How does the equipment and food get to Tsagaan Nuur?

Day: 82-83

Sunrise:
07:38/07:39

Sunset:
18:32/18:30

Total kilometers:
777

Soil condition:
Dust/gravel

Temperature – Day (maximum):
14°C

Temperature – day (minimum):
10°C

Temperature – Night:
minus 2°

Latitude:
49°38’671”

Longitude:
100°11’496”

Maximum height:
1220 m above sea level

We actually wanted to set off tomorrow. However, as we still don’t have all the food we need for about eight months, we have to buy some small items at the market and, above all, we still don’t know how all our equipment will get the 300 kilometers from Mörön to Tasagaan Nuur, we still have to stay here. Saraa thinks we might need two buses. “We could transport your things with our own four-wheel drive bus. Then we would also be sure that everything arrives where you want it. My husband Gonschig would take a vacation and drive himself. However, we would need another vehicle. Everything doesn’t fit in our minibus. If we take my yurt, which you have rented, with us from here, we will need a truck,’ she explains. “A truck? How much does a truck cost from here to Tsagaan Nuur and back?” I ask. “A Russian truck is needed because of the bad tracks and possible snowfall, the many river crossings and passes. They can manage the terrain. But it swallows at least 50 liters per 100 km.” “That would be at least 300 liters of fuel there and back. At a price per liter of around 1,800 Tugrik (€1.028), that would be 540,000 Tugrik (€309) in fuel alone. Plus the rent for the truck and the driver?” “Yes. The driver will take 50,000 tugrik (€29) a day. In total, we have to calculate two days there and two days back. That means another 200,000 tugrik (€114) plus the hire of the truck. All in all, I think you’re looking at one million Tugrik (571,- €). But you mustn’t forget that everything has to be returned next year. So the costs are double,” Saraa adds. “Phew, that’s getting more and more expensive. Is there an alternative?” “I still have a yurt that is stored with my cousin Ayush in Tsagaan Nuur. I’ll find out if it’s in order or what needs to be repaired. If you take it and trust that it is suitable for winter, we can do without the truck,” she considers. “What does winter-proof mean?” “We need at least two felt outer mats for thermal insulation. Three would be even better. Also, as far as I know, a wooden floor would have to be incorporated into my yurt. It’s too cold without it. I’ll have the wooden floor made. You don’t need to worry about that. My Tsataan friend Shagai will certainly take care of that. He’ll have it done by the time you get there. If Ayush finds the yurt suitable and the floor is in it, you could take it.”

A few hours later, the situation is a little clearer. According to her cousin, Saraa found out the condition of her yurt. It is obviously in good condition and, with two felt outer mats, is suitable for wintering in the eastern taiga of Mongolia. Shagai is actually prepared to install the wooden floor for 80,000 tugrik (€46). This solved the problem of transporting the yurt from Mörön to Tsagaan Nuur. Which in turn means that we don’t need an expensive truck, just one or two four-wheel drive minibuses. Further cost clarification tells us the price of a Russian four-wheel drive minibus. Approx. 400,000 (€ 229.-) to 500,000 (€ 286.-) Tugrik. Almost the same as a Russian truck. Tanja and I spend an enormous amount of time talking and negotiating. So far, the expedition is getting more and more expensive and if we don’t pay attention, it eats unpleasant holes in our tight budget.

Bilgee has just met a cab driver whose brother owns a Russian minibus. The next morning he turns up at our house. After a long negotiation we agree on 350,000 Tugrik (200,- €). As Tanja and I believe we can fit all our equipment, plus yurt furnishings and food, into one bus, we arrange a trial packing session. The driver agrees and wants to come by tomorrow at 14:00 with his minibus.

In the evening, when Bilgee is out with the horses again, the conversations with Saraa continue. “Have you worked out the costs with Bilgee if he looks after the horses for you over the winter?” “No, we haven’t talked about that specifically yet. So far he’s not sure whether he’ll take the horses from Tsagaan Nuur to Erdenet or only as far as Mörön. He wants to decide that when we get to Tsagaan Nuur. He thinks it depends on the weather,” I reply. “Well, it makes sense if he decides soon and here. If he doesn’t ride the horses all the way to Erdenet, they’ll have to stay here. In that case, I should talk to the prison warden about the conditions. It will only take extra effort to negotiate everything with the Major if the horses end up being ridden to Erdenet after all.” “You’re right about that. When Bilgee comes back from the pasture tonight, we’ll talk to him about it,” Tanja suggests. “And don’t forget to mention his salary. I have a feeling he might think you’re paying him full wages for the entire seven months.” “Well, that would be expensive horse herding. We could easily buy new mounts for that,” I reply, a little startled. “Do you think Bilgee really expects to get his full salary for herding horses?” asks Tanja. “Well, he’s not a money-hungry person as far as we know but it’s all in there. At least I wouldn’t be surprised,” I can imagine.

We look forward to your comments!