TRIP OVERVIEW:

Tour length: 14 days
Group size: 4-15 people
Tour prices:

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar
On this very first day of the tour in Mongolia, you are enjoying a full day of city tour. First visit to Sukhbaatar square, which is the heart of the city, where you will see monuments dedicated to the Mongol empire from 13th century and its great khaans including Chinggis Khaan. Then we move one to visit Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important Buddhist temple in the country. In the afternoon visit to National History Museum and Zaisan hill. Evening performance of Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar – Karakorum (390 kms)
Early morning drive to Karakorum about 390 kms. (7-9 hours) Visit the monument of Kultegin enroute, which is one of the remainder of Turkic khaganate. It was raised in AD 732 and is inscribed in runic and Chinese script. The Turkic State existed in Mongolia between 6th-8th centuries AD. This monument, known as “Orkhon Inscriptions” by scientists and historians was dedicated to the memory of the Bilge Khan, who founded the Turkic State. The monument is 3,3 meters high and 1,3 meters wide, and the text inscribed on the stone monument consists of 68 lines. The scripts on the sides of the monument are in Runic and that at the rear of the monument is written in Chinese characters. Arrival at Karakorum and accommodate at ger camp. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp. Tour of the first Buddhist monastery Erdenezuu, built on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586 by order of Abtai Sain Khan. The monastery preserves works of the Mongolian artisans, painters, sculptors, embroiders and craftsmen of 17-19 centuries. Overnight in Mongolian ger.

Day 3 Karakorum - Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake, Khorgo (260 kms)
With packed lunch on the way we are traveling across central Mongolian green plateau and arrive in a ger camp settled on the shore of the beautiful lake of Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, Terhiin Tsagaan is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia. Being elevation at an altitude of 2,060 meters, the lake occupies and area of over 300 square kilometers. This astonishingly beautiful crystal clear water lake is renowned for its fish and bird life. Pike is found in plenty and bird species including ruddy shelduck and great cormorant are common. The dead volcano of Horgo stands on the Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake. There is a huge volcanic crater, about 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep. A large solidified lava formation on the southern slope of Horgo is trickily called “Basalt Ger” Enroute we are visiting mysterious Taikhar Rock, central Mongolian pretty green town of Tsetserleg and Khorgo dead volcano sight.

Day 4 Tsagaan Burgas Valley (220 kms)
Today we are driving heading northwards to Huvsgul Lake. Traveling across mountain steppe zone in the northern tip of Khangai mountain range, we are finally settled in the picturesque sight of Tsagaan Burgas valley, halfway between Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake and Huvsgul lake for the night. Today we are visiting Nuht valley deer stones and ancient tombs in Galt soum territroy of Huvsgul province. Overnight in tented camping.

Day 5 Murun, Huvsgul Lake (210 kms)
Via Murun town, the center of Huvsgul Aimag, we are arriving at the shore of Huvsgul Lake today. After arriving in Murun, we are having an excursion to Uushgiin uvur ancient site with rich collection of ancient deer stones and tombstones. There are 14 beautifully carved deer stones in the same area. Continue driving to Husvgul lake and arrive at ger camp by the lake. After being settled in a ger camp conveniently located on the western shore of the lake, we enjoy relaxing time in the refreshing settings of the beautiful lake.

Day 6 Huvsgul Lake
The whole day we are enjoying experiencing the lake and exploring the surrounding area by ourselves. Known as the “dark blue pearl” of Mongolia, lake Huvsgul is one of the country’s largest lakes and it features one of the most spectacular areas of the country. With 136 kilometers in length and 36 kilometers wide stretching from north to south, Huvsgul is the 14th largest fresh-water lake in the world by volume and its 380 cubic kilometers of water make up over 1% of the world’s fresh water. The lake is elevated at 1,645 meters above sea level and, at its deepest, the lake is 262 meters from its surface to the bottom. Huvsgul shares many similarities in origin, flora and fauna with larger Russia’s Baikal Lake, which lies 200 kilometers to the east and is connected to Huvsgul by Egiin River. About a hundred rivers and streams pour into Huvsgul lake, but only the Egiin River exits the lake. Overnight in gers at the shore of Huvsgul lake.

Day 7 Huvsgul Lake
Today we are visiting a shaman’s home to experience their unique culture. In the afternoon we are also visiting a reindeer settlement. Optional activities including trekking, horse riding or rafting along the shore of the lake. Overnight in gers at the shore of Huvsgul lake.

Day 8 Huvsgul Lake – Selenge river (275 kms)
Today we are driving back our jeeps back to the south to the direction of Ulaanbaatar via Murun town. In the evening we are arriving on the bank Selenge river, which is the largest river in Mongolia. Overnight in a ger camp.

Day 9 Selenge river – Amarbayasgalant Monastery (245 kms)
Going across Selenge river we are visiting Zuun Turuu ancient monument from Turkic state. This site keeps the remains of ancient Turkic state worshipping place. Then we drive to Amarbayasgalant monastery, via Erdenet city, which is the third largest city of Mongolia. This beautiful monastery is considered second only to Erdenezuu, outside Ulaanbaatar. It is situated 360 kilometers north of Ulaanbaatar. The monastery was built in 1717-1936 by Undur Gegeen (Great Saint) Zanabazar, a prominent religious leader and artist, who was proclaimed by Dalai Lama as the first reincarnation of Hutugtu Zabzundamba. Overnight in ger camp

Day 10 Amarbayasgalant Monastery – Ulaanbaatar (370 kms)
Driving for about 5-6 hours on paved road, we are arriving back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy relaxing time in the afternoon. Overnight in Chinggis Khaan hotel.

Day 11 Ulaanbaatar – Terelj National Park (80 kms)
In the morning we are driving to Terelj National Park, about 110 kms northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Visit to an 8th century Turkic stele of Tonyukuk enroute. The stele is covered in runic script and there are stone figures and grave slabs nearby. Continue a drive Tsonjin Boldog sight, where a magnificent 100 ft high Chinggis Khaan’s statute stands looking to the sun rise. Then we drive to Terelj, set in the spectacular Gorkhi River valley, viewing its fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains. Take a picture of huge Turtle Rock, created by nature. Overnight in ger.

Day 12 Terelj National Park
Today we are enjoying a full day of activity in Terelj National Park. After breakfast at the camp, we are starting a horse riding tour along the picturesque valley of Terelj National Park. We will visit a nomadic family near the Tuul river and have a picnic barbeque lunch on the bank of Tuul river. In the afternoon ride back to the camp. Enjoy archery lessons and trials by the camp. Small performance of traditional music and Hoomii (unique Mongolian throat singing performance). Talk about traditional music and unique cultural heritage with the singers. Bonfire ceremony. Overnight in gers at the camp.

Day 13 Terelj - Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast at the camp transfer back to Ulaanbaatar. Have lunch in a western restaurant. Enjoy relaxing time in the afternoon visit Mongolia’s fine cashmere store and souvenir shops. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar – Departure
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan international airport and departure.