14-Day Gobi desert and Khuvsgul lake tour
Highlights
Ulan Bator, Lake Khövsgöl
cultural, sightseeing, Desert
Private Tour
14 Days
Easy
English
Description
Discover the stunning Khuvsgul Lake National Park in northern Mongolia, renowned for its pristine waters and lush landscapes. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Darkhad Ethnic Tribe, meeting reindeer herders who uphold centuries-old customs. Marvel at Mongolia’s ancient burial mounds set against forested mountains. Journey to the Gobi Desert, exploring dramatic rock formations, the vast Khongor Sand Dunes, and the historic Flaming Cliffs, rich with dinosaur fossils. Embrace Mongolia’s natural and historical wonders.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival day & City Tour (Lunch included)
- On this day, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel***.
- If you want, you can rest for a while, and then we are going to start a city tour.
- We will visit:
- Zaisan hill from the hill, you will be able to see the whole city.
- Gandan-Tegchlen Monastery
- Mongolian National History Museum, and we will have dinner. We are going to drop you off at your hotel.
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Day 2: Drive to Tsagaan Suvraga/White Stupa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- This morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and we will drive to Tsagaan Suvarga, which is located in Dundgovi province.
It is interesting to see the sheer slope facing east, which seems to be the ancient city's ruins from a distance.
Tsagaan Suvraga, 90 degrees straight, consists of many colors of clay deposits.
- This morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and we will drive to Tsagaan Suvarga, which is located in Dundgovi province.
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Day 3: Drive to Yol valley /Vulture Canyon/ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- This morning, we will drive to Yol Valley (Vulture Canyon). It is a beautiful deep canyon with many rocky cliffs created by many years of water erosion.
- After arrival at the canyon, we will take a 2-hour hike and see parts of a glacier left over from the winter months.
- We can visit the local Natural History Museum on our way in/out of the park, where dinosaur eggs and bones, petrified trees, and a snow leopard are displayed.
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Day 4: Drive to Khongor Sand Dune (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Khongor sand dune is one of Mongolia's largest and most spectacular dunes, standing as high as 200 meters above the ground, 7-8 km wide, and 180 km long. Climbing the dunes is breathtaking, not just for the top view.
- It surprises climbers that the dunes make a singing sound while you climb; that is why it is nicknamed the singing dunes.
- The sand dunes make you feel extraordinary comfort and infinite peace. Once we get there, we will ride a camel along the Khongor sand dunes. The two-humped Bactrian camels are very comfortable to ride as they walk slowly and gently. You will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them.
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Day 5: BayanZag Flaming Cliffs & Ongi Monastery (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- This morning, we are going to drive to the Bayanzag area. Known as a Flaming Cliffs "Cradle of Dinosaurs," this is where the first nest of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was found in 1922. We will explore the area.
- Afterward, continue to drive to the Ongi Monastery, built in the late 18th century, to commemorate Mongolia's first-ever visit by a Dalai Lama.
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Day 6: Drive to Orkhon Waterfall (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Today, we will drive to Orkhon Valley, which was registered as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2005.
Many of Mongolia's ancient monuments lie within its basin. Orkhon Waterfall, also called Ulaan Tsutgalan, was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions about 20.000 years ago.
It cascades from a height of 22 meters and is 10m wide. Here, we will visit a nomad family and go horse riding for an hour. -
Day 7: Drive to Tsenher Hot Spring (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- We will travel to Tsenkher Hot Springs, where you can unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. The natural hot spring offers a perfect opportunity for relaxation amidst the serene landscape.
- Afterward, you’ll have the chance to explore the surrounding steppes on foot. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of trekking options to suit all levels of fitness, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vast, open beauty of the Mongolian countryside.
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Day 8: White Lake and Khorgo Volcano (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, passing through the charming town of Tsetserleg. Our first stop will be the Khorgo Volcano, where we’ll explore the extinct crater of this ancient volcano, which erupted around 7,000 years ago. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, and you can still see remnants of the volcanic activity that shaped the region.
- Continuing our journey, we’ll head to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, a beautiful, serene body of water created when Khorgo’s lava flow dammed the Suman River, forming a massive gorge through the basalt rock. The lake, surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes, is a peaceful and picturesque spot to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
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Day 9: Shine Ider, Zuun Nuur Salt Lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- We’ll embark on a scenic drive to Shine-Ider Province, crossing the expansive rolling steppes, which are blanketed with a vibrant display of spring and early summer wildflowers. The landscape here is truly breathtaking, offering a peaceful and picturesque journey through some of Mongolia’s most unspoiled natural beauty.
- Our first stop will be Zuun Nuur, a small but stunning saltwater lake, renowned as a peaceful haven for a variety of bird species. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
- After spending time at the lake, we’ll continue our journey for about 10 more kilometers until we reach our camp for the night. Today, we’ll cover approximately 280 kilometers, soaking in the sights of Mongolia's pristine wilderness along the way.
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Day 10: Khuvsgul Lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Today, we will drive to Khuvsgul Lake, the freshest and deepest lake in Central Asia, positioned in a North-South direction with an oval shape. Lake Khuvsgul is the second-largest freshwater lake globally, after Lake Baikal, so be prepared to be impressed.
Beautiful high mountains surround Khuvsgul Lake, and many mountain rivers flow into the lake.. On this day, we will drive approximately 220 km.
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Day 11: Leisure day in the Khuvsgul lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Free Day to Explore the Area: Today is yours to fully immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings. We’ll have the opportunity to hike through the breathtaking landscapes, offering spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes. During our hike, we may even encounter the Reindeer herders of the Darkhad Tribe, who have lived here for centuries, maintaining their ancient traditions.
- For those who enjoy horseback riding, there are plenty of options to explore the vast, untamed steppes on horseback, just as the local nomads have done for generations. You can also capture the beauty of the region with your camera—whether it’s the picturesque landscapes, wildlife, or the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people.
- Additionally, for a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy a boat trip on one of the nearby lakes, taking in the tranquility and stunning natural scenery. With so many activities to choose from, this day offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
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Day 12: Drive to Urantogoo Volcano (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Today, we will journey to the stunning volcanic landscape of extinct volcanoes, nestled amidst lush coniferous forests. This area is known for its dramatic red rock formations, which stand in striking contrast to the surrounding greenery and the colorful wildflowers that bloom in the warmer months.
The extinct volcanoes offer not only breathtaking views but also the chance to trek through their rugged terrain, exploring the ancient craters and the surrounding wilderness. Whether you're keen on hiking or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this is an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Day 13: Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
- Travel by road to Amarbayasgalant. Built between 1727 and 1736, this is one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. The Journey travels across the southern approaches of Siberia.
The monastery is in the beautiful Iven Gol River Valley at the foot of Burenkhan Mountain. It has incredible art and decorations, and the outstanding architectural construction makes it one of the most magnificent monasteries in Asia
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Day 14: Back to Ulaanbaatar city
- After breakfast, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar City. We are going to have lunch at a local café restaurant on the way.
- Once we arrive in the town If you want, we will be able to do some shopping, and then we will see a traditional Mongolian folk concert at 6 pm. The show lasts for 1 hour.
Today, we will drive approximately (about 350 km)
What's Included
What's Excluded
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
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1 to 20 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 20 | /person |
This is a private tour |