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Peak 2366m, Buyant

Hangay Mountains
2023-06-25
hike
2366m
P48m

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…

Otgon Tenger Uul

Hangay Mountains
2023-06-25
hike
4010m
P2269m
i319.95km

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…

Altai City

2023-06-23
sight

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…

Bunchant

Altai
2023-06-23
hike
1702m
P237m

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…

Jargalant Khairkhan

Altai
2023-06-22
hike
3796m
P2353m
i79.57km

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…

Jast

Altai
2023-06-21
hike
1714m
P249m

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…

Baatar Khairkhan

Altai
2023-06-20
hike
3984m
P1541m
i71.63km

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…

Bumbag Khairkhan Uul

Altai
2023-06-18
hike
3470m
P1806m
i38.40km

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…

Peak 1727m, Taishir

Altai
2023-06-16
hike
1727m
P49m

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.

Peak 1774m, Taishir

Altai
2023-06-16
hike
1774m
P66m

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,…

Peak 1622m, Jargalan

Altai
2023-06-16
hike
1622m
P50m

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

Altai
2023-06-16
hike
3578m
P1749m
i146.92km

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

Altai
2023-06-15
hike
1952m
P133m

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…

Peak 2222m, Bayankhongor

Altai
2023-06-14
hike
2222m
P67m

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

Altai
2023-06-14
hike
2085m
P47m

En route to Bayankhongor, nestled beside the Tuin River, the allure of “Peak 2085m, Bayankhongor” and subsequently “Peak 2222m, Bayankhongor” 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

Altai
2023-06-13
hike
3957m
P1979m
i356.34km

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

Altai
2023-06-12
hike
3620m
P1745m
i106.84km

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

Altai
2023-06-11
failed
3620m
P1745m
i106.84km

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

Gobi Desert Ranges
2023-06-10
hike
1757m
P202m

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

Gobi Desert Ranges
2023-06-10
hike
1158m
P60m

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…