Mysterious Northern Circle from West to Central Mongolia

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.

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• Hotel

Day 2 Fly to Zavkhan province

Pick up and transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Uliastai, capital of Zavkhan province in western Mongolia. It is located around 1,000 km from the country’s capital Ulaanbaatar. Zavkhan is one of 21 provinces and its environment is considered as Gobi-Khangai zone due to its transition from the Gobi Desert in the south to the western part of the fertile Khangai Mountain range in the north. The province’s highest peak is Otgontenger, both the highest and only snowcapped peak of the Khangai Mountain range standing at 4,021 m above sea level. We will then drive from here towards Khar Lake.

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• Ger camp
• 110 km

Day 3 Leisure day at the lake

Although one of the lakes in the Great Lakes Depression, the surface altitude of Khar Lake is about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) above sea level. It is a freshwater lake enveloped by sand dunes and grass-covered mountains in a semi-desert area. The lake is 23 km long and between 5 to 10 km wide. Go for a gentle stroll today or just relax near the lake as you watch a variety of migratory birds.

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• Ger camp

Day 4 Loop drive to Mukhart river

Mukhart is a small river that winds its way for about twenty kilometers through the Bor Khyar sand dunes. The source of the river flows out from underneath the sand dunes. It forms a gorgeous oasis in which sea-buckthorn shrubs grow.

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• Ger camp
• 100 km

Day 5 Drive to Terkh ‘White’ Lake

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur or Terkh’s White Lake is a freshwater lake situated in the Khangai Mountains. 10 rivers drain into this lake and only the Suman River flows out. The lake is 16 km long and 6 km wide. The lake is part of the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The Khorgo, a dormant volcano, is located near the eastern end of the lake. This lake was formed from the volcanic eruption that blocked the Terkh River thousands of years ago.

• B.L.D
• Ger camps
• 420 km

Day 6 Leisure day at the lake and hike up to the Khorgo volcano

Khorgo volcano is the most impressive and largest volcano in Mongolia standing at about 200 m in diameter with a crater depth of nearly 100 m. It’s estimated to have erupted about 10,000 years ago. The hike up to the crater rim includes a mix of stairs and trails. Be careful when walking on steep parts of the trail with small, round volcanic rocks as it can be slippery. Return back to the camp afterwards and enjoy your evening along the serene lake.

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• Ger camp
• Hike: 20 km

Day 7 Drive to Tsenkher hot spring

Continue the journey to Tsenkher hot spring, Mongolia’s most popular 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
• 220 km

Day 8 Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai via Kharkhorin

Drive to Kharkhorin – a recent town named after Kharakhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire that once stood adjacent here during the 13^th 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.

After sightseeing in Kharkhorin – drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, also called “Little Gobi”, which is a stretch 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.

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• Family stay
• 210 km

Day 9 Return to Ulaanbaatar

Drive to Ulaanbaatar. Have lunch on the way. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest until farewell dinner.

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• Hotel
• 300 km

Day 10 Departure

Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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