The waters of Lake Khuvsgul stretch as far as the eye can see. The majestic mountains of Western
Khuvsgul is considered as the second largest fresh water lake in Asia after the lake Baikal with 120 km in length, 35 km in width, and over 265 m in depth. The lake lies at 1645m above sea level where mountains on the western shore rise up to 2961m and the ones on the north shore even up to 3491m. Due to its awe-inspiring geographical vicinity and beautiful landscape similar to that of lake Baikal, lake Khuvsgul is referred to as the “little brother”. The locals however, poetically refer to her as Dalai Eej or “Mother Sea”.
The climate in this part of the country is similar to rest of Mongolia, i.e. continental with warm summers and cold winters. The difference lies in cooler summers with high precipitation due to its location. Average temperature in July is 17° Celsius and -24° in January.
In the far north of Khuvsgul province in the dense taiga region the Tsaatan reindeer breeders live. The Tsaatan are related to the Tuva ethnic group of Central Asia and akin to Inuit whose lifestyle went unchanged for as long as they have been raising reindeers. In warmer season the reindeers graze on vegetation of the north taiga moving every two to three weeks to a different grazing location. Compared to Mongolian nomads the Tsaatans live in tents hauled by reindeer hides similar to those of North American Indian teepees. Tsaatan community can be reached by horses only. While Tibetan or the Mahayana (big wheel) Buddhism is practiced on the territory of Mongolia, the Tsaatan in the North believe in Shamanism.
Travel program in Mongolia
1. Day Ulaanbaatar
Departure to Mongolia with MIAT Mongolian airlines. Meals on board according to flight plan.
1. Day Ulaanbaatar
Departure to Mongolia with MIAT Mongolian airlines. Meals on board according to flight plan.
2. Day Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel***. Have lunch in a local restaurant next to the hotel and start your afternoon trip with a visit to Zaisan memorial to take in the city view from a hill top. On the way back to the city visit the Bogdo Khan museum, residence of the last theocratic leader of Mongolia. Continue your familiarization tour of Ulaanbaatar with Sukhbaatar square, the heart of the capital city to get a brief insight into the history and life of Mongolia. Accommodation – hotel.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel***. Have lunch in a local restaurant next to the hotel and start your afternoon trip with a visit to Zaisan memorial to take in the city view from a hill top. On the way back to the city visit the Bogdo Khan museum, residence of the last theocratic leader of Mongolia. Continue your familiarization tour of Ulaanbaatar with Sukhbaatar square, the heart of the capital city to get a brief insight into the history and life of Mongolia. Accommodation – hotel.
3. Day Ulaanbaatar – Amarbayasgalant monastery (330 km)
After breakfast we will start our journey to the countryside in 4 wheel drives. While heading the North you’ll experience firsthand the Mongolian steppes. We will drive in off-road vehicles for about 200km and turn West just before Darkhan (the third largest city in Mongolia), cross the Orkhon river, and reach the Amarbayasgalant monastery where the last 35km is on dirt roads with deep green taiga landscape as the backdrop. After reaching the monastery you’ll visit the monastery, climb up the hill behind the monastery that presents a beautiful panorama of the valley. Accommodation – ger camp near the monastery.
After breakfast we will start our journey to the countryside in 4 wheel drives. While heading the North you’ll experience firsthand the Mongolian steppes. We will drive in off-road vehicles for about 200km and turn West just before Darkhan (the third largest city in Mongolia), cross the Orkhon river, and reach the Amarbayasgalant monastery where the last 35km is on dirt roads with deep green taiga landscape as the backdrop. After reaching the monastery you’ll visit the monastery, climb up the hill behind the monastery that presents a beautiful panorama of the valley. Accommodation – ger camp near the monastery.
4. Day Uran Togoo National park (200 km)
After breakfast we will head for Uran Togoo National Park in Bulgan aimag while driving through Erdenet, the second largest city in Mongolia and the third largest copper reserve in the world on a paved road. Henceforth, we will stay on dirt road for the rest of the tour. Upon reaching the Uran Togoo National Park in the afternoon, we will climb an extinct volcano that presents a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Accommodation – ger camp near the extinct volcanoes.
After breakfast we will head for Uran Togoo National Park in Bulgan aimag while driving through Erdenet, the second largest city in Mongolia and the third largest copper reserve in the world on a paved road. Henceforth, we will stay on dirt road for the rest of the tour. Upon reaching the Uran Togoo National Park in the afternoon, we will climb an extinct volcano that presents a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Accommodation – ger camp near the extinct volcanoes.
5. Day Murun (130 km)
The journey continues along the course of Selenge river, the longest river in Mongolia that flows from Lake Khuvsgul into the Lake Baikal in Russia. After bridge crossing of Selenge, we will drive in the direction of Murun, capital of Khuvsgul aimag. After sightseeing of Murun, we will drive for about 20km to deer stones that date back to the Bronze ages. Accommodation – ger camp near the deer stones.
The journey continues along the course of Selenge river, the longest river in Mongolia that flows from Lake Khuvsgul into the Lake Baikal in Russia. After bridge crossing of Selenge, we will drive in the direction of Murun, capital of Khuvsgul aimag. After sightseeing of Murun, we will drive for about 20km to deer stones that date back to the Bronze ages. Accommodation – ger camp near the deer stones.
6. Day Lake Khuvsgul (130 km)
After breakfast we will drive for about 100km to Khuvsgul lake. Our ger camp is located on the western shore of the lake. This area is considered as the most northern part of the country with dense taiga forests where pinewood, larch, and taiga serve as indicators that Siberia is nearby. Accommodation – ger camp.
After breakfast we will drive for about 100km to Khuvsgul lake. Our ger camp is located on the western shore of the lake. This area is considered as the most northern part of the country with dense taiga forests where pinewood, larch, and taiga serve as indicators that Siberia is nearby. Accommodation – ger camp.
7. Day Lake Khuvsgul
This day is at free disposal. You have the opportunity to go hiking, horse-back riding or making boat trips (optional). A day at the lake in stark contrast to the wide steppes, mountainous and desert regions of Mongolia will be an enjoyable experience. Out of the 42 Tsaatan, reindeer breeder households one has moved closer to the lake shore where they camp out during the summer months. You will have a chance to acquaint yourself with their lifestyle should you decide to pay a visit. Accommodation – ger camp.
This day is at free disposal. You have the opportunity to go hiking, horse-back riding or making boat trips (optional). A day at the lake in stark contrast to the wide steppes, mountainous and desert regions of Mongolia will be an enjoyable experience. Out of the 42 Tsaatan, reindeer breeder households one has moved closer to the lake shore where they camp out during the summer months. You will have a chance to acquaint yourself with their lifestyle should you decide to pay a visit. Accommodation – ger camp.
8. Day Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (280 km)
A day-long trip awaits you for your journey from Murun to Terkhiin Tsagaan lake. Terkhiin Tsagaan lake created by volcanic eruptions rests in a beautiful valley surrounded by extinct volcanoes on the slopes of Khangai mountain range known for its rich vegetation. You will have an opportunity to bathe near the shore. Our ger camp is nestled in Gichgen river valley far away from the roads and traffic and gives a great sense of relaxation due to its tranquility and quietness. Accommodation – ger camp.
A day-long trip awaits you for your journey from Murun to Terkhiin Tsagaan lake. Terkhiin Tsagaan lake created by volcanic eruptions rests in a beautiful valley surrounded by extinct volcanoes on the slopes of Khangai mountain range known for its rich vegetation. You will have an opportunity to bathe near the shore. Our ger camp is nestled in Gichgen river valley far away from the roads and traffic and gives a great sense of relaxation due to its tranquility and quietness. Accommodation – ger camp.
9. Day Tsetserleg – Tsenkher (180 km)
After breakfast, we will climb up the Khorgo volcano that descends abruptly on the eastern side of the lake. Our journey will continue through picturesque landscapes during which you’ll encounter “The 100 branch tree” that is revered by the locals as a holy tree. Tsetserleg, the aimag capital we will visit a museum collection worth seeing in the Tsajain Khuree monastery. The trip continues to Tsenkher, a ger camp near hot springs. Accommodation – ger camp.
After breakfast, we will climb up the Khorgo volcano that descends abruptly on the eastern side of the lake. Our journey will continue through picturesque landscapes during which you’ll encounter “The 100 branch tree” that is revered by the locals as a holy tree. Tsetserleg, the aimag capital we will visit a museum collection worth seeing in the Tsajain Khuree monastery. The trip continues to Tsenkher, a ger camp near hot springs. Accommodation – ger camp.
10. Day Orkhon waterfall (110 km)
Today we drive to Orkhon waterfall that plunges down 20m into a basalt hole. This is a day for relaxing where you can enjoy walks in surrounding hills with 3rd century tomb stones and visit a nomad family.
Today we drive to Orkhon waterfall that plunges down 20m into a basalt hole. This is a day for relaxing where you can enjoy walks in surrounding hills with 3rd century tomb stones and visit a nomad family.
11. Day Tuvkhun monastery – Kharhorin (130 km)
In the morning we will drive up to Tuvkhun monastery revered by many lamas as the holiest place in Mongolia. Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, a direct descendant of Chinggis Khaan established this monastery high in the mountains with a breath-taking view of the surrounding hills. To reach the Tuvkhun monastery complex sitting atop a mountain, we will hike through a forest at its foothill. The hike is of medium difficulty but the reward is taking in the surrounding landscape from a bird’s eye view! After lunch in fresh air, we will embark on a trip to the capital of the most powerful empire of the 13th century Mongolia, Kharkhorin in the Orkhon valley. We will visit the Erdene Zuu monastery with 108 stupas built on the ruins of the ancient capital. In the oldest monastic complex dating to 12th century you’ll see Zuu temple of Avdai Khan, grandson of Chinggis Khan, the temple of the Dalai Lama with its impressive golden stupa, and a typical Tibetan Lawran temple. Accommodation – ger camp.
In the morning we will drive up to Tuvkhun monastery revered by many lamas as the holiest place in Mongolia. Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia, a direct descendant of Chinggis Khaan established this monastery high in the mountains with a breath-taking view of the surrounding hills. To reach the Tuvkhun monastery complex sitting atop a mountain, we will hike through a forest at its foothill. The hike is of medium difficulty but the reward is taking in the surrounding landscape from a bird’s eye view! After lunch in fresh air, we will embark on a trip to the capital of the most powerful empire of the 13th century Mongolia, Kharkhorin in the Orkhon valley. We will visit the Erdene Zuu monastery with 108 stupas built on the ruins of the ancient capital. In the oldest monastic complex dating to 12th century you’ll see Zuu temple of Avdai Khan, grandson of Chinggis Khan, the temple of the Dalai Lama with its impressive golden stupa, and a typical Tibetan Lawran temple. Accommodation – ger camp.
12. Day Elsen Tasarkhai – Khugnu Khan (90 km)
Drive to Khugnu Khan mountain range at 2,000 m above the sea level where the rocky mountain range comes together with Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. In the afternoon, we will take a hike in the sand dunes en route to the Uvgun monastery tucked away in the mountains. Accommodation – in ger camp in the nearby hills.
Drive to Khugnu Khan mountain range at 2,000 m above the sea level where the rocky mountain range comes together with Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. In the afternoon, we will take a hike in the sand dunes en route to the Uvgun monastery tucked away in the mountains. Accommodation – in ger camp in the nearby hills.
13. Day Khugnu Khan – Khustai National park (300 km)
Today we travel to Khustai National park where the Takhi or Przewalski wild horses have successfully been reintroduced into the wild. These wild horses native to Central Asia went extinct in the 1960s. In the late afternoon, we will take a short trip in the national park and visit the wild horses accompanied by the park ranger. Later in the evening we return to Ulaanbaatar and have dinner in a cozy local restaurant.
Today we travel to Khustai National park where the Takhi or Przewalski wild horses have successfully been reintroduced into the wild. These wild horses native to Central Asia went extinct in the 1960s. In the late afternoon, we will take a short trip in the national park and visit the wild horses accompanied by the park ranger. Later in the evening we return to Ulaanbaatar and have dinner in a cozy local restaurant.
14. Day Ulaanbaatar (70 km)
After breakfast we will visit the Gandan monastery followed by a city tour and visit the Choijin Lama monastery-museum. Lunch in a cozy local restaurant. The afternoon is reserved for shopping. Your day will finish with a traditional cultural performance summoned by a farewell dinner in a cozy restaurant with fine food and complimentary wine from the ART88 Travel.
After breakfast we will visit the Gandan monastery followed by a city tour and visit the Choijin Lama monastery-museum. Lunch in a cozy local restaurant. The afternoon is reserved for shopping. Your day will finish with a traditional cultural performance summoned by a farewell dinner in a cozy restaurant with fine food and complimentary wine from the ART88 Travel.
15. Day Good bye Ulaanbaatar
Airport shuttle in the morning for your return flight. Meals on board according to flight plan. Upon arriving in Berlin continue with your travel to your hometown. End of journey.
Total travel distance: 2,200 km.
Airport shuttle in the morning for your return flight. Meals on board according to flight plan. Upon arriving in Berlin continue with your travel to your hometown. End of journey.
Total travel distance: 2,200 km.
The travel package includes the following:
Overnight stays: 4 nights in a three-star hotel with bath or shower/WC (twin) and 9 nights in ger camps with shared facilities (gers are designed for 3-4 persons). Allocation of 2 people per ger is subject to low utilization of camps. Full - board meals. Services: airport shuttle in Ulaanbaatar, four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles (fuel and other incidentals) with experienced drivers and service-minded, knowledgeable English speaking tour guides. Fees: entrance fees to national parks, museums, and cultural performances.
Overnight stays: 4 nights in a three-star hotel with bath or shower/WC (twin) and 9 nights in ger camps with shared facilities (gers are designed for 3-4 persons). Allocation of 2 people per ger is subject to low utilization of camps. Full - board meals. Services: airport shuttle in Ulaanbaatar, four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles (fuel and other incidentals) with experienced drivers and service-minded, knowledgeable English speaking tour guides. Fees: entrance fees to national parks, museums, and cultural performances.
The travel package does not include the following expenses:
Visa, international flight tickets, health, travel, and cancellation insurance coverage, medical care, telephone, laundry, hotel minibar bills, camera rolls, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc), tipping, and personal demand items.
Visa, international flight tickets, health, travel, and cancellation insurance coverage, medical care, telephone, laundry, hotel minibar bills, camera rolls, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, etc), tipping, and personal demand items.
Required equipment and gears:
The ART88 Travel will provide travel related machinery and equipments such as 4WD, vehicle spare parts, tents, camping mats, and insulating sheets. Items for personal use as raincoats, warm clothing, boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm sleeping bag, pillow, personal hygiene, swimsuits, medications, backpacks, etc. are to be brought along by the travelers.
The booking becomes effective once you fill out the application form and send it signed to the MOG. Number of participants: 6-12 persons.
The ART88 Travel will provide travel related machinery and equipments such as 4WD, vehicle spare parts, tents, camping mats, and insulating sheets. Items for personal use as raincoats, warm clothing, boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm sleeping bag, pillow, personal hygiene, swimsuits, medications, backpacks, etc. are to be brought along by the travelers.
The booking becomes effective once you fill out the application form and send it signed to the MOG. Number of participants: 6-12 persons.
