The north of Mongolia is dominated by its magnificent lake landscape. Lake Khovsguul is the little brother of Lake Baikal, it is the largest freshwater lake in the country and one of the oldest freshwater lakes on earth. Mongolians affectionately call it their sea. A nature reserve has been established around this lake in recent years to preserve this unique landscape for posterity. However, the area around Khovsguul is also one of the least developed regions in Mongolia. Some regions around the lake can only be reached by roads with little traffic, but the effort of getting there is rewarded by the beautiful landscape. Pine forests, larches and taiga indicate to the visitor that Siberia is not far away. The Tsaaten tribe lives in the region around Lake Khovsguul. They are the last reindeer nomads in Mongolia. Actually, the origin of the Tsaats is in Tuva, the western Siberian province of Russia. The Tsaats have not changed their way of life for centuries. Nature religion and shamanism are still living traditions here. Continuing from Khovsguul to Terchjin Zagaan Nuur, we pass through one of the most primitive landscapes of the country. Shortly before Terchjin Zagaan Nuur, the tour leads over a pass with a height of almost 2500m. Another highlight of this tour is the area around Terchjin Zagaan Nuur. This area is an ancient volcanic landscape with bizarre rock formations. Due to the lava, several small caves have been formed, which serve as a natural ice cellar. You will climb the Khorgo volcano. Only through the eruption of the volcano, the Terchjin Zagaan Nuur was formed in its current form. Other interesting points on this trip are the Chuluut River, which cut its riverbed through the lava field of the Khorgo volcano, and the former capital of the Mongol Empire – Karakorum. Friends of fresh fish will get their money’s worth during this trip. Then you will visit Karakorum – the ancient capital of Mongolia – and its monastery Erdene Zuu. Since Lake Khovsguul is frozen until well into spring, this tour can only be done in high summer. The combination of rest days and driving days makes this trip a relaxing tour through Mongolia. The schedule is more in line with the Mongolian understanding of time and leaves plenty of time for exploring the landscape and experiencing nature.

1.Day	Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, airport transfer, check-in at hotel, program briefing. After that we will visit Ulaanbaatar. You will visit the famous Gandan Monastery with the 27 mtr high Buddha statue. The monastery museum of the Tschojdshjin – Lama, the important Lama in the history of Mongolian Buddhism and a small city tour are also on the program. In the evening you will visit a folklore performance with traditional musical instruments, snake girls and the famous throat singing.
2.Day	Departure in the direction of Bulgan. But first we will stop at Hustain Nuruu National Park. Here we will be able to observe the reintroduced Przewalskij horses. The Przewalskij horses are considered to be the living primeval horses and they have survived only because of the efforts of the Hagenbeck Zoo in Bremen. After that we will drive through the Mongolian steppe towards the village of Orkhon, on the river of the same name. The drive takes us through an incomparable landscape. In other words, pure steppe. You will spend the night on the banks of the Orkhon.
3.Day	From Orkhon we drive to the district capital Bulgan. Here we have the opportunity to replenish our supplies before continuing to the extinct volcano “Uran Togo”, which can be translated as “Perfect”. We will climb the volcano, from which there is a beautiful view over the mountainous landscape. We will then drive to the longest river in Mongolia and also the main tributary of Lake Baikal, the “Selenge”, where we will also spend the night.
4.Day	Crossing of the river. Continuation of the journey to Murun. The landscape through which we are now driving is completely different from the rest of Mongolia. Forested mountainsides and large clear rivers, are the distinctive mark of this region. On the way we will pass the remains of past cultures. Continuing north, we will reach Khovsguul Lake, the sea of the Mongols.
5.Day	Rest and relax at the Khovsguul Lake. You have the opportunity to go for long walks on the shores of the lake, to swim in the crystal clear water, or to explore the landscape with the omnipresent horses. This lake, also called the “blue pearl of Mongolia” is majestically located in the northern mountains. The lake is the “little brother” of Lake Baikal. Originally both lakes were connected with each other. This is also the home of the “reindeer people” (tender). Shamanism, a nature religion, is also very widespread in this region. We will have the opportunity to participate in one of these shamanistic rituals.
6.Day	Today we will leave Lake Khovsguul and drive back to Murun. Here we will replenish our supplies and then we will continue south to Terchjin Zagaan Nuur (Wise Lake). It will take us a good two days to reach the lake. Right next to the village of Murun, we will make a short detour to the tombs of “Uushigiin”. The tombs date back to the Bronze Age and there are many deer stones in the area. After that we will drive to the central part of Mongolia.
7.Day	From the village of Shine Ider, where we spent the night, today we will go to Terchjin Zagaan Nuur. We will reach the lake in the afternoon. The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption and there are a lot of lava fields in its surroundings. The landscape around the lake is one of the highlights of Mongolia. We will spend the afternoon hiking in the surroundings of the lake.
8.Day	The day is reserved for excursions to the surroundings of Terchjin Zagaan Nuur. You will climb Khorgo volcano, visit an ice cave and in the afternoon, water permitting, go swimming in Terchjin Zagaan Nuur. We will climb Khorongo volcano, which was a sanctuary until well into the 19th century.
9.Day	Departure from Terchjin Zagaan Nuur towards Tsetserleg, visiting the tree with 100 branches (sacred site in Mongolia) and a canyon of the Chuluut River. Evening: arrival to Tsetserleg. Continue to the warm springs of Tsenker
10.Day	In the morning we drive through rolling hills to Ogii Nuur. This lake is a special biotope, because many migratory birds rest here. There is an extra bird watching station, which interested people are welcome to visit. The afternoon can be spent at leisure on the shore of the lake, or you can go on a short horseback ride.
11.Day	A whole day at Ogii nuur. Ogii Nuur is the largest lake in this region. The lake is fed by underground freshwater springs and is picturesquely situated in a mountain landscape. Hute you have the opportunity to relax a bit. You can take hikes along the shore, go horseback riding, or go to bird watching station and observe the magnificent variety of bird life at the lake. The lake is an important resting place for many species of birds, on their way across the Gobi. Of course, you can also just relax on the lakeshore.
12.Day	Drive towards Karakorum, visit Erdene zuu monastery and the excavation site of the former capital of Mongolia. In the afternoon continue to the Hognoo Han mountains and overnight in the unique mountain world.
13.Day	Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, check in at the hotel and have the afternoon at leisure in Ulaanbaatar.
14.Day	Early departure
*) Program and route may be subject to change. Binding is the itinerary as it is sent in the booking confirmation