Green Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 Nights
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Mongolia

Green Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 Nights

A 14-day journey across Mongolia's steppes, lakes, hot springs and volcanic landscapes, meeting nomadic families and exploring historic monasteries.

Duration14 days / 13 nights
Group size+1
ActivityModerate
Best timeJune to September

About this trip

Journey through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes on this 14-day adventure from Ulaanbaatar to the northern lake country. Visit the towering Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, watch traditional herding demonstrations at the Mongol Nomadic Show, and search for wild takhi horses in Khustai National Park. Ride a Bactrian camel at Elsen Tasarkhai, explore the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery, and soak in natural hot springs beneath the stars. Hike the crater of Khorgo Volcano, ride horses along White Lake, and spend several days at the deep blue Khuvsgul Lake with boat trips, nature walks and a visit to a reindeer-herding family. The route also crosses volcanic terrain at Uran Togoo and ends at the serene Amarbayasgalant Monastery before returning to the capital.

Day by day

  1. Day1

    Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex – Ulaanbaatar

    Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and meet your guide. Visit the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, then continue to Ulaanbaatar to explore Sukhbaatar Square and enjoy panoramic city views from Zaisan Hill. Transfer to your accommodation before dinner. Accommodation: 4 star hotel in city center Meals: LD Driving distance: Approx. 120 km

  2. Day2

    Mongol Nomadic Show – Khustai National Park

    Discover traditional herding customs and life on the steppe at the Mongol Nomadic show. Afterwards, continue to Khustai National Park for an evening excursion to look for wild takhi horses in their natural habitat. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 190 km

  3. Day3

    Mini Sand Dunes – Kharkhorin

    Travel to Elsen Tasarkhai, where golden dunes meet open grasslands and rocky hills. Enjoy a two-humped camel ride before continuing to Kharkhorin, the ancient Mongol capital, to explore Erdene Zuu Monastery. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 280 km

  4. Day4

    Hot Springs

    Travel through Arkhangai’s scenic countryside to Tsenkher Hot Springs. Enjoy a gentle countryside walk, then unwind in an outdoor hot spring bath while watching the stars in the evening, weather permitting. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 150 km

  5. Day5

    Chuluut Canyon – White Lake

    Continue through scenic countryside, stopping at Chuluut Canyon for a walk and a picnic lunch. Arrive at White Lake in the late afternoon and settle into your ger camp beside the lake. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 180 km

  6. Day6

    White Lake – Khorgo Volcano

    Hike to the crater of Khorgo Volcano for panoramic views over the surrounding volcanic landscape. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon before a horseback ride along White Lake’s scenic shore. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 20–40 km, local sightseeing

  7. Day7

    Jargalant Hot Springs – Nomadic Family Visit

    Journey north through rural valleys and open grasslands. Visit a nomadic family to learn about their daily routines, livestock and traditional way of life. Continue to Jargalant and unwind with a soothing hot spring soak at your countryside camp. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 240 km

  8. Day8

    Murun – Deer Stones – Khuvsgul Lake

    Travel through Murun and visit the ancient Uushgiin Uvur Deer Stone Complex to admire its carved stone monuments. Continue to Khuvsgul Lake and settle into your camp amid forested hills and clear blue waters. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 350 km

  9. Day9

    Khuvsgul Lake – Horse Riding & Reindeer-Herding Family

    Explore Khuvsgul’s surroundings on horseback and visit a reindeer-herding family to learn about their traditions and relationship with their animals. Enjoy the remainder of the day beside the lake. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: No long-distance driving

  10. Day10

    Khuvsgul Lake – Boat Excursion & Nature Walks

    Enjoy a boat excursion on Khuvsgul Lake, taking in its blue waters and forested shoreline. Explore the surrounding trails on foot, with time to relax and appreciate the peaceful lakeside setting. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: No long-distance driving

  11. Day11

    Bulgan Province – Uran Togoo Volcano

    Leave Khuvsgul Lake and travel towards Bulgan Province through northern Mongolia’s rolling countryside. Explore Uran Togoo’s volcanic landscape on a scenic hike before settling into your camp. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: 350 km

  12. Day12

    Amarbayasgalant Monastery

    Continue to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, set in a peaceful valley surrounded by open hills. Explore its courtyards and traditional architecture before enjoying your final night in the countryside. Accommodation: Standard Ger Camp Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 290 km

  13. Day13

    Return to Ulaanbaatar

    Return to Ulaanbaatar and check into your accommodation. If time allows, enjoy souvenir and Mongolian cashmere shopping. An optional massage offers a relaxing end to your journey. Accommodation: City Hotel Meals: BLD Driving distance: Approx. 330 km

  14. Day14

    International Departure

    Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your onward flight. Meals: B Driving distance: Approx. 65 km

Where you'll stay

Hotel 2 nights

City Hotel

Ulaanbaatar city center

A comfortable 4-star hotel in central Ulaanbaatar, used on the first and last nights of the tour.

Ger camp 1 nights

Khustai Ger Camp

Khustai National Park

Standard ger camp near Khustai National Park, ideal for evening wildlife watching.

Ger camp 1 nights

Kharkhorin Ger Camp

Kharkhorin, Övörkhangai

Standard ger camp close to Erdene Zuu Monastery and the historic Mongol capital.

Ger camp 1 nights

Tsenkher Hot Springs Ger Camp

Tsenkher, Arkhangai

Standard ger camp with access to natural outdoor hot spring baths.

Ger camp 2 nights

White Lake Ger Camp

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake)

Standard ger camp beside White Lake, used as a base for hiking Khorgo Volcano and lakeside horse riding.

Ger camp 1 nights

Jargalant Ger Camp

Jargalant

Countryside ger camp with a relaxing hot spring soak after the nomadic family visit.

Ger camp 3 nights

Khuvsgul Lake Ger Camp

Khuvsgul Lake

Standard ger camp amid forested hills on the shores of Khuvsgul Lake, used for boating, walks and reindeer-family visits.

Ger camp 1 nights

Uran Togoo Ger Camp

Bulgan Province, near Uran Togoo Volcano

Standard ger camp used while exploring the volcanic landscape of Uran Togoo.

Ger camp 1 nights

Amarbayasgalant Ger Camp

Selenge Province, near Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Standard ger camp near the serene Amarbayasgalant Monastery.

Prices & packages

What's included

  • 13 nights' accommodation in Ulaanbaatar and standard ger camps
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B/L/D)
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Private 4WD vehicle with driver and fuel
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Camel ride at Elsen Tasarkhai
  • Horseback riding at White Lake and Khuvsgul Lake
  • Boat excursion on Khuvsgul Lake
  • Entrance fees to national parks and sites mentioned

Not included

  • International flights to/from Mongolia
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Optional massage in Ulaanbaatar
  • Personal expenses and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Items not mentioned as included

Gallery

Green Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 NightsGreen Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 NightsGreen Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 NightsGreen Steppes & Lakes - 14 Days / 13 Nights

Good to know

How active is this tour?

The tour is graded Moderate. It includes some hiking (including the Khorgo Volcano crater), camel and horseback rides, boat trips, and several full days of driving over varied terrain.

What kind of accommodation will we use?

You will stay in a 4-star city hotel in Ulaanbaatar and in traditional Mongolian ger camps in the countryside. Ger camps offer beds, shared bathroom facilities and meals on site.

Which meals are included?

Meals are included as shown in the daily itinerary, usually breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D) each day.

When is the best time to travel?

The best season is June to September, when the steppes are green, the lakes are accessible and the weather is most suitable for ger camping and outdoor activities.

How large are the groups?

Group size starts from 1 traveller and is typically small, allowing for a flexible and personal experience.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and finishes at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar.

Will we meet local families?

Yes, you will visit nomadic families and a reindeer-herding family to learn about their traditional lifestyles.

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