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THE TRUE SPIRIT OF MONGOLIA - 19 DAYS - 3500 KMS
This motorcycle adventure takes you through some of the most iconic and contrasting landscapes Mongolia has to offer — a journey that captures the very soul of the country.
Your ride begins as you make your way into the legendary Gobi Desert. Prepare for a spectacular change of scenery: lunar plains, massive rock formations, a canyon filled with ice even in summer, and endless sand dunes shaped constantly by the wind.
You’ll then throttle into the Orkhon valley and the volcanic heart of Mongolia, landing at Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake — a land of ancient lava fields and extinct craters. Here, nomadic herders live in harmony with nature, and evenings are spent under star-filled skies by the water’s edge.
Finally the wild northern frontier, where the majestic Lake Khövsgöl stretches like a mirror at the foot of towering peaks rising over 3,500 meters. Dense taiga forests, deep blue waters, and remote nomadic camps set the tone for pure exploration.
From alpine wilderness to desert horizons, this ride is a thrilling immersion into the raw beauty, freedom, and vastness of Mongolia — the ultimate playground for motorcyclists seeking adventure.
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
The Gorge of the Bearded Vultures
The "Flaming Cliffs"
Baga Gazariin Chuluu – A Granite Maze in the Heart of the Steppe
Tsagaan Suvraga
Khongor Sand Dunes – The Singing Giants of the Gobi
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: MANDALGOBI VIA Baga Gazariin Chuluu 150km
Baga Gazariin Chuluu – A Granite Maze in the Heart of the Steppe
Hidden deep in the grassy plains of Dundgovi Province, Baga Gazariin Chuluu — literally “the stones of the small place” — rises like an ancient fortress out of the steppe, about 250 km south of Ulaanbaatar. This remarkable granite formation, located in Delgertsogt sum at 1,751 meters altitude, forms a spectacular canyon shaped over millennia by wind and erosion.
For motorcycle adventurers, this is the perfect place to leave the road behind and explore on foot. Wander through natural corridors, climb polished stone walls, and lose yourself in a labyrinth of boulders sculpted by nature. With a bit of luck and curiosity, you might spot mysterious rock inscriptions attributed to two revered monks who lived here in the 19th century.
Among the rocky outcrops lie the ruins of a 17th-century temple, a quiet reminder of Mongolia’s spiritual past. Nearby, an ancient rainwater well is said to have healing powers — especially for eye ailments. A small ladle awaits pilgrims who wish to test the legend for themselves.
Baga Gazariin Chuluu combines raw adventure, geological wonder, and a touch of mysticism — a must-see stop on any ride through the Middle Gobi.
Hidden deep in the grassy plains of Dundgovi Province, Baga Gazariin Chuluu — literally “the stones of the small place” — rises like an ancient fortress out of the steppe, about 250 km south of Ulaanbaatar. This remarkable granite formation, located in Delgertsogt sum at 1,751 meters altitude, forms a spectacular canyon shaped over millennia by wind and erosion.
For motorcycle adventurers, this is the perfect place to leave the road behind and explore on foot. Wander through natural corridors, climb polished stone walls, and lose yourself in a labyrinth of boulders sculpted by nature. With a bit of luck and curiosity, you might spot mysterious rock inscriptions attributed to two revered monks who lived here in the 19th century.
Among the rocky outcrops lie the ruins of a 17th-century temple, a quiet reminder of Mongolia’s spiritual past. Nearby, an ancient rainwater well is said to have healing powers — especially for eye ailments. A small ladle awaits pilgrims who wish to test the legend for themselves.
Baga Gazariin Chuluu combines raw adventure, geological wonder, and a touch of mysticism — a must-see stop on any ride through the Middle Gobi.
DAY 3: TSAGAAN SUVRAGA 155KM
In the southern reaches of Dundgovi Province, near the sum of Ölziit, the land suddenly drops away into a breathtaking maze of cliffs known as Tsagaan Suvarga — “the White Stupa.” From a distance, these wind-carved formations look like an ancient city in ruins rising from the Gobi Desert.
The cliffs stretch more than 400 meters long and tower up to 60 meters high. Layers of minerals exposed to oxygen paint the rock in striking colors — pink, red, orange, even violet hues at sunrise and sunset. In early summer, when green grass and wildflowers sweep across the desert floor, the landscape transforms into a natural rainbow — a paradise for photographers and travelers hungry for dramatic scenery.
Millions of years ago, this area was covered by a vast ocean. Today, fossilized marine remains hidden within the cliffs are a silent reminder of that prehistoric world.
A short ride to the southwest brings you to Ulaan Suvarga — the “Red Stupa” — a similar formation glowing with deeper, fiery tones.
For riders, Tsagaan Suvarga is more than a viewpoint — it’s a place to explore. Allow at least an hour to hike along the cliff tops for unforgettable panoramas over the Gobi. The silence, the colors, the sheer scale of the landscape — everything here feels like an adventure carved by time.
A true highlight of any motorcycle journey through southern Mongolia.
The cliffs stretch more than 400 meters long and tower up to 60 meters high. Layers of minerals exposed to oxygen paint the rock in striking colors — pink, red, orange, even violet hues at sunrise and sunset. In early summer, when green grass and wildflowers sweep across the desert floor, the landscape transforms into a natural rainbow — a paradise for photographers and travelers hungry for dramatic scenery.
Millions of years ago, this area was covered by a vast ocean. Today, fossilized marine remains hidden within the cliffs are a silent reminder of that prehistoric world.
A short ride to the southwest brings you to Ulaan Suvarga — the “Red Stupa” — a similar formation glowing with deeper, fiery tones.
For riders, Tsagaan Suvarga is more than a viewpoint — it’s a place to explore. Allow at least an hour to hike along the cliff tops for unforgettable panoramas over the Gobi. The silence, the colors, the sheer scale of the landscape — everything here feels like an adventure carved by time.
A true highlight of any motorcycle journey through southern Mongolia.
DAY: 4 YOLYN AM 220KM
Long before the creation of Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a small area of just 69 km² around Yoliin Am was declared protected — back in 1965. Today, this deep gorge carved into the Züün Saikhan Mountains (about 60 km southwest of Dalanzadgad) remains one of the wild treasures of the South Gobi.
Named after the bearded vulture — Yol in Mongolian — the valley literally means “The Gorge of the Bearded Vultures.” At an elevation of around 2,500 meters, the canyon narrows dramatically: in some passages, only two people can squeeze through side by side.
Water carves its way through the rock, forming a series of small cascades. Even under the blazing Gobi sun, the canyon stays dark and cool — cold enough that the stream at its base remains frozen most of the year, sometimes forming thick sheets of ice that survive into summer.
For riders who love wildlife and rugged nature, Yoliin Am delivers:
• Permanent ice formations in the heart of the desert
• Rare fauna, including Siberian ibex, argali sheep, and of course, the iconic bearded vultures
• The elusive snow leopard, prowling the rocky heights
Just north of the mountains, paleontologists have unearthed dinosaur skeletons dating back over 70 million years, adding an extra layer of mystery to this already breathtaking region.
A cool oasis in the middle of the Gobi — and a must-ride stop for any adventure motorcyclist crossing Mongolia’s most dramatic landscapes.
Named after the bearded vulture — Yol in Mongolian — the valley literally means “The Gorge of the Bearded Vultures.” At an elevation of around 2,500 meters, the canyon narrows dramatically: in some passages, only two people can squeeze through side by side.
Water carves its way through the rock, forming a series of small cascades. Even under the blazing Gobi sun, the canyon stays dark and cool — cold enough that the stream at its base remains frozen most of the year, sometimes forming thick sheets of ice that survive into summer.
For riders who love wildlife and rugged nature, Yoliin Am delivers:
• Permanent ice formations in the heart of the desert
• Rare fauna, including Siberian ibex, argali sheep, and of course, the iconic bearded vultures
• The elusive snow leopard, prowling the rocky heights
Just north of the mountains, paleontologists have unearthed dinosaur skeletons dating back over 70 million years, adding an extra layer of mystery to this already breathtaking region.
A cool oasis in the middle of the Gobi — and a must-ride stop for any adventure motorcyclist crossing Mongolia’s most dramatic landscapes.
DAY 5: KHONGOR ELS 180KM
Khongor Sand Dunes – The Singing Giants of the Gobi
Khongoriin Els is the largest and most iconic sand formation in Gurvan Saikhan National Park — and one of the biggest dune fields in all of Mongolia. Spreading over 900 km², this immense stretch of golden sand towers dramatically above the Gobi plains, forming some of the most impressive desert scenery you’ll ever ride into.
Driven by relentless winds from the north and west, the dunes rise to 100–300 meters high and roll for more than 180 km in length, with a width that reaches up to 27 km in places. Locals call them the “Singing Dunes,” named for the deep, resonant hum that echoes when the shifting sand is stirred by strong winds — a natural desert symphony you won’t forget.
What makes Khongor truly magical is the contrast:
🏜 Vast waves of pale-yellow dunes
🌿 A ribbon of lush green vegetation to the north
💧 Khongoriin Gol — a freshwater stream forming a surprising oasis
Fed by underground springs, this river flows at the foot of the dunes for several kilometers, creating a life-filled green corridor in the middle of an otherwise harsh landscape. It’s a perfect spot to cool down after carving tracks through the desert.
The surrounding region is also rich in dinosaur fossils and mineral deposits — a reminder that this desert once held oceans and prehistoric giants.
Khongoriin Els is the largest and most iconic sand formation in Gurvan Saikhan National Park — and one of the biggest dune fields in all of Mongolia. Spreading over 900 km², this immense stretch of golden sand towers dramatically above the Gobi plains, forming some of the most impressive desert scenery you’ll ever ride into.
Driven by relentless winds from the north and west, the dunes rise to 100–300 meters high and roll for more than 180 km in length, with a width that reaches up to 27 km in places. Locals call them the “Singing Dunes,” named for the deep, resonant hum that echoes when the shifting sand is stirred by strong winds — a natural desert symphony you won’t forget.
What makes Khongor truly magical is the contrast:
🏜 Vast waves of pale-yellow dunes
🌿 A ribbon of lush green vegetation to the north
💧 Khongoriin Gol — a freshwater stream forming a surprising oasis
Fed by underground springs, this river flows at the foot of the dunes for several kilometers, creating a life-filled green corridor in the middle of an otherwise harsh landscape. It’s a perfect spot to cool down after carving tracks through the desert.
The surrounding region is also rich in dinosaur fossils and mineral deposits — a reminder that this desert once held oceans and prehistoric giants.
DAY 6: FLAMING CLIFFS 150KM
The "Flaming Cliffs" are the Bayanzag region in Mongolia's Gobi Desert, famous for their red and orange sandstone cliffs that glow at sunset. This area is a world-renowned paleontological site, where paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first fossilized dinosaur eggs in 1922, along with numerous other dinosaur fossils. The name "Bayanzag" means "rich in saxaul," referring to the thorny shrubs that grow in the area.
DAY 7: ONGII MONASTERY 175KM
A Sacred Ruin on the Edge of the Desert
Nestled at the foot of Saikhan Ovoo Mountain, near the village of Saikhan Ovoo in Dundgovi Province, Ongi Monastery is one of Mongolia’s most powerful historical sites. Once among the country’s largest and most respected monastic complexes, it stood as a symbol of religion and knowledge before its destruction in 1939 during the communist purges.
Founded in 1660, the monastery originally consisted of two main complexes facing each other across the Ongi River. The southern section, Khutagt, was the oldest and included administrative buildings and eleven temples. The northern complex, Barlim, was added in the 18th century with 17 temples, including one that was the largest in all of Mongolia. Four Buddhist universities operated here, and at its peak, the monastery housed up to 1,000 monks.
During the 1939 repression, many buildings were destroyed and around 200 monks were killed. Survivors were imprisoned, forced into the army, or escaped to live as herders. The river was later diverted to supply nearby government-run mines, leading to the abandonment of the area and the disappearance of monastic life.
When democracy arrived in 1990, three monks who had once trained at Ongi returned with a mission: revive the monastery’s spiritual legacy. Since then, a temple has been rebuilt and two small museums inside traditional gers now display rescued relics and architectural fragments.
Travelers can walk through the ruins scattered across the hillside, visit the restored temple, and discover a cold spring called Bar Khamba — believed to have healing properties when consumed before sunrise.
Today, Ongi Monastery is a peaceful and moving stop along a motorcycle journey through Mongolia, offering a glimpse into a dramatic chapter of the nation’s history and a quiet moment along the desert’s edge.
Nestled at the foot of Saikhan Ovoo Mountain, near the village of Saikhan Ovoo in Dundgovi Province, Ongi Monastery is one of Mongolia’s most powerful historical sites. Once among the country’s largest and most respected monastic complexes, it stood as a symbol of religion and knowledge before its destruction in 1939 during the communist purges.
Founded in 1660, the monastery originally consisted of two main complexes facing each other across the Ongi River. The southern section, Khutagt, was the oldest and included administrative buildings and eleven temples. The northern complex, Barlim, was added in the 18th century with 17 temples, including one that was the largest in all of Mongolia. Four Buddhist universities operated here, and at its peak, the monastery housed up to 1,000 monks.
During the 1939 repression, many buildings were destroyed and around 200 monks were killed. Survivors were imprisoned, forced into the army, or escaped to live as herders. The river was later diverted to supply nearby government-run mines, leading to the abandonment of the area and the disappearance of monastic life.
When democracy arrived in 1990, three monks who had once trained at Ongi returned with a mission: revive the monastery’s spiritual legacy. Since then, a temple has been rebuilt and two small museums inside traditional gers now display rescued relics and architectural fragments.
Travelers can walk through the ruins scattered across the hillside, visit the restored temple, and discover a cold spring called Bar Khamba — believed to have healing properties when consumed before sunrise.
Today, Ongi Monastery is a peaceful and moving stop along a motorcycle journey through Mongolia, offering a glimpse into a dramatic chapter of the nation’s history and a quiet moment along the desert’s edge.
DAY 8: ARVAIRKHEER 150KM
Arvaikheer — whose name translates to “Barley Steppe” — is the capital of Övörkhangai Province and one of the most central cities in Mongolia. Home to around 26,000 residents, it’s a vibrant stopover known for its traditional crafts, goat herding culture, and deep passion for horse sports.
Every year, Arvaikheer hosts a major regional equestrian festival, where the best young riders and the fastest steppe horses compete in thrilling Naadam-style races — a perfect chance to dive into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
Located 440 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the city is easily accessible by paved road, making it an important hub for adventure riders heading toward the Gobi Desert or the legendary Orkhon Valley.
Arvaikheer is more than a waypoint — it’s where the open-road spirit of Mongolia truly begins.
Every year, Arvaikheer hosts a major regional equestrian festival, where the best young riders and the fastest steppe horses compete in thrilling Naadam-style races — a perfect chance to dive into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
Located 440 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the city is easily accessible by paved road, making it an important hub for adventure riders heading toward the Gobi Desert or the legendary Orkhon Valley.
Arvaikheer is more than a waypoint — it’s where the open-road spirit of Mongolia truly begins.
DAY 9: KHARKHORIN 140KM
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 10: TSAGAAN SUM VIA ORKHON WATERFALL 160KM
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 11: 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 12: 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 13: SHINE IDER 140km 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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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