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…
Hasgat Khairkhan Uul
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…
Tariani Bogd
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 realityâand physicsâsoon…
Peak 2222m, Bayankhongor
Bayankhongor offered the next chapter in our adventure. Initially drawn to “Peak 2085m, Bayankhongor,” we found ourselves atop “Peak 2222m, Bayankhongor” just minutes later. The views from both peaks, while impressive, weren’t quite jaw-dropping but certainly worth the effort. Tomorrow brings an unplanned climb of Tariani Bogd, adding an element of spontaneity to our journey.
Peak 2085m, Bayankhongor
En route to Bayankhongor, nestled beside the Tuin River, the allure of âPeak 2085m, Bayankhongorâ and subsequently âPeak 2222m, Bayankhongorâ captivated us. We embarked on the ascent of the former, quickly followed by the latter, each offering expansive views that made our efforts worthwhile and enhanced our sense of achievement.
Tergun Bogd
Our third ultra-peak adventure looms in the distance, teasing us with its inaccessibility for a simple day hike. We ambitiously seek a path to its steeper inclines, guided by satellite images of elusive car tracks that play a frustrating game of now-you-see-me, now-you-don’t. As twilight descends, we push our vehicle to its limits until the…
Myangan Yamaat
Yesterday’s failed attempt to summit Myangan Yamaat peak turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Retracing our steps, we stumbled upon a beacon of hope: a camp spotted on a map, merely 3.5 km west of our target, complete with a clear trail of car tracks visible from the heavens. Though we didn’t pop…
Myangan Yamaat – Attempt
Just hours before sunset, we arrive at a valley on the east side, which, according to our map, should lead us directly to the summit. So, we believe following this valley or river, then tackling some slopes or ridges, should get us there. Yet, doubts linger, though hope stubbornly remains. We drive until the car…
Ich-Tevsh-Ula
The journey to the peak is an adventure in itself, spiced up with a game of ‘Name That Peak!’ along the way. Ich-Tevsh-Ula? Sounds more like a magic incantation than a mountain, yet here it is, towering with its P200 status. Yes, we were the ones keeping score, and post-climb, we triumphantly declared it P202….
Peak 1158, Bulgan
After summiting Peak 1156, Rob ventures northwest to Peak 1158, and I head back to the car, driving a few kilometers before we reconvene at the col. This new peak appears more approachable and gentler than its counterpart. Parking a short distance away, we split up once more: Rob explores the left slopes while I…
Peak 1156, Bulgan
Yesterday’s attempt to cross the Gobi Desert took an unexpected turn with a sandstorm blurring our path forward. We halted, seeking direction from road construction workers, whose varied advice only tangled our plans further. Thus, we retraced our steps 150 km back to Dalanzadgad. Today, en route from Dalanzadgad to Bogd, we’re making quick stops…
Dund Sayhni Nuru
Embarking from Ulaanbaatar towards Dalanzadgad, we encounter a mostly smooth road, marred only by occasional potholes across a hundred kilometers, which still permits rapid travel. Gathering supplies near the airport at dawn, we journey several hundred kilometers to Mandalgobi. Here, we enjoy a pleasant lunch in a quaint restaurant, unexpectedly operated by the owner’s timid…
TsetseegĂŒn Uul
Rob misses his flight, thanks to Heathrow Airport’s “cutting-edge” scale and check-in system that seems to fancy adding imaginary weight to luggage. In the end, Rob’s right, and British Airways? Well, they messed up. But expecting a giant corporation to actually care is like hoping for a heatwave in the Arcticâwishful thinking at its finest….
Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue
Feast your eyes on the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, towering at 130 feet as the world’s tallest equestrian metal marvel. Perched by the Tuul River, it not only honors the legendary Khan but also commemorates the legendary discovery of a golden whip at this very site. Oriented towards his birthplace, the statue reigns over a…
Philippines 2023
In early 2023, I received an intriguing message from Dave. He was proposing a trip to the Philippines. With the knowledge that the Philippines boasts twenty-nine ultra-prominent peaks, my enthusiasm to agree was immediate. The allure was heightened by the fact that a significant number of these towering mountains also stand as island highpoints. Add…
Doha
The flight from Manila to London passes through Doha. The stopover is too short to visit Qatar highpoint, but long enough to explore Doha in the evening. We leave the airport, find the metro, quickly learn how to buy tickets and are soon on a well-conditioned train heading into the city centre. We get off…
Philippines – quicksight
Like most countries in Asia, the Philippines is a lively, vibrant, and fascinating place. I won’t attempt to give a comprehensive overview but rather share some photos and memories that I brought back with me. Food lovers would need a considerable amount of time to explore the endless culinary possibilities. Nature lovers could spend a…
Manila
Welcome to the delightful chaos of Manila, where the urban landscape is an exciting tapestry of sights, sounds, and a thousand smells. The shopping malls here are so vast they could probably host their own Olympic Games, complete with different climate zones for each event. Road traffic is like the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti,…
Mount Madjaas
Mount Madjaas is the highest point on the island, with a prominence of over two thousand meters, and is quite isolated. These factors make this Ultra peak very visible on our radar. An added bonus is that no peak baggers have reported reaching the summit. Initially, we are unsure whether we can reach Panay Island…
Mount Pulag
The highest point on the island of Luzon is Mount Pulag – 2922 meters, just 20 meters from the World Top 100 Prominence list. We find this hike very beautiful and interesting, especially because of the dwarf bamboo grasslands. The registration process is mostly boring but probably necessary due to the number of people trying…