Khuvsgul Lake – Express
Family
Mongolia
9 Days / 8 Nights
Easy
Journey Overview
Journey north into Mongolia, where the open steppe gradually gives way to forested mountains, winding rivers and the crystal-clear waters of Khuvsgul Lake. Often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” this remarkable freshwater lake is the heart of the journey, and a place where dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions and a slower pace of life come together.
Along the way, discover the quieter side of northern Mongolia, travelling through vast rural landscapes and riverside valleys before reaching the shores of Khuvsgul. Experience the lake from the water, explore its peaceful surroundings and encounter the traditions of the communities who call this remote region home. Visits with nomadic families and a local shaman offer glimpses into ways of life and spiritual traditions that remain deeply connected to nature.
The journey also brings encounters with Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and its rich cultural history, before returning to Ulaanbaatar. From the serenity of the lake to the warmth of its people, this is a journey into northern Mongolia at its most tranquil, authentic and awe-inspiring.
Available Months of Travel:
June, July, August
Maximum Group Size:
6 Pax
Journey Highlights
Khuvsgul Lake, Mongolia’s Blue Pearl
Discover the serene beauty of Khuvsgul Lake, famed for its exceptionally clear freshwater and surrounded by forested mountains. Enjoy time by the shore and experience the lake by boat.
Along the Selenge River
Experience the peaceful landscapes of Khutag Undur, set amid northern Mongolia’s open steppe and the scenic Selenge River. A tranquil stop to slow down and take in rural Mongolia.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
One of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monasteries, known for its distinctive blend of Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese architectural influences and its beautiful valley setting.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 (): Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where you will be met by your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and take some time to settle in and relax after your journey.
In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner, your first introduction to Mongolian cuisine and hospitality.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 2 (): Ulaanbaatar City Tour
Begin your exploration of Ulaanbaatar at Sükhbaatar Square, the city’s central landmark, before heading to Zaisan Hill Memorial for panoramic views across the capital. Continue to the National History Museum to trace Mongolia’s history and cultural heritage, followed by the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, home to an important collection of Mongolian Buddhist art and other artworks.
In the evening, experience a folk art concert featuring traditional throat singing, long-song singing, dancing and contortion, offering a lively introduction to Mongolia’s distinctive performing arts.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 3 (): Ulaanbaatar → Amarbayasgalant monastery
Journey through the northern Mongolian landscape to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of the country’s largest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries. Built between 1727 and 1736 in honour of Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first spiritual leader and a renowned artist, the monastery beautifully combines Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural influences. Explore its complexity and learn about the traditions of Mongolian Buddhism before taking a peaceful walk through the surrounding valley.
Later, visit a nearby nomadic family for an opportunity to experience traditional pastoral life and meet local people, gaining a glimpse into a way of life that remains an important part of Mongolia’s cultural identity.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Amarbayasgalant Monastery
DAY 4 (): Amarbayasgalant monastery → Khutag Undur
Continuing the journey towards Khuvsgul Lake, travel through the changing landscapes of northern Mongolia. The day is primarily a scenic road journey, covering approximately 305 km, with an overnight stop in Khutag-Öndör, a rural district surrounded by open steppe and river landscapes.
After arriving, explore the Selenge River area near the tourist ger camp, one of Mongolia’s major rivers, which plays an important part of the region’s natural landscape. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the river and take in the peaceful surroundings before settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Selenge river in Khutag Undur
DAY 5 (): Khutag Undur → Khuvsgul Lake
After breakfast, continue north on a scenic drive towards Khuvsgul Lake, passing through the open landscapes of northern Mongolia. Stop for lunch in Murun, the provincial capital of Khuvsgul, before continuing towards the lake.
Arrive at Khuvsgul Lake in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Take a gentle walk, enjoy the peaceful surroundings or simply take in the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Khuvsgul Lake
DAY 6 (): Day at Khuvsgul Lake
Take a boat trip across Khuvsgul Lake to Husliin Khad, a sacred rock formation on the lake. Often known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Khuvsgul Lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear, freshwater waters and spectacular mountain surroundings.
After the boat trip, enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lake. Take a peaceful walk along the shore, admire the pristine scenery and soak in the tranquillity of this remarkable natural setting. Optional horse riding is also available for those who wish to explore the area on horseback.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Khuvsgul Lake
DAY 7 (): Khuvsgul Lake → Murun City
After breakfast, drive to Hatgal, a small town on the southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake, and stop for lunch. Continue with a visit to a local shamanic family, where you can meet a shaman, observe traditional rituals and learn about the spiritual practices that remain part of Mongolian cultural heritage.
Later, drive to Murun ahead of the following morning’s flight to Ulaanbaatar. After arrival, explore the city at leisure, with time permitting to visit the local museum and market, offering a lively glimpse into the everyday life in northern Mongolia.
Overnight: Murun
DAY 8 (): Murun → Ulaanbaatar
Take an early morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, followed by a drive east to the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue. Explore the museum and ascend to the viewing platform at the horse’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.
Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy some free time for optional souvenir shopping at the State Department Store, before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 9 (): Departure from Mongolia
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the international airport for your onward journey.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 (): Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where you will be met by your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and take some time to settle in and relax after your journey.
In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner, your first introduction to Mongolian cuisine and hospitality.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 2 (): Ulaanbaatar City Tour
Begin your exploration of Ulaanbaatar at Sükhbaatar Square, the city’s central landmark, before heading to Zaisan Hill Memorial for panoramic views across the capital. Continue to the National History Museum to trace Mongolia’s history and cultural heritage, followed by the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, home to an important collection of Mongolian Buddhist art and other artworks.
In the evening, experience a folk art concert featuring traditional throat singing, long-song singing, dancing and contortion, offering a lively introduction to Mongolia’s distinctive performing arts.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 3 (): Ulaanbaatar → Amarbayasgalant monastery
Journey through the northern Mongolian landscape to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of the country’s largest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries. Built between 1727 and 1736 in honour of Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first spiritual leader and a renowned artist, the monastery beautifully combines Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural influences. Explore its complexity and learn about the traditions of Mongolian Buddhism before taking a peaceful walk through the surrounding valley.
Later, visit a nearby nomadic family for an opportunity to experience traditional pastoral life and meet local people, gaining a glimpse into a way of life that remains an important part of Mongolia’s cultural identity.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Amarbayasgalant Monastery
DAY 4 (): Amarbayasgalant monastery → Khutag Undur
Continuing the journey towards Khuvsgul Lake, travel through the changing landscapes of northern Mongolia. The day is primarily a scenic road journey, covering approximately 305 km, with an overnight stop in Khutag-Öndör, a rural district surrounded by open steppe and river landscapes.
After arriving, explore the Selenge River area near the tourist ger camp, one of Mongolia’s major rivers, which plays an important part of the region’s natural landscape. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the river and take in the peaceful surroundings before settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Selenge river in Khutag Undur
DAY 5 (): Khutag Undur → Khuvsgul Lake
After breakfast, continue north on a scenic drive towards Khuvsgul Lake, passing through the open landscapes of northern Mongolia. Stop for lunch in Murun, the provincial capital of Khuvsgul, before continuing towards the lake.
Arrive at Khuvsgul Lake in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Take a gentle walk, enjoy the peaceful surroundings or simply take in the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Khuvsgul Lake
DAY 6 (): Day at Khuvsgul Lake
Take a boat trip across Khuvsgul Lake to Husliin Khad, a sacred rock formation on the lake. Often known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Khuvsgul Lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear, freshwater waters and spectacular mountain surroundings.
After the boat trip, enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the lake. Take a peaceful walk along the shore, admire the pristine scenery and soak in the tranquillity of this remarkable natural setting. Optional horse riding is also available for those who wish to explore the area on horseback.
Overnight: Tourist Ger Camp near Khuvsgul Lake
DAY 7 (): Khuvsgul Lake → Murun City
After breakfast, drive to Hatgal, a small town on the southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake, and stop for lunch. Continue with a visit to a local shamanic family, where you can meet a shaman, observe traditional rituals and learn about the spiritual practices that remain part of Mongolian cultural heritage.
Later, drive to Murun ahead of the following morning’s flight to Ulaanbaatar. After arrival, explore the city at leisure, with time permitting to visit the local museum and market, offering a lively glimpse into the everyday life in northern Mongolia.
Overnight: Murun
DAY 8 (): Murun → Ulaanbaatar
Take an early morning flight to Ulaanbaatar, followed by a drive east to the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue. Explore the museum and ascend to the viewing platform at the horse’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.
Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Later, enjoy some free time for optional souvenir shopping at the State Department Store, before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 9 (): Departure from Mongolia
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the international airport for your onward journey.
