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 this peak’s popularity.
Before embarking on our ascent, we paused at an impressive Buddhist shrine featuring the imposing figure of Ochir Vana, a symbol of strength and wisdom. Standing tall beneath the snow-capped peak, he offered a silent source of encouragement against the climb’s uncertainties, particularly the anticipated ice and snow at the summit.
Reaching the end of the paved road, a serene temple greeted us, its prayer wheels spinning and echoing mantras across the valley. A gentle rain began to fall, but it couldn’t dampen the scene’s raw beauty. In one direction, Otgon Tenger Uul dominated the landscape, its snow-clad slopes beckoning and challenging us in equal measure. In stark contrast, an old car, carving its path across a stream, left tracks whispering of an untold journey.
Inspired by the car’s adventurous spirit, we followed suit, fording the river ourselves. While adding a kilometer to our trek, the reward was undeniable – an idyllic campsite, offering a perfect blend of solitude and scenic charm. As darkness descended upon the valley, anticipation for the upcoming hike thrummed through us. Hoping for clear skies, we settled into camp, eager to conquer the mountain the next day.
At dawn, we embarked on our journey, meandering through peaceful pastures. The terrain changed as we approached and began to climb a seemingly modest incline. But appearances can be deceiving – this “small” slope soon revealed its true nature, a challenging array of treacherous rocks testing our resolve. Opting for a strategic retreat, we took a shortcut back to the valley’s secure and stable path. Here, the constant babble of a friendly stream became our companion.
Our concerns about formidable summit snow proved unfounded. In reality, a manageable half-kilometer stretch of well-packed snow awaited us, not the treacherous glacier terrain we envisioned. Equipped with crampons for better grip, we confidently trudged towards the summit. As if celebrating our ascent, the clouds graciously parted, revealing breathtaking panoramic views from the top. After soaking in the landscape, we descended, carrying the exhilaration of reaching the summit and the memory of the incredible vistas.
Navigating the rocky slope, we encountered a few particularly steep sections where loose stones threatened to turn our descent into a skid. But careful steps and strategic zigzags ensured a safe path down. Reaching the saddle, we opted for a detour, leading us to a “virtual” grassy path – a gentler, more navigable section along a stream that guided us back to the car.
Our descent is a leisurely stroll along a stream, winding through a basin
Otgon Tenger Uul marked the grand finale of our Mongolian ultra-peak adventure, and what a triumph it was! Honestly, I hadn’t anticipated bagging so many peaks. While hope remained, the inherent uncertainties of mountain climbing made my initial optimism seem a bit far-fetched. However, sometimes the sun shines in unexpected ways, and this trip personified that. Fantastic weather and proximity to each mountain base enabled us to complete all challenges, resulting in a total of eight ascended ultra peaks, with no other peak-baggers in sight – a resounding success!
The anticipation for new adventures thrums in our veins as we drive towards Ulaanbaatar. A brief stopover at the Horse Statue Museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted connection to these majestic creatures, leaving a lasting impression. Looking ahead, we’re eager to tackle the upcoming peaks in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. New challenges and breathtaking highs await us, and we’re determined to summit them all. Here’s to hoping the Swoutheast Asia peaks offer the same sense of accomplishment and reward as those we encountered in Mongolia!
