Danshig Festival - Opening Ceremony

Töv - • Travel from Ulaanbaatar to the location of the Danshig Naadam. This event is dedicated to the first Mongolian leader, Zanabazar, and will commence with a group of Lamas chanting. Following the opening rituals, the initial wrestling matches will take place on the field.
• A key highlight is the Tsam or Religious Mask Dancing. Tsam, a Tibetan term, signifies the complete defeat of enemies. This dance is a significant religious ritual that conveys Buddhist teachings artistically, with elaborately decorated costumes representing religious figures. The various wrathful features of protector deities symbolize the triumph of Buddhist wisdom over ignorance. Each scene narrates a story with precise content. Masks are typically crafted from papier-mâché and adorned with various precious and semi-precious stones.

Naadam Day

Töv - • Today marks the second day of the festival, featuring archery contests and horse racing. Enjoy the popular games and visit Gers from different local areas showcasing their specialties. Attend the award ceremony for the festival winners.
• Continue the journey to Khustai National Park.

Heading to Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Orkhon Province - Ulaanbaatar – Amarbayasgalant 350km
• Proceed to one of the largest and best-preserved Buddhist Monasteries, Amarbayasgalant, meaning “Tranquil Felicity.” Built between 1727-1736 by order of the Manchurian King in honor of Mongolian religious leader Zanabazar, the complex includes 30 temples. It survived the communist purges due to its significant contribution to Mongolian architectural art and cultural heritage.
• Upon arrival, there are opportunities for a short hike.

Extinct Volcano in the National Park

Bulgan Province - Amarbayasgalant – Uran Togoo National Park 220km
• After breakfast, explore the monastery and attend a morning chanting ceremony.
• Drive towards Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano crater in Bulgan province on the way to Khuvsgul Lake. Uran, meaning artistic, resembles a finely crafted crater. The circular crater ridge is approximately 500 meters in diameter with a 15-meter depth, surrounded by trees that enhance the scenery.
• Optional climbing and hiking
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Khuvsgul - Mini Switzerland of Mongolia

Khuvsgul Lake - • Enjoy a leisurely morning with optional horse riding and hiking. The scenic fields of edelweiss and other colorful flowers, along with grazing yaks and herds of horses, invite exploration around the lake.
• Visit the Reindeer - Tsaatan people

Exploring the Steppe

The Great White Lake of Mongolia

Arkhangai Province - Zuun Lake – Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park 180km
• Travel to Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park in Arkhangai province, created by a volcanic eruption. Locals refer to the lake as the White Lake, symbolizing respect for nature and water. Several fish species inhabit the lake.

The Great White Lake of Mongolia

Arkhangai Province - • Hike along the lake’s shore. Visit the extinct volcano Khorgo, standing at 2240 meters. From the volcano’s summit, enjoy the stunning lava flows covered with forest and the splendid lake view. The ancient lava flow creates a unique scene not found elsewhere in Mongolia.

Relaxing in Tsenkher Hot Springs

Joy of Desert in Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve

Bulgan Province - ● Arrive at Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve, a unique location combining mountains, forest, steppe, desert, a small lake, and a mineral water spring, representing different natural zones. The area is ideal for hiking, climbing, and horse riding.
• Horse trek to the ruins of Erdene Khamba Monastery, dating from the 17th century, perfectly located to shield from the wind and cold of the steppe in the granite mountain. Later restored by a local nun, it operates as a small pilgrimage site for locals.
• Visit the Dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai on camelback.

Back to the Capital Ulaanbaatar

Töv - • Return to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, observe herds of horses crossing the roads, the smoke from gers fading away, and the endless hills and steppe. Upon arrival in town, transfer to your accommodation.
• If time permits, enjoy a brief city orientation and shopping with our guide.

• Lunch included
• Horse and camel rides
• Park entrance fees covered
• Dinner provided
• Breakfast included
• Authentic lodging in ger camps or nomadic family Gers/tents
• Transfers upon arrival and departure
• Guided service throughout

• • Accommodation in a hotel or hostel in Ulaanbaatar
• • Travel insurance, medical insurance
• • Alcoholic beverages

Mongolia always boasts with its colorful festivals which generously demonstrate its lifelong traditions and culture of Mongolian Nomads. During this trip you will be given opportunity to attend Mongolian traditional Danshig Festival which is unique combination of both religious and traditional festivities. Further on, you will also enjoy the true Mongolian Horse culture at the Horsemen Festival in Arkhangai. Khuvsgul, the largest freshwater lake located in the northern part is considered as a Blue Pearl of vast Mongolia. The area covered with pine and larch forest, rolling hills and high towering rocky mounts adds nuance to pristine crystal clear water of the locally respected Mother Sea perfectly matching the name Mongolian Switzerland. Northern Mongolia is also home of several ethnic groups such as Darkhad and Tuvan people or likewise known as Dukhan Reindeer people. For those Dukhans are the main source of their living and culture and they still continue living in their tepees.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.