12 days 11 nights
Mysterious Mongolia with deserts, sand dunes, endless green steppes… the land of nomads on horseback.
Nicknamed the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, the tour to Lake Khuvsgul is perhaps the most spectacular and diverse in terms of scenery and the distance you will travel. This is by far the farthest and most adventurous trip, and therefore only suitable for intermediate/professional riders who can handle long distances each day (200–350km off-road). The lake itself lies in the northwest of Mongolia, at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountains. It is 1,645m above sea level, 136 km long and 262m deep. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia, containing nearly 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water and is surrounded by several mountain ranges. The highest peak is Burenkhaan/Munkh Saridag (3,492m). As you can imagine, the surrounding area has a diverse ecosystem. In fact, you will see one of the most beautiful landscapes Mongolia has to offer. This area is home to the famous argali sheep, ibex, bears, sable, moose, and wolves. There are three distinct, unique tribes here: Darkhad, Buriat, and Tsaatan – the only tribe in the world still riding reindeer. Shamanism, not Buddhism, is the predominant religion in this part of Mongolia.
- Hanoi – Ulaanbaatar
Board the direct charter flight from Hanoi to Ulaanbaatar by Mongolian Airlines.
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia!
Complete immigration procedures, collect your luggage, and transfer to the hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar for check-in, followed by rest time or free time to explore the charming capital.
- Welcome dinner
- Hotel: Novotel Ulaanbaatar*****
- Ulaanbaatar city tour
Morning bike test and adjustments if needed.
A full day exploring the capital, visiting Sukhbaatar Square – the largest square in Ulaanbaatar. Here, you’ll learn more about Mongolian history, the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. Other highlights around Sukhbaatar Square include the Government House, the National Museum of Mongolia, and other Soviet-era architecture.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Hotel: Novotel Ulaanbaatar*****
- Ulaanbaatar – Batkhaan Mountain Reserve (230km paved road, 45km off-road)
The journey begins towards Batkhaan Mountain, 280km from Ulaanbaatar. This is our first day exploring the nomadic lifestyle of Mongolian people and the vast steppes.
Experience the unique feeling of freedom on your “steel horse,” riding through dunes and steppes under the blue sky, fresh air, rolling grass, and herds of livestock with nomadic people. Taste local favorites such as dried yogurt, milk tea, and other traditional dishes.
Ride along the Jargalant River, which flows through bushes, and enjoy traditional Mongolian activities such as archery, children’s horse racing, and traditional wrestling performances.
Tonight, enjoy a special khorkhog dinner (Mongolian-style barbecue), a campfire party, and traditional culture performances by local nomads.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in tented camp
(This is our temporary tent camp set up near a nomadic family, without shower facilities)
- Batkhaan – Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes – Kharkhorin (80km paved, 40km off-road)
Explore the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a 2-hour ride from the camp with characteristic steppe terrain. Here, we will meet a camel herder and his family and experience a 30-minute camel ride over the dunes. Then, we drive about 1 hour on paved road to the ancient capital Kharkhorin. Visit the Kharkhorin Museum, which offers insights into Mongolian history, ancient dynasties, and fascinating culture. Visit Erdenezuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia built in the 15th century. Learn about the history of Mongolian Buddhism and the brutality of times past.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in Ger Camp
- Khorgo Volcano and Terkh White Lake (280km paved road)
After breakfast, drive to Khorgo & Terkh National Park. We’ll have a picnic lunch by the Chuluut River after 150km of travel. The Chuluut River is a spectacular natural creation flowing through a 20-meter-deep rocky gorge.
After lunch, continue 30km to explore the Khorgo volcano, which last erupted 7,700 years ago, and then reach our tourist camp beside the White Lake. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake /White Lake/ was formed by lava flow from the Khorgo eruption. The lake area is now home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. It is an ideal destination for birdwatching and photography.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in Ger Camp
- Hot Spring Camp – Jargal Jiguur (90km off-road)
Today we conquer 90km of off-road terrain to reach Jargal Jiguur Camp. Discover beautiful landscapes blending green meadows, trees, and high mountain ranges. Arrive at the camp around lunch. In the afternoon, relax in the hot spring pool.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in Ger Camp (outdoor toilet)
- Jargal Jiguur – Moron, 180km
A long day with 180km of off-road travel to reach Moron City.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Hotel: 50°100°
- Moron – Khuvsgul Lake, 100km
After breakfast, drive 100km of paved road to the Blue Pearl – Khuvsgul Lake, the deepest and purest lake in Mongolia. It is one of the few remaining glacial lakes from the last Ice Age. Some call it the “Switzerland of Mongolia.”
Transfer to the Ger Camp and rest while enjoying the lake.
After lunch, immerse yourself in nature and go horseback riding to explore Khuvsgul Lake on a narrow trail connecting the lake to an island.
(Northern Mongolia, especially Khuvsgul, has cold weather even in summer. Temperatures can drop to 10–15°C in the evening. Be sure to bring warm clothes.)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in Ger Camp
- Khuvsgul Lake – Moron (220km paved, 70km off-road)
Have an early breakfast and return to Moron before heading to Moilt, a full day’s ride. This is a camping location where two rivers meet to form the Hanui River, situated in Bayan-Agt soum with stunning scenery.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue and campfire party.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight camping
(No shower available tonight)
- Khanui – Ugii Lake (240km off-road)
Ugii Lake is a freshwater lake located in the steppe, with an area of ~25 km², 7 km in length and up to 5 km wide. The lake reaches a depth of 15 meters. Today’s journey includes exploration, kayaking, and fishing on the lake. You might also witness a stunning sunset over Ugii Lake.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight in Ger Camp
- Ugii Lake – Ulaanbaatar (20km off-road, 240km paved road)
On the final day of the journey, after breakfast, we return to Ulaanbaatar and check into the Novotel Ulaanbaatar in the city center. Rest for a few hours and in the evening, attend a live traditional Mongolian music and dance performance at 6:00 PM.
After the show, a farewell dinner will be hosted by the client to thank the team for making this unforgettable Mongolian adventure possible.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch
- Hotel: Novotel Ulaanbaatar*****
- Ulaanbaatar – Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Hanoi.
- Meals: breakfast
End of the journey
TOUR PRICE: unit: USD
- 1 rider on 1 Honda Serrow 250: 4,399 USD / person
- 2 people sharing 1 Honda Serrow 230: 6,499 USD / 2 persons
PRICE INCLUDES:
- – Motorcycle rental (Yamaha Serrow 250cc – Enduro type)
- – Fuel for the entire journey
- – 01 local guide (Mongolian-speaking), self-riding
- – 01 experienced international tour leader, self-riding
- – 2 nights in 5-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (first and last nights)
- – 2 nights camping (Tented Camp)
- – 6 nights in Mongolian Ger Camps (Yurts)
- – All meals as per itinerary, except the farewell dinner (hosted by client)
- – Lunches during the journey, some picnics at scenic locations
- – 2 dinners at campsites, 5 dinners at Ger Camps, 1 dinner at restaurant, 1 welcome dinner in Ulaanbaatar
- – Unlimited bottled water
- – Traditional Mongolian campfire party and cultural performance by local nomads
- – 30-minute camel ride on sand dunes
- – Round-trip boat ride on Lake Khuvsgul
- – Round-trip shared car from Moron to Lake Khuvsgul
- – Horseback riding at Lake Khuvsgul
- – All entrance fees as per itinerary
- – Camping team and kitchen equipment
- – 2 escort vehicles (Land Cruiser, Tundra) for gear and support
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- – Specialized riding gear (helmet, boots, clothing, gloves)
- – Travel insurance that covers motorcycle accidents in Mongolia
- – Visa, airfare
- – Phone, laundry, mini-bar at the hotel
- – Tips for local team (7 USD/guest/day)
- – Anything not mentioned in “PRICE INCLUDES” and personal expenses, incidentals…