Across MongoliaGrand Mongolia
The Gobi dunes, the old capital, the hot springs of Arkhangai and Lake Khövsgöl, in one long journey.
- Length
- 15 days
- Level
- Moderate
- Price
- Price on request
All trips
Lake Khövsgöl
Lake Khövsgöl & Reindeer People
A clear mountain lake near the Siberian border, then a ride into the taiga to the reindeer herders.
- Length
- 9 days
- Level
- Moderate
- Runs
- June to September
- Price per person
- from $2,090
Overview
Lake Khövsgöl holds most of Mongolia’s fresh water and is ringed by larch forest. After time on its shores, you head west to Tsagaan Nuur and ride into the taiga to visit the Dukha, a small community of reindeer herders who move with their animals through the year.
- Walk and ride the forested shores of Lake Khövsgöl
- See the Bronze Age deer stones of Uushigiin Övör
- Ride through the taiga to a reindeer herders’ camp
- Paddle in water clear enough to see the stones far below
The route
Starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. Includes return flights between Ulaanbaatar and Mörön.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. We adjust it to your dates, the weather and what you’d most like to do.
- 1
Day 1
Ulaanbaatar
Arrival, a walk through the centre and a welcome dinner.
Overnight:HotelMeals:Dinner
- 2
Day 2
Fly to Mörön
A short flight north. See the deer stones of Uushigiin Övör, then drive to Khatgal at the southern tip of the lake.
Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 3
Day 3
Lake Khövsgöl
Walk, ride or take a boat along the western shore through larch forest.
Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 4
Day 4
To Tsagaan Nuur
A long drive west across the wide Darkhad valley to the village of Tsagaan Nuur.
Overnight:GuesthouseMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 5
Day 5
Into the taiga
Ride for several hours through forest and bog to the reindeer herders’ summer camp.
Overnight:TentMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 6
Day 6
With the Dukha
Time with the families and their reindeer. Visits follow the herders’ own rhythm, so bring patience and respect.
Overnight:TentMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 7
Day 7
Back to Tsagaan Nuur
Ride back out of the forest to the village.
Overnight:GuesthouseMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 8
Day 8
To Mörön
The long drive back east, with stops along the way.
Overnight:HotelMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 9
Day 9
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital and say goodbye.
Meals:Breakfast
On the way
Included
- English-speaking Mongolian guide
- Driver and 4×4 vehicle
- Return flights Ulaanbaatar – Mörön
- Horses and local horse guides for the taiga
- Accommodation as listed, including camping gear
- Meals as listed and park fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa, if your passport needs one
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for your guide and driver
Good to know
- ModerateModerate. Some long drive days, hikes of a few hours, camel or horse rides, and basic facilities on some nights.
- The ride into the taiga takes several hours each way. No experience needed, but be ready for a long day in the saddle.
- The herders move camp during the year, so their location sets the exact route.
- Camps in the taiga are basic: tents, and no showers.
More ways into Mongolia
Across Mongolia
Altai MountainsEagle Hunters of the Altai
Live with a Kazakh eagle-hunting family in the far west, below Mongolia’s highest mountains.
- Length
- 10 days
- Level
- Challenging
- Price
- from $2,450
Central steppeHeart of the Steppe
Wild takhi horses, a herding family’s summer camp, and Kharkhorin, the old imperial capital.
- Length
- 6 days
- Level
- Easy
- Price
- from $1,290