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