Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Horse Riding
The only place to organise a horse trek around the lake is in Khatgal. The guesthouses
here can arrange everything within 24 hours. Prices are negotiable but reasonable at
about T20,000 to T25,000 per horse per day, and about the same per day for a guide. Ger
camps along the lake can organise horse hire for day trips.
A guide is recommended for horse-riding trips in the region and, in fact, park regula-
tions stipulate that foreigners should have one local guide for every four tourists. Even if
you have great equestrian skills, there are concerns that tourists riding solo may get lost
or have their horses stolen. Guides will expect you to provide food while on the trail.
A complete circuit of the lake on horseback will take from 15 to 21 days. A return trip
by horse from Khatgal to Tsagaannuur, and a visit to the Tsaatan, will take 14 to 20 days,
most of which will be spent in the saddle, giving you only a day or two with the Tsaatan
themselves.
An interesting two-week trip could take you east of the lake to Chandman-Öndör and
Dayan Derkhiin Agui, a sacred cave. A trip to the Bulnai hot springs would take eight to
nine days.
Shorter trips include one to Toilogt, through the mountainous Khoridol Saridag Nuruu
Strictly Protected Area, or up to Khar Us and back in five or six days.
Kayaking & Boating
The lake is full of glorious coves, perfect for kayaking. Nomadic Expeditions in Ulaan-
baatar ( Click here ) runs kayaking trips in the region. Garage 24 ( Click here ) and MS
Guesthouse rent kayaks for about T50,000 per day, and MS Guesthouse also offers the
fun option of sending you downriver along Egiin Gol and agreeing on where to fish you
out; you can kayak for up to 100km - and come back by jeep (T100,000).
Almost exactly in the middle of the lake lies Modon Huys , a picturesque little island
surrounded by turquoise, tropical-looking waters. Several guesthouses, including MS
Guesthouse and Garage 24, own motor boats; the latter can run travellers up to its camp
and beyond to the island and the northern reaches of the lake. Other boat owners are
happy to whisk three to four passengers up to a smaller island near Khatgal (around two
hours return). For something a bit longer, ask about the two-day boat trip to Jiglegiin Am
(T600,000 for up to five people, including meals).
In summer (July to mid-August) the Sükhbaatar (adult/child T15,000/5000; 12pm &
3pm) passenger ferry does daily 90-minute scenic/party boat trips, to the loud accompani-
ment of Mongolian pop and with plenty of passenger 'fuel' in the form of beer.
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