Central Mongolia, Hot Springs & White Lake — 9 Days

Tour overview

Discover the very best of Central Mongolia on this nine-day journey through ancient history, volcanic landscapes, peaceful lakes, and some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. Follow the footsteps of the Great Mongol Empire in Karakorum, relax in natural hot springs, hike an extinct volcano, and explore the crystal-clear waters of White Lake. Along the way, you'll experience authentic nomadic hospitality, travel through endless grasslands, and enjoy the perfect balance of cultural discovery and outdoor adventure.

This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking Mongolia's iconic landscapes without venturing as far as the Gobi Desert, offering a rich introduction to the country's history, nature, and traditional way of life.

Tour facts

• Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

• Start / End: Ulaanbaatar / Ulaanbaatar

• Travel style: Private overland journey with guide & driver

• Accommodation: Tourist ger camps, nomadic family stays, and ger guesthouses

• Pace: Moderate (comfortable driving days with time for hiking and sightseeing)

• Highlights: Khogno Khan • Karakorum • Erdene Zuu Monastery • Tsenkher Hot Springs • White Lake • Khorgo Volcano • Ugii Lake • Camel riding

• Best season: May–September

Day-by-day program

Day 1 — Khogno Khan: where mountains meet the dunes

Depart Ulaanbaatar and travel into the heart of Central Mongolia. Your first stop is Khogno Khan Natural Reserve, a unique landscape where granite mountains, open steppe, forests, and sand dunes come together in one remarkable setting. Explore the area on foot before settling in with a local nomadic family and enjoying your first evening beneath Mongolia's vast skies.

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Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 2 — Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Continue to Karakorum, once the capital of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. Visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, surrounded by its famous walls of white stupas. Learn about Mongolia's imperial and spiritual history before continuing through the beautiful Orkhon Valley.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger guesthouse

Day 3 — Tsenkher Hot Springs

Travel west to the relaxing Tsenkher Hot Springs, where naturally heated mineral waters emerge from deep beneath the earth. Surrounded by rolling hills and forests, this peaceful location is the perfect place to unwind after several days of travel. Enjoy a soothing outdoor bath while taking in the beautiful scenery.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Day 4 — White Lake: one of Mongolia's natural treasures

Journey to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), a stunning freshwater lake created by ancient volcanic activity. Surrounded by lava fields, forests, and mountain scenery, White Lake is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Central Mongolia. Spend the afternoon walking along the shoreline and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Day 5 — Khorgo Volcano National Park

Spend the day exploring the extinct Khorgo Volcano, hiking to the rim of its well-preserved crater for panoramic views across White Lake and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Walk across ancient lava fields and discover the fascinating geological history that shaped this remarkable region.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Day 6 — Return through Central Mongolia

Begin your journey back east through the rolling grasslands of Central Mongolia. Along the way you'll pass nomadic settlements, grazing livestock, and endless open landscapes that capture the timeless spirit of the Mongolian countryside.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Day 7 — Khogno Khan & camel riding

Return to Khogno Khan, where you'll enjoy a memorable camel ride across the sand dunes. The contrast between the golden dunes and the granite mountains makes this one of the country's most photogenic locations. Spend the afternoon exploring the reserve before your final evening in the countryside.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 8 — Ugii Lake

Travel to the tranquil shores of Ugii Lake, one of Central Mongolia's best-known freshwater lakes. Renowned for its birdlife and peaceful atmosphere, the lake offers an excellent opportunity to relax, enjoy a leisurely walk, and appreciate the calm beauty of Mongolia's open landscapes.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp

Day 9 — Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Ulaanbaatar. As your journey comes to an end, you'll take home unforgettable memories of Mongolia's ancient history, volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs, and the warm hospitality of its nomadic people.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)

Included

• Private transportation with experienced driver

• English-speaking guide

• Meals as listed day by day

• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary

• Entrance fees to attractions and national parks included in the program

• Camel riding experience

• Activities described in the itinerary

Not included

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

• Snacks and personal purchases

• Tips/gratuities (optional)

Upgrade option

A deluxe upgrade (higher-end accommodation and selected upgraded services) is available upon booking — just ask and we'll tailor the comfort level to your preferences.