TRIP SUMMARY
If you are looking to explore the vast Mongolian plains and dive deep into nomadic culture, this quest is perfect for you. For centuries, explorers have embarked on quests to discover Mongolia’s diverse wildlife and traverse its expansive lands on horseback or camel. Our expedition begins in the northern Lake Hovsgol region, where the crystal-clear waters of Mongolia’s Lake Hovsgol await. From there, we journey onward to Zavkhan province, one of Mongolia’s few remaining unexplored corners. Next, we will cross the northern Gobi plains, leading us to the majestic towering sand dunes. Finally, our quest culminates in a thrilling dinosaur fossil prospecting adventure, along with a memorable nomadic encounter with a horse-breeding family. This expedition will take you through the best-known lakes and river systems of central and northern Mongolia, before concluding in the stunning Gobi Desert.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
- Explore Lake Hovsgol, the mid-western Mongolia and Gobi desert;
- Visit ethnic Mongolians along the way;
- Explore the national parks of Mongolia;
- Enjoy hiking in the mountains and the desert, in search of cultural heritage and wildlife;
- Explore the country from north to south, exploring one ecosystem transitioning to another;
- Be one of the first to explore Mongolia’s most remote regions beyond the mountains and the deserts.
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Nature and Adventure Enthusiasts;
- Cultural Explorers;
- Pioneering Travelers;
- National Park Enthusiasts;
- Ecological Transition Observers.
MAP & ITINERARY
Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After resting in your hotel room, enjoy a brief city tour including a visit to Zaisan Hill where you can get a magnificent bird’s eye view of the city. This old Soviet period relic is a popular place for locals to hang out and offers great panoramic views of the entire city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city’s fine local restaurants. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; D)
We will spend this day exploring sights and sounds of Mongolia’s capital. We will begin this morning with a private blessing with a Buddhist monk at Gandan, the country’s largest monastery. An imposing 90-foot-tall statue of Megjid Janraisag (Avalokites-vara in Sanskrit) stands in the largest temple in the monastery. This statue is considered as the religious symbol of Mongolia’s independence and democracy after the country’s democratic transition of 1990. When a Mongolian student in the mid-1990s discovered
fragments of the original statue (which was destroyed by Soviet authorities in the 1930s) in St. Petersburg, a nationwide campaign began to collect money for rebuilding the Buddha. After years of hard work, this magnificent Buddha was resurrected and is now standing proudly, as a symbol of Mongolian Buddhist heritage.
Next, we will visit the National History Museum located in downtown Ulaanbaatar. This museum offers an excellent introduction to Mongolia’s history from pre-historic times through the 13th century Mongolian Empire, and on to the democratic movement of the early 1990s, which overthrew the Communist regime. After lunch, we will visit the Zanabazar’s Fine Arts Museum with its excellent collection of Mongolia’s arts, including golden Buddha statues of 17th century and some of the best preserved tankas in the world.
In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance, featuring Khoomii or “throat” singing, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, fly north to the Lake Hovsgol, known also as the “dark blue pearl” of Mongolia. The magnificent Lake Hovsgol, one of the most scenic regions in the country, is located at the foothills of the breathtaking Horidal Saridag Mountains to the west and a Siberian larch forest to the east. After our arrival in Murun (1.5 hour flight), the capital of Hovsgol province, we drive north to our ger camp located on the shore of the lake.
(About 3 hours driving; Cer Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of horseback riding along the lakeshore. We will start riding south and return to the camp from its northern direction by making a large loop. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the local flora and fauna along the route. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Today, we will drive to the Khar Nuur Lake of Zavkhan province which is situated in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by sand dunes and towering mountains in the near distance. Overnight in tents. (Approx.200km; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Today, we will drive to the Khar Nuur Lake of Zavkhan province which is situated in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by sand dunes and towering mountains in the near distance. Overnight in tents. (Approx.200km; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
We will spend one full day exploring the sights and sounds of the surrounding area. Enjoy walking along the lake shore and exploring the local flora and fauna. Overnight in tents. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will drive to the towering Otgontenger mountain base, the highest peak in Central Mongolia. The locals revere it as a holy mountain. Overnight in tents. Nomads for generations, have camped and lived around this mountain, which offers rich pasture land and abundant food supply.
(Tent Camp; B, L, D)
From the base of majestic Otgontenger Mountain, we will drive through tall mountain passes and horse pasture lands to the Bayanhongor province. We will camp near Boon Tsagaan Nuur Lake. Overnight in tents. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Our journey today will bring us to the northern borders of Gobi Desert. Here, we will visit what is considered as one of the richest and most magnificent petroglyphs of Mongolia. Overnight in tents. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
From Bichigtyn Khad, we will drive to the western part of the Gobi where the towering Hongoryn Els sand dunes exist. Enjoy climbing to the tallest of the dunes.Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, drive to the Yol Valley located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, named after the raptor bird the bearded vulture or lammergeier. Yol Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the park and strolling through the gorge could allow rare spotting of mountain wild sheep and an elusive bird species such as Wallcreeper- Tichodroma muraria. Also we will visit the local Natural History Museum located on the entrance.
In the late afternoon, we will drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs, red sandstone bluffs stretching about 3 km in width, where hundreds of dinosaur fossils have been found. Paleontological expeditions from many countries, including from U.S, Poland, Japan and Russia have worked here in the last 80 years. Each year rain and wind reveal yet more fossils and every summer new discoveries are made. Return to the ger camp in the evening.
Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
This morning, we will drive northeast to the Delgerkhangai soum and camp next to our host herder family. We will observe how their train their race horses and taste traditional Mongolian drink, the airag.
Overnight in tents. (Tent camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport to fly back to Ulaanbaatar for our last day of explorations. Spend the remainder of the day for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance, featuring Khoomii, or “throat-singing,” followed by farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.
(Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
PRICING
- Land transportation based on using a cruiser jeep;
- Domestic flights as mentioned;
- Accommodation at hotel and standard ger camps throughout;
- Airport arrival & departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- Camel and horse riding fees;
- English speaking guide throughout your stay;
- One soda per person per meal;
- A bottled water per person per day.
- International airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees;
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
Post-Trip Altai Mountains Extension
Why not extend your journey and visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park? On this western Mongolian adventure, we will not only explore Mongolia’s highest peaks but also trek amidst the stunningly beautiful mountain range. Additionally, we will visit local Kazakh hunters’ camps, where you will have the unique opportunity to learn how golden eagles are trained. Moreover, you will meet talented Kazakh women, renowned for their intricate and colorful embroidery work. This enriching experience will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
We were welcomed to Mongolia by Mongolia Quest in Ulaanbaatar and taken on a wonderful tour of their country. We saw the wild horses, Tekhi in Hustai National Park, Stayed in Gers in the original capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum and the Gobi Desert. We visited herder families and saw their way of life and toured religious shrines and temples. A very well organized trip that I will never forget. We are planning to return and will contact Mongolia Quest to plan our next visit.
