Borderlands…

What an adventure it was to drive all the way to Mongolia’s border with Russia and China. Many attempt it and don’t make it–getting there requires a blessing of fates. You need the right vehicle (certain Russian buses are preferred), a talented driver, and the weather on your side.

We awoke very early in our yurt to sunshine–relieved and grateful to have the weather on our side. After packing up our yurt and taking part in some daily morning rituals, we jumped in the car–all pumped to try and make it to the shrine on the top of the mountain range on the border.

We encountered many bumps on the “road” along the way, and made sure to hold on tight to prevent our bodies bumping against the door, dashboard, or car seats. We took a few breaks to take photos and drink in the view as the mountains got closer and closer as we headed towards Siberia.

I was lucky that my Mongolian colleagues had such a deep appreciation of nature–it felt great to all drink in the natural beauty and notice each detail as we made our pilgrimage to the shrine.

When we reached the shrine, we witnessed pilgrims before us doing rituals at the shrine and some were dressed in traditional dress. We took care of our individual needs at the shrine (some prayed, some threw milk, some circumambulated), and then headed towards the glacial highway to our right on foot.

This mountain range, called the Five Saints in Mongolia, features Mongolia’s highest point–4374 meters above sea level. Because it is so hard to reach, Mongolia, Russia, and China have agreed not to even bother trying to install a border marker or station where their borders meet.

I hadn’t packed a heavy winter jacket (hello Siberia, brrr!), so I wore about seven thick layers. I had on multiple sweaters and pairs of pants. As we walked towards the glacial highway, the temperature began to rise and I began to bake in my layers. When I finally sat down to drink in the view, I began peeling off my outer layers one by one.

As we got closer to the glacial highway, we all went in our separate directions to commune with nature in our own special way (and yes, I even did tai chi while I was there, facing the humbling mountain peaks). After everyone’s nature needs had been met, we nibbled on some snacks, and then hopped back in the car to continue our epic adventure. We left the Five Saints as proud and joyful pilgrims, having reached a sacred site that is so often off-limits to those who attempt to reach it.