Khuvsgul Lake & Central Mongolia Tour

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. We visit the sand dunes and a local nomadic family to experience their traditional way of life.

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. We will visit the Kharkhorum Museum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. In the evening, we will arrive at Tsenkher Hot Springs, known as the second-hottest hot spring in Mongolia. We will relax and rejuvenate in the naturally heated mineral waters.

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.

Murun is the administrative center of Khuvsgul Aimag (province) in northern Mongolia. It is one of the most populated provincial centers in the country. We can experience authentic provincial lifestyle and culture here.

Khuvsgull Lake holds about 70 percent of Mongolia’s freshwater and is the country’s largest and deepest lake. It is also the second-largest freshwater lake by volume in Asia. Encircled by dramatic high mountains, the landscape is framed to the southwest by the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan ranges, reaching elevations of 3,000–3,200 meters.

Today, we will take a short hike around the surrounding area and go on a boat trip on Khuvsgul Lake.

Uran Togoo is an extinct volcanic crater formed approximately 20–25 million years ago, measuring about 500 m (1,640 ft) in width and 50 m (164 ft) in depth. Ancient volcanic lava and ash enriched the soil, and forest-steppe vegetation now spreads across the area, creating a calm yet striking landscape. In winter, animals often shelter around the crater, taking advantage of the residual ground warmth. At the center of the crater lies a small lake about 20 meters (65 feet) wide, surrounded by forest dominated by larch trees. Today will be mostly spent driving.

We drive back to Ulaanbaatar.