Epic Mongolia: Desert, Steppe and Lake

Day 2

Fly to the South Gobi; visit Yolyn Am Gorge

Transfer to the airport for the short flight south to Dalanzadgad. Travel across the desert to your first ger camp. If there is time today, visit the petroglyphs at Khavsgait. A short scramble up a steep scree slope brings you to a cluster of rock drawings with views across the plains. You can see the (now dry) snow melt-water channels running across the desert.  Return to camp for dinner and your first night sleeping in a "ger" (the traditional Mongolian felt tents), the design of which has changed little over the centuries.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 3

Visit desert hermitage and petroglyphs

Today head across the vast desert plains to a new small monastery, Gandanchoimzadlin Khiid, in Baruun Saikhan mountain. The monastery was built by a local lama, Buyn, in dedication to his uncle who meditated and chanted in this secret, holy place during the Communist purges. Approximately 40km south of the monastery, lies Khavtsgait mountain. A a short scramble up rather steep scree slope will take you to a series of petroglyphs with a view across the desert where you will be able to see the
small ravines left from the melt water streams that develop in the rains of the summer.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 4

Visit camel herders; camel riding at the ‘Singing’ dunes, Khongorin Els.

After breakfast drive to a camel breeder's family where you can enjoy traditional nomadic hospitality in their ger, learning more about the life of camel breeders and the camels themselves before heading off for a Bactrian trek across the desert landscape.  Later this afternoon hike to the top of the dunes for a sunset view before sliding back down to hear the ‘singing’ sound for which they are famous.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 5

To Bayanzag; the Flaming Cliffs

Today head across the vast desert plains to Bayanzag - known as the 'Flaming Cliffs' - for a walk in this stunning location. Later this afternoon, You will have a chance to join in with a celebration of traditional Mongolian games. These range from puzzles to board and dice games. This fascinating tradition is a hidden gem of Mongolian culture and you will have the opportunity to learn and participate in all manner of games.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 6

Drive north to the ruins of Ongiin monastery

Today you will begin your journey out of the Gobi northwards to the central Mongolian Heartland. Tonight you will stay next to Ongiin Khiid (monastery). Take a look around the ruined monastery site including the small ger museum and the rebuilt temple. There is a spring which is said to have healing properties. You might like to relax with a paddle in the wide river which runs through the complex or climb one of the surrounding hills to get a good view of the whole complex.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 7-8

UNESCO Heritage Site Orkhon Valley

Today travel north to the verdant Orkhon Valley to Ursa Major Geocamp with beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley. Relax at the camp, take a walk or ride this afternoon in this lovely location. No electricity or running water is available at the lodge to minimize its impact on the environment. Guests are provided with towels perfumed with essential oils twice a day for
cleansing. A screen in each yurt provides a private space in which there is a small reserve of water for washing. The lodge also has a telescope for star gazing in the evenings.

Use the second day to explore the UNESCO Heritage Orkhon valley, or just to relax at your camp. Decide with your guide whether you would like to go for a day hike, ride, visit a local family, or whether you would like to drive and explore a little further, heading to to the Orkhon waterfall or to visit some ger makers and ger painters. Gers made in this area are said to be the best in the country and fetch a premium.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 9

Erdene Zuu Monastery and the ancient capital of Kharkhorin

After breakfast, head 40km north to the ancient capital of  Kharkhorin. Arrive at Erdene Zuu Monastery in time for the morning proceedings and hear the monks chanting in the beautifully decorated Tibetan Style temple. ​

​Visit the revamped and informative local museum (or the cafe with wifi!) before taking a drive up to the Monument of the Three Empires and the somewhat quirky, and aptly named, ‘Fertility Stone’. Visit the local market to stock up on supplies before travelling onwards to the beautiful Tsenkher valleys, where you will stay with a nomadic family. The facilities are comfortable but basic - the gers are equipped with beds and washbasin, but washing facilities will be limited to the river and the toilet will be the families long-drop. The family will welcome you into their home and lives.

Stay

Nomadic Homestay

Day 10

Tsenkher Valley - Hot springs and homestay

Today you have time to relax or indulge in outdoor pursuits - and experiencing the daily life of your hosts. Perhaps they will teach you how to milk their livestock or to make traditional Mongolian food. They will welcome your help herding or collecting dung for fuel.​

​This afternoon  ride to the hot springs at a local ger camp, where you can also have a shower. Return to your hosts for some home cooked food. If you haven't already had it before, hopefully you'll have a chance to eat 'khorkhog' - a traditional Mongolian feast of lamb and vegetables cooked over a fire in a pot with hot stones, which sears and cooks the meat from the inside.

Stay

Nomadic Homestay

Day 11

Tsetserleg, Chuluut Gorge & White Lake

Say goodbye to your nomadic hosts and drive west, stopping in the town of Tsetserleg where you can visit the market and pick up any supplies you may need. Drive across rolling hills stopping at the Bronze Age “deer stone”, sacred forest and the dramatic Chuluutin Gol Gorge. Continue to tonight's ger camp in a valley east of White Lake, surrounded by mountains and an imposing volcano. The area is home to traditional yak herding families, their way of life unchanged for centuries in many ways.​

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You have two nights by the stunning lake. 

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 12

Explore White Lake and Khorgo volcano: hike, trek and meet yak herding families

This morning, take a walk from the camp along the local nomad trail over the back of the mountains to see White Lake from above, before walking down to the shore. There is a small beach at the lake so there might be a chance for a bit of sunbathing or swimming in the clear (but cold!) water. Alternatively there may be the chance to head off on horseback. This afternoon, climb to the summit of the volcano and walk around the crater rim. 

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 13

Spectacular drive north to remote Jargalant

Set out into the hills of Arkhangai province northwards into Khovsgol province and to Jargalant. Travel around the eastern shore of White lake realising just how vast the lake is, before commencing on a drive into the beautiful Jargalant valley. Stop for a lunch time picnic in one of your drivers spellbinding locations before arriving at Jargalant ger camp in the early afternoon. Take a walk around the small dusty town of Jargalant, visit the tiny museum - measure yourself against one of Jargalant’s residents who was once the tallest man in the world, have a tea in the small guanz, or visit the small ger making workshop where most of the parts are still made by hand. As the sun sets enjoy a thermal bath at the ger camp.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 14

Jargalant to Muron; the road less travelled

The road north to Muron is one of Mongolia’s less travelled routes and takes you through some stunning territory. Beautiful valleys and high mountain passes make for wonderful panoramic views. If there is time and you are not too tired, visit the market town of Muron, the administrative capital of Khovsgol Aimag, before heading to your camp on the Delger river for a sundowner over arguably one of the most beautifully situated ger camps in Mongolia.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 15

Stoll the banks of Delger River; visit deer stones and ‘wild-west’ Muron

This morning you might like a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Delger Muron river before setting off after breakfast, north to Lake Khovsgol. Visit the ancient Ushigiin Uver deer stone site. There will also be time to have a little look around the 'wild-west' town of Muron today. Visit the local market and stock up on any drinks, snacks or souvenirs which may be required for your nights at the lake.

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 16

Khatgal Naadam; 30km horse-race, wrestling and archery competitions - Lake Khovsgol

Travel to the local 'soum' (village) of Khatgal where the Naadam festivities take place. Witness the pulsating final stages of the 30km bareback horse race and a battle-royale in the naadam stadium to become the ‘elephant’ of the wrestling tournament. Join in the merriment with huushur (fried dumplings) washed down with airag (fermented mare's milk) - purely optional, of course! Head back to your ger camp for a refreshing swim in the lake or a saun, or preferably both!

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 17

Lake Khovsgol

Spend the whole day by the lake at leisure. The camp has a wonderful sauna which, followed by a swim in the icy lake is about the most refreshing experience on the planet. If you want to get out on to the lake, your guide can arrange for you to hire a local boat. Hikes from the camp into the surrounding hills both on horseback and on foot provide breathtaking views. For the photographer this place is a playground with subjects including lush green forest, the crystal clear lake and brilliant opportunities for wildlife photography. However the real draw of the area is the peace and quiet. There is no better place to relax towards the end of your Epic Journey. 

Stay

Ger Camp

Day 18

Fly from Muron to UB – afternoon for shopping or sightseeing

Up early for your flight back to the capital. Hopefully you will be able to catch the tail end of the costume festival in Chinggis Khaan Square today until 6pm. Dinner at an international restraurant and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Stay

Tuushin Hotel 

Day 19

Explore Ulaanbaatar

Before you leave Mongolia you may want to stock up on some of the things that have caught your eye during your stay and other items that can be purchased at very reasonable prices. From cashmere jumpers, Mongolian boots and fur hats to caviar and traditional music, UB's shops and markets have it all. We'll be on hand to guide you around the State Department Store, Gobi Cashmere and anywhere else that takes your fancy - or you can wander at your leisure (please let us know in advance). A late afternoon concert of traditional dance and a farewell dinner at one of our favourite restaurants rounds off your Mongolian journey.

Stay

Tuushin Hotel

Day 20

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.