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A landscape from Eastern Mongolia, the setting for the Eastern Mongolia · 9 days · Steppes and Volcanoes.

Eastern Mongolia · 9 days

Eastern Mongolia · 9 days · Steppes and Volcanoes

Nine days east into Khentii and Sukhbaatar provinces: Khukh Nuur, Toson Hulstai biosphere reserve, the Dariganga balbal stones, the extinct volcano of Shiliin Bogd, the Moltsog dunes, and the basalt columns of Chonjiin Chuluu.

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Overview.

This 9-day Eastern Mongolia tour combines Khentii history with the eastern volcanic steppe of Sukhbaatar province – two regions of Mongolia that almost no travelers visit. Day 1 starts with the Chinggis Khan equestrian statue at Tsonjin Boldog. Day 2 reaches Khukh Nuur in the Khentii Mountains. Day 3 passes through the Toson Hulstai Nature Reserve (a wetland biosphere of saltwater lakes and wading birds). Day 4 reaches Baruun-Urt (the provincial capital of Sukhbaatar). Days 5 to 6 cover Dariganga (around 30 balbal stones, Bronze Age stone monoliths shaped like human figures) and Shiliin Bogd (an extinct volcano with a deep crater, walked the rim of in an hour) and the Moltsog dunes. Day 7 covers Chonjiin Chuluu basalt columns. Day 8 visits Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. Day 9 returns to Ulaanbaatar. Travel is by Toyota Land Cruiser; group size is two to six guests.

Region
Eastern Mongolia
Duration
9 days
Best season
May – September
Group size
2–6 guests

Pricing is tailored to your dates and group size. Final quote in USD, sent within 24 hours.

Departures

Departures run on request through the season, tell us your dates and we hold a date for you.

Quick facts

Total distance
2,800–3,000 km
Driving days
8 of 9
Longest single drive
6–7 hours
Maximum altitude
~2,000 m (Khentii ridges)
Start / end
Ulaanbaatar
Group size
2–6 guests
Languages
English (Buya); driver speaks working English

Day by day.

Day 1: Statue of Chinggis Khaan

The Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue is the largest equestrian statue in the world, standing 40 meters. It is in Tsonjin Boldog, on the banks of the Tuul River, 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar. The statue faces east, the direction of Genghis Khan’s birthplace, and the sunrise. This place was chosen according to legend, Genghis Khan found a whip at this site, which is considered a symbol of good fortune and destiny in Mongolian culture. You can explore the museum inside, climb the horse`s head for wide-open panoramic views.

Day 2: Khukh Nuur (Darkblue Lake) where Temuujin was entitled as Chinggis Khaan

Blue Lake is located 35 km northeast of Tsenkhermandal sum center in Khentii province, across the Tsenkher River. It sits on the slopes of Khar Zukh Mountain at an altitude of 1,675 meters and consists of two connected lakes, one large and one small. Surrounded by mountains and rich wildlife, the lake is a beautiful natural destination. It is also historically important: in 1189, Genghis Khan was proclaimed Khan of all Mongols here. On the lake’s shore stands a monument for the 840th anniversary of Genghis Khan’s birth. Around it is a half-moon-shaped plaza, 108 meters wide, featuring wooden carvings of 36 great and lesser khans of the Golden Lineage.

Day 3: Toson Hutsai Nature Reserve

TosonKhulstai Nature Reserve, located in northeastern Mongolia, covers over 1 million hectares of unique foreststeppe and grassland ecosystems. The area features low mountains, rolling hills, and open steppe, providing habitat for wildlife such as Mongolian gazelles, steppe eagles, whitenaped cranes, and Siberian marmots. The reserve is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Network, promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources while supporting local herder communities. Its vast grasslands, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage make TosonKhulstai an important site for nature conservation and ecotourism.

Day 4: Central Baruun Urt

Travel across the wide, open steppes and watch white-tailed gazelles grazing in their natural habitat. Baruun-Urt, the main town of Sukhbaatar province, lies in the heart of these plains. Visit the local museum to see traditional clothing and everyday items from the region’s three ethnic communities.

Day 5-6: Dariganga, Shiliin Bogd & Moltsog Sand Dune

Explore Dariganga, home to Mongolia’s largest collection of anthropomorphic balbal (man) stones, built to honor kings, noblemen, and queens. Stay near Shiliin Bogd, the largest extinct volcano in a region with over 220 volcanoes and wake early to watch the sunrise over the steppe, with volcanoes scattered like bubbles. Visit Moltsog Sand Dune, at the eastern edge of Mongolia’s sand dunes. The dunes are partially covered with vegetation and surrounded by natural springs, including Orgihiin Bulag, known for its melodious flow. Along the northern edge are six freshwater lakes, including Ganga Lake, where hundreds of migratory swans gather in summer and autumn. Discover local culture by seeing the statue of Tooroi Bandi, Mongolia’s “Robin Hood”, and the sacred mountain Alan-Ovoo, an important site for traditional rituals.

Day 7: Chonjiin Chuluu Rock formation

The Chonjiin Stone Formation is a remarkable natural wonder featuring upright hexagonal basalt columns that appear as if they were carefully crafted by human hands. Formed by molten lava cooling under immense pressure, the basalt solidified into multi-sided, column-like structures. These slender and perfectly straight stone pillars rise vertically from the ground, with some reaching heights of up to five meters. The columns are dark gray in color and turn a glossy black when polished, enhancing their striking visual appeal. This unique hexagonal basalt formation is found nowhere else in Mongolia. Globally, such formations are extremely rare and are known as hexagonal basalt or columnar basalt, making Chonjiin Stone a site of significant geological and tourism value.

Day 8: Ikh Nart Nature Reserve

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, located in Dornogovi Province, lies at the northeastern edge of the Gobi argali habitat and has been protected since 1996. The area features rocky landscapes, freshwater springs, and a rich diversity of wildlife, including endangered argali sheep, making it an important destination for nature and eco-tourism.

Day 9: Return to UB

Today is the last day you spend in the beautiful countryside of Mongolia.

Why this trip.

This 9-day Eastern Mongolia tour is the right itinerary for travelers who want a deep history-plus-landscape route through the least-visited corner of the country. The 7-day Eastern tour stops at Khentii; the 9-day continues east into Sukhbaatar province, where the landscape changes from Khentii's forested mountains to open volcanic steppe. Shiliin Bogd is one of the most accessible extinct volcanoes in Mongolia (the crater walk takes an hour); the Dariganga balbal stones are Bronze Age stone monoliths that predate the Mongol Empire by 2,000 years; the Chonjiin Chuluu basalt columns are unique in the country. Most travelers who do this tour are second or third Mongolia visits with a specific interest in the eastern provinces.

For travelers comparing options: the 7-day Eastern stops at Khentii (Khukh Nuur, Baldan Bereeven, Uglugch Wall, Deluun Boldog, Aurag Palace). The shorter Eastern tours (1, 2, 3 days) focus on Terelj and short trips from Ulaanbaatar. The Naadam 4-day is fixed to July 11 to 13. The Western 22-day grand expedition combines several regions including Northern (Tsaatan) and Western (Altai). Choose this 9-day if the eastern volcanic steppe is the specific draw – it is not on any of our other tours.

What's included.

Included

  • Private Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicle for all transfers
  • Experienced local driver and English-speaking guide (Buya)
  • All accommodation on tour: ger camps and one or two nomadic family overnights
  • All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All entrance fees: Khukh Nuur memorial, Toson Hulstai Nature Reserve, Dariganga, Shiliin Bogd, Chonjiin Chuluu, Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Chinggis Khan statue museum
  • Bottled drinking water throughout

Not included

  • International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
  • Mandatory travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
  • Optional activities not in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, laundry
  • Gratuities for guide and driver (appreciated but not required)
  • Museum camera fees where applicable
  • Pre and post-tour Ulaanbaatar hotel nights (we can recommend or arrange)
  • Optional horseback riding (paid locally)

Travel insurance is required. We recommend SafetyWing or World Nomads, see the Before-you-go guide.

Where you stay.

Most nights are at established ger camps – traditional Mongolian felt tents at tourist camps with private bedding, communal dining, and shared shower and toilet blocks. The Sukhbaatar-province ger camps are smaller and more basic than the Central or Khuvsgul camps; expect simpler facilities. One night is at a small hotel or guesthouse in Baruun-Urt (Day 4) – the provincial capital has limited but functional accommodation. One or two nights are with nomadic families. Bedding is provided. The first and last nights of the trip are at your Ulaanbaatar hotel.

What to bring.

After booking, we send a detailed packing list customized to your dates and the season. Standard essentials: layered clothing for cool nights and warm days, sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF, brimmed hat, sunglasses), a rain shell for summer thunderstorms, sturdy walking shoes, a small daypack, headlamp or torch, a reusable water bottle, hand sanitiser, and any personal medications. For shoulder-season trips (May or September), add a warm fleece, gloves, and a hat. A power bank is useful as backup; ger camps have power outlets but availability is limited.

See packing notes in our Before-you-go guide →

Common questions.

What does the 9-day Eastern Mongolia tour cover?

Day 1: Chinggis Khan equestrian statue. Day 2: Khukh Nuur in Khentii. Day 3: Toson Hulstai Nature Reserve. Day 4: Baruun-Urt (Sukhbaatar provincial capital). Days 5 to 6: Dariganga and Shiliin Bogd extinct volcano with the Moltsog dunes. Day 7: Chonjiin Chuluu basalt columns. Day 8: Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. Day 9: return to Ulaanbaatar. The trip combines Khentii history with the eastern volcanic steppe of Sukhbaatar.

What are the Dariganga balbal stones?

Around 30 balbal stones in the Dariganga area of Sukhbaatar province – Bronze Age stone monoliths shaped like human figures, dating to roughly 1,200 to 700 BCE. The tradition of carving human-figure stone monoliths is unique to the Mongolian-Siberian region and predates the Mongol Empire by 2,000 years. The stones likely served funerary or boundary functions; the exact meaning is not fully understood.

Can I climb Shiliin Bogd?

Yes – Shiliin Bogd is one of the most accessible extinct volcanoes in Mongolia. The mountain is sacred in Mongolian tradition and reaches around 1,778 meters. The crater is around 300 meters wide and 80 meters deep. The walk to the rim from the parking area takes around 30 to 40 minutes on a moderate path; walking the rim itself takes another 30 minutes. The view from the top covers a wide swath of the eastern steppe.

What is Chonjiin Chuluu?

Chonjiin Chuluu is a basalt column formation in southern Sukhbaatar – columns of dark basalt formed by ancient lava cooling, similar to Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland or the Devils Postpile in California. The columns are 15 to 25 meters tall in places and are unique in Mongolia. The site is reached by a short walk from the road; allow around 1 hour for the visit.

What is Ikh Nart Nature Reserve?

Ikh Nart is a steppe-and-rock nature reserve in Dornogovi province, near the Sukhbaatar border. Known for its rocky outcrops, argali sheep (the largest wild sheep species in the world), Siberian ibex, and Cinereous vultures. The reserve is included on Day 8 as a final stop on the return route.

How much driving on this tour?

Total driving is roughly 2,800 to 3,000 kilometers across the nine days – significantly more than the 7-day Eastern because Sukhbaatar is farther from Ulaanbaatar. The longest days are Day 1 to 2 (UB to Khentii via Tsonjin Boldog, around 6 to 7 hours) and Days 4 to 5 (transfer to Dariganga, around 5 to 6 hours). Most of the route beyond Underkhaan is on dirt and gravel.

What is the best time of year for the 9-day Eastern tour?

June through August is peak. May and September are good shoulder months but the Sukhbaatar steppe is exposed to strong wind in shoulder seasons. We do not run this tour from October through April – the ger-camp network and family stays close, and the eastern steppe is harsh in winter.

What is included in the 9-day tour?

Specific inclusions confirmed at booking; typically: private vehicle and English-speaking driver and guide (Buya), all accommodation (ger camps, one or two family stays, one Baruun-Urt hotel/guesthouse night), all meals on tour, all entrance fees across Khentii and Sukhbaatar including the volcanic and biosphere sites, bottled drinking water. Excluded: international flights, pre and post-tour Ulaanbaatar hotel nights, optional horseback riding, gratuities, museum camera fees. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing before any payment.

Is the 9-day suitable for first-time visitors?

Probably not. The eastern provinces are quiet and culturally specific – the rewards are in the history, the volcanic-steppe landscape, and the experience of visiting almost-unvisited corners of Mongolia. First-time visitors are usually better served by Central, the Gobi, or a short tour from Ulaanbaatar. Most 9-day Eastern guests are second or third Mongolia visits with a specific interest in the deep east.

How does the 9-day differ from the 7-day Eastern?

The 7-day stops at Khentii – Khukh Nuur, Baldan Bereeven Monastery, Uglugch Wall, Deluun Boldog, Aurag Palace. The 9-day continues east into Sukhbaatar for the eastern volcanic steppe (Dariganga, Shiliin Bogd, Moltsog dunes, Chonjiin Chuluu) and biosphere reserves (Toson Hulstai, Ikh Nart). Choose the 7-day for Khentii history alone; choose the 9-day for history plus the volcanic-steppe landscape that is found nowhere else in Mongolia.

Book this trip.

Baska replies personally, in your language, within 24 hours. We can adjust dates, routing, and pacing.

Chat on WhatsApp Baska replies within 24 hours, Mon–Sat (UB time). Or email us

Not sure which tour fits your dates? See the planning guide.

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