Mysterious Land of the Reindeer

Known as “The Dark Blue Pearl”, Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia’s largest and deepest lake. Located in the northernmost province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long, 36 km wide, 262 metres deep and is located at an altitude of 1645m above sea level and is frozen from January until April or May. It’s the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It’s inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Fishing and sport fishing are becoming popular in the lake area. Taiga Fauna and Flora, Tsaatan, practicing reindeer breeding are the main attractions for tourist. A ferryboat operates between Khatgal and Khanh, two towns on the southern and northen shores of the lake that is within the boundaries of the Khovsgol National Park. Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalha, Darhad, Buryat. Tsaatans are reindeer herders.

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
The Mongolei Reisen crew will greet you at the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport for transfer to the 4 star hotel, conveniently situated in downtown Ulaanbaatar. After freshening up from your trip, we will spend the day touring some of the capital’s most noteworthy sites starting out at the capital of Mongolian Buddhism, Gandan Monastery. The monastery was one of the few preserved through the 20th century and features a spectacular 25 meter, 20 ton statue of the Megjjd Janraysig Buddha. From here, we will go to the Natural History Museum which holds the skeletons of several of the unique dinosaurs discovered in Mongolia, including the famed ‘Fighting Dinosaurs’ skeletons – considered to be one of the most unique in the world. The heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square, is just a short walk away. Here we will see the statue of Sukhbaatar, the hero of the Mongolian revolution, the Parliament house, National Opera, and City Hall. Afterwards we’ll visit Zaisan Hill, which offers great views of the city. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and khoomii (Mongolian throat singing). Overnight in hotel. (L, D)

Day 2: Murun / Lake Khovsgol
We’ll start our trip with a flight to Murun, the capital of Mongolia’s northern-most province of
Khovsgol. From there, we take 4×4 vehicles to Lake Khovsgol, situated in a pristine alpine setting of forests, mountains and meadows. We’ll spend the night in a Mongol ger – the traditional, felt-covered dwelling of the Mongolian people, heated with a wood stove and furnished with beautifully-decorated wooden-frame beds, providing an authentic and memorable taste of Mongolian culture. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 3: Lake Khovsgol
Lake Khovsgol, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, with 2% of the world’s freshwater resources is our destination. Situated amongst breathtaking alpine scenery, we’ll spend the day enjoying a variety of activities, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and a visiting a family of nomadic reindeer herders. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 4: Khangai Mountains
We’ll move south to the Jargalan hot springs, crossing deep river basins and high mountain passes, and visiting nomadic families along the way. The transit will take most of the day, but there is enough time to enjoy the hot springs. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (Khorgo National Park)
We continue onwards to the great volcanic crater of Khorgo, which created a vast field of basalt formations and the 16-kilometre-long Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, situated 2200 metres above sea level, with a
depth of 200 metres. A hike up to the summit of the volcanic crater is rewarded with a breathtaking
view of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby lake. There are excellent opportunities during the rest of the day for bird-watching, hiking, horseback riding or fishing. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 6: Tsenkher Hot Springs
We’ll then travel further west through beautifully forested valleys and meadows, stopping by exceptional spots such as Zuun Mod – the “Hundred Tree” – a sacred tree hidden by thick layers of blue scarves left by worshippers, and the stunning Chuluut River Gorge. Along the way we will also visit the museum in Tsetserleg, located in the former Zayiin Khuree Monastery, and examine the fascinating displays of authentic historical and religious
objects. After crossing through beautiful mountain scenery and, depending on the month,
fields of wildflowers, we’ll arrive at the Tsenkher hot springs where the water flows out of the ground at a sizzling 89°C. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 7: Karakorum (Khogno Khan Mountain)
Our next stop is Karakorum, the former capital of the world’s greatest land empire, established by Chinggis Khan. Here we will tour the fascinating Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery, a religious complex spanning over 400 square meters surrounded by 108 stupas, which, at its peak, was home to over 1000 monks. The original monastery was destroyed in the communist purges of the early 20th century but work has been carried out to rebuild the monastery on its original foundation. It was first established on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan the grandfather of Saint Zanabazar, as the first architectural example of a new style of Buddhism he founded called “Yellow” Buddhism. The site has some of the best works of religious art and architecture in Mongolia.Continuing on through a beautiful landscape of high mountains, grassy steppe and sand dunes, we
arrive at majestic Khogno Khan Mountain. The panoramic views from the mountain will give an unforgettable impression of Mongolia’s size, extending out for 200 kilometres on a clear day. Overnight in ger camp (B, L, D)

Day 8: Ulaanbaatar
The journey concludes in Ulaanbaatar, with the remainder of the day free for rest or shopping. After dinner, we’ll attend a performance of an ensemble performance of Mongolian folk art. Overnight in hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9: Departure
Our adventure together ends with your transfer back to the Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport for your departure.