12 days in Mongolia's Khangai region
This 12-day journey takes you from central Mongolia into the Khangai region where immense skies, ancient landscapes, and living traditions converge in ways few travelers ever witness.
Trace Silk Road outposts dating to the early 13th century, ride on horseback across open steppe, hike the shores of pristine mountain lakes, and restore yourself in natural hot springs before venturing into the Mini Gobi by camel.
Woven throughout are genuine encounters with Mongolian nomadic families who welcome guests into their world with extraordinary warmth and generosity. For those discovering Mongolia for the first time, this itinerary offers an uncommonly rich and considered introduction.
Services
Included:
- 11 nights accommodations in double or twin rooms
- Daily breakfast & select meals as per the itinerary
- Airport transfer as per the itinerary
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Camping table and chairs
- Sleeping bags
- Daily water
Excluded:
- Travel insurance
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any excursion-related cost not listed in the itinerary (e.g., photography cost for dressing up national costumes)
Optional:
- Local sim card
Itinerary at a Glance
Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Mongolia
Kharkhorin
Karakorum: The ancient capital
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
The Great White Lake
Tosontsengel Zavkhan
Mongolian life in Tosontsengel
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake
Deep lakes and sandy dunes
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake
Impressive rock formations
Tosontsengel Zavkhan
Learn about Mongolian life
Chuluut Canyon
Picture-perfect picnics
Tsenkher Hotspring
Relax in hot springs
Elsen Tasarkhai
Monasteries and the Mini Gobi
Ulaanbaatar
Mongolian musical culture
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Farewell Mongolia
Detailed Itinerary
Ulaanbaatar
Day 1: Welcome to Mongolia
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan international airport, a driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel.
Around midday you will meet your tour guide and begin your Mongolian journey starting with Chinggis Khaan National Museum. Here, you'll unravel the rich tapestry of Mongolian history, spanning ancient states, the epic Mongol Empire era, and the legacy of the great Khan's descendants.
Afterwards, stroll through Ulanbator's heart. Explore the vibrant city centre, where you'll discover the iconic Sukhbaatar Square and the grand Parliament House.
Kharkhorin
Day 2: Karakorum: The ancient capital
Today you will visit the ancient capital of Mongolia, Karakorum.
Established in 1220 this was once a key city along the famous Silk Road and remained a bustling city until the capital was moved to Beijing by Kubilai Khan.
While here you will also visit Erdene Zuu which is thought to be the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas.
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Day 3: The Great White Lake
Today you will visit Terkhiin Tsagaan Natural Park, home to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, or otherwise known as the Great White Lake, and also the dormant volcano, Khorgo.
Terkhiin Tsagaan is one of the most mesmerising lakes in the country and a true highlight of the Arkhangai region. It is also a vital water source for chitals, marsh deer, wild boars, and great cormorants meaning you may have a chance of spotting these animals.
In the background towers Khorgo, last active 8,000 years ago but its peak still reaching 2240 meters, creating a dramatic landscape for you to enjoy.
Tosontsengel Zavkhan
Day 4: Mongolian life in Tosontsengel
This morning you will head over to the village of Tosontsengel, situated in the north-eastern region of Zavkhan Province since its founding in 1923.
Here you will learn of Mongolian life from the residents who are predominantly nomadic herders. They spend the year moving between their summer home in this area, to their Uveljus (winter homes) to protect their animals from the harsh Mongolia winter.
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake
Day 5: Deep lakes and sandy dunes
After breakfast, we will begin our drive through the province of Zavkhan towards the Black Lake. This drive takes you through dramatic landscapes with the deep forests and high peaks of the Khangai Mountains to the east, and the expansive desert to the west.
We will make many stops to enjoy the sand dunes and turquoise-coloured lakes this area is known for before reaching the impressive Black Lake interestingly surrounded by sandy dunes all around.
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake
Day 6: Impressive rock formations
Today will be spent exploring the Black Lake with a short trek around this great lake.
Take in the simply breathtaking surrounding landscape of the Gobi desert. From here we will take a short hike into the Erdene Khairkhan Mountains to see Senjit Khad, an extraordinary red rock formation similar to those found in the west of America.
Tosontsengel Zavkhan
Day 7: Learn about Mongolian life
Today we will head back to Tosontsengel where you will spend the day with a nomadic family.
Here you will have the opportunity to go horse riding, learn more about Mongolian culture, and enjoy a wonderful dinner with the family.
Chuluut Canyon
Day 8: Picture-perfect picnics
Today will take us through the stunning Chuluut Valley where, at lunch, we will enjoy a delicious alfresco picnic.
Wander along the valley following the shimmering river as it meanders around the moraine rocks scattered throughout this valley.
In fact, this valley was given the name Chuluut, which translates to 'rocky river' because of the abundance of boulders that litter the landscape.
Tsenkher Hotspring
Day 9: Relax in hot springs
Get ready for a glorious day of relaxation as we visit the beautiful Tsenkher hot springs.
Not only are these natural hot springs perfect to unwind in, they are also believed to be healing and particularly good at treating nervous system and articular diseases.
Unwinding and relaxing is all that’s on the agenda today!
Elsen Tasarkhai
Day 10: Monasteries and the Mini Gobi
After a hearty breakfast this morning we will visit ‘Elsen tasarkhai’, otherwise known as Mini Gobi.
The mystical area offers a unique combination of mountains, forests, and Gobi-like sands. Here you will have the opportunity to experience a Bactrian camel ride in the dunes offering a real Mongolian experience.
After lunch we will trek to spectacular Erdene Khambiin Monastery. Carved directly out of the mountain this impressive monastery has been home to monks since the 17th century and is oozing with rich history and religious stories.
Ulaanbaatar
Day 11: Mongolian musical culture
After breakfast this morning we will drive back to Ulanbator. Today is at leisure to explore the city however you’d like.
In the evening we will gather back together to go and watch the incredible Tumen Ekh Traditional concert. This concert showcases Mongolian long drawn songs, traditional music, and dancing shows – a wonderful way to spend your last evening in Mongolia.
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Day 12: Farewell Mongolia
After breakfast this morning, a driver will take you back to the Chinggis Khaan international airport ready for your departing flight.
