KHUVSGUL LAKE & CENTRAL MONGOLIA OVERLAND TOUR

Itinerary

• Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB)

  Upon your arrival, you are transferred to a 4 star hotel in the city center. Time permitting, you may explore some of the city’s highlights on your own: the Gandan Temple – Mongolia’s main Buddhist center, the central square with the memorial complex of Chinghis Khan and Zaisan hill on the city's edge for a panoramic view of UB. Then visit the National Museum introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era or the unique collection of dinosaur fossils at Dinosaur Museum. The state Oracle museum displaying Buddhist artwork and religious masks and the Winter palace of last theocratic ruler of Mongolia is also worth considering. In the early evening, meet your guide and enjoy a folklore show of traditional music, throat singing and contortion, followed by a welcome dinner where you will be briefed on tour ahead. (Dinner / hotel)

• Travel to Amarbayasgalant Monastery

  Rightfully one of the best-preserved Buddhist architectural complexes in Mongolia, it was built in the first half of 18th century by the decree of Manchu Chin dynasty king, then overlord of Mongolia. It shared the destiny of all Buddhist establishments that were ruthlessly destroyed during political upheavals of 1930-ies with just a dozen of temples surviving to these days. We spend some time in the peaceful premises of the monastery observing life of local monks and then continue to our last ger camp on the tour for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp)
  
  

• Travel to Uran Togoo Extinct Volcano

  The vast tracts of wilderness here are comprised of grassy valleys, wooded mountains, fast mountain rivers and canyons. A small number of local herders that live here depend on large flocks of sheep, goats, horses and yaks. This secluded and uniquely spectacular area became accessible to travelers only a few years ago and a wise policy of preserving its wilderness is being enforced by the camp administration. In the afternoon, hike to Uran Togoo extinct volcano and observe the crater from the top. Dinner and overnight upon arrival at the camp. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp) 

• Travel to Khuvsgul Lake

  Travel to Khuvsgul, the country's deepest lake. This stunning body of water is the third most voluminous lake in Asia, holding 70% of Mongolia's freshwater reserves. At 265 meters deep, it lies within a tectonic rift surrounded by the expansive Siberian taiga. After landing, we drive over an hour to a charming lakeside resort, where you can spend the day hiking along the shore and taking in breathtaking views reflected in the crystal-clear waters. Optionally, you can book a motorboat ride to explore the lake and the pristine wilderness. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp) 

• Day at the lake, optional hike

  After breakfast, we embark on a short drive to the base of the Bayan mountain range, which runs alongside the lake. This area is blanketed in ancient larch forests, while the ridgetops rise well above the tree line. Our hike covers 7 km along faint paths as we navigate the steep slopes. Beyond the treeline, the landscape transforms into a rugged, rocky ridge. At the summit, reaching 2380 meters, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch with breathtaking views of the expansive lake and lush green slopes below. We return to camp in the late afternoon. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp) 

• Travel to Shine-Ider

  Today, we travel southwards to Central Mongolia. Our destination is ger camp near Zuun Lake. It’s a stop-over point to split the long driving duration and distance. Regardless, the raw beauty of the scenery along the route makes every moment worthwhile. Once at the camp, you will have an opportunity to relax and soak in the tranquility of the Mongolian landscape also known as middle of nowhere (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp) 

• Travel to Terkhiin Tsagaan a.k.a White Lake

  Formed as a result of volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the White Lake is a freshwater lake surrounded by volcanic rock formations and lava crusts. Its rich biodiversity attracts migratory birds and habitat for variety of fishes which makes it popular destination for birdwatchers and anglers. Surrounding mountains offer scenic hiking trails. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp)

• Visit volcanic crater and travel to Tsenkher Hot Spring

  Today, we hike and visit the Khorgo extinct volcano, a massive crater by the White Lake. On the rim of the crater, gaze at the surrounding nature of vast open landscapes varied by crystal clear lake and surrounding wooded mountains. We then proceed to Tsenkher Hot Spring. Although sometimes crowded by both local and foreign travelers during the short summer season, it certainly feels good to soothe your muscles in a hot pool with rich minerals. Relaxing massage and laundry service is available. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp) 

• Travel to Orkhon Valley, visit waterfall, nomadic family stay

  Travel to Orkhon River valley, designated as a UNESCO cultural site and considered the cradle of nomadic civilization as it holds many ancient relics within its boundaries. Compared to previous days, the terrain is dominated by massive basalt fields, the ancient lava streams. The valley is also a popular grazing ground where many nomads herd their herds all year around. We visit the famous Red Waterfall, a tributary dashing down a 24-meter-high canyon, the iconic attraction of the area. Having enjoyed the view, we proceed to Mongolian nomadic host family. Here you will have a chance to experience a true nomadic way of life. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / host family stay) 

• Travel to Karakorum

  The 2nd son of Chinggis Khan built the capital of the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century. Largely an experiment of city building in a pre-dominantly nomadic culture, Karakorum as it was known then never became a fully functional capital before it was destroyed by invading Chinese Min Dynasty troops in late 14th century. Today the main attraction here is the Erdene Zuu monastery established in 16th century by a Mongol khan as part of his efforts to introduce Buddhism as the main religion. Subsequently, it was almost completely destroyed during anti-religion campaign of 1930-ies with just a dozen temples standing presently intact. We walk the monastery premises and take a glance at a few surviving artifacts of the old capital and perhaps some earthen hills nearby that still contain remains of the imperial capital. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / ger camp)

• Travel to Ulaanbaatar

  Today we drive back to UB. This travel across wooded mountains and rolling hills is rather uneventful. Upon arriving in UB take a well-deserved rest at your hotel before meeting your support team at good-bye dinner. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner / hotel)

• Departure Transfer

  Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)