Khuvsgul Lake: A lake formed about 7 million years ago. The lake is 101 kilometers north of the city of Murun, spans across Alag-Erdene, Renchinlkhumbe, Khanh and Chandmani-Undur soums of Khuvsgul province. It is a lake with an area of 2,760 square kilometers, 34-36 kilometers wide, 136 kilometers long and 262 meters deep, with an elevation of 1,645 meters above sea level. It has a coastline length of 414 kilometers and is the second largest in Asia in terms of water resources. The taiga area of the Khuvsgul Basin is inhabited by the Tsaatan people, who call themselves Uighurs. Their native lands include the "Mongol Shariin" passing and the Shishged River. In the great taiga of Khuvsgul, throughout the 4 seasons, the reindeer graze the lands. Historians believe that the Tsaatan people are the descendents of the Uriankhai of the Tuvan ethnic group who migrated from Tuva and settled in the Khuvsgul Taiga. The Tsaatan people are an ethnic minority with their own language, customs, religion, and unique way of living. They speak the Uighur language and practice shamanism as their religion. The main way of living is by herding the reindeers and hunting in the wild . They live in severe cold climatic conditions up to minus 31-50. The Tsaatans do not have their own written history and scholars believe that their traditional customs are at risk of being lost. Duration: 10 days - 9 nights
First day: travelers are picked up at the airport and driven to their hotels. After some rest, we will leave to explore the city. Lunch. Visit the currency exchange to change money for your immediate use. Visit Sukhbaatar Square and the center of religion in Mongolia, the Gandantegchinlen monastery. Then we will visit the Museum of Chnggis Khaan. Dinner in the evening and rest. (Overnight stay at Hotel)
Breakfast at the Hotel. We will go to the airport and take a domestic flight to the city of Murun in Khuvsgul province. In the city of Murun transportation will be waiting for us. We’ll drive 100 kms on a paved road from Murun to Khatgal village, which leads to Khuvsgul Lake. Accommodation at a camping base on the shore of Lake Khuvsgul.
On this day, we will travel to Tsagaan Nuur Sum across Darkhad valley, Khuvsgul province. In the north-west of Khuvsgul lake, there is a large area with beautiful sceneries, popularly known as the Blue Valley of Darkhad. It is a large watershed with 248 small and large streams, 377 Lake and pond formations, and 24 mineral springs. This area is also a unique natural landscape of high rocky mountains with sharp, pointed, triangular peaks. It is a popular tourist hotspot for both foreigners and Mongolians (Spend the night in the wooden house)
On this day we leave our vehicles and begin our horse ride to the taiga where the Tsaatan people live. The Tsaatans live far from the surrounding settlements to be closer to where the reindeers naturally graze. Depending on the location of the Tsaatan settlement, we may need to camp in a tent along the way. If their temporary settlement is not that far away, we will be able to visit them in the evening. (Spend the night in huts)
Free day. On this day, we will learn about the Tsaatan culture and witness a day in the life of a Tsaatan family. In the remote northern part of Mongolia, the Khuvsgul taiga, the Tsaatans are the last reindeer herding tribe left in Mongolia. Only 44 families have retained their traditional way of life. The daily life of the Tsaatans revolve around their reindeers from which they benefit in many ways such as using their milk for making dairy products as well as using their reindeers for transportation for both themselves and for carrying baggage. The hides of these animals are used for making the huts where the Tsaatan people live. (Spend the night in huts)
Continue our journey towards the White Lake soum (Spend the night in a wooden house)
On this day, we will visit a local shaman and see how the locals receive help from the shaman, seeking remedy for physical and spiritual challenges in their lives. The shamans do not ask for money for their help, however, it is a custom that the visitors leave some gifts or money as they see fit. (Spend the night in a wooden house)
Return to the province center, the city of Murun. On the way, we will set up a camp in the surrounding beautiful nature. (Spend the night in tents)
The flight from Murun will land in Ulaanbaatar and you will be driven back to the hotel. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and have lunch. We will then go to a world famous Mongolian cashmere textile store where you can buy cashmere products at a remarkable price. After shopping, we will attend a traditional art concert. After the concert we will have a farewell dinner in a nice restaurant. (Overnight stay at a Hotel)
Airport. Flight out of Mongolia.
Designed Just for You
Expert guides ensure unforgettable and unique experiences.
Custom tours crafted for your ultimate satisfaction.
Seamless planning guarantees hassle-free travel adventures.
We can make special arrangements upon your request. - Prices may vary depending on the number of people. - Given sufficient prior notice, we can flexibly change the duration of the trip. The price for a trip includes the following costs: - 2 nights in a 3-4-star hotel, room for two guests; - a few nights in a Mongolian gher; - Transportation during entire trip, including the driver’s - fee; - Tour Guide’s fee; - Food during the trip; - Horse and camel riding fees, fishing; - Entrance to National Parks and museums; - City tour, concert. The price for a trip does not include the following costs: - Travel insurance; - Transportation to/from Mongolia. - Drinks; - Costs, not mentioned above.