Winter Bolshoy Sayan: Turgen-Gol Circuit, Topografov Peak and the Unfinished Choigan Exit

The Tissa, Topografov Peak and Choigan form a winter journey through the Bolshoy Sayan mountains. It starts in the Shutkhulay-Nur area on the Tissa. The opening stage first follows the Khorin-Gol and Turgen-Gol towards 23 February Pass before returning to river valleys. Munku-Sasan remains a mountain landmark of this circuit; its summit was not reached in this version. Khandaigay-Nur Lake and the return via Soedinitelny Pass towards the Khokhyur-Zhalga add open winter country and confined river steps. Beyond the Tissa, the journey follows the Khelgin. Wooded river country gives way to Dodo-Khukhe-Nur and Dede-Khukhe-Nur lakes, then the glaciated Topografov massif. The summit outing requires independent mountain preparation and a current assessment of snow, cornices and the glacier. Unsuitable conditions justify leaving it out. Khelgin Pass leads to the Arzhan-Khem lakes, including Green Lake, and the Choigan mineral springs. The water outlets among mountain forest make an interesting place for quiet observation; bath operation, accommodation and bathing access remain unconfirmed. Beyond Choigan-Daban, the route ends in the upper Dunda-Gol area on an unfinished approach towards Dovurak. A prepared departure from that final location is absent. The historical expedition was interrupted by a fatal avalanche involving its leader. Repeating the outing therefore requires a new safe completion plan, review of every mountain stage and prepared backup exits. This version does not reach the Valley of Volcanoes. Explore its places within the prepared group’s abilities, retaining the option to turn back before an unsafe continuation.