Range Taebaek Sanmae
The journey from Seoul to Jinju aboard the train, cruising at speeds around 290 km per hour but capable of reaching up to 330 km per hour, serves as a prelude to the grandeur awaiting at Jiri-san. This majestic, ultra-prominent peak is the centerpiece of our trip, symbolizing the adventure and exploration that lie at…
Range Taebaek Sanmae
Embarking on our journey on March 24th, 2024, Ricard, Denise, and I set out on the adventure of ascending Jiri-san, locally known as Cheonwangbong. Because, really, what better way to spend a serene Sunday than challenging gravity and pushing our limits? Standing tall at 1915 meters, with a prominence of 1695 meters that dwarfs most,…
Range Taebaek Sanmae
We eased off the train from Seoul into Jinju, our limbs thankful for the stillness. Ditching the station’s buzz, we hopped into a taxi that whisked us another 10 kilometers to our abode, the New Yorker Hotel. A curious fusion of luxury and kitsch greeted us with a jacuzzi and a cinema right in our…
Range Taiwan
The trip’s goal was straightforward: summit two ultra-prominent island peaks, considering anything beyond that a bonus. Goal achieved, we ascended Youshan and Xueshan, bagged a few minor peaks for good measure, and, as an encore, climbed the Qixingshan ribu volcano near Taipei city. By all measures, we rocked it. While reflecting on our achievements, it’s…
RegionTaiwan
First off, Taiwan leaves you with the impression that everything is meticulously organized. The locals are exceptionally friendly; catch them spotting your bewildered gaze amidst trying to decipher some rule, and they’re right there offering help. Nice touch, thanks! Due to this welcoming behavior, many hurdles were swiftly and smoothly overcome. Transportation We decided to…
Range Taiwan
Having scaled both of Taiwan’s ultra prominent peaks, we naturally shift our focus to the next priority: the P1000. After scrutinizing the map and our calendar, it’s clear that time is tight for remote peaks. However, one peak near Taipei catches our eye: Qixingshan. Popular among locals and just a short hike for us, it…
Range Taiwan
Pairing Xueshan peak with another Taiwanese giant, Yushan, feels like an unwritten rule; skipping one just seems wrong. Naturally, we planned to summit both peaks. Xueshan, also known as Snow Mountain, welcomed us with some old hard snow on the trail close to the summit. Securing permits turned out smoother than expected, despite a labyrinth…
Range Taiwan
Island highpoint, a top 100 prominence peak and one of the dozen ultra-prominent peaks starting with the letter Y, boasts over 1800km of isolation—a real monster peak for peak baggers. Here we are in Taiwan, at the Youshan trailhead, late afternoon, with reservations at the lower hut, teeming with friendly hikers eager to assist us…
Range Taiwan
We arrive at Paiyun Lodge by 11 am, pondering whether to tackle Yushan today or delay it until tomorrow. Given the cloud-swathed scenery, aiming for the summit today hardly seems wise. After some thought, we agree to proceed with our original plan and explore the West Summit, saving Yushan’s peak for an early morning attempt….
Range Altai
On December 7th, 2022, we stood atop Cerros de Pereyra in Argentina, embarking on what would become our Mongolian journey. As we descended the wind-battered slopes seeking shelter under pines from the relentless sun, a surprising Mongolian tune captured our attention. This was no ordinary music; it was Khoomei, a form of throat singing where…
RegionOvorkhangai
Cruising down the highway towards Ulaanbaatar, a good 450 kilometers to go, a curious sight snagged our attention. A massive square monument peeked at us from the roadside, beckoning for a closer look. We heeded the call, and our curiosity was rewarded. This imposing structure, guarded by a vast 100-meter square compound, wasn’t your average…
Range Hangay Mountains
What a splendid day, in every sense imaginable—the sky’s blue hue, the successful ascent of Otgon Tenger Uul, and the overall triumph of our expedition. There’s more, of course. As we drive out of the valley, veering left just before the national park gates, our car flexes its off-road muscles in low gear. We park…
Range Hangay Mountains
Bidding farewell to the echoes of Jargalant Khairkhan, we diverted towards the mighty Otgon Tenger Uul, a beacon for adventurers. The quaint town of Otgon served as our gateway, leading us to a picturesque valley where the Buiant-gol River shimmered like a turquoise ribbon. Bustling with tourist activity, the area was a clear indicator of…
RegionGovi-Altai
Altai city, nestled in Mongolia’s western embrace by the majestic Altai mountains, seamlessly blends tradition and progress. This bustling hub thrives on agriculture, animal husbandry, and mining, renowned for its premium cashmere and livestock products. As the heart of the Gobi-Altai Province, it boasts easy access via roads and a local airport. So, Altai city…
Range Altai
After reaching the top of Jargalant Khairkhan, we set our sights on yet another significant peak, with an overnight stay planned in Altai city and plenty of time on our hands. Embracing every chance for new climbs, we found an unexplored peak with a 237-meter prominence west of Mankhan city. Driven by a love for…
Range Altai
Mud and sand became our unwelcome companions, forcing us to ditch our original plan and veer towards the imposing Jargalant Khairkhan. Its peak, oh-so-close yet twenty kilometers of mystery away, mocked us with its majestic presence. Satellite imagery, our sole guide, felt more like a cryptic treasure map than a reliable navigation tool. Kilometers bled…
Range Altai
Leaving the Steppe Hotel in Khovd after breakfast, we drive 10 kilometers north and spot a promising peak that looks both prominent and climbable. Consulting our maps, we estimate its prominence to be at least 200 meters, a figure Rob later updates to 249 meters. Clearly, it’s an appealing detour for peakbaggers en route to…
Range Altai
From the majestic vista of Bumbag Khairkhan Uul, with its snow-capped peak beckoning, we set our sights south towards the quaint village of Tsetseg, where, in a display of unwavering tradition, we indulge in our daily ice cream fix. Post-village bliss, we hit a road that’s surprisingly decent until, of course, it decides to give…
Range Altai
Rob and I set off towards yet another mystery peak, armed with the summit’s coordinates but clueless about the base’s whereabouts. The maps hint at a bumpy twenty-kilometer detour off-road, the ease of which remains a coin toss. Slicing through the steppes, we aim straight for the base, but our initial pivot towards the ridge…
Range Altai
Shortly after conquering “Peak 1774m Taishir,” we encountered its twin, “Peak 1727m, Taishir.” The routine was familiar: drive, park, a brief walk—so quick, if you blinked, you missed it. Next on the agenda? A well-deserved ice cream break in Taishir, before continuing our drive to Altai city, where we’ll take a well-earned rest.
Range Altai
After scaling “Peak 1622m Jargalan,” our journey led us to the base of “Peak 1774m Taishir.” The shepherd’s trail made for an easy and brief ascent. The summit plateau, rugged with at least three subsummits vying for dominance, presented a puzzle. Rob, armed with a hand level, spent some time discerning the true high point,…
Range Altai
Descending the verdant slopes of Hasgat Khairkhan Uul, we set our sights on the next ultra-prominent peak, Bumbag Khairkhan Uul, preparing for a two-day trek. Along the way, the allure of lower peaks was too tempting to resist, and naturally, we discovered some. First up was “Peak 1633m Jeragalan”, where Rob confirmed a modest 50m…
Range Altai
As the sun begins its descent, we inch closer to the base of the mountain, the road beneath us turning rougher, presenting a formidable challenge. Despite our eagerness to ascend, the lack of reliable internet service higher up compels us to backtrack slightly. Eventually, we discover an idyllic spot beside the now peaceful river, where…
Range Altai
After spending the night in Bayankhongor, we hit the road towards the next ultra-prominent peak, yet the allure of Tariani Bogd, a mere 133-meter prominence bump close to the road, tempts us into a detour. Calling it a hike might be a stretch since we ambitiously attempt to drive to the top, but reality—and physics—soon…