Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 4 star hotel. Afternoon guided city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including   Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. An evening folk show of music, throat singing and contortion will be followed by a welcome dinner. 

Morning transfer to UB to airport for a 3 hours flight to Ulaangom town located in just 40km from lake Uvs, largest in Mongolia. Your guide will accompany you on board. Upon arrival we take one hour car transfer to Uliastai valley, the starting point of the trek. Here we establish our first tented camp and finalize arrangements with local camel herders who will accompany us with their beasts of burden during the trekking adventure ahead. Overnight in tents. 

We start trekking by ascending the Uliastai pass (2410m) which will bring in to our view a fresh water alpine lake called the Blue Lake. Beyond the lake you will see rugged foothills of Kharkhiraa & Turgen peaks and their snowcapped tops. After a picnic lunch we descend to the lake and trek along its shoreline until arriving to our camp site at 1795m above sea level. Our train of two humped camels will catch up with us soon after lunch time and continue on to prepare camp and dinner. Such will be the general routine for each trekking day. Tented overnight by the Blue Lake. 

Distance 13km, ascent 715m, descent 520m, max elevation 2410m.

We curve around the lake, trek to the valley of Kharkhiraa river and continue along the riverside to its confluence with Turgen river. Both torrential rivers take source from vast glaciers of their namesake peaks. Each day we will need to cross mountain rivers and smaller streams. Across the deeper and faster ones you will be shuttled on horseback assisted by our camel drivers. Tonight we camp at Turgen river bank at 1860m above sea level. 50 meter high red rock cliffs on the opposite bank make an impressive backdrop to the campsite view. Tented overnight. 

Distance 13km, ascent 406m, descent 465m, max elevation 2251m.

It is an all day long ascent along the Kharkhiraa River at the end of which we will have gained almost 800 meters. The impressive red rock wall will continue alongside across the river. Rocky but well established trail steadily climbs up bringing more snowcapped peaks into our sight. A noticeable temperature drop can also be felt. Our camel caravan will be struggling harder to catch up with us. Tented overnight at 2330m above sea level. Time permitting we will visit one of the local herding families that graze their large flocks of sheep, goats and horses on the abundant alpine pastures. 

Distance 15km, ascent 760m, descend 211m, max elevation 2347m.

We continue trekking upstream along the Kharkhiraa river until arriving to its headspring. This is also the bottom of the main water dividing ridge. Several small streams are to be negotiated on foot. Tented overnight. 

Distance 14km, ascent 760m, descent 211m, max elevation 2630m.

Although staying in the same campsite we have a somewhat challenging exploration excursion to several alpine lakes nestled at the southern foothill of the Turgen massif. Those wishing can rest at the camp or take some smaller hikes in the area. Tented overnight. 

Distance 10km, ascent 390m, max elevation 3010m.

The most challenging trekking day. We first ascend 2944meter high Kharkhiraa pass which is a small plateau surrounded by glaciers. Views of the Turgen and Kharkhiraa peaks aligned north to south open from the top. We then descend to Ereesen valley in Olon Nuur valley, literally meaning “valley of many lakes” and trek along its edges to keep on drier trails and camp at an altitude of 2688m above sea level. 

Distance 25km, ascent 390m, max elevation 2993m.

We cross the Olon nuur valley, typical highland tundra with permafrost not deep below the surface and therefore abundance of water and marshes. We exit the Olon Nuur valley by ascending the 2959m Black Goat pass which marks the entrance to the Black Goat valley which is formed by two parallel ridges that extend from the Turgen peak. The lower slopes on both sides are densely forested. This is a home to the elusive Snow Leopard and wild mountain goat the former’s main prey. We descend in to the valley and trek for a good half day till reaching our campsite.

Distance 19km, ascent 667m, max elevation 2959m.

We trek down the Black Goat valley After 15km the trek finishes. Here we part with our local guides and take car transfer (4-5 hours) to Ulgii town, home to the largest Muslim community of Mongolia. Dinner and overnight in a cozy local hotel. 

This morning we catch a return flight to UB. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon for shopping and else. Farewell dinner.  

This is a spare day to spend for shopping and self-exploration.