Northern Mongolia Trip Itinerary
Northern Mongolia Trip Itinerary
Discover the Taiga
What does a 12 day Northern trip look like?
Fully planned, never fixed. Room to follow the moment, because that's where Mongolia's countryside comes alive.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind and stopping first at a temple along the way before continuing north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, with a stop in Erdenet for lunch. After lunch, we visit a fresh water spring to take in the scenery and stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive at our resort in Khutag-Undur, where we can enjoy dinner while spotting different deer and wolves nearby, and relax by the river as we settle into our first night on the road to the north.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind and stopping first at a temple along the way before continuing north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, with a stop in Erdenet for lunch. After lunch, we visit a fresh water spring to take in the scenery and stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive at our resort in Khutag-Undur, where we can enjoy dinner while spotting different deer and wolves nearby, and relax by the river as we settle into our first night on the road to the north.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind and stopping first at a temple along the way before continuing north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, with a stop in Erdenet for lunch. After lunch, we visit a fresh water spring to take in the scenery and stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive at our resort in Khutag-Undur, where we can enjoy dinner while spotting different deer and wolves nearby, and relax by the river as we settle into our first night on the road to the north.
Day 2
Travel to nomadic family
Today we leave the trail behind and step into the rhythm of nomadic life. We'll visit a local family, sharing tea and stories as they welcome us into their ger and daily routine. Learn traditional herding games passed down through generations, saddle up for a horseback ride across the open steppe, and spend the afternoon at an unhurried pace, soaking in a way of life largely unchanged for centuries.
Day 2
Travel to nomadic family
Today we leave the trail behind and step into the rhythm of nomadic life. We'll visit a local family, sharing tea and stories as they welcome us into their ger and daily routine. Learn traditional herding games passed down through generations, saddle up for a horseback ride across the open steppe, and spend the afternoon at an unhurried pace, soaking in a way of life largely unchanged for centuries.
Day 3
Nomadic family homestay
Wake up in the ger, surrounded by the quiet of the Mongolian steppe, having spent the night with your host nomadic family. Start the day as they do, with a hike through the surrounding hills before the heat sets in, taking in views that stretch across open grassland to the horizon. Spend the day immersed in daily nomadic life: helping herd and milk livestock, learning how a household moves and adapts with the seasons, and joining the family in the kitchen to prepare a traditional Mongolian meal using techniques passed down for generations. This isn't a staged demonstration. It's a genuine exchange with a family who calls this land home, and a rare, hands-on window into one of the world's last living nomadic cultures.
Day 3
Nomadic family homestay
Wake up in the ger, surrounded by the quiet of the Mongolian steppe, having spent the night with your host nomadic family. Start the day as they do, with a hike through the surrounding hills before the heat sets in, taking in views that stretch across open grassland to the horizon. Spend the day immersed in daily nomadic life: helping herd and milk livestock, learning how a household moves and adapts with the seasons, and joining the family in the kitchen to prepare a traditional Mongolian meal using techniques passed down for generations. This isn't a staged demonstration. It's a genuine exchange with a family who calls this land home, and a rare, hands-on window into one of the world's last living nomadic cultures.
Day 4
Travel to Khuvsgul lake and unwind
We take a 2-3 hour drive to reach the stunning shores of Lake Khuvsgul. We check into a comfortable lodge and spend the rest of the day exploring the pristine natural surroundings. You can choose to take a relaxing walk along the lakeshore or challenge yourself with a 5-10km hike up the nearby mountain. While the ascent takes more effort and time, the breathtaking panoramic view of the crystal blue lake from the summit is absolutely worth it.
Day 4
Travel to Khuvsgul lake and unwind
We take a 2-3 hour drive to reach the stunning shores of Lake Khuvsgul. We check into a comfortable lodge and spend the rest of the day exploring the pristine natural surroundings. You can choose to take a relaxing walk along the lakeshore or challenge yourself with a 5-10km hike up the nearby mountain. While the ascent takes more effort and time, the breathtaking panoramic view of the crystal blue lake from the summit is absolutely worth it.
Day 5
Relaxing day at Khuvsgul lake with activities
We enjoy a more relaxing pace with a full day of activities around the majestic Khuvsgul Lake. The morning is perfect for heading out onto the water by kayak to experience the lake's famous crystal-clear clarity firsthand. For those feeling brave, you can take a refreshing swim in the "Blue Pearl," though the water remains brisk even in summer. Later, we explore the lush shoreline on horseback, riding through larch forests and meadows that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We end the day with some downtime at the shore, soaking in the deep tranquility of one of the world's most ancient lakes.
Day 5
Relaxing day at Khuvsgul lake with activities
We enjoy a more relaxing pace with a full day of activities around the majestic Khuvsgul Lake. The morning is perfect for heading out onto the water by kayak to experience the lake's famous crystal-clear clarity firsthand. For those feeling brave, you can take a refreshing swim in the "Blue Pearl," though the water remains brisk even in summer. Later, we explore the lush shoreline on horseback, riding through larch forests and meadows that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We end the day with some downtime at the shore, soaking in the deep tranquility of one of the world's most ancient lakes.
Day 6
Travel to Ulaanuul
we organize our belongings and have breakfast before heading out for a 5-hour drive across rugged dirt roads. Our first stop is the 13 Ovoo of Darkhad, a site steeped in shamanic tradition, where we take time to stretch and rest. After a short 30-minute drive, we reach a riverside resort in Ulaan Uul for lunch before visiting the local sum center and the Ulaan Taiga Strictly Protected Area museum. We spend the afternoon learning about the deep history of shamanism and have the unique opportunity to visit a shamanic family. We then return to our accommodation to enjoy a relaxing dinner and well-earned rest.
Day 6
Travel to Ulaanuul
we organize our belongings and have breakfast before heading out for a 5-hour drive across rugged dirt roads. Our first stop is the 13 Ovoo of Darkhad, a site steeped in shamanic tradition, where we take time to stretch and rest. After a short 30-minute drive, we reach a riverside resort in Ulaan Uul for lunch before visiting the local sum center and the Ulaan Taiga Strictly Protected Area museum. We spend the afternoon learning about the deep history of shamanism and have the unique opportunity to visit a shamanic family. We then return to our accommodation to enjoy a relaxing dinner and well-earned rest.
Day 7
Visit Khoridol Saridag Range
On Day 7, we organize our belongings and have breakfast before driving 40 kilometers along the scenic Khordol Saridag Mountain Range. Along the way, we stop at Duut Bulag, a natural spring tucked into the mountains and considered sacred by local communities for its healing properties, a quiet, atmospheric spot to pause and take in the surroundings before continuing (out of respect for local tradition, we don't bathe in the spring). At the end of our day we arrive and camp at the Ar Bosgot Gorge
Day 7
Visit Khoridol Saridag Range
On Day 7, we organize our belongings and have breakfast before driving 40 kilometers along the scenic Khordol Saridag Mountain Range. Along the way, we stop at Duut Bulag, a natural spring tucked into the mountains and considered sacred by local communities for its healing properties, a quiet, atmospheric spot to pause and take in the surroundings before continuing (out of respect for local tradition, we don't bathe in the spring). At the end of our day we arrive and camp at the Ar Bosgot Gorge
Day 8
Hiking the Ar Bosgot Gorge
We wake up fully rested and prepare a packed lunch before heading out for a day of mountain exploration. We embark on a roughly 10 kilometer hike toward Delgerkhaan Mountain in the Khordol Saridag range, located right near our campsite. After enjoying our meal amidst the high-altitude scenery, we trek back to our tents for a well-deserved break. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as free time, offering the perfect opportunity to cool off and swim in the nearby river. We spend a final relaxing evening at our camp, with a camp firew, soaking in the mountain views and the quiet of the wilderness.
Day 8
Hiking the Ar Bosgot Gorge
We wake up fully rested and prepare a packed lunch before heading out for a day of mountain exploration. We embark on a roughly 10 kilometer hike toward Delgerkhaan Mountain in the Khordol Saridag range, located right near our campsite. After enjoying our meal amidst the high-altitude scenery, we trek back to our tents for a well-deserved break. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as free time, offering the perfect opportunity to cool off and swim in the nearby river. We spend a final relaxing evening at our camp, with a camp firew, soaking in the mountain views and the quiet of the wilderness.
Day 9
Visit Northern reindeer nomads
We organize our gear and have breakfast before driving three hours to meet our reindeer herder hosts. After sharing lunch together, we transition to traditional transport, riding reindeer for about three hours while horses carry our luggage up into the mountains. Upon arriving at the remote camp, we begin exploring the unique culture and ancient traditions of the Tsaatan people. We spend the evening inside a traditional teepee, known as an urtz, where we prepare a communal dinner and stay overnight to experience the true rhythm of life in the taiga.
Day 9
Visit Northern reindeer nomads
We organize our gear and have breakfast before driving three hours to meet our reindeer herder hosts. After sharing lunch together, we transition to traditional transport, riding reindeer for about three hours while horses carry our luggage up into the mountains. Upon arriving at the remote camp, we begin exploring the unique culture and ancient traditions of the Tsaatan people. We spend the evening inside a traditional teepee, known as an urtz, where we prepare a communal dinner and stay overnight to experience the true rhythm of life in the taiga.
Day 10
Spend time with the reindeer nomads
On this day, we return to the nomadic way of life with another homestay experience, this time with a reindeer-herding family. You'll spend the day immersed in their daily routine, learning how they care for and move with their reindeer, and understanding their seasonal rhythms and what taiga life demands of them. For those who want to stretch their legs, there's also the option to head out on a hike through the surrounding area, taking in the landscape that shapes their way of life. Overnight stay with the family in their traditional dwelling.
Day 10
Spend time with the reindeer nomads
On this day, we return to the nomadic way of life with another homestay experience, this time with a reindeer-herding family. You'll spend the day immersed in their daily routine, learning how they care for and move with their reindeer, and understanding their seasonal rhythms and what taiga life demands of them. For those who want to stretch their legs, there's also the option to head out on a hike through the surrounding area, taking in the landscape that shapes their way of life. Overnight stay with the family in their traditional dwelling.
Day 11
Trael back down to Khutag Undur
On Day 10, we organize our belongings and have breakfast before beginning our return journey from the taiga, riding reindeer and horses back to our waiting vehicle. Once our gear is loaded, we set off on the road, reaching the center of Ulaan Uul sum after a 4-hour drive to enjoy lunch. We then continue for another 6 hours through the changing landscape until we arrive at Baatarvan Resort. The day concludes with a nice dinner and a relaxing evening at the resort, providing a comfortable space to unwind after our time in the mountains.
Day 11
Trael back down to Khutag Undur
On Day 10, we organize our belongings and have breakfast before beginning our return journey from the taiga, riding reindeer and horses back to our waiting vehicle. Once our gear is loaded, we set off on the road, reaching the center of Ulaan Uul sum after a 4-hour drive to enjoy lunch. We then continue for another 6 hours through the changing landscape until we arrive at Baatarvan Resort. The day concludes with a nice dinner and a relaxing evening at the resort, providing a comfortable space to unwind after our time in the mountains.
Day 12
Last leg to UlaanBaatar
On Day 11, we begin our final stretch by organizing our belongings and having breakfast before heading out on a 1-hour drive to the Uran Togoo volcano. We take the opportunity to hike up this perfectly shaped extinct volcano, reaching the rim to admire the unique micro-lake nestled within its forested crater. After our hike, we continue for 2 hours to the city of Erdenet, where we stop to enjoy a final regional lunch. The journey concludes with a 400-kilometer drive back toward the capital, arriving at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar by evening to wrap up our northern Mongolian expedition.
Day 12
Last leg to UlaanBaatar
On Day 11, we begin our final stretch by organizing our belongings and having breakfast before heading out on a 1-hour drive to the Uran Togoo volcano. We take the opportunity to hike up this perfectly shaped extinct volcano, reaching the rim to admire the unique micro-lake nestled within its forested crater. After our hike, we continue for 2 hours to the city of Erdenet, where we stop to enjoy a final regional lunch. The journey concludes with a 400-kilometer drive back toward the capital, arriving at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar by evening to wrap up our northern Mongolian expedition.
What's included in a trip?
Included
All accommodations including return arrival in Ulaanbaaatar
Internet throughout the trip powered by Starlink
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Clean drinking water
Transportation & activities (see planning)
Experienced (english speaking) local tour guides
Sleeping equipment available upon request
Airport Pickup and Drop-off
Excluded
Travel insurance
Soft drinks and snacks
Activities beyond the planning
Tourguide gratuities
Road trip photos
Here are some snapshots from one of our trips
Here are some snapshots from one of our trips
