17days/16nights
Tour grade: Easy
Style: Private Tour
Western Mongolia, home to diverse ethnic groups including Kazakhs, is one of the least traveled and most pristine areas of the country. This overland tour explores four western provinces, showcasing breathtaking nature and unparalleled hospitality.
Travel overland to Uvs, home to diverse ethnic groups and Mongolia’s largest lake. Along the way, visit breathtaking sites like Elsen Tasarkhai, Khorgo-Terkh National Park, and Ulaagchiin Khar Lake. Continue to Bayan-Olgii to meet Kazakh Eagle hunters and explore the Altai Mountains before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.
Our expert team will ensure a seamless journey, sharing their deep knowledge and experience of this remote region.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet at the airport after custom formalities and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for you to get over jet lag and take a good rest before your wonderful journey across Mongolia.
Accommodation
Hotel 4* in Ulaanbaatar /standard check-in time is 2 pm/
Tour of the City & Giant Chinggis statue
Meet your English-speaking local guide at 9.00 in the morning in the hotel lobby and start the city tour. The city tour of Ulaanbaatar takes you through some of the principal sights of this unique city. You visit the Gandan Monastery, housing a 26-meter-high gilded statue of the Buddha. Your tour also takes you to the Genghis Khan monument on the square and the National Museum, which has a number of fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building. Welcome lunch in a Mongolian restaurant. In the afternoon, we drive out from Ulaanbaatar toward the Giant Chinggis statue. Arrive and visit the museums at the complex and climb to the statue horse head. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening. Transfer to the hotel and rest. Free time for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel 4* in Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included
Ulaanbaatar – Elsen Tasarkhai
Meet in the hotel lobby by 8.00 am and we start our Mongolia discovery tour this morning and head to the west to Elsen Tasarkhai located in Khugnu Khan nature reserve. Arrive and transfer to the tourist ger camp for check-in and lunch. In the afternoon, we travel to Khugnu Khan mountain to visit the historical Erdene Khamba monastery temple and ruins. Visit the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai and enjoy 1-hour camel riding around. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Elsen Tasarkhai – Tsenkher hot springs via Karakorum
After breakfast, we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongol Empire located in the Orkhon valley. Arrive and visit legendary monastery Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia founded in 1586 and newly established Museum of Karakorum which gives a good introduction to Central Mongolia, its’ history and the UNESCO world heritage site Orkhon river valley. Arrive at Tsenkher camp in the late afternoon, enjoy relaxing in the natural curative hot spa. Dinner and overnight at ger camp.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Tsenkher hot springs – Khorgo Terkh National Park
After breakfast, we continue our journey toward Terkhiin Tsagaan lake in located in Khorgo Terkh National Park. Break our journey at Tsetserleg town, Arkhangai for a visit to legendary Zayiin Gegeen Monastery from 17th century. Short drive from Tsetserleg to historical Takhar rock. Over 150 inscriptions in various scripts including Turkic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu and Chinese were engraved on the cliff, but most of them seem to have barely appeared as time passes. Optional yak riding and lunch near Taikhar rock. In the afternoon, we continue our drive toward Khorgo Terkh. Short stop at Chuluut river canyon, a picturesque 20 m deep steep basaltic rock canyon. Arrive at our ger camp in the late afternoon, transfer to the tourist ger camp and rest.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Khorgo Terkh National Park – Hojuulyn Gol, Tosontsengel
After breakfast, we will have a trip around the lake and volcanic surrounding. The lake lies calmly in the arms of tall hills, its water extremely clear and lined with long sand beaches. The road winds along the shoreline, past Shamanic piles of black lava, before it cuts a short distance inland towards the Khorgo Volcano. At around 10,000 feet up, the volcano is now extinct, but still revered by the nomads of the region. A short walk takes you to the crater rim, where red-stained rock descends into a deep chasm surrounded by sacred Ovoo mounds. Look back towards Lake Terkh Tsagaan - there is an excellent view over the lake through a small hill pass. Lunch back at the ger camp and we depart to Hojuulyn Gol valley via Solongot pass, one of the tallest mountain pass of astounding Khangai Mountain range. In the early evening, arrive at Hojuulyn gol ger camp, dinner and rest.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Hojuulyn gol – Ulaagchyn Khar lake, Zavkhan
Continue our journey toward Ulaagchyn Khar lake located along the Bor Khyar sand dunes. You will enjoy incredible setting of lake over in the middle of golden dunes surrounded by picturesque mountains. Enjoy hiking around the dunes and visit the most scenic spot at this unique landscape. Dinner and overnight at tourist ger camp (basic facility).
Located 1132 m above the sea level, Ulaagchyn Khar lake is 38 km long and 50 m deep in places, extends along the south of the northern Margats mountain range at the northern edge of Bor Khyar sand dunes.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Ulaagchyn Khar lake – Hungii river valley via Muhart river
Breakfast at the ger camp and we drive to Muhart river, a river that’s originating from ground surrounded by towering sand dunes – unique natural combination.
Enjoy hiking around and optional sand sledding into the river. Lunch nearby and we continue our journey west toward Khyargas lake. Break our journey at Hungii river basin located along Bor Khyar sand dunes. Set out tents at our camping spot. Overnight under starry sky.
Accommodation
Tent camping
Meals Included
Khetsuu Khad, Khyargas Lake
In the morning, we continue our journey toward western Mongolia. Our today’s journey end at Khetsuu Khad, a dramatic rocky outcrop on the southern shore of Khyargas lake. Khyargas lake is one of the 4 biggest lakes which cover more than 1000 square km and 40-90 m deep. Transfer to the ger camp at Khetsuu Khad and lunch. The afternoon is spent leisurely with optional swimming, hiking or boat trip on the lake.
Lake Hyargas, one of the largest lakes of Mongolia, lies about 100 kilometers south of Lake Uvs in the territory of the Depression of Great Lakes. The Zavkhan river feeds Airag lake, which is further connected to Hyargas lake that has not outlet. The saltwater lake, stretching from west to east, is 83 kilometers long and 31 kilometers wide. Few species of fish including the rare Altai Osman (Oreoleuciscus potanini) inhabit in Khyargas lake.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Khyargas Lake – Ulaangom, Uvs province
Today we continue our journey toward west. Our drive takes 4-5 hour until our next overnight spot Ulaangom, a center of Uvs province. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for check in. After lunch, we explore the province by visiting province museum, central square and local bazaar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Uvs province is located in Great Lakes Depression of Altai Mountain. The regions are home to diverse ethnic groups and nationalities living in Uvs province including Durvud, Bayad, Khalkh, Tuvans, and Kazakhs. The province is famous by its majestic high mountains and great lakes.
Accommodation
Local Hotel
Meals Included
Ulaangom – Lake Uureg
Check out from our hotel and we continue to Uureg lake surrounded by Turgen and Tsagaan Shuvuut mountain. The saline lake is 1425 m above sea level, and it is known to be a mosquito-free lake. Our drive takes 3-4 hours passing Turgen Soum and Ulaan Khutul pass along our way. Arrive and check in to our next ger camp located along the lake shore. In the afternoon, we will explore the area by hiking for 2-3 hours to the Turkic men stone that dates back to 6-8th century. Arrive back at the camp by jeeps, dinner and overnight at the ger camp.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
Lake Uureg – Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii province
Today we drive to Ulgii for 6-7 hours passing by Achit Lake along our way. Arrive in Ulgii in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Visit to Bayan-Ulgii province museum and local bazaar in the town. Dinner and overnight at local hotel.
Accommodation
Local Hotel
Meals Included
Ulgii – Tsengel Khairkhan, Meeting with Eagle Hunters
Breakfast at the hotel and we start our Bayan-Ulgii exploration today. Drive more west from Ulgii passing by Ulaan Hus and Tsengel Soum, we arrive at our host Kazakh eagle hunter family in the afternoon. Pitch our tents near the eagle hunter’s ger. Rest of the day is spent with Kazakh family observing and taking part in their daily life chores including herding, milking, eagle training and so on. Enjoy Kazakh traditional meal for dinner. Overnight in tent.
Accommodation
Tent overnight
Meals Included
Tsengel Mountain – Dayan Lake and Altai Mountains
We say goodbye to our host family and continue our journey south to Dayan Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Western Mongolia. It is 18 km long moraine lake fed by small rivers from snow peak mountain in Altai Mountains. Arrive and pitch our tent one the shore of the lake. In the afternoon, we trek along the lake while observing its beauty. Dinner and overnight at tent.
Accommodation
Tent overnight
Meals Included
Dayan Lake – Ulgii town
Early morning drive back to Ulgii today. Lunch along the way in a scenic spot. Arrive in Ulgii in the late afternoon. Arrive and check-in at the local hotel. Dinner and overnight in Ulgii.
Accommodation
Local Hotel
Meals Included
Ulgii – Ulaanbaatar
Farewell to the tour staffs and we catch morning flight to Ulaanbaatar today. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for check in. Optional souvenir and cashmere shopping if you wish. Enjoy traditional folklore concert by the magical Tumen Ekh ensemble. Farewell dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel 4* in Ulaanbaatar
Meals Included
Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
You are transferred to the airport/train station after breakfast. End of service.
Meals Included
TOUR DATES
If you prefer a private tour experience, simply click the "Customize this tour" button located at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote.
TOUR PRICE:
1 Pax - US$ 9800 per person /based on single occupancy/
2 Pax - US$ 5700 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
3 Pax - US$ 5200 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
4-5 Pax - US$ 4800 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
6-7 Pax - US$ 4300 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
8-9 Pax - US$ 4000 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
10 Pax - US$ 3700 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
Single Supplement US$ 560 per person /based on twin/ double occupancy/
Included In The Service :
Not Included in the Service
Accommodation info on your Mongolia tours
Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, offers a variety of hotels ranging from basic guesthouses to high-end 5* hotel.
Some of our Mongolia tours do not include the hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar in the tour package, where clients can choose a hotel that suits their needs and budget. Please make sure to check your tour program`s Inclusions and Exclusions section to confirm if your hotel stay is included in the package.
If you wish us to book your hotel for you, your travel consultant will be happy to recommend and book an ideal hotel for you.
Here are hotels that are recommended by us:
Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar where there are no hotels, tourist Ger (yurt) camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongolians have lived in Gers for thousands of years. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-3 beds with good bedding (1 Ger equals 1 hotel room), and also offer well-maintained public western style showers and WCs on their grounds. Some Ger camps offer en-suite bathroom facilities at additional charge, please ask your Selena Travel advisor for further details when booking your Mongolia tour.
Food on Selena Travel tours
In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course and dessert.
While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and many others, can be accommodated with easy on your Mongolia adventure.
Luggage allowance on Selena Travel tours
If you are on an overland only tour across Mongolia, the recommended weight of your luggage is 20kg per person (max). However, kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is 15 kg (10 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). It is possible to purchase extra luggage space which costs US$2 - 5 per 1kg.
DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO
The majestic western Mongolia is definitely the most beautiful part of the country. The mountainous area climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. The stunning mountains of Altai are home to wild animals such as the globally endangered Snow Leopard, Argali and Ibex, as well as wolves and many bird species.
Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour
Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time.
We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.
by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia
Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.
by Margaret Suganda
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