Day 12 February 25th Nomad Camp and Khustai National Park
The fire in our Ger caused trouble for our guide Tebo throughout the night. Dried dung is used as fuel given the lack of wood for burning. Not particularly long-lasting and when it would not burn it would NOT burn. And there we were lying back in our warm covers – spoilt!
Eventually as the night cooled considerably the husband came in and used a heated hammer handle to get the fire going. We suddenly went from chilly outside but wrapped in our wool quilt to tropical warmth.
A trip to the toilet in the night while essential was put off as long as was humanly possible – however the star filled sky made the trip worth it.
The morning was clear blue skies, wide snow filled horizons. Breakfast a mutton soup with home-made noodles.
After breakfast our hosts were continuing to prepare for New Year as we prepared to leave. Our hostess sat outside the Ger hand stitching a traditional costume until she disappeared and reappeared in full traditional costume with a bowl of milk which was sprinkled over the car tyres with a quiet mantra to ensure our safe journey. We recognised we have had a very special experience.
Off to search for wild Mongolian horses. A search which was exciting for all of us though we were warned it may not be successful.
More snow covered mountain tracks this time sudden stops when wildlife were seen as we headed into the Khustai National Park Shimadee spotted in the distance a silver fox – we had trouble viewing it through binoculars and were amazed at his ability to see animals into the distance while driving with just his eyes.
Next a small group of reindeer were spotted. The males watched us closely despite being some distance away and once we moved the 2 females disappeared followed by the ever watchful males sporting varying lengths of horn.
Finally and with great excitement – a group of Mongolian wild horses once almost extinct – differing from the domesticated horses in their colour – the Mongolian wild horses are more a single pale Palamino colour with finer tails.
Back to Ulan Bataar and the “White House Hotel” a big laundry wash resulting in washing draped throughout our room. The room was large as was the bathroom. We also had a walk in robe, large desk, ornate chairs, heavy drapes all in a rich red – burgundy.
Tebo collected us out for an amazing farewell Mongolian Hot Pot dinner – you couldn’t see the table for the food.
