Mongolia is a land of many cultures and diverse landscapes. Each direction you travel to has something unique of its own to offer you. Our tour is designed to take you to some of the best sceneries where you experience exotic natural scenery whilst enjoying modern comforts.
Meet with the local team upon arrival in Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Transfer to the city center for welcome dinner and check-in at the hotel for overnight.
In the morning, we depart from the hotel towards the town of Darkhan. It is one of the two largest cities outside of Ulaanbaatar. We have lunch here prior to continuing our journey towards the Amarbayasgalant monastery.
In the late afternoon, we reach the monastery of Amarbayasgalant. It is considered one of the tree major monastic centers of Mongolia. Despite the political purges of 1930s, the monastery survived in a better condition than most of the monasteries in the country. It was built in 1727, using ancient wood working techniques; thus, its construction has no metallic beams or nails in its construction. The monastic ground and nearby hills offer meditative sightseeing experiences.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, we will drive to visit the dormant volcano Uran Togoo. The volcano erupted approximately 24,000 years ago and is surrounded by green steppes and forests. It is the largest of the four dormant volcanoes that can be found in the surrounding valleys. The area offers a great opportunity for trekking. The volcanic crater is 600m wide, 50-60m deep and can be walked into.
Later, we drive to the town of Bulgan for lunch. After lunch, we visit a local Nomadic family to witness the traditional lifestyle of nomads which has survived and adapted well into the modern times.
After lunch at the town of Bulgan, we reach Sod Camp in the afternoon. The camp is located opposite a majestic mountain range and there are trekking opportunities available. In the proximity of the camp, there is a mineral spring with healing properties.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
This day, we leave to reach our main destination at Lake Khuvsgul. On the way, we stop for lunch by the town of Moron, capital of Khuvsgul province. Later, we continue on to our camp located by the shores of Lake Khuvsgul.
Khuvsgul is the second largest freshwater lake in Asia, covering a span of 2,760 sq.km and was formed around 2 million years ago. It is located on the borderline of Central Asian steppes and Siberian Taiga forests. It is home to one of the country’s most unique ethnic groups – the Tsaatan. The Tsaatan people, also known as Dukha, make their living mainly through reindeer herding.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (B+L+D)
Today, we enjoy a free day to at the lake. There are a number of optional activities we can choose from. Available activities:
- Boat riding
- Horse riding
- Local nomadic family visit
- Tsaatan family visit
- Trekking along the shore lines and forests
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrades available) . (B+L+D)
In the morning, we depart towards the camp of Ulziit Khishig. The camp is located on the way towards the highlight destination of our tour. It is located in a bountiful valley surrounded by greenery and trees on a hillside.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (cabin available) . (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we depart for the province of Arkhangai to reach the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The main attractions in the area include the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake which covers an area of 61 sq.km and serves as home to many birds. Next to the lake, we can find a now-dormant Khorgo volcano. The volcano erupted over 8,000 years ago; this event directly shaped the surrounding landscape and affected the shape of the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
We shall have opportunities to visit the lake shores and trek up the crater of the volcano to experience a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
This day, we drive towards the town of Kharkhorin. The town is located in the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape area where the history of not just Mongolia, but the World has been shaped.
The capital of the Mongol Empire was located in the town of Kharkhorin. Many artifacts that trace their origins to the Mongol empire and dynasties that came before them, can be found in the Kharkhorin Museum.
Another major site we visit is the Erdene Zuu monastery. It is the oldest Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia that traces its origins to the late 16th century. For hundreds of years, thousands of monks have lived in this monastery and contributed greatly to culture of Mongolia. Sadly, the monastery was affected by political purges in the 1930s and much of the wealth has been lost to us. However, the monastic grounds were preserved and there are a number of both old temples and currently functioning temples that can be visited.
After breakfast at the camp, we drive towards the ruins of Ongi Monastery, located in the Middle Gobi province. Ongi monastery was located on the two banks of the Ongi river from which it drew its name. The monastery is considered to have been one of the three major monastic centers in Mongolian history. At its peak, the monastery housed over 2,000 monks and shaped modern art and culture of the nation.
After lunch at the camp, we trek by the monastic grounds which are undergoing a slow, but steady renovation and learn more of its history.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
Bayanzag area is normally referred to as ‘Flaming Cliffs’ due to the uniquely, flaming colors the local cliffs gain during sunsets. The Flaming cliffs are a both paleontologically and historically important. On top of being on the path of the ancient Silk Road, it is a place where the World’s first fossilized dinosaur eggs were discovered.
After a morning drive, we check-in at a camp and have lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the local information center where we can learn more about the expedition of Roy Chapman Andrews who also served as inspiration to the character of Indiana Jones. After the information center, trekking and photo shooting opportunities will be plentiful along the Flaming cliffs.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
The Khongor Sand Dunes are highlight of any Gobi trip. After departing from the camp, drive approximately 220km to reach the next ger camp. Enjoy a relaxing time after lunch at the camp. In the late afternoon, visit a local nomadic family and ride their camels to reach the dunes.
The place is also known as Singing Sand due to the unique sound the sands emit during strong winds and avalanches. Trekking to the top of the dunes provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The dunes stretch across a length of 120km and have a width of 6-12km. Near the dunes, there is also the Khongor River whose flow water provides greenery and support to local life.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we depart towards Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Our first stop will be to check-in at our ger camp and have lunch. In the afternoon, we leave for Yol Valley which is also nicknamed as the Vulture Valley. Bearded vultures make their nests atop the tall cliffs that are located more than 2000 meters above sea level. The valley is located in the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. The National Park is home to many exotic wildlife species such as Argali wild sheep, Ibex, snow leopards and falcons. With luck, we may spot some of these animals.
The Yol Valley is also known for its ice glaciers which form in the winter and finish melting in early July.
Enjoy trekking in the valley and photo shooting opportunities.
Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
In the morning, depart towards Middle Gobi to visit the Tsagaan Suvarga area, which literally translates as White Stupa. The place earned its name due to the way the local cliffs appear from afar. On the way, have short stop at the town of Mandalgobi for lunch.
Upon arrival at the Tsagaan Suvarga, check-in at the local camp and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga can be visited in the late afternoon and the next morning. The local soil composition provides different kinds of natural colors that make a great photo-shooting destination.
Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
This day, we depart towards the Baga GazariinChuluu which boasts plateau, full of exotic granite rock formations. We have lunch after checking in at our local ger camp and after a short break, we depart towards the rock formations. First, we visit the ruins of an ancient monastery that was destroyed during the purges of 1937. Then, we walk up the rock formations of Baga GazariinChuluu. The area offers trekking opportunities in the midst of beautiful terrain.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
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