Tour Overview
The world of the Mongols may have shrunk a bit since the days of Genghis Khan, but when you're in Mongolia nowadays, its vistas are still boundless. From steppe to desert, the empty landscape seems to stretch into infinity. It's the most sparsely populated country in the world. Far from being bleak and grim, however, Mongolia's scenic emptiness can be quite a tonic for those looking to get away from it all. It has pristine lakes, rugged mountains, hospitable people - and lots of wide-open spaces for trekking. On this highlights itinerary, experience the alpine environment of Lake Khovsgol, with an opportunity for horseback riding and hiking. Then travel to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin to wander through the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Explore the dramatic landscape of the Gobi Desert, renowned worldwide for the dinosaur fossils discovered here. If you have a chance, time your itinerary to include the Nadaam festival, which features horse racing, wrestling and archery. The opening ceremonies are held in Ulaan Baatar on July 11. We suggest adding an extra day in Ulaan Baatar to enjoy the festivities.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Ulaan Baatar, MongoliaArrive Ulaan Baatar International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Bayangol Hotel (Dinner) Day 02: Ulaan Baatar
Today, explore Ulaan Baatar with your guide. First, visit Sukhbaatar Square, named after the hero of the revolution who declared Mongolia’s final independence from the Chinese. Tour Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the largest in Mongolia and the only one to actually survive the Communist attacks. Continue on to the Choijin Monastery. This afternoon, drive to Zaisan Hill for a view of the city. Then tour the Winter Palace of Bodg Khan, where you may view royal and ceremonial costumes, jewelry, sedan chairs and other Mongolian artwork. You may also visit the Central Market, known as the Black Market.
Bayangol Hotel (Breakfast) Day 03: Ulaan Baatar - Lake Khovsgol
Transfer to Ulaan Baatar airport for your flight to Hatgal (or Moron.) Hatgal town is the gateway to Khovsgol Nuur National Park. Visit the park information center for an overview of the region. Khovsgol is the deepest lake in Central Asia and holds 2% of the world’s freshwater. Mountains, meadows and forest surround this spectacular crystal-clear alpine lake (5,400 ft/1,645 m above sea level.)
Khovsgol Inn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Days 04 & 05: Lake Khovsgol
Two days to enjoy as you choose at Lake Khovsgol. Take a hike or go horseback riding along the shore of Lake Khovsgol, visit a local family, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas and fresh mountain air. Boat rides and fishing are available for an additional cost.
Khovsgol Inn (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 06: Lake Khovsgol - Ulaan Baatar
This morning you are transferred to Hatgal (or Moron) airport for your flight to Ulaan Baatar. On arrival in Ulaan Baatar, you will be transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, visit the Natural History Museum. You may also wish to visit the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, which houses priceless religious artworks by the 17th-century Buddhist teacher and artist, Zanabazar, and the National Museum of Mongolian History. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Bayangol Hotel (Breakfast) Day 07: Ulaan Baatar - Khongo Khan
Drive towards Kharkhorin, the ancient capitol of the Mongolian Empire. Along the way see classic steppe topography, rolling, grassy hills, rocky outcroppings and the white felt gers of local nomads. Arrive at Khogno Natural Reserve. Hike to the ruins of Uvgun Monastery, which was built in 1660.
Khogno Khan Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 08: Khongo Khan - Kharkhorin
Continue driving to Kharkhorin and tour Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures), the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Erdene Zuu was built by the Yellow Hat sect in 1586 at the site of the ancient capitol of the Mongol Empire. There are efforts to reestablish Kharkhorin as the capitol of Mongolia once again. Over the centuries, it was abandoned, destroyed by Manchurian soldiers, damaged by Stalinist purges, and finally what endures is Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Mongon Mod Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 09: Kharkhorin - Hutsai
Drive to Hustai, the wild horse reserve. Visit the park information center and see the horses. The park offers several treks on foot and horseback. Park guides can accompany visitors if needed. On request, jeep excursions through the park can be organized at an additional cost to be paid directly. When traveling in and around the park it is rewarding to pay a visit to some of the local families. Experiencing the nomadic lifestyle invariably is one of the highlights of this program.
Hutsai Ger Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 10: Hutsai - Ulaan Baatar
Return by road to Ulaan Baatar. The afternoon is free for additional sightseeing or shopping. This evening, farewell dinner and folk performance including throat songs, tsam dance, traditional songs and dances and more.
Bayangol Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 11: Ulaan Baatar - Depart
Transferr to the airport for your departing international flight.
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