Hövsgöl Kayaking

Hövsgöl Mnt Biking

Eg River Kayak Expedition

- Hövsgöl -


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Eg River (Egiin Gol) is the only river that flows out of Lake Hövsgöl, one of the most pristine large waterbodies of Asia, situated at 1645 meters above sea level. It is the twin lake of Baikal and its waters are equally blue. Two thirds of Lake Baikal's inflow comes from Mongolia through the Selenge and Eg Rivers. We will explore the Eg River by kayaks, downstream from Lake Hövsgöl. The Eg River Valley is inhabited by nomadic herdsmen. The trip will provide for a close encounter with these hardy nomads. We will camp along the river.


From: 4thworldadventure.com

Brief Outline Itinerary

You will fly on a domestic flight to Mörön, the aimag capital of Hövsgöl or direct into the airstrip at Hatgal village, which is located at the southernmost tip of the lake.
The terrain around Lake Hövsgöl is rugged taiga. For this kayak expedition we are fully equipped for expedition style travel, and our luggage will be carried by support vehicle. A cook and a local guide will follow the expedition.

Transfers to Nature's Lodge & Gers depends on arrival airport, and also on condition of the lake with waves and wind for a possible boat transfer to camp. Mörön airport is 130km from Nature's Door, and it takes 3 hours to Hatgal village (100km), located at the southernmost tip of the lake. Plus an additional hour to reach Nature's Door the last 30km overland, or 20 minutes by speed boat. Hatgal airstrip is 50 minutes by jeep from the lodge, or speed-boat 20 minutes from the jetty at Hatgal.

Day 01: Ulaanbaatar

Arrive by air in the Mongolian capital. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar.

Day 02: To Lake Hövsgöl

Pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the airport. Fly 1½ hours to Mörön or Hatgal. You will be met and a jeep will bring you to Hatgal village and on to the Nature's Door Lodge, located 30km away, either overland or by speed boat.

Day 03: Lake Hövsgöl

Enjoy a full day at the lakeside. There are opportunities to go hiking, horse riding or mountain biking. Or simply relax. Lake Hövsgöl great transparent cold waters are a delight and the Horidol Saridag Mountains right in the back of the lodge.

Day 04-08: Eg River Kayak Expedition

Depart for Hatgal village, located at the southern tip of the lake, where we will put in our inflatable kayaks. A cook will follow and make most meals on open fire. We paddle downstream Eg River, through a steppe valley dotted with gers, local nomadic families and their livestock, such as yaks and sometimes even camels. Definitely horses, goats and sheep. The valley then narrows, passing spectacular cliffs; some easy rapids add to the excitement. There are good opportunities for bird watching, especially the mighty White-tailed Fish Eagles soaring overhead. It is a five days paddle with the occasional grade I and grade II rapids. The Eg is a fast flowing river. Numerous nomads will look at us, since this is a novel approach to travel in Mongolia. We will sleep in tents. Mattresses are provided, however, please bring your own sleeping bag.

Day 09: To Ulaanbaatar

Early transfer to Mörön airport and fly to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 10: In Ulaanbaatar

A.m. Visit Gandan Monastery and Bogd Khan Winter Palace. Gandan is the most lively monastery in Mongolia and center for the Buddhist revival in the country. Bogd Khan was the theocratical leader and Living Buddha of the Mongols until 1924, and as such the equivalent to what HH Dalai Lama is for both Tibetans and Mongols alike.
P.m. Time for shopping.

Day 11: Fly out

Transfer out to your next destination.

Practicalities

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 2340 per person (2-5 members)
Single room and tent supplement USD 290

Includes: Leadership and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights at Nature's Door Lodge and all overnights in tents. Domestic flight Ulaanbaatar-Hövsgöl return and all transfers. Park entry fee.

Excludes: Imported drinks, airport tax MNT 12500 on departure (approx. USD 12 p.p.), laundry, air or train tickets in and out of Mongolia. Visa fee.

DATES ex. Ulaanbaatar

Any day 01Jun-01Sep excl. some Saturdays early and late in season.

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