Selena Travel

Majestic Western Mongolia tour

Khyargas lake in Uvs province Mongolia

17days/16nights

Tour grade: Easy

From: US$ 2,880

Style: Traveller

  • The Uvs Lake Uushig – the largest lake of Mongolia, ethnc groups of Mongolia – Kazakh, Durvud, Uuld, Bayad etc, Tavan Bogd National park – Five Holy Peaks, Khoid Tsenkher Caves – the most famous rock painting
  • Authentic culture experience: by visiting real nomads and interacting with them
  • Meet people and make friends! You will be part of a group of 4-8 people during the tour as it is a group departure.

Tour Overview

Western Mongolia is famous for being the home for a dozen ethnic groups of Mongolia and the Kazakh people and is the least traveled area of the country. The nature is more beautiful and pristine and the people are more hospitable and generous there. This fantastic overland tour comprises the most exciting 4 western provinces of vast Mongolia.

You will take the domestic flight to Uvs - home to several ethnic groups. The largest lake of Mongolia called Uvs is on your way of journey to the Western Mongolia. Then continue overland discovery tour visiting Bayan-Olgii for the Kazakh Eagle hunters & Altai mountains, Khovd for the beautiful Tsambagarav Mountain, Tolbo lake, witness ethnic groups and throat singers and eventually ending your tour in Gobi-Altai province, where you will travel the ultimate Gobi Desert, Sutai mountain and meet more ethnic groups of Mongolia. You will then fly back to UB.

Our local travel experts team will ensure that the tour runs smoothly in this remote region of Mongolia, and will share their endless experience and knowledge of the region with you! 

Tour map

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar,, Mongolia
  • Day 2: Ulaanbaatar city tour
  • Day 3: Elsen Tasarkhai
  • Day 4: Tsenkher hot springs via Karakorum
  • Day 5: Khorgo Terkh National park
  • Day 6: Hojuulyn Gol, Tosontsengel
  • Day 7: Ulaagchyn Khar lake, Zavkhan
  • Day 8: Hungii river valley
  • Day 9: Khetsuu Khad, Khyargas Lake
  • Day 10: Ulaangom, Uvs province
  • Day 11: Lake Uureg
  • Day 12: Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii
  • Day 13: Tsengel Khairkhan
  • Day 14: Dayan lake and Altai Mountains
  • Day 15: Ulgii
  • Day 16: Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 17: Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
go to detail

Tour images

Uureg lake in Uvs province, Mongolia
Eagle hunter in Western part of Mongolia
Bor Khyar Sand dunes in Zavkhan province Mongolia
Khetsuu Khad along the Khyargas lake
Olgii town in Bayan Olgii Province Mongolia
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake in Central Mongolia

Full Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar,, Mongolia

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet at the airport after custom formalities and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for you to get over jet lag and take a good rest before your wonderful journey across Mongolia. Centrally located excellent hotel 3*.

Day 2:

Ulaanbaatar city tour

Meet your English-speaking local guide at 9.00 in the morning in the hotel lobby and start the city tour. The city tour of Ulaanbaatar takes you through some of the principal sights of this unique city. You visit the Gandan Monastery, housing a 26-meter-high gilded statue of the Buddha. Your tour also takes you to the Genghis Khan monument on the square and the National Museum, which has a number of fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building. Welcome lunch in a Mongolian restaurant. In the afternoon, we drive out from Ulaanbaatar toward Giant Chinggis statue. Arrive and visit the museums at the complex and climb to the statue horse head. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening. Transfer to the hotel and rest. Free time for dinner. Centrally located excellent hotel 3* B+L

Day 3:

Elsen Tasarkhai

Meet in the hotel lobby by 8.00 am and we start our Mongolia discovery tour this morning and head to the west to Elsen Tasarkhai located in Khugnu Khan nature reserve. Arrive and transfer to the tourist ger camp for check in and lunch. In the afternoon, we travel to Khugnu Khan mountain to visit historical Erdene Khamba monastery temple and ruins. Visit the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai and enjoy 1-hour camel riding around. Dinner and overnight at the ger camp. Ger camp. B+L+D

Day 4:

Tsenkher hot springs via Karakorum

After breakfast, we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongol Empire located in the Orkhon valley. Arrive and visit legendary monastery Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia founded in 1586 and newly established Museum of Karakorum which gives a good introduction to Central Mongolia, its’ history and the UNESCO world heritage site Orkhon river valley. Lunch in Karakorum and we proceed to Tsenkher hot springs in the afternoon. Arrive at Tsenkher camp in the late afternoon, enjoy relaxing in the natural curative hot spa. Dinner and overnight at ger camp. Ger camp. B+L+D 

Day 5:

Khorgo Terkh National park

After breakfast, we continue our journey toward Terkhiin Tsagaan lake in located in Khorgo Terkh National park. Break our journey at Tsetserleg town, Arkhangai for a visit to legendary Zayiin Gegeen Monastery from 17th century. Short drive from Tsetserleg to historical Takhar rock. Over 150 inscriptions in various scripts including Turkic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu and Chinese were engraved on the cliff, but most of them seem to have barely appeared as time passes. Optional yak riding and lunch near Taikhar rock. In the afternoon, we continue our drive toward Khorgo Terkh. Short stop at Chuluut river canyon, a picturesque 20 m deep steep basaltic rock canyon. Arrive at our ger camp in the late afternoon, transfer to the tourist ger camp and rest. Ger camp. B+L+D

Day 6:

KHojuulyn Gol, Tosontsengel

After breakfast, we will have a trip around the lake and volcanic surrounding. The lake lies calmly in the arms of tall hills, its water extremely clear and lined with long sand beaches. The road winds along the shoreline, past Shamanic piles of black lava, before it cuts a short distance inland towards the Khorgo Volcano. At around 10,000 feet up, the volcano is now extinct, but still revered by the nomads of the region. A short walk takes you to the crater rim, where red-stained rock descends into a deep chasm surrounded by sacred Ovoo mounds. Look back towards Lake Terkh Tsagaan - there is an excellent view over the lake through a small hill pass. Lunch back at the ger camp and we depart to Hojuulyn Gol valley via Solongot pass, one of the tallest mountain pass of astounding Khangai Mountain range. In the early evening, arrive at Hojuulyn gol ger camp, dinner and rest.  Ger camp B+L+D 

Day 7:

Ulaagchyn Khar lake, Zavkhan

Continue our journey toward Ulaagchyn Khar lake located along the Bor Khyar sand dunes. You will enjoy incredible setting of lake over in the middle of golden dunes surrounded by picturesque mountains. Enjoy hiking around the dunes and visit the most scenic spot at this unique landscape. Dinner and overnight at tourist ger camp (basic facility). Ger camp B+L+D  

 

Located 1132 m avove the sea level, Ulaagchyn Khar lake is 38 km long and 50 m deep in places, extends along the south of the northern Margats mountain range at the northern edge of Bor Khyar sand dunes.

Day 8:

Hungii river valley

Breakfast at the ger camp and we drive to Muhart river, a river that’s originating from ground surrounded by towering sand dunes – unique natural combination.

Enjoy hiking around and optional sand sledding into the river. Lunch nearby and we continue our journey west toward Khyargas lake. Break our journey at Hungii river basin located along Bor Khyar sand dunes. Set out tents at our camping spot. Overnight under starry sky. Tent camping. B+L+D

Day 9:

Khetsuu Khad, Khyargas Lake

In the morning, we continue our journey toward western Mongolia. Our today’s journey end at Khetsuu Khad, a dramatic rocky outcrop on the southern shore of Khyargas lake. Khyargas lake is one of the 4 biggest lakes which cover more than 1000 square km and 40-90 m deep. Transfer to the ger camp at Khetsuu Khad and lunch. The afternoon is spent leisurely with optional swimming, hiking or boat trip on the lake. Ger camp. B+L+D

 

Lake Hyargas, one of the largest lakes of Mongolia, lies about 100 kilometers south of Lake Uvs in the territory of the Depression of Great Lakes. The Zavkhan river feeds Airag lake, which is further connected to Hyargas lake that has not outlet. The salt water lake, stretching from west to east, is 83 kilometers long and 31 kilometers wide. Few species of fish including the rare Altai Osman (Oreoleuciscus potanini) inhabit in Khyargas lake.  

Day 10:

Ulaangom, Uvs province

Today we continue our journey toward west. Our drive takes 4-5 hour until our next overnight spot Ulaangom, a center of Uvs province. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for check in. After lunch, we explore the province by visiting province museum, central square and local bazaar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Local hotel B+L+D

 

Uvs province is located in Great Lakes Depression of Altai Mountain. The regions are home to diverse ethnic groups and nationalities living in Uvs province including Durvud, Bayad, Khalkh, Tuvans, and Kazakhs. The province is famous by its majestic high mountains and great lakes.    

Day 11:

Lake Uureg

Check out from our hotel and we continue to Uureg lake surrounded by Turgen and Tsagaan Shuvuut mountain. The saline lake is 1425 m above the sea level and it is known to be mosquito free lake. Our drive takes 3-4 hour passing Turgen soum and Ulaan Khutul pass along our way. Arrive and check in to our next ger camp located along the lake shore. In the afternoon, we will explore the area by hiking for 2-3 hours to the Turkic men stone that dates back to 6-8th century. Arrive back at the camp by jeeps, dinner and overnight at the ger camp. Ger Camp B+L+D

Day 12:

Ulgii, Bayan-Ulgii

Today we drive to Ulgii for 6-7 hour passing by Achit lake along our way. Arrive in Ulgii in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel for check in. Visit Bayan-Ulgii province museum and local bazaar in the town. Dinner and overnight at local hotel. Local hotel. B+L+D

Day 13:

Tsengel Khairkhan

Breakfast at the hotel and we start our Bayan-Ulgii exploration today. Drive more west from Ulgii passing by Ulaan Hus and Tsengel soum, we arrive at our host Kazakh eagle hunter family in the afternoon. Pitch our tents near the eagle hunter’s ger. Rest of the day is spent with Kazakh family observing and taking part in their daily life chores including herding, milking, eagle training and so on. Enjoy Kazakh traditional meal for dinner. Overnight in tent. B+L+D

Day 14:

Dayan lake and Altai Mountains

We say good bye to our host family and continue our journey south to Dayan Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Western Mongolia. It is 18 km long moraine lake fed by small rivers from snow peak mountain in Altai Mountains. Arrive and pitch our tent one the shore of the lake. In the afternoon, we trek along the lake while observing its beauty. Dinner and overnight at tent. Tent camping B+L+D

Day 15:

Ulgii

Early morning drive back to Ulgii today. Lunch along the way in a scenic spot. Arrive in Ulgii in the late afternoon. Arrive and check in at the local hotel. Dinner and overnight in Ulgii. B+L+D

Day 16:

Ulaanbaatar

Farewell to the tour staffs and we catch morning flight to Ulaanbaatar today. Arrive and transfer to the hotel for check in. Optional souvenir and cashmere shopping if you wish. Enjoy traditional folklore concert by the magical Tumen Ekh ensemble. Farewell dinner. Centrally located excellent hotel 3*. B+L+D

Day 17:

Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

You are transferred to the airport/train station after breakfast. End of service. B

Date & Price


TOUR PRICE:

Pax 1 US$ 6790 per person  
Pax 2-3 US$ 3900 per person  
Pax 4-5 US$ 3450 per person  
Pax 6-7 US$ 3000 per person  
Pax 8-9 US$ 2880 per person  
Single supplement charge      US$ 340   
Naadam add - on US$ 590 per person  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Included Services

  • Full-time services of your English speaking local guide(s) throughout the tour
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
  • Private transfers (4WD Japanese minivans + Experienced drivers) – 4for western Mongolia
  • Private transfer (Comfortable van/bus + experienced driver) in Ulaanbaatar
  • Airport transfers
  • Twin/double share at centrally located 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar- 3 nights 
  • Twin/double share at good tourist ger camps and local hotels – 10 nights
  • Twin shared good tents during tented camping nights – 3 nights
  • Meals as listed (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • 1-hour Camel riding fees in the Elsen tasarkhai
  • Border permission (Dayan Lake)
  • 0.5 l x 3 bottled water per day
  • Visa support invitation letter where applicable
  • Exclusive Mongolia tour souvenir!


Not Included in the Service

  • International Airfare/train tickets + Tax
  • Travel insurance & Visa fees
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites etc. 
  • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).
  • Optional activities 

DISCOUNT CONDITIONS:  

  • Children under 3 years old are allowed to stay in their parents room for free (not including an extra bed).
  • Children aged 4 to 11 years old receive a 40% discount on accommodation per night, inclusive of bed and breakfast.
  • Children 12 and above will be charged as adults.

 

Tour Background

Accommodation info on your Mongolia tours 

Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, offers a variety of hotels ranging from basic guesthouses to high-end 5* hotel.

Some of our Mongolia tours do not include the hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar in the tour package, where clients can choose a hotel that suits their needs and budget. Please make sure to check your tour program`s Inclusions and Exclusions section to confirm if your hotel stay is included in the package.

If you wish us to book your hotel for you, your travel consultant will be happy to recommend and book an ideal hotel for you. 

 

Here are hotels that are recommended by us:  

  • Springs hotel (3*)
  • Holiday Inn (4*)
  • Best Western Premier (5*)
  • Shangri-La Hotel (5*)

 

Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar where there are no hotels, tourist Ger (yurt) camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongolians have lived in Gers for thousands of years. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-3 beds with good bedding (1 Ger equals 1 hotel room), and also offer well-maintained public western style showers and WCs on their grounds. Some Ger camps offer en-suite bathroom facilities at additional charge, please ask your Selena Travel advisor for further details when booking your Mongolia tour. 

 

Food on Selena Travel tours 

In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course and dessert.

 

 While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and many others, can be accommodated with easy on your Mongolia adventure.

 

 Luggage allowance on Selena Travel tours 

If you are on an overland only tour across Mongolia, the recommended weight of your luggage is 20kg per person (max). However, kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is 15 kg (10 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). It is possible to purchase extra luggage space which costs US$2 - 5 per 1kg.

DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO

The majestic western Mongolia is definitely the most beautiful part of the country. The mountainous area climate is extreme with very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a barren appearance. The stunning mountains of Altai are home to wild animals such as the globally endangered Snow Leopard, Argali and Ibex, as well as wolves and many bird species.

Ethnic groups: Altai area is a place where many ethnic groups inhabit. You will meet the Kazak, Tuva, Torguud and many other small groups and enjoy their distinctive traditions and lives. The Kazakh is a small ethnic group of Turkic origin that was one of Genghis Khaan's tribes. They are Muslims and now live peacefully keeping their completely different customs, strict traditions, religion and inhabit the Altai Mountains. Not like their relatives in Kazakhstan, they speak in their own Kazakh language as Mongolian government gave them the rights to keep and conserve their native language and religion.

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Mar 19, 2024.  The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer

Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time. We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.

by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia

Aug 08, 2012.  Gobi & Karakorum customized 11 days tour

Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.

by Margaret Suganda

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