From Hovd Travel in Mongolia
Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain
Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, whose name means "Happy Sacred" Mountain, is a 3,796 meter mountain in Khar Us Nuur National Park. Though technically part of the Mongol Altai Mountain Range, it stands alone, with its permanently snow-capped peak looming over Khar Us Lake. Jargalant Khairkhan is also home to the renowned Jargalt Orgil Herders' Community Group, as well as Mongolia's tallest waterfall in the Rashaantyn Am Valley. The area supports critical habitats for Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex .
The Jargalant Orgil Herders' Community Group was established in February 2005. It consists of 76 members from 28 families. The goal of the community is to be self-developed for the benefit of both the community members and the surrounding environment. The community voluntarily took responsibility for conserving the Rashaantyn Am Valley of Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, which is part of Khar Us Nuur National Park. In addition to conservation activities, the community runs an eco-tourism business, and produces traditional handicrafts, particularly felt products. Their felt matt with Snow Leopard footprints has become a famous product in western Mongolia, not to mention the imitation Snow Leopard pelt, made entirely out of felt. There are ger camps in Bayan Khairkhan and Rashaantyn Am Valley for receiving tourists. The group resides in Chandmani soum, Suljee bag. To get in touch with them contact D. Baigalmaa (Д. Байгалмаа) at the Hovd aimag branch of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) office at (976) 9943-8855 or (976) 8843-0080.
