This tour has been designed for adventurers.
Experience mongolia’s most isolated regions during harsh winter conditions.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISERS 200 will give you maximum comfort during the drive.
HIGHLIGHT OF THIS TOUR: visiting the remote living tsaatan tribe.
It is the only tribe in the world still riding on reindeers.
4x4 all the way
Often referred to as the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," Lake Khuvsgul stretches over 200 km and is nestled in the remote northwest of the country. This tour offers the unique opportunity to visit the Tsaatan people, the last remaining tribe in the world that continues the tradition of riding reindeer. You'll gain a firsthand experience of their fascinating way of life, enduring and thriving in some of the planet’s harshest winter conditions. The tribe’s remote location is typically difficult to reach, but during winter, the frozen lake becomes a natural highway, allowing us to cross quickly—saving what would otherwise be days of travel.
Enjoy the latest article in FORBES magazine about this wilderness experience.
Other activities include: horseback riding, horse sledding on the frozen lake of Khuvsgul, Amarbayasgalant Monastery visit, Murun city visit and so much more! You can have a look at the detailed daily program below.
Tour Details
TOYOTA Land Cruiser 200
total of 11 days, 10 nights
2 days/nights in Ulaanbaatar city
9 days of travel through the countryside
100% fully supported on & off-road tour
Heated ger camp nights (no camping in the open wild)
INCLUDES
Pick-up service from and to the airport
Private support team
All meals during the trip
First and last hotel night in Ulaanbaatar (5* Best-Western Tuushin Hotel)
Ger camp costs
National park entrance fees
1 Support vehicle (Toyota Land Cruisers)
1 guide/tour leader, 1 private chef, 1 assistant, private driver
Gas
Bottled water, beer, drinks, snacks
Not Includes
Flight cost
Arctic sleeping bag
Health insurance
price
3.500 €
DAILY TOUR DESCRIPTION
Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s bustling capital, home to 1.3 million people. After checking in at the Best-Western Tuushin Hotel, explore the city’s cultural and political center, known for its Buddhist temples, Chinggis Khaan Museum, and vibrant nightlife.
Day 2 – Drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery (350 km, 4-5 hours)
Start your journey with a scenic drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, located in the remote valley of Selenge Aimag. This sacred site, backed by the majestic Mount Buren-Khaan and fed by the life-giving Iver River, was built in the 18th century to honor Zanabazar, the first spiritual and political leader of Mongolia. The valley has long served as a vital source of water for nomadic herders and their livestock. Arriving in the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the monastery’s serene surroundings, a place where spirituality and nature blend seamlessly. Take in the picturesque landscape and learn about the cultural significance of this unique monument, often regarded as one of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture in Mongolia.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
12:30 – Lunch
15:00 – Arrive at camp
16:00 – Explore the monastery and surroundings
Day 3 – Drive to Murun Town (500 km, 4-5 hours)
Today, your journey takes you further north into Khuvsgul Province, where you’ll arrive at Murun, the administrative center of the region. Murun, once a smaller settlement, became the capital of the province in 1933, replacing the older town of Khatgal. As the most populous area outside of Ulaanbaatar and a key hub for northern Mongolia, Murun offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Mongolian life. The town’s markets, cultural spots, and historical monuments give insight into the daily life of the local people. Enjoy an evening of relaxation after your long drive, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 4 – Visit Jargant River (280 km, 4-5 hours)
Embark on a breathtaking journey to one of Mongolia’s natural wonders, the Jargant River. Known as the "living water," this river remains unfrozen even in the harshest of winters, when temperatures drop to as low as -50°C. The river flows through the Renchinlkhumbe soum, where locals refer to it as a miraculous site. The warm water creates a stunning winter landscape, with rising steam covering nearby trees and bushes in frost, turning the area into a magical white wonderland. This photogenic scene makes for a perfect winter day in nature, offering a peaceful and awe-inspiring contrast to the cold surroundings.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Lunch en route
15:00 – Visit Jargant River and explore its mystical surroundings
17:00 – Arrive at lodge
Day 5 – Reindeer Riding (10-15 km, 1-2 hours)
Today, you will journey deeper into the taiga, Mongolia’s northern wilderness, home to the Tsaatan people, nomadic reindeer herders who have lived in these remote forests for centuries. The taiga’s vast stretches of Siberian forest spill across the Russian border, creating one of the most pristine and isolated landscapes on earth. You’ll meet the Tsaatan, whose name means "people with reindeer," and experience their unique culture. Learn how these hardy nomads survive the extreme climate while tending to their reindeer, a way of life that has persisted for generations. The Tsaatan’s reindeer are not only used for transport but are vital to their spiritual and everyday practices.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – Arrive at Tsaatan camp
13:00 – Lunch with the tribe
19:00 – Dinner at the camp
Day 6 – Reindeer Riding & Return to Lodge (5-10 km, 1-2 hours)
Spend another day among the Tsaatan, deepening your experience with this remarkable community. As you ride further into the taiga, take in the stunning beauty of this untouched wilderness, where wildlife and ancient traditions coexist harmoniously. After the morning ride, return to the lodge, reflecting on the extraordinary connection between the Tsaatan and their reindeer, and the timeless way of life that endures in the remote north.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
Reindeer riding through the taiga
Return to lodge (40-50 km, 1-2 hours)
Day 7 – Horse Riding (10-15 km, 1-3 hours)
Today, you will experience this firsthand, riding traditional Mongolian horses across the vast steppe. The country’s nomads have herded livestock and lived in harmony with nature for centuries, moving their gers (yurts) and families in search of fertile pasturelands. By spending the day with a nomadic family, you’ll have the unique chance to experience their warm hospitality, learn about their traditions, and gain insight into the challenges and joys of living off the land in such an extreme environment. Whether herding livestock or preparing meals in a ger, this cultural exchange will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Mongolia’s ancient traditions.
Day 8 – Drive to Lake Khuvsgul (250 km, 3-4 hours)
Today, you’ll travel to the jewel of northern Mongolia—Lake Khuvsgul. Known as the “dark blue pearl,” this massive freshwater lake is Mongolia’s twin to the famed Lake Baikal across the Russian border. In winter, Khuvsgul transforms into a frozen spectacle, with crystal-clear ice covering its surface. At an altitude of 1,645 meters, the lake offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and is a photographer’s paradise. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to try horse-sledding on the lake’s frozen surface, a fun and unique way to explore this magnificent location.
Schedule:
08:00 – Departure
12:30 – Lunch en route
16:00 – Arrive at Lake Khuvsgul for horse-sledding
19:00 – Dinner by the lake
Day 9 – Drive to Erdenet City (500 km, 4-5 hours)
Your journey continues with a drive through the breathtaking Uran Togoo and Tulga Mountain areas, a national protected region in Bulgan Province. These volcanic formations are ancient remnants of Mongolia’s geological past and are revered for their natural beauty. The crater of Uran Togoo, in particular, is a popular site for travelers and offers panoramic views of the surrounding wild landscape. After your visit, continue to Erdenet, one of Mongolia’s largest cities, where you’ll relax after another day of adventure.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Lunch en route
13:00 – Visit Uran Togoo volcanic crater
16:00 – Arrive in Erdenet
Day 10 – Return to Ulaanbaatar (380 km, 4-5 hours)
It’s time to head back to Ulaanbaatar, reflecting on the incredible journey through Mongolia’s remote and rugged landscapes. As you return to the capital, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a celebratory farewell dinner. The friendships and memories forged during this adventure will last a lifetime, as will the connection you’ve formed with Mongolia’s unique nomadic culture.
Schedule:
08:00 – Breakfast
12:30 – Lunch en route
17:00 – Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
19:00 – Farewell dinner with the crew
