Around Dariganga
We begin the day early and spend an hour looking around Ganga Lake (13kms south east of Dariganga). With a combination of salt and fresh water, the lake creates a unique micro atmosphere for migrating swans (end of September till mid October). We don't see the swans however the wetlands contain other beautiful birds. There is also a bubbling fresh drinking spring.
Next we visit the mountain Shilling But, where a statue to the great and generous man who gave to the poor is a place for people to give thanks and offerings.
At midday we trek up Shiliin Bogd Uul, one of the most sacred mountains in Mongolia. For me, this a highlight of eastern Mongolia. The 360 degree plains are littered with the smooth calderas of extinct volcanos brushed by constant winds. It’s a very raw and dramatic landscape which feels other worldly. We also spot marmots at the base of the mountain weaving their way around complex burrows. The nearby Taliin Agui (cave of Tali) was closed, its uncertain if this is a permanent thing. The cave is meant to project positive energy and is the largest in Mongolia. It’s walls glitter in utter darkness. We head east towards Lake Nur and into vast open spaces. Here we share the road with the petrol tankers of a very productive Chinese petrol company.
After 5 hours of driving we decide to set up camp some distance from the road. We are 200kms from Lake Nur.
by Ourania Bolis
