Itinerary
- Day 1
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
You'll drive 360 km to reach Amarbayasgalant, one of Mongolia's largest Buddhist monasteries located in Selenge province. The journey takes you through varied terrain to this monastery known as the Monastery of Tranquil Felicity. Once there, you'll have time to meet with Buddhist monks and walk around the grounds while taking in the mountain and river scenery that surrounds the complex. That evening, you'll stay overnight in a traditional ger, giving you a chance to experience this iconic accommodation style.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Amarbayasgalant Monastery
- Meet Buddhist monks and temple
- Hiking around natural beauty
Landmarks/POIs Amarbayasgalant Monastery - Day 2
Uran Togoo Volcanic Crater
After traveling 230 km on paved road, you'll arrive at Uran Togoo in Bulgan aimag, an extinct volcanic crater formed roughly 25,000 years ago. The crater now holds a lake and forests within its basin. You'll do a small hike to explore the crater area and get a sense of this geological formation up close. At night, you'll stay in a motel situated right beside the paved road, making for convenient access and comfort after your day of exploration.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking to the crater
- Explore Uran Togoo volcanic crater
Landmarks/POIs Uran Togoo Volcanic Crater - Day 3
Lake and Khadan Khui Island
You'll head out on a 300 km off-road drive to reach one of Mongolia's largest lakes, part of a protected national park established in 1992. The park contains four islands scattered across the water. Once there, you'll take a motorboat trip out to Khadan Khui island where you can make wishes and look for different fish species in the water. After these activities, you'll settle into a ger camp right beside the lake for the night, positioned to catch views of the water and surrounding landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Motorboat trip to Khadan Khui island
- Hiking and lake exploration
- Observe fish species
Optional Activities
- Cycling in the area
Landmarks/POIs Khadan Khui Island Lake National Park - Day 4
Darkhad Depression and Reindeer Family Trek Begin
You'll travel roughly 420 km across a mix of paved and off-road terrain to reach the Darkhad depression, where a nomadic family waits to begin your multi-day reindeer experience. This journey marks the start of something quite different from typical travel. You'll have chances to observe local bird life and take in the pristine wilderness around you. Keep in mind you'll need to prepare for horse trekking, as the reindeer family lives 40 km further into remote mountains beyond this initial stop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Meet nomadic family in Darkhad depression
- Bird watching
- Exploration of area
- Cultural exchange introduction
Landmarks/POIs Darkhad Depression - Day 5
Reindeer Family Horse Trek and Cultural Exchange
You'll spend the full day horse trekking approximately 40 km through challenging mountain terrain to reach the reindeer family's yurts. The landscape here is steep and remote, quite different from easier trails. Once you arrive, you'll experience their daily lifestyle directly, including tasting reindeer milk and learning how this minority population has adapted to extreme cold climates. Cultural exchange happens naturally as you spend time with family members going about their routines with their herds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Horse trek through mountain terrain
- Meet reindeer family and cultural exchange
- Taste reindeer milk
- Explore nomadic lifestyle with reindeer
Landmarks/POIs Reindeer Family Settlement - Day 6
Reindeer Family Return Trek
You'll continue staying with the reindeer family while horse trekking back toward the base nomadic family in the Darkhad depression. The return journey covers the same spectacular mountain terrain you traveled on the previous day. Along the way, you'll have more chances for cultural exchange and learning about how this unique lifestyle functions day to day. The trek takes most of your time, but you'll end the day closer to the Darkhad depression settlement.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Horse trek through mountain terrain
- Cultural exchange with reindeer family
- Continue exploring nomadic lifestyle
Landmarks/POIs Darkhad Depression - Day 7
Reindeer Family Experience Continuation
You'll keep spending time at the reindeer family settlement and the broader nomadic area of the Darkhad depression. This day focuses on participating in whatever daily activities are happening, which might include helping with tasks, watching animals, or simply being present in their world. Bird watching and hiking give you chances to explore the surrounding wilderness on your own. More cultural exchange occurs naturally as you settle further into this minority population's way of life.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bird watching
- Exploring and hiking
- Cultural exchange
- Meeting minority population
Landmarks/POIs Darkhad Depression - Day 8
Final Reindeer Family Day
This final day with the reindeer family and Darkhad depression settlement lets you wrap up your experience in this remote region. You'll continue bird watching, hiking, and exchanging with the minority population about their lives and traditions. By evening, you'll prepare to leave this wilderness area, likely packing your things and saying goodbye to the families who've hosted you during these days in the mountains and depression.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bird watching
- Exploring and hiking
- Cultural exchange
- Meeting minority population
Landmarks/POIs Darkhad Depression - Day 9
Moron City Rest Day
You'll make a long 350 km off-road drive back to Moron, the capital of the northern province, which feels like returning to civilization after days in remote terrain. Once there, you'll have chances to refresh yourself properly with a shower and do laundry to clean up gear from the wilderness. The town has pubs and lounges where you can relax, plus shops if you need anything. You'll stay overnight in a guesthouse that offers comfortable beds and regular facilities after the ger camps and yurts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel to Moron city
- Relaxation and personal refreshment
Optional Activities
- Shopping in Moron
- Visit pub or lounge
Landmarks/POIs Moron City - Day 10
Rest Stop at River Village
You'll travel 350 km on paved road heading back toward Ugii Lake, and this day includes a rest stop in a beautiful village situated beside a river with mountains around it. You're not rushing through, so there's time to hike around the natural surroundings and experience village life at a slower pace. The combination of relaxation and light activity gives you a chance to decompress before continuing your journey, and you'll stay overnight in this village setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking around nature
- Explore village life
- River and mountain exploration
Landmarks/POIs River Village - Day 11
Ugii Lake
You'll travel 130 km on a combination of paved and off-road roads to reach Ugii Lake, a freshwater lake in eastern Arkhangai located in central Mongolia. The lake is a Ramsar Site of International Importance, which means it's protected for its ecological value, particularly for fish populations and migratory waterbirds. During your time there, you can swim at the lake's beaches, go for hikes around the area, and watch the sunset over the water. A nomadic family provides your ger accommodation right beside the lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking around Ugii Lake
- Swimming in freshwater lake
- Sunset gazing
Optional Activities
- Fishing
Landmarks/POIs Ugii Lake - Day 12
Ulaanbaatar
You'll head back to Ulaanbaatar on a 400 km paved road drive, which forms the final leg of your journey. Along the way, you'll pass small sand dunes before arriving in UB, the capital city. Once there, the tour concludes with opportunities to do additional activities if you're interested, including hiking and camel riding, though these are optional depending on your energy level after weeks of travel and exploration across Mongolia's varied landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel to Ulaanbaatar
- Hiking
- Camel riding
Landmarks/POIs Ulaanbaatar
