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Trip Rating Details
Demanding: Significant expedition style camping or family stays. May include full-day hikes (up to 6 hours) or rides over challenging terrain, long driving distances over rough unpaved roads, or challenging weather conditions, including extremes of temperature.
Packing List
This is a suggested packing list, which you should feel free to adjust to suit your needs. Please refer to our travel guide for more detailed information.
- backpack or soft bag
- sleeping bag (-40C)
- day pack
- head lamp/flashlight
- spare batteries/bulb
- personal medications
- towel
- very wam boots
- gaiters
- parka (-40C) with hood
- warm windproof overpants
- fleece jacket or wool jumper
- long sleeve shirts
- warm trousers
- warm hat/balaclava
- long underwear
- socks
- underwear
- very warm gloves
- very warm mittens
- sun glasses
- sun cream
- spare glasses
- resealing (ziploc) plastic bags
- binoculars/camera
- wet tissues
- watch/ alarm clock
- money belt/ pouch
- insurance confirmation copy
- emergency contact number
See our packing tips for detailed information.
Trip Information - Snow, Ice, and Festivals
Day 1. Ulaanbaatar (D)
Arrival to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. Depending on time of arrival, you may have a short city sight-seeing tour. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2. Ulaanbaatar/Lake Huvsgul (B,L,D)
Time permitting, we will visit the National History Museum, which holds a permanent exhibition on the different civilizations that have inhabited the territory of Mongolia from prehistoric times to the present, including a significant display of objects from the era of the Great Mongol Empire. We will catch the first available flight to Murun, the provincial capital of Huvsgul Province, where we will be met by 4X4 vehicles that will transport us to Huvsgul Lake. One of the world's biggest fresh water sources, Lake Huvsgul is truly a highlight of any trip to Mongolia. Its’ amazing surroundings are home to several of Mongolia’s ethnic minorities as well as a refuge for a wide variety of wildlife. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 3. The Ice Festival – First Day (B,L,D)
After breakfast we drive across the lake on the ice, which may be up to two meters thick, to the area where local people hold their winter festival, two days of games and competitions held on the ice. On this first day the festival opens with a offering ceremony to the King of Mountains and the Mother Sea. These are Ikh Saridag Mountain, whose peaks tower above the northern end of the lake, and Lake Huvsgul herself, which is referred to by Mongolians as Mother Sea of Dalai Eej. After lunch we will enjoy the horse sled race, ice sumo, where competitors try to push each other out of an icy ring, and many other games, including several traditional Mongolian games such as ankle bone shooting. Sometime on this day ot the next, depending on the competition schedule, we will also take a horse drawn sled ride along the lakeshore to visit with a local nomadic family.
Day 4. The Ice Festival – Second Day (B,L,D)
On this second day of the festival, there will be a reindeer sled race, and an ice driving skills race where competitors can enter eny kind of vehicle. The objective is to make the fastest time across the obstacle course without loosing control of the vehicle! There will also be tug-of-war, ice skating, and horse sled racing where you can participate as a competitor. In the evening, our hosts will have an awards ceremony followed by a bonfire and concert. We may stay at the lake or drive down to Murun, depending on the time of the return flight to UB the next day.
Day 5. Huvsgul/Murun/Ulaanbaatar (B,L,D)
In the morning (or the previous evening) we drive to Murun to catch a flight back to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in time for a late lunch. In UB, will explore the Black Market and pick up some supplies for the family we will be visiting in the Gobi. This huge market contains every single item a Mongolian might need, whether they are nomads or urban apartment dwellers. Goods brought from all corners of the country are for sale here. A visit to the market is a colorful experience which gives the visitor an insight to the everyday life of the people of Mongolia. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight in hotel.
Day 6. Ulaanbaatar/South Gobi/1000 Camels (B,L,D)
Today we fly to Dalanzadgad, in the South Gobi, where our vehicles meet us and take us to our luxurious lodge, situated in the valley facing the Three Beauties, or ‘Gorvan Saikhan’ mountain range. Opening ceremony of the 1000 Camels festival and a performance of local artists.
Day 7. The 1000 Camels Festival (B,L,D)
On the second day of the festival, the camel racing takes place, with riders cheering their camels on over a course of a few kilometers. Races are held in between other competitions and games, including polo matches played on camel back. There will be an evening closing ceremony with awards and prizes given. After dinner, you will also get an explanation of the Tsagaan Sar customs and traditional greetings so you will be prepared for the festivities on the following day
Day 8. Tsagaan Sar/The Flaming Cliffs (B,L,D)
In the morning we will go outdoors and greet the new year following the Mongolian tradition of ‘making the first footprints in the New Year’. After breakfast, we will go to the Flaming Cliffs, the site of a world renouned dinosaur graveyard. Dinner at the lodge by an open fire, followed by a musical performance including throat singing (khoomi).
Day 9. Petroglyphs (B,L,D)
During the day we will take a drive to go and see the petroglyphs of Havtsgait canyon. You will also experience some of the activity of Tsagaan Sar, and learn about life in the Gobi. Return to the ger camp for overnight.
Day 10. South Gobi/Ulaanbaatar (B,L,D)
Taking the first available flight, we return to Ulaanbaatar and check in to the hotel. After lunch we will visit the Bogd Khan Palace museum, the palace of the last Mongolian king, who was considered a living god. Free shopping time in the afternoon. Mongolia is world renowned for its fine cashmere and you will find this and many other souvenir items in the city. Farewell dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 11. Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
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