Mongolia · Desert Adventure

13-Day Mongolia Gobi, Khangai and Khövsgöl Lake Adventure

13 Days Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Gobi Desert adventure with Khongor Sand Dunes, camel riding, and starry nights
  • 02 Visit Bayanzag's Flaming Cliffs, famous for dinosaur fossils and fiery red rock
  • 03 Stay in traditional gers and with nomadic families to experience local life
  • 04 Hike through Yolyn Am's narrow canyon, where ice can remain nearly year-round
  • 05 Relax at Tsenkher Hot Spring surrounded by the landscapes of Arkhangai
  • 06 Discover Lake Khövsgöl, the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," with crystal-clear waters
  • 07 Explore Khorgo Crater and Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur in central Mongolia
  • 08 Visit Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia's most beautiful Buddhist sites

Explore Mongolia's diverse landscapes on this 13-day adventure through the Gobi Desert, the Khangai Mountains, and the pristine Lake Khövsgöl. Experience vast desert scenery, lush mountain landscapes, traditional nomadic life, and breathtaking natural wonders as you travel across the heart of Mongolia. From the Flaming Cliffs and Khongor Sand Dunes to hot springs, volcanic craters, and one of the country's most beautiful monasteries, this journey combines nature, culture, and adventure in one unforgettable trip.

It will be physically exhausting, but the reward will be marvelous.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moron, Ulan Bator, Dalanzadgad, Yolyn Am
Languages English, Korean

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ulaanbaatar to Tsagaan Suvarga, the Gobi, Khangai and Khövsgöl Route

Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Ulaanbaatar to Tsagaan Suvarga
  • Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga to Yolyn Am
  • Day 3: Yolyn Am to Khongor Sand Dunes
  • Day 4: Khongor to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
  • Day 5: Bayanzag to Oohony Valley & Ulaan Tsutgalan
  • Day 6: Orkhon Waterfall to Tsenkher Hot Springs
  • Day 7: Tsenkher to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo Volcano
  • Day 8: Terkhiin Tsagaan to Murun
  • Day 9: Murun to Khuvsgul Lake
  • Day 10: Tsaatan culture experience near Khuvsgul
  • Day 11: Khuvsgul to Uran Togoo Volcano
  • Day 12: Uran Togoo to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
  • Day 13: Return to Ulaanbaatar

Day 1 Baga Gazriin Chuluu / Small Rock Foundation

On this day, we head to the rocky area of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a granite rock formation rising from the middle of the dusty plains.

In the 19th century, two revered monks lived here in gers, and remnants of their rock drawings can still be found in the area.

The mountain also contains a cave with an underground lake.

You will also see the mineral water springs and trees in the region. Overnight stay with a nomadic family.

Distance: 240 km /asphalt road/

Activities: Hiking, exploring, caves, temple

Accommodation: Ger camp, B, L, D

Day 2 Tsagaan Suvarga / White Stupa

On the second day, we will take you to Tsagaan Suvarga, or White Stupa.

The feature of this area is its rocky formations, eroded by the wind and resembling a ruined city.

It is a sheer slope that was once an ancient seabed, with sedimentary structures created over millions of years.

It is especially interesting to see this slope because it faces eastward toward the sun. You will stay overnight in a ger close to the attraction.

Distance: 220 km /paved road/

Activities: Hiking, climbing, and relaxing at sunset

Accommodation: Ger camp, B, L, D

Day 3 Yoliin Am / Yol Ice Field

In the morning, our team will continue the journey to Dalanzadgad, the capital city of southern Mongolia, for a break and lunch.

You can experience the local shops and markets. After passing through the city, we will drive to Yol Valley, where you will have the chance to hike through narrow cliffs reaching a height of 2,500 meters (8,202.10 feet). Although the sun shines strongly in this region, the canyon remains dark, so at the bottom, part of the river stays covered by a thick layer of ice for nearly the whole year. Overnight stay in a ger camp.

Distance: 150 km /paved and off-road/

Activities: Hiking, exploring wilderness

Accommodation: Tent or ger camp

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Khongor Sand Dune

In the morning, our team will continue the journey to the Khongor Sand Dunes in southern Mongolia. The dunes are 27 km at their widest, cover 965 square km in total, reach 200 meters (650 feet) in height, and stretch for about 180 km.

Once you arrive, we will visit a Gobi nomad family and take a break. After that, we will ride camels for about an hour around the sand dunes and oasis. In the evening, we will climb to the top of the dunes. It will be physically exhausting, but the reward will be marvelous. You will make a brief climb to the highest point and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets from the top of the dunes. At night, stargazing is a very famous activity here because there will be 2,500-3,000 visible stars, and the Milky Way will be very bright. You will stay with a nomad family with whom we have a contract.

Distance: 180 km (111 mi) /off-road/

Activities: Climbing, camel riding, sunset gazing

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 The Bayan Zag / Flaming Cliff

On this day, we will continue our journey to the Flaming Cliffs, home to dinosaurs.

This is where many of the world's dinosaur bones have been found. The cliffs glow with a fiery red light that seems to mimic the radiance of the setting sun.

These are best seen from below or across the escarpment. But no matter where you stand or what time you visit, you can still witness the breathtaking magnitude and raw beauty of the place come to life.

Distance: 180 km (114 mi) /off-road/

Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, camel riding

Accommodation: Nomad family or tent

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Orkhon Valley

The Khangai mountain range is located in central Mongolia. Some of the country's most beautiful natural and cultural wonders are found in this 888,455-hectare mountain range. The greenest area in Mongolia offers exquisite sites such as waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, river valleys, wild animals, and ancient monasteries. Horse riding through these mountains offers a variety of exotic landscapes and wonders, in-depth nomadic culture experiences, and the true freedom one can ask from our planet Earth. Here, you will stay with a nomadic family to prepare for horse riding.

Distance: 300 km /paved road/

Activities: Nature scenery gradually changes from the Gobi to grassland, photography, stay with a nomadic family

Accommodation: Nomad family

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Tsenkher Hot Spring

Tsenkher Hot Spring, located in Arkhangai Province of Mongolia, is famous for its natural hot springs with therapeutic properties. The water is rich in minerals and is believed to be beneficial for health conditions such as arthritis and skin ailments. Visitors can soak in the hot springs and enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, and fishing in the surrounding area. It is best visited during the summer months, although it can be enjoyed year-round.

Distance: 180 km

Activities: Hot spring, relaxing

Accommodation: Camp

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Terkh White Lake and Khorgo Crater

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, also known as White Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake in central Mongolia, surrounded by the Khangai Mountains. Nearby lies Khorgo Crater, a volcanic crater formed around 8,000 years ago. Together, they form the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Distance: 180 km /paved road/

Activities: Nature scenery, crater, lake, grassland, photography, stay with a nomadic family

Accommodation: Ger camp or tent

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Murun City

Murun is the capital of Khövsgöl Province in northern Mongolia. It is situated near the eastern shore of Lake Khövsgöl, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Mongolia and a major tourist destination. Murun serves as a hub for travelers visiting the lake and surrounding areas, offering accommodations, restaurants, and various services. The city itself is small and has a relaxed atmosphere, with markets, museums, and cultural attractions reflecting both traditional Mongolian life and modern influences.

Distance: 380 km /off-road/

Activities: Hiking, lake, exploring areas

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 Khovsgol Lake

Khövsgöl Lake, often referred to as Lake Khövsgöl or Khövsgöl Nuur, is one of Mongolia's most stunning natural attractions. Located in the northern part of the country, it is the largest freshwater lake by volume in Mongolia and the second-largest by area.

Here are some key points about Lake Khövsgöl:

Natural Beauty: Known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding pristine wilderness, Lake Khövsgöl is often called the

Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag's Flaming Cliffs, Tsenkher Hot Spring, Khövsgöl Lake

Where this trip takes you

Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag's Flaming Cliffs, Tsenkher Hot Spring, Khövsgöl Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
4 cities · 13 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation by private vehicle with driver
  • Driver + 4WD vehicle - petrol
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • All accommodations (ger camps, tents, and nomad family stays)
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • All entrance fees to national parks and museums
  • Bottled water
  • Camel and horse riding fees

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips (optional)

What to bring

  • Warm clothes and layers
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Travel towel and personal hygiene items
  • Camera and power bank

Know before you go

  • Roads may be bumpy in rural areas.
  • Weather conditions may vary greatly.
  • Ger camps may have shared facilities.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ulaanbaatar, Монгол Улс
End of the journey

Your 13 days finish where they began.

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