Mysteries of the Gobi

Depending on time of arrival, you may have a short city sight-seeing tour. Evening welcome dinner.

We will take a flight to Murun, the provincial capital of Khuvsgul Province. One of the world's biggest fresh water sources, Lake Khuvsgul and its amazing surroundings are home to several of Mongolia’s ethnic minorities as well as a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife. Khuvsgul is truly a highlight of any trip to Mongolia. After landing in Murun we drive to Hatgal, a small town on the edge of the lake, then north along the lake’s edge to the ger camp, arriving in time for an afternoon walk along the lakeshore.

Lying at about 1650 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains that rise over 3100 meters (10170 feet), the waters of Khuvsgul are deep and spectacularly clear and pure. We will hike to a beautiful vantage point, locally known as ‘Khyasaa’ (in Mongolian- steep cliff), from which we get a marvelous view over the ‘Blue Pearl’. In the evening, we return to our camp for a second and last night by the lake’s shores.

Back on land, we check-out the camp, and retrace our footsteps south. En route we pause by Erkhil lake, great place to watch some waterfowls. We then continue to an ancient burial site featuring Mongolia’s mysterious deer stones, memorial stones representing important leaders and warriors, carved with deer motifs. After lunch we drive to the banks of Delgermurun river. After setting in the camp, we take a hike to the beautiful mountain cave, and on to the top of the mountain for a beautiful open Mongolian steppe. We then hike back to the camp, where we spend the night by the river bank.

Upon arrival, we will drive to Gun Galuut national park, The park offers great opportunities to observe rare wildlife. Lying at the shores of Ikh Gun Lake, home to many species of waterfowl, and next to Baits Mountain, natural habitat to the nearly extinct Mountain Sheep, there are great chances to observe some of Mongolia’s most impressive wildlife. The Kherlen River is situated only minutes away from the camp, and you can participate in optional easy kayaking.

Rising 40 meters in height over the surrounding steppes, this mighty structure plays a major symbol to the renewing Mongolian nation, after more than 300 years of foreign sovereignty over its people and territory. We then head for Terelj National Park. The park features unique rock formations, scenic valleys, a winding river, and restful groves of trees. Many nomads live in the park itself, where they find good grazing for their animals. We will visit a nomadic family and take the opportunity to learn about their unique way of life.

We then continue hiking to Ariabal Temple. The temple has been recently reconstructed, after the original temple had been destroyed during the communist purges of the 1930’s. A great site of tranquility, it functions today as a meditation center to Buddhist monks. After early lunch, we leave the park and drive to Ulaanbaatar. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner, followed with a trip to the top of the Zaisan Hill, to enjoy the view of the city at night.