words from the world

I spend a whole day in Möron to recover from this long trek in the Mongolian nature. I landed by chance in a warm-hearted place which is called Bata's Guesthouse.
In this province capital city that counts up a little more than 35000 people, the houses are a set of rickety buildings. The villagers don't have current water and they supply themselves from a few public spots. So, they carried all the water we use in the guesthouse in tanks. And if you want to take a hot shower, you must ask the owner. He will light a fire to warm the watertank. The prices are particularly low since we can sleep for less than 3€ and you can order a handmade pasta and mutton meal for 1€ exactly.
The village is of no tourist interest except being the departure point to the Khatgal village on the shore of the Khovsgol lake, 3h northward by jeep. Some people take the advantage of being here to arrange a trip up to the white lake, the Tsataans' land. Tsataans people are a sort of nomadic ethnic minority that live from the reindeer breeding. A special authorization is necessary to approach them and the nomadism is the only thing in common they share with the Mongolians. Their housing looks like a tepee and throughout the year, they move seeking for a specific grass for their reindeers. This animal provides them with the meat and the skin and can be used to carry various things for their frequent moving.
I satisfy myself with staying in the Khatgal village and enjoying the alpine scenery of the lake. A lot of people compare it to the little bit northern Baikal lake. The crystal-clear waters and the shimmering reflection at sunrise attract a lot of tourists. Mainly Mongolians coming from Ulan Baatar who camp on the lake shore with the family.







The ecosystem is endemic in this area. The several peaks, mounds and hills which surround the lake are covered in pine-trees forests. The landscapes remind me of the Alps at the summertime. I step a few hours on the West bank of the lake ; then, I climb one of the hill to get a view from above over the water area. Herds of yaks reside here, around the lake.




The next day, I go for a horseback riding with a guide on the other shore of the lake. We stop in several gers where the dwellers offer us the traditional hospitality. I really enjoy the "Tarag" (homemade yoghurt). A few lucky people have the opportunity to go round the lake by horseriding, Other ones will prefer the kayak.






In the guesthouse, I meet a breton couple who are members of a French-Mongolian friendship association and through this association, members can buy a ger, made in Mongolia and delivered in France by container ship. Several choices are possible, from the furnishing to the surface area. And for 5000€, you can live in a cosy Mongolian atmosphere at the bottom of the garden. For the association's website (in French), here is the link : www.avelnomad.org
After contemplating this invigorating and inspiring nature, I go back to Moron before flying back to Ulan Baatar. The Mongolian loop is over. The day after tomorrow, I'm taking the transmongolian train to live the tribulations of a Frenchman in China. A wonderful experience ends and the trip goes on.