Mongolia11 days
Khuvsgul Lake by Land — 11 Days
Northern Mongolia from Ulaanbaatar to Asia's second-largest freshwater lake, crossing volcanic terrain and nomadic valleys.
This 11-day overland journey moves north from Ulaanbaatar through Mongolia's geological and cultural spine to reach Khuvsgul Lake, a 2,760-square-kilometre freshwater expanse formed two million years ago at the intersection of Central Asian steppe and Siberian taiga. The route passes through four distinct regions: the preserved Amarbayasgalant monastery (built 1727 without metal fastenings), the dormant Uran Togoo volcano (erupted 24,000 years ago), the Khorgo-Terkhiin National Park with its 8,000-year-old lava formations, and the Orkhon Valley's historical sites including Erdene Zuu, Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery. Overnight accommodation is in standard ger camps. A full day at Khuvsgul allows independent choice among boat rides, horseback travel, reindeer herder visits with the Tsaatan people, and shoreline trekking. The return south includes the Tsenkher hot springs and a stop at Elsen Tasarkhai's 90-kilometre sand dune corridor before a final drive to Ulaanbaatar.
Highlights
- Walk into the 600-metre-wide crater of Uran Togoo volcano, dormant for 24,000 years, surrounded by steppe and forest
- Reach Khuvsgul Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia, at the border of steppe and Siberian taiga forest
- Visit Tsaatan reindeer herders, one of Mongolia's most geographically isolated ethnic groups
- Trek the volcanic crater of the Khorgo volcano in Khorgo-Terkhiin National Park, active 8,000 years ago
- Visit Erdene Zuu monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, established in the late 16th century
- Bathe in the mineral-rich Tsenkher hot springs, sourced from volcanic activity thousands of years ago
- Cross the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a 90-kilometre corridor stretching across three provinces
Day by day
1Arrival in UlaanbaatarChinggis Khaan International Airport · the city center · the hotel
Meet the local team upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Transfer to the city center, check in at the hotel, and join a welcome dinner.
2Amarbayasgalant Monastery and the Road NorthAmarbayasgalant monastery · Darkhan · ger camp
Depart westward towards Darkhan, one of Mongolia's two largest cities outside the capital, stopping for lunch before continuing to Amarbayasgalant monastery. Built in 1727 using traditional woodworking techniques and without any metal beams or nails, the monastery ranks among Mongolia's three major monastic centers. Though the 1930s political purges damaged much of the country's religious architecture, Amarbayasgalant survived in comparatively better condition. The monastic grounds and surrounding hills offer uncluttered space for walking and observation. Overnight in a standard ger camp.
3Uran Togoo Volcano and Nomadic Family VisitUran Togoo · Bulgan · a local nomadic family · Sod Camp
Drive east to Uran Togoo, a dormant volcano erupted approximately 24,000 years ago and now the largest of four such formations in the surrounding valleys. The 600-metre-wide, 50–60-metre-deep crater can be entered on foot, and the surrounding green steppes and forests provide trekking opportunities. Stop for lunch in the town of Bulgan, then visit a local nomadic family to observe traditional herding and camp life as it has persisted and adapted into the present day. Afternoon arrival at Sod Camp, positioned opposite a majestic mountain range with its own trekking trails and access to a nearby mineral spring known for its mineral composition.
4Journey to Khuvsgul LakeKhuvsgul Lake · Moron
Travel northward toward the main destination at Lake Khuvsgul, stopping for lunch near Moron, capital of Khuvsgul province. Khuvsgul, Asia's second-largest freshwater lake, covers 2,760 square kilometres and was formed approximately two million years ago. It sits at the boundary between Central Asian steppes and Siberian taiga forest, making it ecologically distinct from any other body of water in the region. The lake is home to the Tsaatan people, also known as the Dukha, an ethnic group whose economy centers on reindeer herding. Arrive at the lakeshore camp in the afternoon.
5Khuvsgul Lake — Leisure DayKhuvsgul Lake
A full day at the lake. Choose among independent activities: boat riding, horseback travel along the shoreline, visits to local nomadic families or Tsaatan reindeer herders, or trekking through forests and along the water's edge. No structured activities scheduled; time is yours to allocate.
6Ulziit Khishig CampUlziit Khishig camp
We depart in the morning toward Ulziit Khishig camp, located 210 kilometres away on the route to our tour's highlight destination. The camp sits in a verdant valley surrounded by greenery and trees on a hillside. We overnight in a standard ger, with cabin accommodation available.
7Khorgo Volcano and Tsagaan Lake, Arkhangai ProvinceKhorgo volcano · Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park · Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake · standard ger camp
We travel 220 kilometres to Arkhangai province and Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake spans 61 square kilometres and harbours diverse bird populations along its shores. The dormant Khorgo volcano rises nearby, its last eruption occurring more than 8,000 years ago. That ancient event directly shaped the surrounding landscape and altered the lake's formation. We visit the lake shores and trek up the volcano's crater, where panoramic views reveal how geological forces have sculpted this terrain. Overnight at a standard ger camp.
8Tsenkher Hot SpringsTsenkher hot springs
Drive to the Tsenkher hot springs, situated in a valley flanked by tall mountains and forests. These springs were created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and are one of several geothermal sources in Central and Northern Mongolia. Water emerges from deep underground at temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius, containing sodium carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, sulfate, fluorite, and hydrogen sulfide. Spend the day at leisure in and around the thermal pools.
9Kharkhorin: Empire, Monasteries, and the Orkhon ValleyKharkhorin · Kharkhorin Museum · Erdene Zuu monastery
Drive to the town of Kharkhorin, situated in the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a region where Mongol imperial history and earlier civilizations shaped not only Mongolia but world events. Kharkhorin was the capital of the Mongol Empire. The Kharkhorin Museum houses artifacts tracing back to the Mongol empire and dynasties preceding it. The primary site is Erdene Zuu monastery, Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, established in the late 16th century. For centuries, thousands of monks inhabited the grounds and shaped Mongolian cultural life. The 1930s political purges damaged much of the monastic wealth, but the physical grounds were preserved. Both historic and actively functioning temples remain accessible for visits.
10Elsen Tasarkhai and Return to UlaanbaatarElsen Tasarkhai · Ulaanbaatar · Ulaanbaatar hotel
Drive south toward Ulaanbaatar. En route, visit the Elsen Tasarkhai region, known locally as 'Mini Gobi' for its long sand dunes set among grassland. This 90-kilometre dune corridor stretches across the borders of three provinces and offers camel riding and exploration of sand formations within steppe vegetation. Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant and continue to Ulaanbaatar. Check in at the hotel for a farewell dinner.
11DepartureChinggis Khaan International Airport
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Chinggis Khaan International Airport
- 2Amarbayasgalant Monastery
- 3Darkhan
- 4Uran Togoo
- 5Bulgan
- 6Khuvsgul Lake
- 7Moron
- 8Khuvsgul Lake
- 9Khorgo volcano
- 10Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
- 11Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
- 12Tsenkher Hot Springs
- 13Kharkhorin
- 14Kharkhorin Museum
- 15Erdene Zuu Monastery
- 16Elsen Tasarkhai
- 17Ulaanbaatar
- 18Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Included
- Hotel, all meals specified in the itinerary
- Tickets and tours for attractions specified in the itinerary
- All museums and attractions in the itinerary
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day
Not included
- Air tickets and airport taxes
- Luggage tips
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Air tickets
- Meals on the train