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THE GREAT LAKES - 14 DAYS - 2000 KMS
Discover the heart of Mongolia, where endless landscapes meet centuries of rich tradition. Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the steppe, experience the warmth of nomadic life, and explore the vibrant history that shapes this extraordinary land. Join us on an unforgettable journey that reveals the true spirit of Mongolia—where adventure, culture, and nature come together. Your Mongolian adventure awaits!
HIGHLIGHTS
Relax in a hot spa after a day of driving in the steppe
Drive into the endless steppe
The spectacular Orkhon waterfall
Visit the ancient capital Kharkhorin
Sunset over the dunes of Little Gobi
Experience the nomadic hospitality
Ogii lake
Climb to the ancient Tuvkhun monastery
Ikh Tamir
Khairkhan Zorgol mountain
Khuvsgul lake
Terkhiin Tsagaan lake
Uran Togoo vulcano
DAY 1: 130KM OFF ROAD
We head toward the Gobi Desert for a 130 km stage to Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred granite formation rising 1,686 m in Töv Province. Located about 180 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, its ash-colored cliffs stand above green valleys fed by nearby streams, home to wildlife such as argali sheep and red deer. Ancient Mongolian soldier graves found in the area add a unique historical atmosphere to this remarkable site.
DAY 2: LITTLE GOBI 210KM MAINLY OFF ROAD
We enter the heart of the journey with a long stage leading us to Khögnö Khan National Park. Located 250 km from Ulaanbaatar on the road to Kharkhorin, this 47,000-hectare protected area features historical monuments, dense birch and poplar forests, freshwater springs, and the striking granite formations of Khögnö Khan. Its ecosystem is unique, lying at the crossroads of the steppe and the taiga, and home to wildlife and landscapes characteristic of both.
Established as a nature reserve in 1997 and designated a national park in 2003, Khögnö Khan holds deep cultural significance. The sacred Khögnö Khan Mountain, situated at the borders of Övörkhangai, Bulgan, and Töv provinces, has been revered since prehistoric times. Visitors traditionally make small offerings and express wishes to the Mountain Spirit—one does not climb a sacred mountain without a meaningful purpose.
Established as a nature reserve in 1997 and designated a national park in 2003, Khögnö Khan holds deep cultural significance. The sacred Khögnö Khan Mountain, situated at the borders of Övörkhangai, Bulgan, and Töv provinces, has been revered since prehistoric times. Visitors traditionally make small offerings and express wishes to the Mountain Spirit—one does not climb a sacred mountain without a meaningful purpose.
DAY 3: KHARKHORIN 90KM
A short stage brings us to the legendary city of Genghis Khan, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley along the Silk Road. In 1235, his son Ögedei built the city and surrounded it with a fortified wall and four gates. From here, the Mongol Empire was governed until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing.
Kharkhorin (Karakorum) became a major political, economic, administrative, and religious center—one of the great crossroads of world civilizations. The city was enclosed within a 400-meter-wide square wall and guarded by four granite stone turtles, still visible today.
Since the 8th century, Mongols have revered the turtle as a symbol of longevity, unity, independence, and the spirit of water. The four turtles of Karakorum were placed to protect the city from floods and ensure its eternal life.
The city was destroyed by Ming troops in 1380, leaving only a few remains: two granite turtles, palace foundations, stone lions, columns, and traces of irrigation channels. Protected since 1961, the site has yielded over 230 coins from around ten different countries—evidence of its vibrant, international past.
Kharkhorin (Karakorum) became a major political, economic, administrative, and religious center—one of the great crossroads of world civilizations. The city was enclosed within a 400-meter-wide square wall and guarded by four granite stone turtles, still visible today.
Since the 8th century, Mongols have revered the turtle as a symbol of longevity, unity, independence, and the spirit of water. The four turtles of Karakorum were placed to protect the city from floods and ensure its eternal life.
The city was destroyed by Ming troops in 1380, leaving only a few remains: two granite turtles, palace foundations, stone lions, columns, and traces of irrigation channels. Protected since 1961, the site has yielded over 230 coins from around ten different countries—evidence of its vibrant, international past.
DAY 4: ORKHON WATERFALL 100KM OFF ROAD
The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 360 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar on the foothills of the Khangai Mountains. Spanning vast grasslands along the Orkhon River, it is considered the cradle of nomadic steppe culture.
For thousands of years—from prehistoric tribes to the Huns, Turks, Uighurs, Khitans, and Mongols—the valley has been a major crossroads of civilizations. Today, riders can explore legendary sites such as the Uighur capital Khar Balgas, the ruins of Karakorum, and ancient Turkic monuments. The area is also home to iconic monasteries like Erdene Zuu and Tövkhön.
Surrounded by mountains, wild nature, and nomadic herder families, the Orkhon Valley offers an authentic glimpse of Mongolia’s heartland—perfect for riding, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the vast open steppe.
For thousands of years—from prehistoric tribes to the Huns, Turks, Uighurs, Khitans, and Mongols—the valley has been a major crossroads of civilizations. Today, riders can explore legendary sites such as the Uighur capital Khar Balgas, the ruins of Karakorum, and ancient Turkic monuments. The area is also home to iconic monasteries like Erdene Zuu and Tövkhön.
Surrounded by mountains, wild nature, and nomadic herder families, the Orkhon Valley offers an authentic glimpse of Mongolia’s heartland—perfect for riding, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the vast open steppe.
DAY 5: TSAAGAN SUM HOT SPRINGS 90KM OFF ROAD
Arkhangai is a volcanic region, which explains the presence of the Tsaagan sum hot springs, flowing year-round at 85.5°C at 1,860 meters of altitude. Set in a green, forested valley, the springs feed several ger camps equipped with comfortable hot-water baths, popular with both travelers and city residents.
The waters of Tsaagan Sum are known for their healing properties, especially for joint pain and nervous system conditions. They contain sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorine, and hydrogen sulfide.
The waters of Tsaagan Sum are known for their healing properties, especially for joint pain and nervous system conditions. They contain sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorine, and hydrogen sulfide.
DAY 6: IKH TAMIR 120km MIXED ASPHALT - OFFROAD
The Ikh Tamir Valley in Mongolia is a true open-air museum. In this lush green valley stand mysterious monolithic stones carved with graceful deer motifs. These are ancient funerary steles, and their engravings depict rituals of passage into the afterlife. But the valley holds even more historical treasures.
It is here that a part of Mongolia’s earliest history was written. On the remarkable prehistoric site of Tsatsiin Ereg, you can explore hundreds of petroglyphs, 26 beautifully preserved deer stones, and the burial sites of some of the very first nomads. These ancient graves date all the way back to the Neolithic period.
It is here that a part of Mongolia’s earliest history was written. On the remarkable prehistoric site of Tsatsiin Ereg, you can explore hundreds of petroglyphs, 26 beautifully preserved deer stones, and the burial sites of some of the very first nomads. These ancient graves date all the way back to the Neolithic period.
DAY 7:TERKHIIN TSAGAAN NUUR 150km MAINLY ASPHALT
The Khorgo–Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park is home to two of Mongolia’s natural gems: the shimmering Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and the extinct Khorgo Volcano.
Terkhiin Tsagaan, the “White Lake of the Terkh River,” sits at 2,060 meters above sea level and is considered the jewel of Arkhangai—one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Formed by an eruption of Mount Khorgo, it is surrounded by several other extinct volcanic craters. The lake stretches 16 km in length and 4 to 10 km in width, covering 61 km², with an average depth of 20 meters. Rich in fish, especially pike, it remains frozen for much of the year. This untouched region is also home to wildlife such as axis deer, marsh deer, wild boar, ducks, and great cormorants.
Within the national park, visitors can also climb Khorgo Volcano, rising 2,240 meters on the eastern side of the lake. An easy 16-km hike leads to the summit, where basalt-covered slopes and a crater 200 meters wide and 70–80 meters deep reveal traces of eruptions that occurred 8,000 years ago. Protected since 1965, the crater is framed by small clusters of trees, adding to its unique charm.
Terkhiin Tsagaan, the “White Lake of the Terkh River,” sits at 2,060 meters above sea level and is considered the jewel of Arkhangai—one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Formed by an eruption of Mount Khorgo, it is surrounded by several other extinct volcanic craters. The lake stretches 16 km in length and 4 to 10 km in width, covering 61 km², with an average depth of 20 meters. Rich in fish, especially pike, it remains frozen for much of the year. This untouched region is also home to wildlife such as axis deer, marsh deer, wild boar, ducks, and great cormorants.
Within the national park, visitors can also climb Khorgo Volcano, rising 2,240 meters on the eastern side of the lake. An easy 16-km hike leads to the summit, where basalt-covered slopes and a crater 200 meters wide and 70–80 meters deep reveal traces of eruptions that occurred 8,000 years ago. Protected since 1965, the crater is framed by small clusters of trees, adding to its unique charm.
DAY 8: SHINE IDER 130km OFFROAD
Nestled in the rolling grasslands of northern Mongolia, Shine-Ider is a tranquil district of Khuvsgul Province that offers travelers a glimpse into the country’s most authentic rural landscapes. Founded in 1923 and renamed Shine-Ider in 1956, the region has a long and colorful history shaped by nomadic traditions and the life of local herding communities.
Covering 2,050 km²—most of it open pasture—Shine-Ider is home to just over 4,000 inhabitants, primarily from the Khalkh ethnic group. Its small and peaceful center, Erdenet, sits 123 km southeast of Mörön and 839 km from Ulaanbaatar, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the Khuvsgul Lake region or crossing the central-northern steppes.
Visitors to Shine-Ider will find wide, untouched valleys, herds grazing freely, and the serene rhythm of nomadic life. The area offers a genuine, off-the-beaten-path Mongolian experience—perfect for travelers seeking quiet countryside beauty, cultural encounters, and immersion in the vast open spaces that define Mongolia.
Covering 2,050 km²—most of it open pasture—Shine-Ider is home to just over 4,000 inhabitants, primarily from the Khalkh ethnic group. Its small and peaceful center, Erdenet, sits 123 km southeast of Mörön and 839 km from Ulaanbaatar, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the Khuvsgul Lake region or crossing the central-northern steppes.
Visitors to Shine-Ider will find wide, untouched valleys, herds grazing freely, and the serene rhythm of nomadic life. The area offers a genuine, off-the-beaten-path Mongolian experience—perfect for travelers seeking quiet countryside beauty, cultural encounters, and immersion in the vast open spaces that define Mongolia.
DAY 9: KHOVSGOL LAKE 220km MIXED ASPHALT - OFFROAD
Located at 1,645 meters above sea level, Lake Khövsgöl is often described as a small inland sea. Stretching 136 km in length, 36 km in width, and reaching depths of up to 267 meters, it holds an impressive 2% of the world’s fresh water—about 480.7 km³. Its crystal-clear, drinkable water has earned it the name “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” By surface area, it is the second-largest lake in the country, after Lake Uvs in western Mongolia. The lake and its surrounding region form a protected national park.
Lake Khövsgöl was shaped by the same tectonic forces that created the vast Lake Baikal, located 195 km to the north in Siberia. The two lakes are connected through a network of rivers, which is why Khövsgöl is often considered Baikal’s “little brother.” Water leaving Khövsgöl travels more than 1,000 km before eventually reaching Baikal.
Nearly one hundred rivers flow into Lake Khövsgöl, while the lake itself drains into the Eg River, which later connects to Baikal. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks rising over 2,000 meters, covered with dense pine forests.
Lake Khövsgöl is exceptionally rich in fish species such as Baikal omul, lenok trout, grayling, and Siberian sturgeon. Its wild surroundings also provide habitat for a wide range of birds and mammals, including sable, beaver, Mongolian deer, Siberian roe deer, brown bear, and lynx. Local flora includes unique species such as marsh yellow saxifrage and valerian.
From January to April, the lake freezes solid, offering unforgettable winter activities such as dog sledding and troika rides across its icy surface.
Lake Khövsgöl was shaped by the same tectonic forces that created the vast Lake Baikal, located 195 km to the north in Siberia. The two lakes are connected through a network of rivers, which is why Khövsgöl is often considered Baikal’s “little brother.” Water leaving Khövsgöl travels more than 1,000 km before eventually reaching Baikal.
Nearly one hundred rivers flow into Lake Khövsgöl, while the lake itself drains into the Eg River, which later connects to Baikal. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks rising over 2,000 meters, covered with dense pine forests.
Lake Khövsgöl is exceptionally rich in fish species such as Baikal omul, lenok trout, grayling, and Siberian sturgeon. Its wild surroundings also provide habitat for a wide range of birds and mammals, including sable, beaver, Mongolian deer, Siberian roe deer, brown bear, and lynx. Local flora includes unique species such as marsh yellow saxifrage and valerian.
From January to April, the lake freezes solid, offering unforgettable winter activities such as dog sledding and troika rides across its icy surface.
DAY 10: ERDENEBULGAN 150km OFF ROAD
Erdenebulgan is a picturesque district in Khövsgöl Province, covering nearly 5,000 km² of pristine northern Mongolian wilderness. Home to a small population of just over 2,700 people (as of 2000), the region is dominated by wide-open valleys, forested mountains, and rivers that carve through untouched landscapes.
DAY 11: URAN TOGOO 210km MIXED
Uran Uul is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and iconic extinct volcanoes. Its crater rises to 1,686 meters, spanning 500 meters in diameter and plunging 50 meters deep—a striking natural amphitheater shaped millions of years ago. Uran Uul was active some 20 to 25 million years in the past, and today it offers some of the most scenic hiking in the country.
Thanks to ancient lava flows that created remarkably fertile soil, the volcano is home to an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna. A gentle forest trail winds through lush Siberian larch woodlands, leading visitors toward the crater rim. Along the way, you may spot a surprising variety of plants, as well as many birds and insects, including the elegant Apollo butterfly.
Descending into the heart of the crater reveals an enchanting surprise: a small hidden lake surrounded by dense vegetation, a peaceful oasis sheltered by the volcano’s circular walls. Its shape and green slopes often evoke comparisons to the Puy Pariou or Puy de la Vache volcanoes in France’s Massif Central.
The Mongolian government first protected the northern part of the Uran Togoo area in 1965, later expanding the protected zone to include all of Uran Uul in 1995. Today, it remains one of Mongolia’s most accessible and rewarding natural landmarks—perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Thanks to ancient lava flows that created remarkably fertile soil, the volcano is home to an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna. A gentle forest trail winds through lush Siberian larch woodlands, leading visitors toward the crater rim. Along the way, you may spot a surprising variety of plants, as well as many birds and insects, including the elegant Apollo butterfly.
Descending into the heart of the crater reveals an enchanting surprise: a small hidden lake surrounded by dense vegetation, a peaceful oasis sheltered by the volcano’s circular walls. Its shape and green slopes often evoke comparisons to the Puy Pariou or Puy de la Vache volcanoes in France’s Massif Central.
The Mongolian government first protected the northern part of the Uran Togoo area in 1965, later expanding the protected zone to include all of Uran Uul in 1995. Today, it remains one of Mongolia’s most accessible and rewarding natural landmarks—perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
DAY 12: OGII LAKE 190KM OFF ROAD
Ögii Lake sits at 1,337 meters in eastern Arkhangai. It stretches 7.9 km long and 5.3 km wide, covering 25 km², with shallow waters—over half the lake is less than 3 meters deep.
Rich in fish (pike, perch, carp, burbot, loach, etc.) and a major stopover for migratory birds, the lake is also considered a sacred site by local communities.
Several ger camps line the shore, offering canoe rentals and excellent fishing opportunities for visitors.
Rich in fish (pike, perch, carp, burbot, loach, etc.) and a major stopover for migratory birds, the lake is also considered a sacred site by local communities.
Several ger camps line the shore, offering canoe rentals and excellent fishing opportunities for visitors.
DAY 13: SANDERBURY 230KM MAINLY ASPHALT
We continue our journey toward the capital, following one of Mongolia’s main cross-country roads. This long ribbon of smooth asphalt cuts across wide open steppe, allowing us to travel quickly while still soaking in the changing landscapes. As we drive, the horizon stretches endlessly, dotted with herds of grazing livestock, scattered gers, and distant mountain ridges shimmering in the light.
Gradually, the scenery shifts from vast grasslands to gently rolling hills, offering a final glimpse of rural Mongolia. We make our way toward Sanderbury Farm, a welcoming stop where we can rest, enjoy the calm of the countryside, and experience one last moment of nomadic serenity before reaching the capital.
Gradually, the scenery shifts from vast grasslands to gently rolling hills, offering a final glimpse of rural Mongolia. We make our way toward Sanderbury Farm, a welcoming stop where we can rest, enjoy the calm of the countryside, and experience one last moment of nomadic serenity before reaching the capital.
DAY 14: UB 180KM MAINLY OFF ROAD
We make our way back to Ulaanbaatar, following the course of the Tuul River as it winds through wide open valleys and rolling steppe. This scenic route offers beautiful views of the river, lush riverbanks, and grazing herds that reflect the timeless rhythm of nomadic life. As we approach the capital, the landscapes gradually shift from peaceful countryside to the lively outskirts of the city, providing a gentle transition back to urban life.
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