Morning at Terhiin Tsagaan Lake
Waking up by the beautiful Terhiin Tsagaan Lake was an experience I will always remember. The crisp morning air and the stunning views of the lake were the perfect start to our day. We enjoyed a quick breakfast by the lakeside, savoring the calmness before the busy day ahead. Afterward, we packed up the campsite, readying ourselves for the long offroad drive. I felt a mix of excitement and caution—today’s journey was going to be a real adventure.
Starting the Drive to Khuvsgul
We set off from Terhiin Tsagaan Lake in our vehicles, perfect for the offroad travel ahead. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and ever-changing—from valleys, to forests, to plains, filled with all kinds of flowers. Usually, there was always the now familiar sight of a Mongolian yurt in the distance, providing a comforting feeling that even in such a remote and wild place, there were people to ask for help in case of an emergency. The road conditions constantly varied, from smooth to bumpy to rocky to wet, making for a challenging but rewarding drive.
The day’s drive was filled with offroad paths, small stream crossings, and navigating over three mountain passes. It was both thrilling and demanding, with each change in terrain presenting a new challenge. Even in this extreme driving condition, every now and then we would always spot a Prius being driven by a local. It would become an ongoing joke for us and we would all get excited every time we spotted Priuses in places that even the Landcruiser was having difficulty with. The drive was filled with excitement and adventure, but there was also a level of caution as we tackled the rugged terrain.
Midway Lunch Stop
Midway through the journey, we stopped in a scenic valley for a much-needed lunch break. The landscape around us was picturesque, with the valley surrounded by rolling hills and colorful wildflowers. It was the perfect place to take a break, stretch our legs, and enjoy a meal together. We shared stories and laughter, taking a moment to appreciate the remoteness of our location. The children ran around, enjoying the freedom of the open space, while we adults soaked in the beauty of the Mongolian countryside.
Getting Stuck in Mud
After lunch, as we resumed our journey, I took a wrong path and ended up getting stuck in the mud. There was an initial sense of worry—would this delay us significantly and ruin our planned schedule? But the children found the whole situation hilarious, and their laughter quickly lightened the mood. It became an opportunity for us men to demonstrate our survival skills. With the help of the second car, we managed to tow the stuck vehicle out. The teamwork and problem-solving brought everyone closer together, and the wives and children cheered with applause as we successfully freed the car from the mud.
Reaching Murun
With the mud incident behind us, we continued our journey towards Murun, the provincial capital. We arrived in Murun in the late afternoon, tired but happy. We took a short break to refuel and rest, grabbing coffee and snacks at a cute little coffee shop. We also restocked our supplies from the supermarket. It had been a long journey so far, but the sense of accomplishment kept us motivated for the final stretch.
Final Stretch to Khuvsgul Lake
After a brief rest in Murun, we set off for the final stretch to Khuvsgul Lake. The drive took over an hour, and as darkness began to fall, everyone started feeling the fatigue. But there was also a sense of excitement—we were getting closer to our destination. We finally reached Khuvsgul Lake just as it was getting dark, and a feeling of relief washed over us. It had been a challenging day, but we had made it.
Staying at a Tourist Camp by Khuvsgul Lake
Upon arriving at Khuvsgul Lake, we checked into a luxurious tourist camp by the lake. It was exactly what we needed after such an exhausting day. We enjoyed hot showers to wash off the dust and grime, feeling rejuvenated by the warm water. Dinner at the camp’s restaurant was well-deserved—delicious food and the comfort of a cozy dining space made for a perfect end to the day. After dinner, we headed to bed early, our bodies tired but our hearts full. There was a deep sense of accomplishment from completing the challenging drive.
Anticipating the Next Day at Khuvsgul Lake
As I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the day ahead. Tomorrow, we would have ample time to explore the beauty of Khuvsgul Lake, and I looked forward to all the adventures that awaited us—whether it was hiking, taking a boat ride, or simply enjoying the serene views of the lake. After the trials of the day’s journey, a day by the lake sounded like the perfect reward. forward to a more relaxed and leisurely day. After the trials of the day’s journey, a day by the lake sounded like the perfect reward.