited local nomads in their winter homes and summer gers (the Mongolian word for yurts).  

The trip was organized by Tim Cope from Australia, a well known traveller and adventurer,  together with O.A.R.S. from the US.  

Our group of 10 men and women from the US and Australia were supported by an array of guides, drivers, horsemen, camel packers, cooks and more.  The crew members changed over the weeks depending on the needs of that portion of the trip.  Along the way our gear was carried by Russian 4WD vans or camels depending on the availability of roads.  (A road being defined as two or more generally parallel tracks.)

The scenery was stunning and while the trekking, canoeing and riding required a fair amount of daily effort, it was doable by our group which ranged in age from 38 to 82. 

The logistics and nature of the travel together with the range of terrain means that only about 30 people have ever done this trip, so this was clearly a rare opportunity.

Days 1 - 3: Getting to the start of the trek.

We all met in Ulaanbaatar in mid-August for a final review of the upcoming trip, distribution of additional gear, last minute purchases and repacking our clothes and gear for the trek.  (Little did we know that re-packing for changing circumstances was going to be an almost daily event.)  The following morning we flew to Ölgii in western Mongolia where we loaded into 4WD vehicles for a two days of overland driving to get to the start of the trek.  

Our first camp was on the open steppe west of Ölgii near a nomad camp.  We were rewarded by spectacular evening light across the step and hills including a bright shaft from a rainbow; an excellent omen for the trip.  

In the morning we found we had set up camp around the burrow of a long-eared Mongolian gerbil.  When it first stuck its head out of the burrow, we all thought “rabbit”, but then it came out and that wasn’t a rabbit’s tail!

Our first stop after packing up was to visit the nomad family we were camped near.  This was to be a daily activity throughout the trip.  It is considered good fortune among the nomads to invite visitors into your home and we were always graciously invited in and served the standard food and drink.  

The main item offered is always milk tea.  This is not tea with added milk, but milk boiled on the stove with added tea leaves, served in bowls.  Despite the size of our group (usually about 14 including guides and such) sufficient bowls were always found.  The low table was always loaded with butter, dried curd, and small fried breads.  To this might be added cheese, yogurt, thick cream, or berry jam.  All of this would have been home made.  

Interestingly this far western end of Mongolia is mainly settled by Kazakh nomads with  some Mongolians and Tuuvans.  The Kazakhs typically don’t speak Mongolian and the Mongolians don’t speak Kazakh, although the Tuuvans seem most likely to speak both.  This is despite the fact that the groups may be in the next valley from each other.  

After drinking the tea and tasting the offerings on the table, we gave them some small gifts and loaded up for a long drive up into the mountains.  

We stopped for lunch alongside a vacant nomad winter home.  The fall, spring, and winter homes are usually solid structures rather than gers with structures for protection from the wind for the animals.  You may have noticed that were are almost no trees here, so fuel isn’t typically firewood, but manure, usually cow or yak.  In fact, manure is the fuel for all cooking and heating, although some families had a small pile of kindling.  

This pile of dried manure was unique for having a fresh camel’s head on top!

A second stop was at a stone outcropping covered with petroglyphs; the typical hunted animals, hunters and horses.  

We also saw our first ancient graves.  These were mound graves and are thousands of years old.   The size of these mounds makes it clear that these were important people.

As we drove up into the mountains we found ourselves in a snow storm, which was certainly a concern.  While we were all prepared for cold weather and possible snow, camping in snow always increases the concerns about cold and wet conditions.  

But by the time we got to the campsite in the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park the snow had stopped and we found it had only persisted on the surrounding slopes creating a stunning scene.  

[backtobektravel]

The Best Mongolia Travel Agency

Back to Bek Travel is the best Mongolia travel agency based in Bayan-Olgii that is equipped to provide you with a variety of services tours around western Mongolia. Bek Travel is well aware of the needs of travelers is prepared to serve you well. We promise to treat you as our valuable guest as you experience or enjoy a very unique travel experience.

Website: Backtobek Travel

[live-infographic]

Altai tavan bogd - Bek travel - Mongolia travel agency /Holiday in Mongolia via @ http://www.liveinfographic.com/ smithndrsone, September 13, 2017 at 11:29AM

[fiveighteen]

Altai Tavan Bogd mountain massif in Mongolia near the triple border with China and Russia. Its highest peak, the Khüiten Peak, is the highest point in Mongolia at 4374 meters above sea level.

photo by legendary Erdenebulgan 

[ibetmyalbinoface]

Why does Albino Pirate have a distaste for Darwin? Do they have bad blood from the past?

To answer that, we must first go back to the Papershake craft store in Western Mongolia- Altai Tavan Bogd - before the accident. There, a runtish gibbon was birthed that would later evolve into Charles Robert Darwin (’Charles’/’Robo’).

You see, Darwin was destined to be a man ahead of his time. He had those profuse eyebrows BEFORE it was considered ‘socially normative’, if you will. He found truths were there had been none. He saw things for what they really were, including the fact that albinism is a product of incestious relations between the parental union. Albino Pirate couldn’t let the scandle break into the pirating community, so of course the resulting tensions were raised. It is a little known fact that Albino Pirate’s mother and sister have never been seen in the same room together, although sources cannot confirm what is implied by this.

That, and he’s an attention seeking wee git who wants the Captian to pay attention to his play-dough creations, not Charles and his ‘science’.

[discoveraltaimongolia-blog]

Planning a trip may sound easier, but it is actually easier said than done. Planning a trip requires a lot of organized efforts. Without appropriate planning, you may miss out on the real beauties of Mongolia. The travel agencies come to help here. They can help in planning you the best trips and include all the main highlights of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in your package. For the best travel experience in Mongolia, visit at our site.

[arealbigwideworld]

The silent and still Khoton Nuur – Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Western Mongolia [OC] [5259 × 2876] via /r/waterporn

[stumbleimg]

Khoton Nuur - Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Western Mongolia [OC] [4659 × 3266]

[panopticontent]

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia

[dknuth]

Trekking in Western Mongolia -  Canoeing

Day 11

The next morning we began the water portion of the trip, setting off down river in the canoes and inflatables.  

Instead of daypacks we were now using waterproof barrels in the canoes.  We also needed river clothing and gear and not as much cold weather clothes or hiking boots.  So another repacking and reorganizing was in order.  It would all go in the vans, but we could declutter our bags and put a things we wouldn’t need for a while in separate bags.  

We had to pass under a bridge that was low enough to require ducking very low.  But first a railing on the bridge was broken and hanging down into the only span tall enough to get under at all.  So a little remodeling of the bridge was required. 

The river slowed and broadened as we neared Khoton Nuur, a 14 mile long lake.  (Nuur = lake)

The photos get a little sparse at this point for a couple of reasons:  the landscape is opening up, so the vistas are large, open and pretty flat, and I didn’t carry my camera with the big zoom in the canoes.  I’ve water damaged cameras on river trips before, so I only took a waterproof camera when on the water.  But that camera had very little zoom.  So little zoom and wide spaces don’t make for many compelling photos.  Most times in camp I could get to the big camera, but not always.

We  camped just before the lake.  

Day 12 

We had a great view of the mountains behind us early in the morning.  

Then we headed out onto the lake.  Canoeing on a lake means no current, so all this distance we made was by our own paddling and that wind can become a big issue.  Headwinds or course would slow us down, but high winds make the whole enterprise much more risky.  The winds are strongest in the afternoon, so we tried to get going in the morning to make as much progress as possible before the winds picked up.  

Offsetting that plan though was the practice of stopping to visit local families.  When these stops occurred in the morning, it put us at risk of paddling in heavier winds in the afternoon.  

We stopped pretty quickly to visit a family that Tim had visited before.  We had to walk a long distance to get to the family’s gers and as we did we could see a truck driving off and no livestock.  It turned out that the family was in the process of leaving for their fall location.  The boys had left earlier driving the herd animals and the truck had left with the first load of the household goods.  The family said that the boys had been looking for us as Tim had visited about this same time twice before and were disappointed to have to leave before we showed up.  We left some gifts with the family for the small kids that were there as well as kids that weren’t. 

They gave several of our people gifts of dried curd.  We really didn’t realize how much until that evening when everyone presented their dried curd to the cooks.  It was quite a pile.  None of us had any idea what to do with it.  It is hard as a rock, so gnawing on it was not an option.  I guess it is used to make a broth.

They explained that the reason they were leaving a little early was that bears from the mountains behind them were attacking their stock.  

After we left the family we passed a gap in the mountains to the south and found ourselves in a strong cross wind.  We had to change course to get close to shore and paddle pretty hard to get out of the strongest wind.  The experience made me more aware of the gaps in the adjoining mountains and the potential for winds to blow through those gaps and out onto the lake.  (When I’m paddling hard there’s little opportunity for photos!)

After we got past the wind we found a narrow spot without much wind and crossed over to the north side of the lake where our camp was set up.  

We got a good view of the crescent moon between the clouds after sunset.  Judy said it’s called “the new moon in the old moon’s hands,” which I hadn’t heard, but is a nice phrase.  

Day 13

This was a “rest” day, meaning we didn’t paddle.  But most of us hiked up the adjoining hills or such.  It was good weather early and I was up, as usual, so I did a walk up the hill behind camp for some nice dawn light shots.  

It turned out to be a good day for a rest day as it was the rainiest day so far and at times windy.  So we were able to retreat to a tent in the worst weather and head out for short walks when it was looking better.  

With the change from camel supported to vehicle supported weight was no longer such an issue and we found we had several additional items along: a collapsable stove for the dining tent, and a generator to support electric lights in the cook and dining tents and a charging station for the cameras, phones, GPS  devices etc.   The stove could burn wood, but usually,  as with the nomads, manure.  It did keep the dining tent warmer and helped to provide a place to dry wet gear at the end of the day.  (Cold, damp neoprene socks in the morning are not appealing!)   

We had been using extra batteries and power banks to keep electronics running, but that wasn’t going to last much longer for many items, so the ability to recharge was welcome.  

We had some nice color in-between the clouds at sunset.  

Day 14

Another re-packing as we were camping on an island tonight and so would have no support vehicles.  So we packed more stuff into our waterproof barrels and added tents, food, and other gear into the canoes.  That made them heavier and less stable, so we needed to be a little more careful paddling.

I hadn’t done this much paddling for many years and frankly I was pretty rusty.  So I had to work to get a good stroke down.  As we paddled I was remembering paddling with Cathie on trips to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.  We worked at paddling straight and paddling smoothly and silently.  So I started working on that and got, Bhugii, my canoeing partner doing the same.  I found it very efficient paddling and very enjoyable.  I mentioned it as my favorite part of the day in the evening’s recap of the day.  

We passed through a section of river and into a second lake, Khurgan Nuur, to get to our island camp.  There was a store and a border guard station along the river.  The store was the Mongolian version of the country store of days ago: an assortment of clothing items, package food items, sundries etc.  Certainly nothing I needed, but it was the only store for many miles.  

We also stopped to visit a family and the kids were fascinated by the canoes, so the guides took them out for a few minutes which delighted some and terrified others.  

The island is uninhabited but has a herd of horses on it as there is good grass and they are pretty safe there.  

Day 15 

We woke to scattered clouds in the east and a stunning sunrise.  

We set out early to get across the lake.  As we were paddling we could see clouds and rain on the mountains behind us and could tell that it was moving our direction.  So we paddled pretty persistently trying to keep ahead of it.  

Of course that didn’t stop us from stopping to visit.  This time the family wasn’t in a get, but a one room log cabin, but there were no animals.  They explained that this was their spring residence.  Their herds had been taken to their fall residence, but they were here to cut hay to store for spring.  

Their grass at their winter location will run out before the spring grass is up enough to fee their animals, so they cut grass in the fall at their spring home, so there will be supplemental hay available in the early spring.  It clearly takes a lot of work and planning to be a nomad in this area.  

Outside there was a large pot on a fire with something very dark and thick cooking in it.  I suggest it looked like Jeff’s coffee, but in fact it was home-made soap.  

After leaving them we could see the rain coming closer and paddled pretty hard for the far shore where our vehicles and lunch were waiting for us.  We landed and pulled the canoes out of the water just as a strong, cold wind hit. So it was excellent timing.  

The rain was just sprinkles and after a quick lunch we walked a few kilometers to the evening camp on the river downstream from the lake.  (This section of river was not suitable for canoes, although the two inflatables did paddle it.)

Our camp was immediately adjacent to a family’s get and animals.  Like all nomad families they had a guard dog to protect against wolves.  This dog worked overtime all night long, patrolling all through and around both our and the family’s camp, barking the entire time.