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Transform Yourself in Mongolia’s Winter Wilderness
Step onto the crystal-clear ice of Lake Khuvsgul and experience winter in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings. This 9-day journey is not about comfort or routine sightseeing — it is about adventure, culture, and personal transformation in Mongolia’s deep north.
In early March, the frozen “Blue Pearl of Mongolia” becomes the stage for the Khuvsgul Lake Ice Festival, where nomads, locals, and travelers gather on the ice for horse and reindeer sled races, traditional ice games, cultural performances, and shamanic rituals. Walking and skating on the glass-like lake is an experience that few places on Earth can offer.
After the festival, venture deeper into the remote Taiga forest to meet the Tsaatan reindeer herders, one of the world’s last nomadic reindeer-dependent communities. Share stories, observe their winter life, and witness a powerful bond between people and nature in an untouched landscape.
Designed to be challenging yet supportive — even for first-time winter travelers — this tour pushes comfort zones and rewards you with unforgettable memories, connection, and inner strength.
Small group. Limited departure. A journey that changes you.
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1.
ARRIVAL DAY AND CITY TOUR (28 Feb)
On this day, our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and start the city tour.
During the tour, you’ll get the chance to explore several key attractions, including:
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Chinggis Khan Square
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National History Museum
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Gandan Tegchilen Monastery
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Then lunch, Sustainable travel
After lunch, we’ll head to the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station for your overnight train to Erdenet. Settle into your comfortable sleeper cabin and enjoy the views of Mongolia’s beautiful countryside as the train moves north. The calm ride is a perfect time to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for the adventures ahead.
Rest well as the gentle motion of the train rocks you to sleep.
Accommodation: Overnight train in a private sleeper cabin
DAY 2.
DRIVE TO KHUVSGUL LAKE, NORTHERN MONGOLIA (1 Mar)
Meet your driver in Erdenet as you step off the train. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your drive through stunning winter scenery toward Murun, the provincial capital.
From Murun, continue to Khuvsgul Lake, often called “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia.”
The whole journey takes about 6–7 hours.
Upon arrival, you’ll get your first look at the lake’s breathtaking blue-white frozen surface before checking into your ger (yurt) camp, which will serve as your home base for the next two days. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Meal: (B/L/D)
DAY 3-4.
ATTEND BLUE PEARL KHUVSGUL LAKE ICE FESTIVAL (2-3 Mar)
Prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant and magical atmosphere of the Blue Pearl Ice Festival, held on the frozen surface of Mongolia’s most pristine lake. Set against a breathtaking winter landscape of snow, mountains, and endless sky, this celebration brings together tradition, culture, and winter fun in a truly unforgettable setting.
Festival highlights include:
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Tug of War on Ice – a lively and traditional competition enjoyed by locals and visitors alike
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Ice Skating on crystal-clear blue ice – glide across the lake’s natural, glass-like frozen surface
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Horse Racing on the Ice – witness the incredible speed and skill of Mongolian horses racing across the frozen lake
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Horseback Riding – ride through the stunning snow-covered steppe surrounding the lake
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Shamanic Experience – learn about Mongolia’s ancient spiritual traditions through a ceremonial visit
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Traditional Singing and Dancing – enjoy colorful performances of Mongolian folk music and dance
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Ice Games and Winter Sports – including local ice games similar to curling, offering a fun way to engage with winter culture
The Ice Festival is a rare opportunity to experience Mongolia’s living cultural heritage while fully embracing the beauty and excitement of winter. As the day comes to a close, you’ll return to a cozy tourist camp, where you can relax, warm up, and reflect on an extraordinary day on the ice.
sustainable travel
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Meal: (B/L/D)
DAY 5.
DRIVE TO JARGANT RIVER, RENCHINLUMBE VILLAGE (4 Mar)
This morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast at the tourist camp, we will begin our drive toward Renchinlumbe village. The route takes us deeper into the remote and peaceful landscapes of northern Mongolia.
Our main highlight today is the Jargant River, a beautiful mountain river known for its crystal-clear water and untouched natural surroundings. The river flows through broad valleys and forested hills, creating stunning scenery in every season. In winter, parts of the river freeze into intricate ice patterns, while unfrozen sections remain bright and clear, reflecting the surrounding mountains. The area is also home to wildlife, including elk and smaller mountain animals, and it’s an essential water source for local herders.
Upon arrival, you’ll have time to walk along the riverbanks, take photos, and enjoy the quiet, pristine nature that makes the Jargant River one of the hidden gems of the region.
Accommodation: A local hotel / Tourist guest house
Meal: (B/L/D)
DAY 6
VISIT TSAATAN FAMILY, ZUUN TAIGA (5 Mar)
Early this morning, after breakfast at our cozy camp, we travel by vehicle toward Tsagaan Nuur, a remote settlement surrounded by forests, rivers, and rugged mountain landscapes. As we head north, broad valleys gradually give way to dense woodland, marking our entry into the legendary Taiga.
Our destination is Zuun Taiga, one of the two main taiga regions traditionally inhabited by the Tsaatan (Dukha) people. This pristine area is known for its larch and pine forests, crisp mountain air, and a way of life preserved for centuries.
Here, you will learn about the Tsaatan’s deep connection to nature and reindeer—gaining insight into reindeer husbandry, survival skills, and shamanic spiritual traditions. Time is spent observing daily camp life, listening to stories passed down through generations, and absorbing the profound silence of the taiga, broken only by the wind, forest sounds, and reindeer bells.
sustainable travel
Accommodation: Teepee
Meal: (B/L/D)
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DAY 7.
WINTER'S EVER-FLOWING RIVER (6 Mar)
After bidding farewell to your reindeer-herder hosts, begin the journey back toward Duut Bulag, traveling through spectacular winter landscapes framed by pine forests and vast, snow-covered plains. Pause along the way for a scenic picnic lunch, breathing in the crisp mountain air while soaking in the serene beauty of the taiga. By evening, arrive at our ger camp, where a warm shower and a hearty Mongolian dinner prepared by your hosts await. Settle into your heated ger for the night, relaxing in comfort as you reflect on the unforgettable cultural experiences of your taiga adventure.
Accommodation: Tourist camp
Meal: (B/L/D)
DAY 8.
ARRIVE ERDENET TOWN (7 Mar)
This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Erdenet City, one of Mongolia’s most significant urban centers and home to the country’s major copper mine. The drive offers scenic views of valleys and rolling hills as we head south.
Upon arrival, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel where you can relax for the night and enjoy the conveniences of the city after traveling through remote regions.
Accommodation: A Local hotel
Meal: (B/L/D)
DAY 9.
BACK TO ULAANBAATAR CITY (8 Mar)
This morning, after having a hearty breakfast, we’ll drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Once we arrive, we’ll drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of this unforgettable journey. We hope you had a fantastic experience with us!
Meal: (B/L)
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