Jalman Meadows

- Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area -

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In the uppermost parts of the Tuul River Valley, just one-day ride short of the watershed of Asia, is Jalman Mountain and Jalman Meadows. It is a huge meadow along the Tuul River with a lot of wildflowers in the summer. It is located within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, which is Mongolia's only and true wilderness area, extending all the way up until the Russian-Siberian frontier. Terelj National Park is the southernmost extension of that same wilderness area. In Terelj proper tourism has been allowed to develop. Nomadic Journeys low impact ger camp, Jalman Meadows Ger Camp, is located next to the Tuul River and Jalman Meadows.

Location

The area is in the transition zone of steppes and taiga forests in the uppermost parts of the Tuul River Valley, a mere full day's ride from where the river originate. Hence, there are steppe valleys, meadows along the Tuul River, larch forests with patches of birch.Wildlife such as wolf, lynx, brown bear, red deer, gazelle, moose, wild boar are certainly present but hard to see during the summer. Jalman Meadows is located in the autumn and winter pastures of nomadic herders of Erdene soum. A few remain, but most families vacate the area with their animals to allow for good seasonal pasture. North from the meadows it is complete wilderness, and a two days hike south, you will find the summer pastures of the nomadic families.This is the reason for a profusion of wildflowers around Jalman Meadows.

Activities

Dayhikes: From the lookout point of Hifte Gatsaa there is a beautiful view over the Jalman Meadows and the Tuul River. You can order a picnic lunch from camp and make day hikes in any direction. Included.

Yak cart rafting: Load a lightweight catamaran inflatable raft on to a yak cart. A herdsman will follow and trek for half a day upstream the Tuul River. You'll have your picnic lunch at noon and return by the raft downstream through the Jalman Meadows to camp. Life vests, paddles and picnic lunch are provided. USD 40 p.p.

Swimming: The Tuul River is in its most pristine way up here and is next to the camp. The water may be cold, but usually pleasant during parts of July and August. The river is crystal clear and transparent, with regular deep pools.

Reading: A small library on Mongolia, with many recent articles, have been collected over the years and is made available to guest's in the Library Ger next to our Restaurant Ger. It is mostly Mongolian, Swedish and English language, but also some German and French.

Horse riding: Hourly, half days and full day rides is organized with local horsemen. Picnic lunch can be provided from the camp. There are a few hard hats and chaps, why serious riders are best advised to bring their own. Full day rides should be pre ordered. Rides are available at additional cost. USD 25 p.p. full day; USD 15 p.p. half day and USD 5 per hour.

Mountain biking: There are two mountain bikes that may be rented for the day for excellent excursions in the area.

Birding: There is a birding scope in order to admire the avifauna that comes in sizes from Azure Tits to majestic Steppe Eagles. You will get 80 percent of Mongolian species with a European bird guide book.  There is one in the library ger.

Conferences & lectures: At additional cost for group's, seminars on contemporary, historical or natural Mongolia is organized. Traditional Mongolian medicine and music.

Additional trips: The relative remote location of Jalman Meadows merits other extended trips and our trips to the remote lakes at Hagiin Har Nuur deep in the Khan Khentii taiga as well as Yak Treks and Mongol Horse Trails. All take in a stay at Jalman Meadows since it is a unique vantage point for all these. Pls. ask for details of these trips.

Low Impact Ger Camp

Nomadic Journeys is committed to the principles of Ecotourism and have entered into a concession agreement with Erdene Soum, The Khan Khentii Protected Area administration to bring about some additional jobs into the area based on traditional livelihoods. These involve provision of yak carts, packhorses, riding horses and labor. The camp purchase milk from the nearby herders.

The camp has a maximum capacity of 20 guests' in double occupancy gers and  vehicles are parked away from the camp.

The entire ger camp is fully collapsible, and do not have shower nor WC blocks. The toilets are long drop style allowing for natural decomposition. Showers can be organized in the outdoors with hot water by portable showers and a shower tent that is provided.

All trash is separated. The camp can be relocated leaving no more impact on the area than a herdsman family would. Solar panels and windmills generate some electricity for refrigerator and kitchen use. Jalman Meadows Ger Camp is indeed a fully collapsible hotel.

Transfers

Transfers operated on Mondays and Fridays are subsidized and shared with staff. Transfer times are variable but usually departs 09-11.00 and returns after lunch. You can at all times order a private transfer at any time suitable to you.

The entire drive from Ulaanbaatar to Jalman Meadows with a 4WD vehicle is 3 hours and with a bus 3,5 hours. The first hour consists of driving on the tarmac road towards Baganuur. First we drive out of the cityscape, which gradually become treeless steppes. After one hour, we switch to jeep tracks and drive for an hour through a steppe valley devoid of any telegraph poles inhabited by numerous herdsmen with their livestock. These folks are partly the people living at Jalman Meadows in the winter. The last hour is divided crossing the Zamtiin Davaa Ridge, which is driving through patches of Larch and Birch forests and then up the Tuul River Valley for the last half hour.

Prices and practicalities

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

Fridays 4d/3n :  USD 195 p.p.
Mondays 5d/4n:  USD 240 p.p.

Additional costs: 

Single Supplement USD 20 per night.
Extra bed incl. meals: USD 20 per night.
Transfer on another day: USD 60 per person if two people.
USD 40 p.p. person if 3 are sharing etc.  

Includes:All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in double occupancy ger. All meals including American breakfast. Transfers to and from any location or hotel in Ulaanbaatar proper on a Friday or Monday. 

Excludes: Laundry,imported drinks. Additional day including all meals and taxes.

Children: 1-6 years free. 7-12 years 50%.

DATES ex Ulaanbaatar
Every Friday and Monday 06Jun-26Sep

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