Of the innumerable scenic areas in Mongolia, the northernmost province of Hovsgol is, unquestionably, the most beautiful. If you have the time to visit only one place, this should be it.

This is the land of tall, evergreen forests, crystal clear lakes, icy streams and miles upon miles of lush meadows ablaze with anemones, brilliant yellow globeflowers, delphiniums, asters and a wonderful rare species of orchid.

It was here, during a cycle ride that I chanced upon Lake Hovsgol, an alpine lake measuring 125km long and 30km wide with water pure enough to drink. For four days I camped on the lakeshore enjoying the clean air, cooking fish straight from the water, absorbing the tranquil beauty of the place.

On our final day, I met a Mongolian woman who was hammering away at a half-made wooden cabin and in conversation she told me of her dream to build several such cabins to accomodate the few travellers venturing out to discover the lake.

Otgai, as she is called, had secured a 60 year lease on a patch of land, measuring 20,000 square metres, leading to the lakeshore. She also had permission to fell 800 Larch trees, an abundance of skilled labour, but no funds to progress the resort beyond this half-finished cabin. Her enterprise was called Nature`s Door.

Over vodka, we sat and talked into the night and by breakfast time, we had agreed to become business partners. A few weeks later, I flew back with an architect and my son Ben, who was keen to head up the project. We compiled a shopping list which included an inflatable boat to ferry people up the lake; a mobile sawmill to convert the logs into planks; a shop; kitchen and restaurant; solar heating panels to heat the water for showers; generators to provide power (there is no electricity) and clean, odourless composting toilets.

In June 2000, 4th World Adventure Limited working with our Mongolian associates, Nature`s Door, was open for business for independent travellers at our Garage 24 site. Come May 2001, our 4th World Adventure Expedition Centre at Lake Hovsgol is now fully up and running offering attractive and comfortable accommodation in Gers (traditional round-shaped felt tents) and Lodges, and a range of well organised, action-packed expeditions or individually designed tailor-made trips.

The choice of activities is endless. Fully trained guides will lead expeditions on horseback into the magnificent mountain ranges surrounding the lake. There will be mountain biking, cycling, fishing - catch as many fish as you can cook on a campfire - and breathe in the air of one of the last great unexplored parts of the world.

For more information and photography, please contact Silvana Turner, on 01491 638 079 or Email us on: pressinfo@4thWorldadventure.com, for any further information requirements or queries you may have.