Khuvsgul Lake & Central Mongolia — 15 Days
- Aleks Konge
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Tour overview
This is a beautifully varied journey that combines two of Mongolia’s most beloved regions in one seamless adventure: the pristine wilderness of Khuvsgul Lake in the far north and the cultural, volcanic, and river-valley landscapes of Central Mongolia. You begin with one of the country’s great spiritual treasures, Amarbayasgalant Monastery, then travel north to the “Blue Pearl” itself — spending generous time by the lake for horseback riding, a visit to the Tsaatan people, and a relaxing boat day.
From there, the route turns south into Mongolia’s dramatic central heartland: volcanic craters and lava-formed lakes, hot springs, the green folds of the Orkhon Valley and its famous waterfall, and the historic legacy of the Great Mongol Empire in Karakorum and Erdene Zuu. The journey finishes with camel time in the semi-desert landscapes of Khogno Khan and a final wildlife highlight in Hustai National Park, home to the reintroduced wild Takhi horses.
Tour facts
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Start / End: Ulaanbaatar / Ulaanbaatar
Travel style: Private overland journey with guide & driver, with light adventures (horse/camel riding, hiking)
Accommodation: Nomadic family stays, gers, and tented camping
Pace: Moderate to active (long drives balanced with multiple “off-driving” days)
Highlights: Amarbayasgalant Monastery • Baibalyk ruins • Khuvsgul Lake • Tsaatan visit • Khorgo Volcano & White Lake • Tsenkher hot springs • Orkhon Valley & Waterfall • Karakorum & Erdene Zuu • Khogno Khan • Hustai NP (wild Takhi horses)
Best season: Summer (typically June–September)
Special experience: Traditional hot-stone barbecue dinner (Khorkhog)
Day-by-day program
Day 1 — Amarbayasgalant Monastery: Mongolia’s spiritual masterpiece
An early start takes you north to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most impressive Buddhist complexes. Built in 1737 and dedicated to the great sculptor and Buddhist leader Zanabazar, it carries powerful history — including destruction in the 1930s and later restoration supported by UNESCO. If timing allows, observe the resident monks during their daily ceremonies for a calm, meaningful beginning to your journey.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nomadic family stay
Day 2 — Northbound via the Baibalyk ruins
Continue toward Khutag-Undur, with a fascinating stop at the Baibalyk city ruins — evidence of early settlement history in this region, linked in local tradition to the 8th century. The landscapes grow wilder as you travel deeper into Mongolia’s north.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented camping
Day 3 — Arrival at Khuvsgul: the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia
After breakfast, drive to the great freshwater lake Khuvsgul — one of Asia’s most significant freshwater reserves and Mongolia’s most iconic northern destination. Settle into your lakeside ger stay and enjoy your first evening in the cool, clear air of the north.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 4 — Horseback riding & Tsaatan encounter
A full lake day to experience Khuvsgul more deeply. Saddle up for a horseback ride in the surrounding landscapes, then visit the Tsaatan people, known for reindeer-herding traditions and a unique way of life in Mongolia’s far north.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 5 — Boat day on Khuvsgul
A slower “off-driving” day on the water. Enjoy a boat trip and take in Khuvsgul’s quiet beauty from a new perspective — wide blue space, mountain air, and shoreline scenery that feels untouched and timeless.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 6 — Southbound to Shine Ider
Rise early and begin driving toward Shine Ider, a picturesque stop as you transition from the northern lake region toward Central Mongolia. Watch the landscape slowly shift as forest gives way to broader valleys and open country.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented camping
Day 7 — White Lake: lava-formed beauty in the Khorgo region
After breakfast, drive to Khorgo–White Lake, formed by ancient lava flows. The scenery is striking and elemental — volcanic textures, open skies, and calm water that feels like a secret hidden in the steppe.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 8 — Khorgo Volcano hike & lake time
A full “off-driving” day. Hike to the Khorgo Volcano crater and enjoy the sense of standing in a landscape shaped by fire. Depending on conditions and your interest, swimming and fishing in the lake can be possible.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 9 — Tsenkher hot springs: a warm reset
Drive to Tsenkher Hot Spa, where naturally hot mineral water offers a wonderfully relaxing break in the journey. A soak here is the perfect contrast to Mongolia’s cool evenings and active days — a chance to unwind under open skies.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 10 — Orkhon Valley & Waterfall: Mongolia’s green heart
Start early for the Orkhon Valley and its famous waterfall, formed through a unique combination of volcanic activity and earthquakes thousands of years ago. This region is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful: green forested slopes, high peaks in the distance, and yak-dotted pastures that feel like a painting.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 11 — Free day: slow valley time & horse trekking
A full day to enjoy the Orkhon region at your own pace. Relax, explore nearby landscapes, or choose horse trekking for a deeper connection to the valley’s open terrain and nomadic culture.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger stay
Day 12 — Karakorum & Erdene Zuu, then Khogno Khan
Drive to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Great Mongol Empire, and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery Museum, Mongolia’s first major Buddhist centre. You’ll also see the historic turtle rock before continuing to Khogno Khan Natural Reserve — a spectacular area where mountains, forest, and semi-desert landscapes meet in one place.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nomadic family stay
Day 13 — Camel riding day in Khogno Khan
A relaxed “off-driving” day to enjoy Khogno Khan properly. Spend time in the landscapes and enjoy camel riding, with plenty of space for photos, short walks, and the simple luxury of Mongolia’s silence.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nomadic family stay
Day 14 — Hustai National Park: wild Takhi horses
Drive to Hustai Nuruu National Park, where herds of Przewalski’s horse (Takhi) have been reintroduced since 1991. Visit the park museum and explore the area’s flora and fauna — and with luck, spot these iconic wild horses in their natural habitat.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tented camping
Day 15 — Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, completing a journey that connects Mongolia’s northern wilderness to its central cultural heart — with volcano landscapes, river valleys, and nomadic hospitality woven all the way through.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)
Included
Private transportation with experienced driver (including fuel)
English-speaking guide
All meals as listed day by day
1.5L mineral water per person per day
Accommodation as listed (nomadic families / gers / tents)
Entrance fees to national parks and sites in the program
Horse/camel trekking experiences as described
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags/linen, mats) and kitchen equipment (where camping is used)
Traditional hot-stone barbecue dinner (Khorkhog)
Vegetarian meals can be arranged on request
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Personal hygiene items
Snacks (e.g., chocolate, fruit), wet wipes/tissues
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses
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.
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