Northern Circle Cultural Tour in Mongolia
13 days
Overview
Explore the Majestic Beauty of Mongolia: A Two-Week Adventure
Considered one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul is the country’s largest freshwater lake, nestled at the southern edge of the vast Siberian taiga. This stunning region features lush meadows adorned with wildflowers and magnificent larch trees, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.
Your journey will then take you to central Mongolia, where you can step back in time at the Orkhon Valley, the historical cradle of nomadic confederations from the era of the Huns to the Mongols. Experience the rich cultural heritage by visiting Mongolia's oldest and most significant Buddhist centers, relaxing in natural hot springs, and exploring major attractions.
Throughout this two-week adventure, you will learn about Mongolia's fascinating history, culture, and traditions. Travel through expansive plains dotted with traditional felt homes (gers) and large herds of livestock, immersing yourself in the pastoral nomadic lifestyle. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines nature, culture, and adventure in the heart of Mongolia.
Date & Price:
Departing: 10-06-2025
Finishing: 22-06-2025
Status: Open
Departing: 06-08-2025
Finishing: 18-08-2025
Status: Open
Departing: 15-06-2025
Finishing: 30-09-2025
Status: Open
Price Per Person:
Includes:
- 2 overnights at 4* hotel in UB (twin)
- 1 overnight at the local family guest ger (twin/triple)
- 9 overnights at the Ger camp (twin/triple)
- All indicated meals ( B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner )
- Drinking water
- All visits, NP fee and sightseeing fees
- Comfortable 4x4 van including gasoline with experienced driver
- English speaking guide
- All airport transfers
Exludes:
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities ( boat rent, horse riding ...)
- Meals not indicated
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Visa to Mongolia
- International flights &Travels
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel information:
- * Visit to Lake Khuvsgul – the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia
- * Visit Amarbayasgalant monastery
- * Visit Uran togoo bowl-shaped extinct volcano
- * Visit Tekhiin tsagaan nuur ( White lake) and Khorgo volcano
- * Visit most highlighted places of Orkhon valley
- * Visit ancient capital of Mongolia "Kharkhorin"
Day 1 Arrival in Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to a centrally located hotel. After settling into your room, meet your guide in the lobby for a walking city tour to the main square and nearby museums. Then attend an evening show of traditional performances followed by a welcome dinner.
- D
- Hotel
Day 2 Drive to Amarbayasgalant monastery
In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and head towards Amarbayasgalant monastery. It is a monastery complex built during 1727-1736 in honor of Zanabazar, the first Bogd, who was the head of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia. Originally, the complex consisted of over 40 temples surrounded by a wall, now 28 temples remain. It has been under State protection since 1944, and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 350 km
Day 3 Pot Mountain
Continue towards a region named Unit, where there is a bowl-shaped extinct volcano located in the steppe surrounded by forested mountains. Stretch your legs on arrival and hike up to the top on a path through trees for a rewarding view of the crater’s lush interior and surrounding grasslands.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 230 km
Day 4 Lake Khuvsgul
Drive to Lake Khuvsgul, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia. It is nicknamed the “younger sister” of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake, in neighboring Siberia. Some say this is Mongolia’s most beautiful area, a pristine wilderness with picturesque scenery of clear water, mountains, forests, and meadows peppered with vibrant wildflowers. Since this is a popular destination for both tourists and locals during midsummer, there are many tourist camps located along the shore. Stay two nights at a tourist camp.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 400 km
Day 5 Lake Khuvsgul
Free-day at Lake Khuvsgul to relax, stay active, or a mix of both. Optional activities may include boating, horse-riding, hiking, etc.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
Day 6 Drive to Zuun Nuur lake
Zuun Nuur is a saltwater lake situated 2000 m above sea level in the far south of Khuvsgul province. It is 13 km north of Shine-Ider village and about 100 km southwest of the province’s capital, Murun.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 230 km
Day 7 The White Lake and Khorgo volcano
Arrive at Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, White Lake, after driving on difficult bumpy dirt roads. This freshwater lake, located in the Khangai mountains of central Mongolia, naturally formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The Khorgo is the most impressive and largest volcano in Mongolia and located near the eastern end of the lake. Together they make up the core of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 183 km
Day 8 Tsenkher hot spring
Continue to Tsenkher hot spring, Mongolia’s most popular natural hot spring, situated between forested hills. This natural wonder is located just 27 km south from the provincial capital of Tsetserleg. The hot water gushes out from underground and there are several tourist camps nearby that pump its water into their pools. Relax in the outdoor pool and stay overnight at the tourist camp.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 210 km
Day 9 Travel to Orkhon waterfall via Tuwkhun monastery
Our destination today is the Orkhon waterfall, Mongolia’s most impressive waterfall located in the UNESCO inscribed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It drains from an imposing height of 20 meters with a width of about 10 meters. On the way, visit one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist centers, the Tuwkhun monastery. It was first established in 1648 by the 14-year-old Zanabazar, who was a very influential religious figure who was a gifted artist and teacher. He used the monastery, secluded in a forest, as his personal retreat over the course of 30 years. It was here where he created many of his most famous works including the development of the Soyombo script.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 130 km
Day 10 Drive to Kharkhorin town
Drive to Kharkhorin – a recent town named after Karakorum, which was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire that once was situated adjacent here during the 13th century. The main attraction here is the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery center named Erdene Zuu which was constructed in 1585 from the ruins of the ancient capital. There is also a historical museum worth a visit displaying artifacts and a miniature model of how the old Mongol capital looked during its peak.
- B.L.D
- Ger camp
- 125 km
Day 11 Local family stay at Little Gobi
Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, also called Little Gobi, which is an area with patches of sand dunes in the middle of the grasslands. Here you will stay overnight with a local herder family and experience their nomadic lifestyle. This evening, spend time with the family learning about their daily chores such as animal milking and livestock tending.
- B.L.D
- Local family stay
- 90 km
Day 12 Return to Ulaanbaatar
Drive to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest until farewell dinner.
- B.L.D
- Hotel
- 300 km
Day 13 Departure
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
- B
Gallery
Reviews
arantzazugraciag
An unforgettable trip in very good company! Lkhagva, our driver, knows each route perfectly, he is a very good driver and a very good man! His van is the best to get around Mongolia. And Odna was an exceptional guide, she speaks English perfectly and is so sweet and friendly :))
If you are hoping to take a trip to Mongolia, the Dashka agency is highly recommended. Very well organized and serious. It was a perfect 21 day trip!
We brought along very beautiful people, amazing landscapes and unforgettable experiences!