Beautiful places of Khangai mountain's to the amazing lakes of the Great Lakes depression with the Gobi touches are the most magnificent and unforgettable journey one can take in Mongolia.
The most carefully planned itinerary to western Mongolia will leave you speechless after finishing this epic journey.
We have chosen the best attractions and the most hassle-free routes.
Beautiful places of Khangai mountain's to the amazing lakes of the Great Lakes depression with the Gobi touches are the most magnificent and unforgettable journey one can take in Mongolia.
Many different ethnic groups of Mongolian people, with their welcoming attitude and great cultures, will make a new you.
The well-preserved wildlife and untouched landscapes will make your jaw dropped for every day of the trip.
Day 1.
Ulaanbaatar to Khugnu Khan N.P. via Khustain Nuruu N.P.
Distance: 350 km
Driving duration: 7 hours
Khustain Nuruu National Park:
Tuv province, in between Altanbulag, Argalant, and Bayankhangai soums area incredibly beautiful landscape and wild horses called Takhi the Przewalski horse’s 1 of 2 living place on earth. On an average 1500-1700m. a.s.l. The highest peak is Khushuut mountain 1842m tall. The lowest point is 1190m Tariatiin Bulag. It’s Khentii mountains south-west wing. At the mountaintop to the north slope, there is 2080 hectare of birch forest. Park has 450 species of plants almost all of them are medicinal plants, red deers, antelopes, wild boars, many species of rodents and 260 species of birds live here.
Explore it with well educated Khustai National Park’s guide
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Wildlife observation, and Sightseeing
Khugnu Khan National Park:
Bulgan province’s Rashaant soum area Incredibly beautiful sacred mountain full of exotic animals and medicinal plants. There are Uvgun, and Zaluu 2 Khalkha monasteries ruins are there to tell the tale. Here we can hike around the Mountain see the beautiful view of Elsen Tasarkhai the Sand dune. There are 17 very rare species of plants and combined 399 species of plants. 100 of them are medicinal plants.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Wildlife observation, and Sightseeing
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 2.
Khugnu Khan Mountain to Kharkhorin town via Elsen Tasarkhai
Distance: 100 km
Driving duration: 7 hours
Elsen Tasarkhai:
Elsen Tasarkhai is a part of the Mongol Els sand dunes, which stretch from the Tuv, Uvurkhangai, and Bulgan provinces all the way west to become part of the Khugnu Khan mountain range. The sand dunes are 80 km long total. Dividing the southern part of the sand dunes with the so-called northern Mongolian sand, Khugnu Tarna is the main road. River Tarnat flows in the western part of the sand dunes, it is sodden under its surfaces, so shrubberies such as willow, elm, dogwood, shrubbery grow there. In the south lies Ikh Mongol which defines the central point of Mongolia and is surrounded by the Elsen Tasarkhai. The widest section of the sand dune is located in the Ikh Mongol mountain area and covers an area of 9-10 km. Half of the Ikh Mongol sand is covered by plants, so its mostly not loose sand. Camel riding on the sand dune and local foods are highlights of this place.
Activities: Hiking, Photograph, Camel tour, Horse tour
Kharkhorin town:
Founded by Chinggis Khaan in 1200, became Mongol empire’s capital in 1220 by Ugudei Khaan son of Chinggis Khaan. Every religion in the world existed together for centuries in the Karakorum. Historically and archaeologically important place in the world. Kharkhorin is UNESCO world heritage site. Here is the famous Erdenezuu the Buddhist monastery is open to the public. Surrounding 108 stupas creates one magnificent big fence, inside there are 3 remaining ancient monastery buildings which are now a big Buddhist museum. Museum staffs are famous for their good education on the details of the Buddhist exhibits. Next to the museum actual working monasteries are open to the public. Famous Karakorum’s Turtle rock and Phallic rock are located near Erdenezuu monastery.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Archeological tours, Museum, Monastery visit
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 3.
Kharkhorin to Taikhar rock via Tsetserleg town
Distance: 120 km
Driving duration: 3 hours
Tsetserleg town:
Is the capital of Arkhangai province. North side of the town there is the famous Bulgan mountain with Zaya Bandida the one of the 4 state’s saint’s monastery which is now a Museum of Arkhangai just next to it the Zaya Bandida’s actual working monastery is open to the public. At the Bulgan mountain there is a big Buddha statue complex and throughout the mountain, there are numbers of drawings of gods it is a fascinating place to climb up to the mountain.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Museum, Trekking, Sightseeing and Religious tour
Taikhar rock:
On a bank of Khoid Tamir River in Ikh Tamir Soum, Arkhangai province. Taikhar Chuluu is the 18m-high cliff of granite. Which has lots of myths and challenges to be found. Over 150 inscriptions in various scripts including Turkic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu, and Chinese were engraved on the rock. The surrounding area is all about the beautiful scenery.
Activities: Horseback riding, Yak riding, Photography, Sightseeing
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 4.
Taikhar rock to Khorgo volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake) via Chuluut canyon
Distance: 170 km
Driving duration: 3 hours
Chuluut canyon:
Chuluut canyon is located in Tariat and Undur-Ulaan soum’s area, Arkhangai province. Surrounded by huge canyon depth reaches 200 m from the river at some point. On the bank of the river, there is a famous Mother tree which is a local worshipping tree.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Climbing, and Sightseeing
Khorgo volcano:
Khorgo volcano crater is 200 m wide and 80 m deep situated at an altitude of 2,210 m. a.s.l. Erupted around 8,000 years ago. Near the crater, there are dozens of small caverns with stalactites hanging from their ceiling and walls. Because of a volcanic eruption, interesting Ger shaped caves formed. One of them is a deep ground cave with ice inside, which is called "Yellow dog's hell". The ice is at present even on the hottest summer days. Some of 13 stone shelters reach 1.7 m high. Plenty to see and explore this volcano.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, and Sightseeing
Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake):
As known as the White Lake is located in Tariat soum, Arkhangai province.
Very beautiful lake with a variety of birds, nomadic families and sand beaches this is one of the most heavenly places that you can visit on your planet.
Khorgo Terkhi national park is considered one of the Mongolian Seven Wonders. It is UNESCO world heritage site.
Terkhiin Tsagaan is 16 km long. 6 km wide, 20m deep and 61 sqkm pure water lake.
Activities: Photography, Hiking, Horseback riding, Swimming and Sightseeing
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 5.
Terkhiin Tsagaan to Ulaagchin Khar Lake Bioreserve
Distance: 200 km
Driving duration: 7 hours
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake Bioreserve:
Ulaagchiin Khar lake is located in Erdenekhairkhan soum, Zavkhan province. North side of the lake beautiful sand dunes and to the south surrounded by reed it is an unbelievably heavenly landscape. Around the lake, you can observe the mighty Tovkhosh mountain.
Khar Lake is 48 meters deep, 30 km long, and 5-10 km wide. In the middle of the lake 2,500m a.s.l. 3 tall islands become 13 different species of migratory birds’ home every summer.
Activities: Hiking, Trekking, Photograph, Horse riding, Fishing, Bird watching
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 6.
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake to Khyargas lake (Khetsuu Khad) via Mukhart river and Senjit Crag
Distance: 220 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Mukhart river:
Magnificent Mukhart small river flowing for twenty kilometers (12,43 miles) along the Bor Khyar Dunes, forming a lovely oasis where poplars and sea buckthorns grow. The source of this river is really magical because it literally gushes from the huge and lovely Bor Dune. As it spontaneously springs, it also spontaneously disappears afterward into the dunes.
Senjit Crag:
On the 2,773 ma.s.l. High sand dune mountaintop, 10 m tall 6-8 m wide granite nature’s door like uniquely shaped arch rock surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Khyargas Lake:
Khyrgas lake is salt lake located on the south side of Khan Khukhii ridge, Mongolian Great lakes depression, Uvs province. Lake covers 1407 sq km, length is 75 km, width is 31 km, the average length is 19 km, the water surface is 1028 ma.s.l. On the north shore of the famous spa called Khar Termes and it’s mud is used for healing.
Khetsuu Khad:
East side of the lake 5 - 7 km long cliff stretches underwater is called Khetsuu Khad. Some of the peaks of this cliff surfaced like islands. Waterbirds made their nest on those islands and lay their eggs. It is a heaven for the birds. In the lake there are plenty of Big Mouth Altai Osman, ruff, Yellowfish etc, they become waterbirds main food source.
Activities: Swimming, Hiking, Bird watching, Fishing, Photograph
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 7.
Khyargas lake (Khetsuu Khad) to Durgun Lake
Distance: 350 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Durgun Lake:
Durgun lake is a saltwater lake in Durvuljin soum Gobi-Altai province. It is a part of the Great Lakes Depression, being one of the remnants of a prehistoric lake. It has a salinity of 4%. By the Janjin rock, naturally formed beach like a pool is the most wonderful place to swim.
Activities: Swimming, Hiking, Photography
Accommodation: Camping
Day 8.
Durgun Lake to Khasagt Khairkhan
Distance: 200 km
Driving duration: 3 hours
Khasagt Khairkhan National Park:
Khasagt Khairkhan NP is located in Jargalan soum, Gobi-Altai province. Average height is 3000-3500 meters. Highest peak has an elevation of 3578 meters. Beautiful nature and many types of minerals are there to explore.
Activities: Hiking, mountain climbing, Photography
Accommodation: Resort
Day 9.
Khasagt Khairkhan to Taigan Lake via Altai town
Distance: 200 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Altai town:
Altai town is the capital of Gobi-Altai province.
Taigan Lake:
Located in Delger soum Gobi-Altai province. Spending the night by the lake.
Activities: Swimming, Hiking, Birdwatching
Accommodation: Tent stay
Day 10.
Taigan Lake to Shargaljuut resort via Bayankhongor city
Distance: 360 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Bayankhongor city:
The capital of Bayankhongor province.
Shargaljuut resort:
Shargaljuut is an urban-type settlement geographically located in the Erdenetsogt soum of Bayankhongor Province. Officially Shargaljuut is a bag (commune) under Bayankhongor city jurisdiction but situated 54 km NE from the city on Shargaljuut river in Khangai Mountains at 2136 m elevation.
Shargaljuut's population is the second largest settlement of Bayankhongor Province after Bayankhongor city.
Shargaljuut is a resort with more than 100 hot (up to +95°C) mineral springs, some of them with sulfur mud. Mongolians go there and have treatment all year long.
All of the hot springs erupt from strangely shaped rocks and all the hot springs have their own purposes of healing.
Activities: Spring treatments, natural phenomenon, Photography
Accommodation: Resort
Day 11.
Shargaljuut resort to Khuisiin Naiman Lakes
Distance: 350 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Khuisiin Naiman lakes:
Naiman lakes are located between Khangai mountains, in Uyanga soum, Uvurkhangai province. The average elevation is 2400 meters from sea level. Interconnected 8 lakes are formed by volcanic eruptions. In the area grey wolf, wild boars, royal stag, marmots, bunny, and squirrels are easy to spot. And 50 species of birds, Himalayan griffon eagle, and Eurasian Griffon eagles are rarely seen.
Activities: Horse riding, Hiking, Wildlife observation
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 12.
Khuisiin Naiman Lakes to Orkhon waterfall via Tuvkhun Monastery
Distance: 300 km
Driving duration: 7 hours
Tuvkhun Monastery:
Located in Khujirt soum, Uvurkhangai province. Located on top of the deep forest and rocky Undur-Ovoot or Shiveet-Ulaan mountain. Founded by Saint Zanabazar in 1648, when he was 14 years old. Saint Zanabazar’s first ever meditating cave is still intact. Most of Zanabazar’s amazing work had done at Tuvkhun monastery. On the mountain 2 minerals erupt from the rocks. Many interesting caves to be explored. Now actual monastery is open to the public.
Activities: Hiking 5km, Horse riding, Monastery visit
Orkhon waterfall:
Orkhon river valley is located in Bat-Ulzii soum, Uvurkhangai province. Orkhon waterfall is 20 meters tall and 10 meters wide. white waves flowing on the black stone, transformed into a rainbow by sunrays make a magical scene. Orkhon waterfalls formed 20.000 years ago after a unique combination of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It’s the Ulaan Tsutgalan River, ”Red Confluence”, which forms these falls by flowing into the Orkhon River.
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Photography, Horse riding
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 13.
Orkhon waterfall to Ongi Monastery
Distance: 300 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Ongi Monastery:
Dundgobi province, Saikhan-Ovoo soum’s area, Ongi river’s east bank, on Saikhan-Ovoo mountain’s slope there are remains of a Monastic city Ongi, founded in 1660. it was once a town that populated one thousand monks.
Bases of the buildings were built on mini-cliffs. Buildings were the true art of sculptures. It was devastated by the Soviet purges of the 1930s. Only a few traces remain in the mini-museum. Here you can see the remnants of the artistic walls equipment, and reconstructed Ongi Monastery.
Activities: Photograph, Hiking, Paleontology research, swimming
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 14.
Ongi Monastery to Zorgol Khairkhan mountain via Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Distance: 300 km
Driving duration: 6 hours
Baga Gazriin Chuluu:
Dundgobi province, Delgertsogt soum’s area. Surrounded by the vast grassy plains 1768 m a.s.l. Tall granite area, it’s 300 sq km big.
In the mountain passes and valleys, there are a lot of species of plants. Ancient petroglyphs, remains, monuments are there to explore. There are Sudut gorge, Jargalant cave, Eye’s holy water, offering valley, Ger rock, Hun's era burials etc. many interesting places to explore.
Activities: Photograph, Hiking, Cycling, Rock climbing, Trekking
Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain:
Zorgol Khairkhan is a sacred mountain, located in the area of Bayan Unjuul soum of Tov province, about 150 km from Ulaanbaatar. The peak is 1686 m ASL. Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain is venerated and revered by the local people, who believe that it is the siege of a great, benevolent spirit. The huge, red granite mountain does indeed have a diverse and beautiful nature to offer. It has many caves and water springs. home of the Argali wild sheep, Ibex and Red deer and many other animals.
There are several burial sites of ancient Mongol soldiers around this mountain. According to shamanic custom, pronouncing the name of the holy mountains while visiting them is forbidden. In history, it is said that Chinggis Khaan used to go for hunting around this mountain.
Activities: Hiking, Mountain climbing, Horse riding, Photography
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Day 15.
Zorgol Khairkhan mountain to Ulaanbaatar
Distance: 150 km
Driving duration: 2 hours
Ulaanbaatar:
We will be leaving in the morning and head back to Ulaanbaatar. Goes back to the hotel and have some refreshment time. City tour with museums and do some cashmere shopping. The traditional folk art Concert with the great Tumen Ekh ensemble. And have a farewell dinner with all the travel crew members.
And until next time, Bayartai.
Activities: Tumen Ekh ensemble concert, Shopping
Museums: Natural History Museum, Zanabazar fine art museum, Bogd Khaan’s palace museum, Choijin Lama museum
Accommodation: Hotel
Khugnu Khan National Park
Khustain Nuruu National Park
The Ancient Karakorum city
Taikhar Rock
Khorgo volcano and White lake National Park
Ulaagchin Khar Lake Bioreserve
Mukhart river
Khyargas lake - Khetsuu Khad
Khar us lake
Durgun Lake
Khasagt Khairkhan National Park
Shargaljuut resort
Khuisiin Naiman Lakes
Tuvkhun Monastery
Orkhon waterfall
Ongi monastery
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Zorgol Khairkhan
Ulaanbaatar city tour
What’s included in the Price?
English speaking guide at all times
13 nights accommodations based on twin/double occupancy;
- 4-5 star hotel in the city – 2 nights
- Best Ger camps in the countryside – 11 nights
All meals 24 as specified in the itinerary: Breakfast-15, Lunch-15 & Dinner -15
All relevant transfers and transportation + experienced drivers (4-5 pax will share a 4WD minivan or Jeep)
Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
National park and Attraction complex tickets
“Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance by “Tumen Ekh” ensemble
Visa invitation letter, if required
Included all taxes
What’s Not included in the Price?
International flights & visa fee
Travel & medical insurance
Daily personal expenses