Mongolia · Archaeology

12-Day Nature and Archaeology Tour of Mongolia with Wildlife Camping

12 Days Round trip from Ulaanbaatar Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy camping near Uureg Lake after crossing Ulaan Davaa, the Red Mountain Pass
02 Discover Bronze Age petroglyphs and mound graves around Uureg Lake
03 Look out for Argali sheep, the world's biggest wild sheep, at Tsagaan Gol
04 Track snow leopard marks in Yamaat Valley and observe ibexes in their natural habitat
05 Admire Goojuur Khurkhree, one of Mongolia's most beautiful waterfall settings
06 Explore the lively and beautiful town of Khovd before returning to Ulaanbaatar

Get an insight into Mongolia's past as you explore historical sites dating back to the Bronze Age, including petroglyphs and mound graves around Uureg Lake. Experience the country's diverse wilderness as you encounter native wildlife such as Argali sheep, snow leopards, and ibexes, and enjoy scenic landscapes in Yamaat Valley and at Goojuur Waterfall. This 12-day journey also includes camping in remote natural settings and ends with time to explore the beautiful town of Khovd.

After a full day of hiking, search for snow leopard marks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Hovd, Ulan Bator, Ulaangom

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar and Welcome Dinner

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and attend a welcome meeting, followed by dinner at a Mongolian restaurant.

Day 02

Fly to Ulaangom and Drive to Uureg Lake

Fly to Deglii Tsagaan Airport in Ulaangom town, Uvs Province.
Drive up the Ulaan Davaa, or Red Mountain Pass, to reach your campsite and camp next to Uureg Lake.

Day 03

Bronze Age Discoveries Around Uureg Lake

Explore the area around Uureg Lake to find several petroglyphs and mound graves dating back to the Bronze Age.

Overnight stay.

Day 04

Wildlife Viewing at Tsagaan Gol

Drive to Tsagaan Gol, or White River, where you can see Argali sheep - the biggest wild sheep in the world.

Day 05

Drive to Yamaat Valley and Begin Hiking

Drive up the narrow mountain mouth for a while and get another chance to see sheep on the mountain ridges. After arriving, start hiking up the mountain led by a local ranger.
Drive for half a day to the next campsite at Yamaat Valley.

Day 06

Explore Yamaat Valley in Turgen Strictly Protected Area

Explore Yamaat Valley, located in Turgen Strictly Protected Area, which represents the unique features and characteristics of natural zones that have preserved their original conditions. It is an area of special scientific and cultural significance.
After a full day of hiking, search for snow leopard marks. The region is also home to ibex, the biggest wild goat in the world.

Day 07

Further Hiking and Wildlife Tracking in Yamaat Valley

Continue hiking in the valley while looking for snow leopard marks and observing ibexes in their natural habitat.

Day 08

Drive to Goojuur Khurkhree Waterfall

Drive to Goojuur Khurkhree and reach the waterfall on foot. The area is one of the most beautiful spots in Mongolia, surrounded by an amazing landscape.

Day 09

Scenic Exploration at Goojuur Khurkhree

Continue exploring Goojuur Khurkhree while admiring the scenic views from the site, and relax near Goojuur Waterfall.

Day 10

Move to the Final Campsite Near Khovd

Move to the last campsite closest to the town in preparation for your flight from Khovd town to Ulaanbaatar. Explore the area after setting up camp.

Day 11

Explore Khovd and Return to Ulaanbaatar

Drive to Khovd and wander around the town at your leisure while enjoying its lively and beautiful sights.
After this, take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel.

Day 12

Departure Transfer

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

End of tour.

Where this trip takes you

Uureg Lake, Ulaan Davaa, Tsagaan Gol, Goojuur Khurkhree

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ulaanbaatar 3 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel in UB on a twin- or double-sharing basis
Transportation and fuel
Domestic flight ticket
Camping equipment
Meals and drinks
Cook and English-speaking guide
Protected Area fee

What's Not Included

International flight
Insurance
Visa fee
Tips

Know before you go

At first, it might look empty, but it doesn't take long to spot kites, eagles, and vultures soaring in the bright blue sky, surveying their territories below. Then, as you drop your gaze to the ridge tops and mountain slopes, you may be rewarded with the sight of argali sheep or ibexes that spend their lives in these wild and rugged places.
With some luck, you may see a snow leopard, the king of the mountains. Even if you don't see the big cat, it may see you, as it remains hidden among the rocks and shadows, superbly camouflaged, waiting for night and the chance to hunt again.
Across the plains, you may see a few scattered dwellings of the rugged and wild herding families that make their living in these beautiful but challenging places. Like the wildlife, the local people have adapted to the land and the rhythm of the seasons to survive and thrive here. Two to four times a year, each family will pack up all their belongings, take down their felt-walled gers, and move their herds to fresh pastures and new opportunities.
If you get a chance, stop by to say hello, but watch out for the dogs. You'll be charmed by their hospitality and impressed by these self-reliant, proud, and independent people. Look closely at the smiling faces sculpted by the sun, wind, and storm. In them, you might see a flash of the same spirit that animated the face of the most famous Mongolian of all, Genghis Khan.

Logistics