Northern Mongolia Khuvsgul lake Reindeer Nomadic family and Arkhangai 12D

Northern Mongolia Khuvsgul lake Reindeer Nomadic family and Arkhangai 12D

Northern Mongolia is a main travel destination of Mongolia. We will provide you comfortable, friendly and very nice tip. All meals are included and we can choose what you want to have all the time.

This is your chance to experience one of the last remaining nomadic groups of reindeer herders in the world. Dukha people or reindeer herders depend on their reindeer for nearly all aspects of survival, as well as cultural and spiritual identity.

Total length: 2500km

Total destance: 12 days

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from hotel in UB then Drive to Semi Gobi desert-Elsen tasarkhai 280km, 3 hours

Stop At: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Rashaant, Mongolia
#Riding camel and Have lunch at Ger restaurant.

The Elsen Tasarkhai is a part of the Mongol Els Sand Dunes, that continues 80 km long 5 km wide. The nature in this area is really spectacular and great for relaxing and located in Burd soum in Uvurkhangai Aimag (Province) 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare bushes and a small forest near a river.

Together this presents a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests and Gobi-type landscape in one location. This area is 80 km east of Kharakhorum, the ancient Mongolian capital. The area is populated by the Maral stag (elk), wolves, deer and fox. The Elsen Tasarhai literally means "an isolated torn-off piece of sand" and it is a small sequence of real desert in the midst of green steppes. It feels like in the Gobi Desert, and visitors can hike in the sand dunes
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kharakhorum Museum, Khushuu Tsaidam Rd, Kharkhorin 62090 Mongolia
This short excursion to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin will give you a new perspective on the nature of the Mongol Empire. Not much remains today of Karakorum, as it was destroyed by clan infighting and it’s materials were used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery. In an empire of nomads, very few permanent structures were ever erected, and the impermanence of cities and monuments was of little significance to these warriors of the steppe. You will experience the unique setting of Kharkhorin, located on one of the major trading routes of the ancient Silk Road, and visit nearby places that will give you further insight into the natural and human history of Mongolia.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin 62090 Mongolia
Erdene Zuu is the first ancient Buddhist monastery to be established in Mongolia. It is the first monastery in Mongolia to run a compassion in action program. It’s a part of world heritage site entitled Orkhon Valley cultural landscapes. It was built in 1585 by the Abtaisan King upon the introduction of Buddhism into Mongolia as the state religion. Its surrounded by wall featuring 108 stupas and external wall with the stupas are remained. 108 being a sacred number of Buddhism and number of beads in Buddhist rosary. The monastery of Erdene Zuu is a focal point in the history and cultural of the Mongol people when its heyday, there were about 62 temples and 1500 monks. But during the Stalinist purge in 1930s the monastery was destroyed. In 1965 it restored and became a museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: At Ger restaurant located in Semi Gobi. Possible to choose what you want to eat.
• Dinner: At Kharkhorin ger camp restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Ger camp at Kharkhorin, Uvurkhangai province

Day 2: Drive to Tsetserleg city of Arkhangai province and Terkhi lake Dur: 2 hours, 180km

Stop At: Taikhar Rock, Jargalant, Mongolia
Taikhar Chuluu (Taikhar Rock) is one of the tourist attractions when travelling to Arkhangai province. This big 20-metres (66 feet) high rock stands on a bank of Khoid Tamir River in Ikhtamir Soum. It’s covered with 150 writings in many different languages and dating back from many different periods (runic, Sogd, Uyghur, Mongolian, Nangiad, Tibetan writings). The oldest one is the runic writing, related to Turkish period of the 6th and 7th centuries. An ovoo was placed at its top. Unfortunately, there are many graffiti on this rock and the old writings almost disappeared. This cliff was formed by separating from the river bank due to millions of years’ continual flow of Khoid Tamir River through granite cape on its northern bank. The government issued a law to protect the rock in 1994. graffiti.

Legend: A 20m high, big granite Taikhar rock has an interesting story. Once upon a time, a giant snake came out of a hole and started swallowing local people and animals. Local people asked for a help from a strong brave man named Bukhbilegt (Strong and wise. Then he fought with the giant snake and pushed it to the hole and put the big rock on its head.

The giant snake tried to come out under the hole so that Bukhbilegt put his favourite arrow and bow on the big rock, Taikhar. Then, the giant snake couldn’t move. Local people say that if you see the Taikhar rock from higher place, you will see arrow and bow. Over 150 inscriptions in various scripts including Tibetan, Turkic, Mongolian and Chinese were carved on the Taikhar rock, but most of them seem to have barely appeared as time passes.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tsetserleg, Mongolia
We visit Tsetserleg city of Arkhangai province. Lunch will be served at Restaurant in Tsetserleg. Explore The Chuluut river and mountain springs which is good for stomach and health in Tsetserleg.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, Khorgo Mongolia
In the Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Natural Park, we can also see and make the ascent of Khorgo Volcano that is an extinct volcano reaching its highest point at 2240 metres (1,39 mile), located East from Terkhiin Tsagaan. This easy 16-kilometres (9,94 miles) hike will lead you to the summit of this extinct volcano covered with basalt that was active 8000 years ago. Its crater measures 200 metres (656,17 feet) in diameter and 70 to 80 metres (229,66 – 262,47 feet) in depth, and it is surrounded with small copses of trees. It has been protected since 1965.

Come to Yellow Dog's hell and Icy hole near to Terkhi.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Kharkhorin
• Lunch: At Tsetserleg city, Arkhangai
• Dinner: At Terkhi Lake, Tamir soum, Arkhangai province
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Ger camp at Terkhi Lake

Day 3: Drive to Galt soum , Khuvsgul Province and Hot springs Dur: 2-3 hour, 150km

Stop At: Hot Springs, AR, USA
Visit Galt soum hot springs comes out from far deep part of the ground and its water is not mixed with soil waters because it is hot. Also the spring is kept in high pressure under the ground flow rate is high, 10 liters per seconds. The water has high mineral content and containing everything from simple calcium, sodium to sulphuric. Folklore claimed medical value some of this springs have, they are often popular tourist destinations for Mongolian people. The spring produce water that is good for health reasons and water is effect for joints, nerve system and considered good for many other diseases. Sometimes, people drink the water for diabetes and stomach ulcer and disabilities. Surrounding area is home of species of medicinal herbs.

There is several tourist camps which are offering for tourists indoor and outdoor baths. They transfer the hot water via tubes from and built some pools. Curative water and amazing nature featured by wooden mountains make this an excellent place for relax. Night bath is great. Sitting in the pool drinking while seeing stars at the dark sky is one of the favorite activity in here. The open air-baths are recommended.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Terkhi lake camp
• Lunch: At Galt soum, Khuvsgul Province
• Dinner: At hot springs camp
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Ger camp at Hot springs

Day 4: Drive to Nomadic family in Galt soum, Khuvsgul Dur: 60km 1 hour

Stop At: Khövsgöl, Mongolia
Visit Nomadic family in Galt soum, Khuvsgul province. Then lunch will have with Mongolian Nomads. After that meet Nomads life, riding horse with wear Mongolian traditional clothes for 30-60 minutes, make and taste Mongolian milk products. Overnight stay with Nomads.
Duration: 20 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Hot springs camp
• Lunch: At Nomadic family
• Dinner: At Nomads home
Accommodation included: Sleep at Nomadic home

Day 5: Drive to Murun, city of Khuvsgul province - take some rest in comfortable hotel 4* Dur: 2 hours, 150km

Stop At: Murun, Mongolia
Have lunch at Murun city of Khuvsgul Province. Come to hotel take some rest and shower. Evening have dinner at restaurant near to hotel and explore Murun city walk to Park.
Duration: 20 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: With Nomads
• Lunch: At Restaurant in Murun city
• Dinner: At Restaurant in Murun city
Accommodation included: Stay in Hotel 4*

Day 6: Drive to Lake Khuvsgul

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
Khuvgul Lake, freshest and deepest lake in Central Asia, is positioned in a North South direction with an oval shape. Its length is 133.4 km from north to south while widest is 39.5 km from west to east. This lake has a volume of 380 km3 and it is second in Asia and 14th largest in the world. Khuvsgul Lake contains 93.6 % of total surface fresh water of Mongolia and 1% of world fresh water. Khuvsgul Lake is surrounded by beautiful high mountains of the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan Mountain Ranges, along the west shore. Many mountain rivers flow into this lake including 17 rivers flowing during the whole year. Flat-topped mountains with sloping mountainsides, covered by forests, lie on the east shore of the lake and those mountains are sources of 29 rivers flowing into Khuvsgul lake.There are plenty of room for activities like hiking, birding, fishing, horse back and kayaking Khuvsgul Lake.

Stay at camp and have Mongolian traditional food Khorkhog is probably the most exciting mongolian dishes, and one of the most tasty ones. The meat of a sheep (sometimes less) is cooked together with vegetables in a closed container, with the help of heated stones.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Hotel in Murun
• Lunch: At Khuvsgul Lake camp
• Dinner: Have Mongolian traditional food Khorkhog which is Mutton cooked with host stones in a containe
Accommodation included: Stay at Ger camp in Khuvsgul Lake

Day 7: Drive to Tsagaan nuur, Khuvsgul

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
Start driving to Tsagaan nuur village which is located very north part of Mongolia. This will be longest driving in this tour. Approximately 10 hours driving until to reach this village. You will not bored of beautiful scenery of landscape. During the driving will stop multiple times for break. Stay and relax at local's guest house.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Khuvsgul lake
• Lunch: At suitable spot on the way
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at Ger camp

Day 8: Horse back to the Reindeer Herders

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
Start heading to deep in the Taiga forest to experience one of the last remaining nomadic groups of reindeer herders in the world. Dukha people or reindeer for nearly all aspects of survival, as well as cultural and spiritual identity. 3-5 hours horse riding until to reach the reindeer herders camp. Stay at reindeer herders Tepee.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: On the way
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay Reindeer Tepee

Day 9: Reindeer herders camp

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
Experiencing Reindeer's culture, lifestyle and enjoying beautiful nature.

Stay at Dukha camp and ride a reindeer.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Stay at Reindeer Tepee

Day 10: Leaving the Reindeer Herders

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
Leaving the reindeer herders camp and turn back to Tsagaan nuur village. Stay and relax at local's guest house. 3-5 hours of horse riding.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Ger camp

Day 11: Drive to Murun

Stop At: Khovsgol Nuur, Mongolia
This day we start heading back to Murun town which is capital of Khuvsgul province. Approximately 10 hours driving. You will not bored of beautiful scenery of landscape. During the driving will stop multiple times for break. Stay and relax at Hotel 4*.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Tsagaan nuur village
• Lunch: At suitable spot on the way
• Dinner: At restaurant in Murun
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Hotel 4*

Day 12: Back to Ulaanbaatar

Stop At: Erdenet Sports Complex, Erdenet, Mongolia
After breakfast driving to Erdenet city which is 3rd city of Mongolia for 4 hours. Lunch will be served at restaurant in Erdenet. Then continue to driving to Ulaanbaatar for 3 hours. Have Dinner in Ulaanbaatar and drop off hotels.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At Murun
• Lunch: At Erdenet city
• Dinner: At restaurant in Ulaanbaatar
No accommodation included on this day.