THE BEST OF WESTERN MONGOLIA 16 DAYS TOUR

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Steppe Elite Travel guide in the arrivals hall of Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

We will begin our city tour with a hike to Zaisan Hill, one of the best viewpoints in Ulaanbaatar, offering panoramic views of the city. Afterward, we will visit the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, the residence of Mongolia’s last spiritual and political leader, Bogd Khan.

After lunch, you will be transferred to your hotel. Following check-in, enjoy some free time at leisure and relax to recover from jet lag.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: L, D

We will depart Ulaanbaatar early in the morning and drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located approximately 70 km from the capital. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of forested mountains, granite cliffs, wildflowers, and grazing herds of yaks, horses, goats, and sheep.

Visit the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Continue to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Guests will have opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

In the morning, we will travel to Kharkhorin, the modern settlement located near the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. Founded by Chinggis Khaan in 1220, Karakorum once stood at the heart of the Mongol Empire and played an important role in Mongolian history. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Karakorum Museum, where you can learn about the ancient capital and the history of the Mongol Empire. We will then explore Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery, one of the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery complexes in Mongolia. Founded in the 16th century, the monastery is surrounded by 108 stupas and represents an important part of Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage. Guests may have the opportunity to hear monks chanting Buddhist sutras and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

At 8:00 AM, we will drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs. Our journey continues westward into the magnificent Khangai Mountains, which rise to approximately 2,500–3,000 meters above sea level and stretches 800km across central Mongolia.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Tsenkher Hot Springs resort, which features a spacious open-air thermal pool. The natural spring water emerges from underground at temperatures exceeding 80°C, while the resort’s system maintains a comfortable temperature for hot spring pool. Guests can relax for several hours in the warm mineral-rich water, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and unwind beneath the evening sky.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

We will arrive in Tsetserleg in the morning and explore the town and Zayain Gegeen Museum, a former Buddhist temple dating back to the early 19th century. The museum provides an insight into Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and traditions. After lunch in Tsetserleg, we will enjoy a short coffee break before continuing our journey to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful volcanic lakes. Formed by ancient lava flows, the lake is surrounded by volcanic craters, black lava formations, rolling hills, and scenic steppe landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spectacular views of this unique natural environment.

Accommodation: Khorgo Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will continue our journey north toward Khuvsgul Province. Upon arrival in Shine-Ider, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a traditional Khalkha Mongolian nomadic family. Immerse yourself in authentic nomadic life by riding horses, helping with daily household activities, and learning how traditional Mongolian dairy products are made.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue and spend the night in a tent near the nomadic family. This unique experience offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the simplicity, warmth, and peaceful rhythm of traditional Mongolian life.

Accommodation: Tent Meals: B, L, D

Khuvsgul Province is home to deeply rooted Mongolian shamanic traditions. We will arrive in Murun, the provincial capital, around lunchtime and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to the peaceful southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake. Away from the busier tourist areas, this beautiful part of the lake offers a tranquil setting to relax and reconnect with nature.

In the evening, we will have the opportunity to meet a Mongolian shaman and learn about traditional spiritual beliefs and the relationship between people and the natural world. Guests will have time to ask questions, exchange thoughts, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique cultural tradition.

Accommodation: Alag Tsar Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a relaxed morning after breakfast as we hike along the southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake to visit a Tsaatan family. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake, blue skies, pine forests, and surrounding wildlife and plants. Visit the family and learn about their traditional way of life and close relationship with reindeer.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste fresh reindeer milk, meet the reindeer up close, and take memorable photographs. After returning to the tourist camp for lunch, enjoy some free time to relax by the lake and appreciate the peaceful surroundings before preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Alag Tsar Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will continue our journey toward Telmen Lake, traveling through the vast steppe and Gobi-like landscapes of Zavkhan Province. We will stop for lunch in Tsagaan Uul town before continuing to the lake. Telmen Lake is a beautiful saltwater lake, approximately 28 km long and 16 km wide, with three small islands that attract migratory birds. The surrounding landscape is remote and treeless, offering a unique combination of steppe and desert scenery. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a walk along the lakeshore, take photographs, and relax in the peaceful natural surroundings. In the evening, we will enjoy a special outdoor dinner by the lakeshore while watching the beautiful sunset over Telmen Lake, creating a memorable Mongolian wilderness experience.

Accommodation: Tent Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will travel to Khyargas Lake, a spectacular saltwater lake located in the Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia. The journey takes us through vast semi-desert landscapes and scenic wilderness. Khyargas Lake is approximately 75 km long and 31 km wide and is surrounded by a protected nature reserve. The main attraction is Khetsuu Khad, a dramatic rock formation extending into the lake, where migratory cormorants gather and nest. Guests can explore the lakeshore, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. We will stay overnight at a small local ger camp near Khetsuu Khad and experience the remote beauty of western Mongolia.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Ölgii City, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province. Most of today’s journey will be along a paved road, passing through the spectacular landscapes of western Mongolia. Along the way, we will stop for an outdoor lunch surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, giving guests time to relax and enjoy the peaceful wilderness. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Ölgii City, where guests can explore the city and experience the local atmosphere. We will have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at a comfortable guesthouse in Ölgii.

Accommodation: Guesthouse Meals: B, L, D

Located near the borders of Mongolia, China, and Russia, the national park is famous for its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is home to Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain at 4,374 meters above sea level, as well as the approximately 20-km-long Potanin Glacier. The snowcapped peak is called holy, sacred mountain and has a Buddhist ritual site “Ovoo” built by a former president of Mongolia as it became state protected. In the afternoon, we will hike to a glacial lake on a nearby hill and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding our campsite.

Accommodation: Yurt Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will pack our equipment onto horses and begin our trek toward Potanin Glacier, carrying only a day pack. After crossing the bridge over the White River, we will reach the trailhead and begin hiking uphill. The terrain can be uneven and muddy in places, so waterproof trekking shoes or rain boots are recommended. Horses may also be used where appropriate. As we ascend, weather conditions can change rapidly, and guests may experience several seasons in a single day. After the trek, enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent peaks of the Altai Tavan Bogd range. We will visit the mountaineers’ base camp and have the opportunity to walk on the glacier ice, depending on weather and local conditions.

Accommodation: Yurt Meals: B, L, D

We will drive back toward Ölgii and visit a local Kazakh eagle hunter family. Guests will have the unique opportunity to stay overnight in a traditional ger next to the family and experience their traditional lifestyle. Meet the eagle hunter, learn about the ancient tradition of eagle hunting, take photographs, and, under the guidance of the family. We will enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner and stay overnight in the ger next to the eagle hunter family.

Accommodation: Yurt. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will drive to Ölgii City, arriving before lunch. Upon arrival, guests will have lunch and some free time to relax. In the afternoon, before our flight to Ulaanbaatar, we will explore Ölgii and have time for local arts and crafts shopping, including traditional Kazakh handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, guests will be transferred to their hotel in Ulaanbaatar City.

Meals: B, L, D

You will be free at leisure in your hotel or wander around on your own until being transferred to the Chinggis Khaan international airport for your departure flight to home. End of service.

Meal: Breakfast.