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A landscape from Northern Mongolia, the setting for the Northern Mongolia · 7 days.

Northern Mongolia · 7 days

Northern Mongolia · 7 days

Seven days north: Khanui River, Khuvsgul Lake (the Blue Pearl), Uran Togoo extinct volcano, and Amarbayasgalant Monastery.

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Overview.

This 7-day Northern Mongolia tour is the shortest route to Khuvsgul Lake. Day 1 starts with the Khugnu Khan reserve and the Bayan Gobi sand dunes; Day 2 reaches the Khanui River; Day 3 arrives at Khuvsgul Lake, where you spend two days for shore walks, optional kayaking, and the off-driving day for hiking, climbing, birdwatching, or horse riding. The route returns via Uran Togoo extinct volcano on Day 5 and Amarbayasgalant Monastery (one of the three largest Buddhist monastic complexes in Mongolia) on Day 6 before the drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travel is by Toyota Land Cruiser; group size is two to six guests.

Region
Northern Mongolia
Duration
7 days
Best season
June – 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
~1,800 km
Driving days
6 of 7
Longest single drive
5–7 hours
Maximum altitude
~1,645 m (Khuvsgul Lake)
Start / end
Ulaanbaatar
Group size
2–6 guests
Languages
English (Buya); driver speaks working English

Day by day.

Day 1: Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve & Bayan Gobi Sand dunes

Drive to the Bayan Gobi Sand Dunes, a small desert surrounded by hills, willow trees, streams, and bushes in central Mongolia. The dunes stretch about 80 km in length and 9–10 km at their widest point. After resting at a ger camp, visit a nomadic family to learn about the nomadic lifestyle. The sand dunes are ideal for camel riding, and you will ride the gentle two-humped Bactrian camel.

Day 2: Khanui River

The Khanui River is a major river in central Mongolia. It begins on the northern slopes of the Khangai Mountains in Arkhangai Province and flows eastward through valleys and hills. The river runs for about 421 km before joining the Selenga River in Bulgan Province. The Khanui River has a large drainage basin of around 14,600 square kilometres and is an important water source for the region. It is a popular destination for camping, fishing and experiencing traditional nomadic life in a natural and quiet environment. Stay overnight in a tent.

Day 3: Khuvsgul lake

Khuvsgul Lake, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” stretches 136 km in length and 36 km in width, lying at an elevation of 1,645 meters above sea level. The lake and its surrounding region remain remarkably pristine and unspoiled. Stay overnight in a ger camp.

Day 4: Off driving. We have some activities hiking, climbing mountains, watching birds, riding horses etc

Day 5: Uran togoo

Urantogoo Volcano is an extinct volcano in northern Mongolia. It became inactive about 800,000 years ago. The top of the volcano is reachable by a short trek, and from the summit, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views. Urantogoo is a great place for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

Day 6: Amarbayasgalant monastery

In the morning, drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and historic monasteries. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at a ger camp. Visit the monastery and hike the nearby hills for panoramic views of the valley and the monastery.

Day 7: Back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we will head to Ulaanbaatar. We will have lunch on the way.

Why this trip.

This 7-day Northern Mongolia tour is the right itinerary for travelers who want Khuvsgul Lake without committing to the longer Tsaatan or grand tours. It is the shortest tour we run that reaches Khuvsgul – the lake is 800 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, mostly paved to Murun and then dirt to the western shore. Two days at the lake gives time for shore walks, optional kayaking, the western-shore ger camps, and one off-driving day for hiking, climbing the ridges above the lake, birdwatching, or horseback riding. The return route via Uran Togoo and Amarbayasgalant adds the volcanic-crater hike and one of the country's three largest Buddhist monasteries.

For travelers comparing options: the 10-day Northern adds Terkh White Lake, Khorgo Volcano, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Karakorum on the return – a more varied loop with the Khangai Mountains and the imperial capital. The 12-day Tsaatan adds three days of horseback riding into the Darkhad Valley to live with reindeer-herding families. The 20-day grand tour combines Northern, Central, and Gobi in a single trip. The 7-day is the right choice when Khuvsgul is the goal and you have a week available – it does not include the Tsaatan trek, the Khangai mountains, or the Gobi.

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 nomadic family overnight
  • All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All entrance fees: Khuvsgul National Park, Uran Togoo, Amarbayasgalant Monastery
  • Bottled drinking water throughout
  • Camel ride at Bayan Gobi sand dunes

Not included

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

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

Where you stay.

Five of your six nights on this 7-day Northern Mongolia tour are at established ger camps – traditional Mongolian felt tents at tourist camps with private bedding, communal dining, and shared shower and toilet blocks. Khuvsgul has good ger-camp infrastructure on the western shore (Khatgal area). One night is with a nomadic family in their working ger camp – simpler, no shower, but the most authentic experience of the route. Bedding is provided. The first and last nights of the trip are at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

What to bring.

After booking, we send a detailed packing list customized to your dates. Northern essentials: layered clothing for cool nights and warm days, a full rain shell (the lake region attracts thunderstorms in July and August), sturdy walking shoes for the Khuvsgul ridges and the Uran Togoo crater, a small daypack, headlamp or torch (ger camps have limited lighting), a reusable water bottle, hand sanitiser, and any personal medications. Khuvsgul nights cool sharply at 1,645 meters elevation; bring a warm fleece even in July. Sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF, brimmed hat, sunglasses) is important at high altitude. A power bank is useful as backup; most ger camps have power outlets but availability is limited.

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

Common questions.

What does the 7-day Northern Mongolia tour cover?

Day 1 from Ulaanbaatar to Khugnu Khan and the Bayan Gobi sand dunes (with camel riding). Day 2 to the Khanui River. Day 3 arriving at Khuvsgul Lake. Day 4 a free day at Khuvsgul for hiking, climbing, birdwatching, or horse riding. Day 5 driving south via Uran Togoo extinct volcano. Day 6 visiting Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Day 7 the return to Ulaanbaatar.

Is two days at Khuvsgul Lake enough?

It is the minimum that makes the long drive worth it. Two days gives time for the shore walks, optional kayaking, the off-driving day for hiking or horse riding, and one early morning at the lake. If you want more time at Khuvsgul (kayaking trips, longer hikes, or boat trips out from Khatgal), consider the 10-day or 12-day variants. Travelers who want only Khuvsgul and have only a week are usually well-served by this 7-day.

What is the best time of year for the 7-day Northern tour?

Mid-July through August is peak: warm days at the lake (around 20 to 25°C), cool nights, the lake fully thawed and open. June is a good shoulder month (the larch forest at its greenest). September is also good (gold leaves, fewer crowds, cooler nights). We do not run this tour from October through May – the lake freezes by late October and most ger camps close.

How much driving is on this tour?

Around 1,800 kilometers across the seven days. The longest single days are Day 2 to 3 (Khanui to Khuvsgul, around 5 to 7 hours) and Day 7 (Amarbayasgalant area back to Ulaanbaatar, around 6 to 7 hours). The route is paved as far as Murun and dirt to the lakeshore.

Can I swim in Khuvsgul Lake?

Yes, in July and August. The lake is fed by mountain streams and stays cold (around 14 to 16°C in mid-summer); short dips are most travelers' approach rather than long swims. The water is exceptionally clear – clear enough to see 20 meters down. Wear water shoes; the shoreline is rocky in many places.

Can I see the Tsaatan reindeer herders on this 7-day tour?

No. The Tsaatan camps are reachable only by a three-day horse trek each way into the East Taiga. The 7-day tour does not include that trek. Travelers who want to visit the Tsaatan should book the 12-day Tsaatan reindeer tour or the 20-day grand tour.

What is included in the 7-day Northern tour?

Specific inclusions confirmed at booking; typically: private vehicle and English-speaking driver, all accommodation (ger camps and one family stay), all meals on tour, all entrance fees including Khuvsgul National Park, Uran Togoo, and Amarbayasgalant Monastery, bottled drinking water, camel ride at Bayan Gobi. Excluded: international flights, Ulaanbaatar hotel nights, optional kayaking, gratuities, museum camera fees. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing before any payment.

What kind of activities are on the off-driving day at Khuvsgul?

The Day 4 free day is unscheduled – you choose. Common options: a 2 to 4 hour hike up to the ridges above Khatgal for panoramic lake views; a horseback ride along the western shore (paid locally, around $20 to $30 per hour); kayaking from a Khatgal-area camp (also paid locally, around $30 per hour); birdwatching at the river mouths or in the larch forest; or simply rest at the camp.

Where do you stay on the 7-day Northern tour?

Most nights are at established ger camps with private bedding, communal dining, and shared shower and toilet blocks. The Khuvsgul-area ger camps are well-developed (the lake is the most-visited destination after Karakorum). One night is with a nomadic family at Khanui or near the lake; that night is simpler but the most authentic experience of the route. The first and last nights are at your Ulaanbaatar hotel.

Is the 7-day Northern tour suitable for first-time visitors?

It is suitable for travelers whose primary interest is Khuvsgul Lake or who specifically want a forest-and-lake landscape rather than steppe-and-monastery. Most first-time visitors do a Central Mongolia tour (5 to 9 days, covering Karakorum and Tovkhon) or a combined Gobi-and-Central. Northern is usually the second or third Mongolia trip. But if you have a week and you specifically want Khuvsgul, this is the right tour.

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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