| hifest201210:53 UTC10 Jan 2012 | Hi,I am writing usefull informations how to get to Ice festival.
The Ice festival is held annually after Tsagaan Sar (the Mongolian new year festival) in March 1-2 along the western shores of Lake Khovsgol near Hatgal. From May to November, the lake is normally a magnificent mass of water, majestically stretching 127kms from the Russian border down to Hatgal and 40kms at its widest part. To experience it as a sheer plate of ice is stunning and remarkable..... not to mention slightly eerie at times! The festival is attended mostly by Mongolians who live in the area to break the monotony of winter. There is a constant array of colourful deels (local costume), excited faces, and greeting styles that have been practiced and passed down the generations in Mongolia for centuries. Ice sumo, horse sledge racing, ice skating and driving competitions are all part of this colourful event.To visit that place possible by car or by plane to Muren and than by car.I have been on that festival last year it was nice fun...We took a Russian minivan with 5 others from Ub to Hatgal and back.We had own food and on the way has slept in a hostel in Rashaant village/its on the way to Khovsgol.on next day we arrived around 7 pm in Hatgal.it took us around 17 hours./800km/
After Ice festival we took different road and has visited Amarbayasgalant monastery.
We paid 650$ for one way for the van.We have shared between us.If there is more tourists you will pay less.there is 10 seats in a van.
In Hatgal we stayed 3 nights in a local guest house.You need to leave on 27th of february from UB and arrive on 28 in Hatgal.And leave back on 3rd of March arrive in UB on 4th.It nwill be 5 days trip.Its one of the cheapest way to visit Lake Khovsgol and Ice Festival.if you planning to visit you can contact to our driver.He speaks English and very good Man.His name Amar.here is his email address:
amardalai31@yahoo.com
His friends also can arrange car in Muren if you take plane to Muren/to pick up you/
all the best have a nice stay in Mongolia
I hope it can help you
Tom,
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