We were in Khatgal, a small town on the southern tip of lake Khovsgol. Lake Khovsgol holds 1% of the worlds fresh water and it's 95% pure - cleaner than water that comes out taps at home.
We walked through the town looking for a ger camp to stay at. We found a family run camp right next to the waters edge. They didn't seem to mind about the 200m rule which says no camps less than 200m from waters edge to keep the water pure. Suited us though, £1.50 each a night, unlimited supply of wood for the stove and a big pan for cooking, perfect.
The first night we bought a load of yak meat from a meat counter in town and a load of veg. We cooked up a big Mongolian soup on the wood fired stove. It was lush and lasted a few days.
The next day we got a lift up the west coast of the lake from the ger camp owner. We spent the day chilling on the beach. We walked out along a spit which was cool. We went to a shop, bought a bottle of vodka and juice and sat on the shore listening to music until our lift returned at 7PM to collect us. Was a brilliant day. The lake and surrounding mountains are beautiful. That evening we were invited to a birthday party of the sister of the ger camp owner. They made a campfire on the bank of the lake and all the family were there. More vodka was consumed. It was a fun night. We invited the owners for food the following day.
The next day we arranged a boat trip on the lake. Coincidentally it was the same boat the others went on two weeks before. That night the ger owners came to our ger for food. We cooked them mutton soup. Went down a treat.
The next morning we got a lift in a mini van to Moron where we were going to catch our 17 hour coach to UB. We arrived nice and early at 1PM, it was due to leave at 2PM. At 2PM we were the only people on the bus. We new is was meant to be full because we had the last two tickets. Gradually people began arriving in dribs and drabs. No one seemed bothered they were late, no sense of urgency with anyone. At 3.10PM it was full and ready to go, but they needed fuel, another 20 minutes of faffing and we finally set off at 3.30PM! The journey was interesting, a 50 seater coach going down mud tracks, through rivers and over passes. The bus stopped at one point and everyone was beckoned off. There was a floating bridge which looked like it was from the second world war. There was some serious movment when our coach drove across, we could now see why they asked everyone to get out! We arrived back in UB safe and sound.
Rob
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