Northern Mongolia Trip Itinerary
Northern Mongolia Trip Itinerary
Discover the Taiga
What does a 12 day Northern trip look like?
Below we have a balanced itinerary for our northern Mongolia trip. One of Mongolia's highlights.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind as we head north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, punctuated by a flavorful stop in Erdenet for a hot pot lunch. Along the way, we visit a serene deer farm to observe these majestic animals and enjoy a refreshing hike through the hills to stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive in Khutag-Undur, settling into our first night on the road to the north, where we can relax and soak in the peaceful riverside atmosphere.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind as we head north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, punctuated by a flavorful stop in Erdenet for a hot pot lunch. Along the way, we visit a serene deer farm to observe these majestic animals and enjoy a refreshing hike through the hills to stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive in Khutag-Undur, settling into our first night on the road to the north, where we can relax and soak in the peaceful riverside atmosphere.
Day 1
Drive to Khutag Undur
We begin our adventure early in the morning, leaving the bustle of Ulaanbaatar behind as we head north toward the lush landscapes of Bulgan province. Our journey takes us through the rolling green steppes on an 8–9 hour drive, punctuated by a flavorful stop in Erdenet for a hot pot lunch. Along the way, we visit a serene deer farm to observe these majestic animals and enjoy a refreshing hike through the hills to stretch our legs. By evening, we arrive in Khutag-Undur, settling into our first night on the road to the north, where we can relax and soak in the peaceful riverside atmosphere.
Day 1
Travel to nomadic family
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 1
Travel to nomadic family
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 1
Travel to nomadic family
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 3
Nomadic family homestay
we spend the entire day with our host family to fully immerse ourselves in the nomadic way of life. We start the morning by helping with daily chores, such as milking cows or goats and learning how the family manages their livestock on the open steppe. Throughout the day, we gain firsthand insight into nomad culture by helping prepare traditional dairy products and hearty meals. The adventure continues as we head out on horseback to explore the surrounding landscape, followed by a trek through the hills for a different perspective of the vast northern plains. We end the day back at the ger, sharing stories and enjoying the deep tranquility of the Mongolian wilderness.
Day 3
Nomadic family homestay
we spend the entire day with our host family to fully immerse ourselves in the nomadic way of life. We start the morning by helping with daily chores, such as milking cows or goats and learning how the family manages their livestock on the open steppe. Throughout the day, we gain firsthand insight into nomad culture by helping prepare traditional dairy products and hearty meals. The adventure continues as we head out on horseback to explore the surrounding landscape, followed by a trek through the hills for a different perspective of the vast northern plains. We end the day back at the ger, sharing stories and enjoying the deep tranquility of the Mongolian wilderness.
Day 3
Nomadic family homestay
we spend the entire day with our host family to fully immerse ourselves in the nomadic way of life. We start the morning by helping with daily chores, such as milking cows or goats and learning how the family manages their livestock on the open steppe. Throughout the day, we gain firsthand insight into nomad culture by helping prepare traditional dairy products and hearty meals. The adventure continues as we head out on horseback to explore the surrounding landscape, followed by a trek through the hills for a different perspective of the vast northern plains. We end the day back at the ger, sharing stories and enjoying the deep tranquility of the Mongolian wilderness.
Day 4
Travel to Khuvsgul lake
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
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
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 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 witness a shamanic ceremony in practice. 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 witness a shamanic ceremony in practice. 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 witness a shamanic ceremony in practice. 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. Upon reaching the Ar Bosgot Gorge, we pack our essentials and set off on a 10–15 kilometer hike through the rugged canyon. After the trek, we continue our drive to Nariin Tag, a campsite featuring spectacular views of the Khordol Saridag and Delgerkhaan mountains. We spend the late afternoon setting up camp and relaxing in the wild landscape to recover from our long hike. To end the day, we light an open fire and grill a hearty meat dinner under the vast Mongolian sky.
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. Upon reaching the Ar Bosgot Gorge, we pack our essentials and set off on a 10–15 kilometer hike through the rugged canyon. After the trek, we continue our drive to Nariin Tag, a campsite featuring spectacular views of the Khordol Saridag and Delgerkhaan mountains. We spend the late afternoon setting up camp and relaxing in the wild landscape to recover from our long hike. To end the day, we light an open fire and grill a hearty meat dinner under the vast Mongolian sky.
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. Upon reaching the Ar Bosgot Gorge, we pack our essentials and set off on a 10–15 kilometer hike through the rugged canyon. After the trek, we continue our drive to Nariin Tag, a campsite featuring spectacular views of the Khordol Saridag and Delgerkhaan mountains. We spend the late afternoon setting up camp and relaxing in the wild landscape to recover from our long hike. To end the day, we light an open fire and grill a hearty meat dinner under the vast Mongolian sky.
Day 8
Hiking Delgerkhaan mountain
We wake up fully rested and prepare a packed lunch before heading out for a day of mountain exploration. We embark on a 10–20 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, soaking in the mountain views and the quiet of the wilderness.
Day 8
Hiking Delgerkhaan mountain
We wake up fully rested and prepare a packed lunch before heading out for a day of mountain exploration. We embark on a 10–20 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, soaking in the mountain views and the quiet of the wilderness.
Day 8
Hiking Delgerkhaan mountain
We wake up fully rested and prepare a packed lunch before heading out for a day of mountain exploration. We embark on a 10–20 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, 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 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
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 10
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 10
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
Last leg to Ulaan Baatar
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 11
Last leg to Ulaan Baatar
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 11
Last leg to Ulaan Baatar
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
