lake bailal, Amarbayasgalant Khiid, UB and east from there

the magical lake bailkal, last time I was in the north. and unlike there the south is surrounded by mountains and on the east site covered by snow! found an public beach to camp on. there where some peaple/cars here when dusk fell, and also when I woke up. but was left alone and or greeted with a smile.

The next day I took a small detour to a small town with a very nice monastery, I was actually planning to camp here but decided to drive further as the wind was freezing. but only found an nice spot after ulan ude an 100km from the border, so Mongolia would be the next day!

The border crossing took around 2 to 3 hours. drove past 15 trucks or so as personal cars have an separate line that moves a lot faster. accedently took a wrong turn. had a dog search my car. there was an inspection under the hood. on the Mongolia site i was cleaned out off my rubles. pays for a disinfection bath, tax for something and insurance. when I got to the customs they where on lunch, usually 1,5 hours I was told. but within 15 min someone showed up to clear me. and with my last stamp good enter Mongolia.

First night would be at Amarbayasgalant Khiid, an monastery that mostly survived the soviet purge of Buddhism. The 35 Km 'off road detour was very worth it, had cross a river, some streams and a pass. it was the first time I properly took used my 4x4. But it turns out I could have taken an Prius, thats what the locals drive. Also lost my Mongolian map, the wind needed it I gues and never gave it back. he even didn't ask, he just took it try the open window when I was making a quick toilet stop. I will make sure I close the windows before I exit the car next time. seeing the the scenery and the friendly people I met today told me I made a good decision visiting Mongolia!

My Sister will be traveling with me for a while, but will only arrive on the 4th. so I hade a bit more than a week to spend on my own, seeing some site we wouldn't visit together. first had to apply for an Russian visa. and after drove east on good luck. Really not much here, some nice senery. a closed museum at my furthest destination. and a giant statue of genghis khan. mostly relaxed a bit as I have driven most days in Russia. also help out at new camp of the previous owner of oasis Guesthouse, the previous overland howe spot in Ulaanbatar. The new camp (river point lodge) will soon take over I think. I had time to spend so why not help out a bit. I am now an solar panel expert.....

Had some troubles at gas station as they don't take my card for some reason. the first time I didn't have enough cash as well! but now aim a millionaire, sow won't have to worry about not being able to pay with a card. I just took out a lot from the ATM.

Also the night before I arrived at River point lodge I had to use my compressor. My back right tire only had 0,5 bar left in it. Found out I picked up a nail and was slowly letting air out of my tire. this was easy fixed at one of the tire shads along the raod.