12days/11nights
Tour grade: Hard
Style: Join in Group Tour
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Mongolia’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Start your adventure at the frozen wonderland of Lake Khuvsgul, where the icy expanse invites exploration and adventure.
Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Reindeer Tribe, staying with nomadic families and experiencing their ancient way of life and reindeer herding. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover the serene beauty of Mongolia’s winter wilderness, engage with local culture, and explore snow-covered landscapes, all while connecting with the enduring spirit of Mongolia’s rich traditions.
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be greeted by your guide at the airport following customs procedures. Transfer to your centrally located hotel in the city.
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel /standard check-in time is 2 pm/
Sightseeing in and around Ulaanbaatar
Meet in the hotel lobby at 8 am to begin our journey to Tsonjin Boldog, where we will visit the iconic Giant Chinggis Khaan statue complex. Upon arrival, explore the museum and take in panoramic views from the statue’s viewpoint. We will then return to Ulaanbaatar for a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, during which your guide will provide an overview of the upcoming winter expedition. In the afternoon, enjoy visits to Sukhbaatar Square and the National History Museum, further immersing yourself in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage.
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals Included
Ulaanbaatar - Erdenet via Aglag Buteel Monastery
Today, we begin our journey north to Lake Khuvsgul. After traveling for 2-3 hours, we'll arrive at Aglag Buteel Monastery, nestled on a rocky, wooded mountainside. Here, we’ll hike through the area, explore the temple, visit the museum of curiosities, and admire the unique rock formations shaped into Buddhist deities. After our monastery visit, we continue toward Erdenet, Mongolia's third-largest industrial city with over 100,000 residents. We'll arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon for some rest, followed by dinner at the hotel restaurant and an overnight stay.
Accommodation
Local Hotel
Meals Included
Erdenet - Murun - Lake Khuvsgul
Today, we embark on a scenic road trip through the captivating Khangai Mountains, arriving in Murun town after a 5-6 hour drive. From there, we continue towards your camp by Lake Khuvsgul, where you will spend the next two nights. After another 2-3 hour drive, we'll reach the camp, giving you time to settle in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and take in the stunning views of the lake and its serene surroundings.
Accommodation
Ger camp
Meals Included
A Day at Lake Khuvsgul
Begin the day with breakfast at the camp, then set off on a 2–3-hour hike along the forest trail heading north toward Khirvesteg, enjoying breathtaking views of the majestic Khoridol Saridag Mountain and the tranquil scenery of Khuvsgul Lake, known as the Blue Pearl. After lunch, embark on a 2-hour horse sledding adventure across the frozen lake, taking in the vast beauty of the icy landscape. Return to camp to warm up and relax. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Accommodation
Ger camp
Meals Included
10 dead volcanoes, Seven Mountain areas
Today, we embark on a picturesque journey from Lake Khuvsgul to Jargant Lodge, passing through the scenic Jigleg Pass. Our winter expedition will take us through stunning snowy landscapes, offering breathtaking views along the way. After several hours of travel, we will arrive at Jargant Lodge, located in beautiful Darkhad Depression, where you can unwind and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this remote winter retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the snowy surroundings and relish the serene ambiance of the lodge.
Accommodation
Jargant Lodge (log house)
Meals Included
Jargant – Zuun Taiga, Reindeer Tribe
Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Zuun Taiga as you spend a next 2 nights with Reindeer Tribe. In these two days, you will be joining the tribe in their daily activities, which may include tending to the reindeer herds, learning about their unique culture and traditions. Engage in hands-on experiences such as milking reindeer and listening to captivating stories passed down through generations. Enjoy a hearty meal with the tribe, savoring traditional dishes and delicacies. As the day unfolds, deepen your understanding of the nomadic way of life and forge meaningful connections with the Reindeer Tribe amidst the picturesque landscapes of Zuun Taiga.
Accommodation
Reindeer Family Stay (shared house or tippie)
Meals Included
Day trip by horse
Following breakfast, we'll set off on our voyage towards Jargant Lodge. Upon arrival, settle in and unwind at the lodge. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a brief drive to visit the renowned Jargant River, renowned for its fascinating phenomenon of remaining unfrozen throughout the winter season. After exploring this natural wonder, return to the lodge to relax and prepare for the upcoming journey to Murun the following day.
Accommodation
Jargant Lodge (log house)
Meals Included
Jargant - Murun Town
Today, we'll journey from Jargant Lodge to Murun, traversing through the picturesque Jigleg Pass. The scenic drive will take us through snow-covered landscapes and stunning winter vistas. Arriving in Murun after 5 to 6 hours, we'll check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day at our leisure to relax or explore the town. Enjoy the serene winter beauty along the way and take in the unique experiences that this winter journey offers.
Accommodation
Local Hotel
Meals Included
Murun - Ulaanbaatar
Today marks the conclusion of our week-long adventure in the captivating Khuvsgul province as we catch our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we'll transfer to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, whether you prefer exploring the city independently or indulging in some shopping at the nearby mall for exquisite cashmere and souvenirs. You have the evening free to dine as you please.
Accommodation
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals Included
Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
You are transferred to the airport after breakfast (standard checkout time applies, 12 pm). 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
INCLUDED SERVICES
EXCLUDED SERVICES
ACCOMMODATION INFO ON YOUR MONGOLIA TOURS:
In Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, features a wide range of accommodations, from basic guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Some of our tours do not include hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar, allowing you the flexibility to select a hotel that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to check the Inclusions and Exclusions section of your tour program to see if your hotel stay is part of the package. If you’d like assistance with booking, your travel consultant is ready to recommend and arrange the perfect hotel for your stay.
Here are hotels that we recommend:
- Springs hotel (3*)
- Holiday Inn (4*)
- Best Western Premier (5*)
- Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
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.
MEALS 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 ease 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). Please kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is also 20 kg (15 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). For 1kg extra luggage, you pay US$2 - 5.
DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO
Lake Huvsgul Lake Huvsgul is Mongolia’s deepest freshwater lake and it is 136 km long, 262m deep and 1645m above sea level. Lake Khuvsgul is the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. This lake was baptized by its former inhabitants "the blue water lake" and is also home to a number of animals including sheep, ibex, bear, yak, reindeer and moose, and many species of birds. Also 4 ethnics live in Khuvsgul namely, Khalkh, Buriad, Tuva and Darkhad. Tuvans are Mongolia’s strongest shamans and they herds about 2000 reindeers and live in the forest. Most Mongolian tribes herd livestock (cattle, camels, horses, yaks, sheep, goats) and they move 4 times a year.
by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia
by Margaret Suganda
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