From Khuvsgul Lake To The Gobi Desert

Itinerary

• Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, orientation

   Upon arrival, you are transferred to a 4-star hotel in the city center. 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 the tour ahead. (Dinner / Hotel)

• Fly to Northern Mongolia, Travel to Khuvsgul Lake

  Fly to Murun town in northern Mongolia, then 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, drive for about 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, take 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 trails as we navigate steep slopes. Beyond the treeline, the landscape transforms into a rugged, rocky ridge. At the summit (2,380 m), enjoy a well-deserved lunch with breathtaking views of the expansive lake and lush green slopes below. Return to camp in the late afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to Shine-Ider

  Today we travel southward to Central Mongolia. Our destination is a ger camp near Zuun Lake — a stopover point to break up the long drive. The raw beauty of the scenery along the route makes every moment worthwhile. Once at camp, relax and soak in the tranquility of the Mongolian landscape, also known as the “middle of nowhere.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to Terkhiin Tsagaan (White) Lake

  Formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption, the White Lake is a freshwater lake surrounded by volcanic rock formations and lava crusts. Its rich biodiversity attracts migratory birds and supports a variety of fish, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and anglers. The surrounding mountains also offer scenic hiking trails.
   (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Visit Volcanic Crater, Travel to Tsenkher Hot Springs

  This morning, hike to the Khorgo extinct volcano — a massive crater near the White Lake. From the rim, gaze across the vast open landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and forested mountains.
  Continue to Tsenkher Hot Springs. Although sometimes crowded with travelers during the short summer season, it feels wonderful to soothe your muscles in the mineral-rich pools. A relaxing massage service is also available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to Orkhon Valley, Visit Waterfall

  Travel to the Orkhon River Valley, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site and considered the cradle of nomadic civilization. The valley contains numerous ancient relics and monuments.
  The landscape here is dominated by massive basalt fields — remnants of ancient lava flows — and serves as prime grazing land for nomads year-round. Visit the famous Red Waterfall, a 24-meter cascade plunging into a basalt canyon. After enjoying the view, continue to a Mongolian nomadic host family, where you’ll experience the traditional way of life.
  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Host Family Stay)

• Travel to Karakorum

  Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, was built in the early 13th century by Chinggis Khan’s son. Though it never developed into a fully functional capital before its destruction by Ming Dynasty troops in the late 14th century, its remains are of immense historical value.
  Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, founded in the 16th century and Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery. Much of it was destroyed during the anti-religious purges of the 1930s, but several temples still stand today. Walk through the monastery grounds, explore surviving artifacts of the old capital, and view nearby earthen mounds believed to contain remnants of the imperial city. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to Ongi Monastery

  Located on the border of the Khangai Mountains and the Gobi Desert, Ongi Monastery was once one of Mongolia’s largest religious centers and a resting stop for Buddhist pilgrims and the Great Game travelers on their way to Tibet. Founded in the 17th century along the Ongi River, it was mostly destroyed during the 1930s political purges. Today, visitors can explore the restored ruins, learn about its history and revival, and enjoy the serene landscape that surrounds it. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to the Flaming Cliffs

  Drive further south into the desert. Vegetation thins out, giving way to vast barren plains dotted occasionally with white tents of herding families, winter shelters, and large flocks of sheep and goats — sometimes even horses and camels.
  Our destination is the Flaming Cliffs, where in the 1920s American explorers unearthed the first dinosaur eggs found intact in their nests, along with hundreds of skeletons, including several new species. Hike through the eroded red sandstone ravines and make your own discoveries in this world-famous paleontology site. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Travel to Khongoriin Els Dunes

  The Khongor Sand Dunes, known as the “Singing Dunes,” stretch for more than 180 km and rise up to 300 m. These majestic dunes produce a unique humming sound when wind sweeps over them or when sand shifts.
  Climbing the highest dune is a must — an exhilarating experience with spectacular views of the desert ridges and plains. Optionally, you can ride a two-humped Bactrian camel.
  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Visit Yoliin Am Canyon

  Travel to Yoliin Am Canyon and enjoy a leisurely hike to its heart. Literally meaning “Vulture’s Mouth,” the canyon shelters ice and snow until late July.
  At the entrance, visit a small museum featuring local wildlife, petrified wood, and dinosaur eggs. With luck, you may spot wildlife such as small rodents, bearded vultures, or wild mountain goats (Capra sibirica) scaling the steep cliffs. Return to a cozy ger camp nearby for a well-deserved rest.
  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Ger Camp)

• Return Flight to Ulaanbaatar

  Drive to the local Gobi airport and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest before meeting your support team for a farewell dinner.
  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel)

• Departure

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