Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur)

Your journey begins with a full-day exploration of Ulaanbaatar. You will visit Gandan Monastery and the Chinggis Khan National Museum, followed by an evening of traditional Mongolian cultural performance.

Elsen Tasarkhai is an 80 km-long belt of sand dunes, divided by a road into Mongol Els and Khugnu Tarniin Els. Despite the desert setting, the dunes are dotted with vegetation such as willow, elm, and hardy shrubs. A short hike takes you across the smaller dunes.

Kharkhorum was founded in the early 13th century and became the capital of the Mongol Empire in 1235 under Ögedei Khan. The city was enclosed by walls and included a palace and many buildings connected to trade and daily life. People of different cultures and religious backgrounds lived in Kharkhorum, making it one of the most diverse cities of its time. Today, the remains of the city lie near modern Kharkhorin and offer a glimpse into its rich past.

We’ll arrange a couple of hours of horseback riding in the area. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is one of Mongolia’s most important cultural and historical regions and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For centuries, the valley was a center of nomadic life and an important area in the history of Central Asia. Several major historical sites are located within the valley, including Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire; Khar Balgas, the former capital of the Uyghur Khaganate; Erdene Zuu Monastery; and Tuvkhun Monastery. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape covers the Orkhon River basin and the northeastern edge of the Khangai Mountains, with landscapes shaped by low mountains, rolling hills, wide river valleys, and open steppe. The area includes mountain forest, forest-steppe, river meadows, and dry steppe, creating a varied natural setting.

Tsenkher Hot Spring is one of Mongolia’s highest-temperature hot springs, reaching around 86 °C (186 °F). This alkaline hot spring rises from deep underground and contains hydrogen sulfide and silicon compounds. Traditionally, the hot spring is believed to help relieve joint discomfort and certain skin conditions and to support recovery following medical treatment.

Set along two of the world’s major bird migration routes, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur and its wetlands are an important resting place for migratory waterfowl during seasonal movements. Long ago, lava flows spread across the valley, blocking a river and gradually forming a natural dam that gave rise to the lake. Today, the lake stretches about 16 km (10 miles) in length, with clear freshwater reaching an average depth of 20 meters (65 feet).

Khorgo Volcano is an extinct basalt volcano that last erupted approximately 8,000 years ago. The crater spans about 200 meters in diameter and descends 70–80 meters deep, with steep 30–36° slopes. Siberian larch and pine forests thrive along its rim and inner slopes. We will hike around the volcano and experience the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Ugii Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake in central Mongolia, known for its rich birdlife and open steppe scenery. A key stop for migratory species such as swans and cranes, it offers peaceful landscapes and a relaxing natural setting. We arrive at the lake for time to walk and enjoy the surroundings, with a stop en route at the impressive Taikhar Rock rising from the steppe.

We drive back to Ulaanbaatar.