Central Mongolia & Zavkhan Province — 13 Days

Tour overview

This journey takes you beyond Mongolia’s classic highlights and into the country's quieter, lesser-visited heartlands. Combining the historical treasures of Central Mongolia with the remote beauty of Zavkhan Province, you'll discover a remarkable diversity of landscapes—from rolling steppe and ancient monasteries to volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, dramatic river valleys, and some of Mongolia's most spectacular sand dunes.

Along the way, you'll experience authentic nomadic hospitality, relax in natural hot springs, hike through untouched wilderness, ride camels across the steppe, and explore the fascinating legacy of the Mongol Empire. Perfect for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Mongolia, this itinerary balances cultural discoveries with unforgettable natural experiences.

Tour facts

• Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

• Start / End: Ulaanbaatar / Ulaanbaatar

• Travel style: Private overland journey with guide & driver

• Accommodation: Ger camps, nomadic family stays, ger guesthouse and tented camping

• Pace: Moderate (comfortable driving days combined with active exploration)

• Highlights: Khogno Khan • Karakorum • Erdene Zuu Monastery • Tsenkher Hot Springs • White Lake • Khorgo Volcano • Zavkhan Province • Telmen Lake • Bor Khar Sand Dunes • Camel riding • Hustai National Park

• Best season: June–September

Day-by-day program

Day 1 — Khogno Khan: where mountains meet the semi-desert

Leave Ulaanbaatar behind and head west into the beautiful landscapes of Khogno Khan Natural Reserve. This remarkable protected area is one of Mongolia's most diverse natural regions, where granite mountains, patches of forest and Gobi-like sand dunes exist side by side. Spend the afternoon exploring the area before settling in for your first night surrounded by Mongolia's vast open scenery.

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Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 2 — Karakorum & Erdene Zuu: the heart of the Mongol Empire

Travel onwards to Karakorum, the legendary capital of Genghis Khan's empire during the 13th century. Explore the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, enclosed by its famous white stupa walls. Learn about the country's rich religious history before spending the evening surrounded by one of Mongolia's most significant historical landscapes.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger guesthouse

Day 3 — Tsenkher Hot Springs: relaxation in nature

Today's destination is Tsenkher Hot Springs, one of Mongolia's best-known geothermal areas. Hidden among rolling hills and forests, the naturally heated mineral water offers the perfect opportunity to relax after several days on the road. Enjoy a soothing outdoor bath while surrounded by peaceful countryside.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 4 — White Lake: Mongolia's volcanic wonder

Continue towards Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), created thousands of years ago when lava flows dammed the valley. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, green meadows and crystal-clear water, the lake is one of Central Mongolia's most beautiful natural attractions. Spend the afternoon walking along the shoreline and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 5 — Khorgo Volcano: hiking through Mongolia's volcanic past

Spend the day exploring Khorgo Volcano, hiking to the rim of its perfectly preserved crater for spectacular panoramic views across White Lake and the surrounding lava fields. Depending on the weather, there may also be opportunities to swim, fish or simply relax beside the lake.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 6 — Into Zavkhan Province

Leaving the popular Central Mongolian route behind, today's drive takes you into the remote landscapes of Zavkhan Province. As traffic disappears and villages become fewer, you'll experience a side of Mongolia visited by very few travellers. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with wide valleys, rivers and distant mountain ranges dominating the horizon.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 7 — Telmen Lake: the jewel of Zavkhan

Arrive at Telmen Lake, a vast saltwater lake located nearly 1,800 metres above sea level. Home to numerous migratory birds and surrounded by open grasslands, the lake offers magnificent scenery and complete tranquillity. Spend time exploring the shoreline and enjoying one of Mongolia's least-visited natural treasures.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 8 — Bor Khar Sand Dunes

Continue to the remote Bor Khar Sand Dunes, where rolling golden dunes rise unexpectedly from the surrounding steppe. This peaceful area offers a completely different side of western Mongolia, with endless views, dramatic evening light and almost complete silence.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 9 — A day with your nomadic hosts

Today is all about slowing down. Spend the day hiking through the surrounding landscapes and enjoying time with your nomadic host family. Learn about traditional livestock herding, daily routines and Mongolia's unique nomadic culture while sharing meals and stories together.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 10 — Khogno Khan revisited & camel riding

Return towards Central Mongolia, arriving once again at Khogno Khan. This time you'll have the opportunity to experience the landscape from the back of a camel, crossing the semi-desert just as traders once travelled along ancient caravan routes. The combination of dunes, mountains and grasslands makes this one of Mongolia's most photogenic regions.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomadic family stay

Day 11 — Hustai National Park: the return of the wild horse

Drive to Hustai National Park, famous for the successful reintroduction of the Takhi (Przewalski's Horse) — the world's last truly wild horse species. Visit the visitor centre before exploring the park in search of wild horses, deer, marmots and birds of prey.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camping

Day 12 — Steppe landscapes & your final evening

Enjoy a relaxed day travelling through Mongolia's endless steppe landscapes. Depending on timing and local conditions, there is time for short walks and photography before your final evening together in the countryside.

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 13 — Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, begin the final drive back to Ulaanbaatar. As the capital comes back into view, you'll carry home memories of a Mongolia few travellers ever experience—one of hidden lakes, volcanic landscapes, ancient monasteries and unforgettable nomadic hospitality.

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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 all sites and national parks included in the program

• Camel riding experience

• Hot spring entrance

• 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.