Morning at Khuvsgul Lake
Waking up by Khuvsgul Lake was refreshing, especially after the relaxing day we had spent there. The crisp morning air, the tranquil waters, and the birdsong made for a perfect start. We packed up our camp, knowing that today’s journey to the Darkhad Valley would be the most challenging of our trip. There was excitement but also a bit of nervousness in the air as we prepared for what lay ahead.
Starting the Drive to Darkhad Valley
We began our drive on a tame gravel road that passed through a beautiful forest. It felt deceptively easy at first, but soon we found ourselves slowly ascending a valley towards the mountain pass. The road conditions started to worsen—muddy, bumpy, with large stones scattered across the path. Our progress slowed, and we had to be extra cautious to avoid damaging the vehicles. Unlike our previous drives, there were no Priuses in sight—this route was clearly not for regular cars.
Facing the Muddy Incline
As we continued, we reached a section of the route that was especially challenging—a steeper, very slippery muddy incline. We gave it our best shot, but both vehicles kept sliding back, unable to gain enough traction to make it to the top. I could see the worried look on my wife’s face, while the children, as usual, were thrilled with the challenge. We decided to use the mud tracks that had been provided for the tour—pieces of rough plastic designed to give the tires better traction. It worked. With the mud tracks in place, one vehicle managed to climb the slope, and we used a winch to pull the second car up. It was teamwork at its finest, and once we reached the top, we couldn’t help but celebrate overcoming another challenge.
Reaching the Pass
We continued our climb through the Khoridol Saridag mountains, with the road winding its way through the rugged terrain. Eventually, we reached the top point of the Khoridol Saridag mountain pass. The view was breathtaking—majestic rocky mountains all around us, their grandeur making us feel small yet connected to the land. We made several stops to take in the views and capture the beauty of the pass. The descent was steep but manageable, as the gravel road was well maintained by the locals, and it snaked down the mountains without much trouble.
Entering the Darkhad Valley
Crossing the Khoridol Saridag mountain pass, we finally entered the Darkhad Valley. The valley was everything we had imagined and more—vast, serene, and untouched. Here are some facts about the Darkhad Valley: It is located in northern Mongolia and is known for its pristine natural beauty. The valley is home to the Darkhad people, who are closely related to the Mongolian reindeer herders, the Tsaatan. Historically, the valley has been a significant area for nomadic herders due to its rich grazing land. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the Darkhad Valley is filled with numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands, making it one of Mongolia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Lunch at the Pebble Road
After crossing the pass, we found ourselves driving along a pebble riverbed—essentially a dry part of the river that fills up during the heavy rains. Surrounded by forest on both sides, it seemed like the perfect spot to take a break. We stopped, unpacked our lunch, and enjoyed the serene surroundings. The peacefulness of the location was incredible, and we took our time soaking it all in. Although we were told there was a small waterfall nearby hidden in the trees, we decided against searching for it and instead focused on the journey ahead.
Driving Through the Valley
We continued our drive on what I have come to know as a typical Mongolian dirt road—bumpy, unpredictable, but incredibly scenic. The Darkhad Valley is full of small rivers, streams, and lakes, each adding to the area’s charm. As the day started to wind down, we chose a spot beside a river to set up camp for the night. The flowing water, the green surroundings, and the sense of adventure made it the ideal location.
Fishing in the River
Once we set up camp, I decided to take advantage of the river and try my luck at fishing. I hooked up a typical spoon lure, started casting, and slowly walked upstream with each cast. There should be plenty of fish here, I thought. After a few casts, I felt a strong pull—an Asiatic trout! I jumped up and down with joy, my excitement infectious. Buoyed by my success, I kept fishing, and soon enough, I had three beautiful trout hanging from a branch. I returned to camp feeling like a hero, my catch bringing smiles all around.
Grilling the Fish and Enjoying the Evening
Our friends from Korea quickly got to work preparing the fresh fish for grilling over an open fire. The smell of the fish grilling filled the air, mixing with the natural scents of the valley. There was something incredibly fulfilling about that moment—the peacefulness of the surroundings, the excitement of the day’s challenges, and the sheer beauty of the Darkhad Valley. As we sat together, sharing the freshly grilled fish, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Everything felt perfect, and I couldn’t help but get a little emotional inside, appreciating the simplicity and beauty of this incredible experience.