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KHUVSGUL LAKE TOUR &

NAADAM FESTIVAL

Tour Highlights:

  • This small group tour covers the Northern Mongolia for Khuvsgul Lake which is the second largest freshwater lake in Central Asia, making up over 1% of the world’s freshwater storage. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in Mongolia, where high mountain peaks, forests, lush meadows, and steppes all form a rich ecosystem and diverse wildlife habitats. Also, possible to visit the Tsaatan minority who live in huts and reindeer herding.
  • Explore the beautiful scenery of Terelj National Park and visit Chinggis Khaan’s State Complex which is the biggest equestrian statue in the world.
  • Plus, attend the amazing Naadam Festival, and colorful opening ceremony and witness traditional games including national wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

Tour Information

  • Tour Code: KLT-NF – 01
  • Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
  • Availability: 06 Jul – 13 Jul   
  • Trip from: Ulaanbaatar
  • Price: from US$ 1,790 p/p
  • Age Requirement 0-95 yrs
  • Max Group Size 12

BRIEF ITINERARY

06 Jul – Day 01: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
07 Jul – Day 02: Flight to Northern Mongolia – Khuvsgul Lake National Park
08 Jul – Day 03: Full day at Khuvsgul Lake
09 Jul – Day 04: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar – Terelj National Park
10 Jul – Day 05: Terelj National Park trip – Chinggis Khaan’s Statue Complex 
11 Jul – Day 06: Mongolia Naadam Festival – Half-day city tour
12 Jul – Day 07: Naadam Festival at Hui Doloon Khudag – Half day city tour
13 Jul – Day 08: Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

6 Jul – DAY 01

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tsogoo Travel Mongolia‘s driver in the arrivals hall at the international airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, be free at leisure and have a good rest to recover from the jet lag. If you feel like going for a walk and checking out places nearby, feel free to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: D

7 Jul – DAY 02

Flight to Moron, Northern Mongolia – Khuvsgul Lake National Park

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the city airport for the flight to Murun, which is the center of the Northern Province.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and be transferred to Khuvsgul Lake, which is known as the Switzerland of Mongolia and the clearest lake in Central Asia.
Take a 2-hour drive to the Khatgal village on the shore of the lake and explore the village’s life, the market, and the main port of the lake. On the way, we will see hundreds of grazing livestock and wildlife in the northern region of Mongolia.
Khuvsgul province is home to the southernmost indigenous reindeer herding people (Tsaatan) in the world. Some of Tsaatan’s families came from remote Taiga at the summer camp near the lake from June until the end of August. Reindeer herders practice shamanism and live in teepees moving around 5 times a year. We will meet reindeer herders and explore their daily lives, customs, and sacraments.
Check-in and dinner at the Tourist camp, which is located near the lake.
Accommodation: Tourist Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

8 Jul – DAY 03

Full day at Khovsgol Lake

This morning, we will explore the national park on horseback. Mongolia is the best destination for horse riding trips and especially Khovsgol Lake is the best recommended place for this experience.
After being given preliminary instructions, and orientation about horse riding, we will discover nature from horseback until lunchtime.
In the afternoon is free time for you to be on your own. You can explore the surrounding hills and walk along the shore of the lake. The Lake water is well known for its crystal clear blue and is surrounded by beautiful lash green deep forest and magnificent mountains.
Also, there is a great opportunity to go hiking, kayaking, ride a motor moat, or just enjoy wild nature to take photos.

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

9 Jul – DAY 04

Flight back to Ulaanbaatar – Terelj National Park

Early this morning, we will drive to the local airport in Murun town and take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
On the way, we will visit Uushig’s ancient Deer Stone Monument another wonder of the Khuvsgul region. This is most clearly depicted by deer stones left behind by bronze-age men. A deer, an arch, a shield, a horse, a knife, the moon, the sun, and a mirror figured belt were engraved on the stones.
Upon arrival at the city airport, transferred to Terelj National Park, which is one of the most visited national parks in Mongolia because of its natural beauty, forested alpine mountains, and interesting rock formations very well known.
In the evening, we will enjoy visiting the local nomad family to experience firsthand how people live in the countryside and a lifestyle that has not changed for centuries. Here you can see the herders with their daily tasks and get an idea of how nomadic people are alongside of their livestock.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

10 Jul – DAY 05

Terelj National Park trip – Chinggis Khaan’s Statue Complex

In the morning, we will explore the national park and see Turtle Rock – an interesting rock formation that looks like a turtle and visit the Ariyabal meditation temple – surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations and sits on top of the mountain. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Terelj National Park.
After lunch, we will drive to the “Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, you can ascend to the head of the horse using an elevator. There you have a good panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond.
Return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L.

11 Jul – DAY 06

Mongolia Naadam Festival – Half day city tour

Today, we will be attending the opening ceremony of the Festival of Naadam in Ulaanbaatar National Stadium. It’s Mongolia’s biggest, most colorful, and most important annual cultural event, focusing on three sports: horse racing, Mongolian-style wrestling, and archery. It’s no coincidence that all three skills derive from the capabilities of Genghis Khan’s legendary military – a force that conquered and controlled the largest empire the world has ever known.

  • At 8am picked up from the hotel lobby, join in Naadam group and visit the central Naadam stadium.
  • The first visit is a stadium of anklebone shooting competition.
  • Next, visit the archery field. The field will be filled with men and women archers in colorful ethnic national costumes who shooting arrows from their bows.
  • We will wander around outside of the Naadam stadium to watch locals who dressed their national costumes, food and trade corners etc.
  • Afterwards, we will enter into the main stadium for the opening ceremony of Naadam Festival.
    Once finish the opening ceremony, we will watch the beginning of 1st part of Mongolian national wrestling. In the usual 512 wrestler tournament, there will be nine elimination rounds of wrestling over two days.

In the afternoon, we will explore the city and visit Zaisan Memorial Hill is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain has a good view of the city and surrounding hills.
Continue to visit Bogd Khan Palace Museum – the complex was a residence of 8th Bogd Javzandamba in the 19th century, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace. Afterwards, transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L.

12 Jul – DAY 07

Naadam at Hui Doloon Khudag – Half day city tour

Early this morning at 06.30 am, we will drive out of the city for an hour to Hui Doloon Hudag (the horse racing field of the Naadam festival) to witness the Naadam horse races, featuring children riding bareback across the steppe. All of these racers are from each corner of Mongolia.
You will experience the brilliant madness of the horse race field and the unsurpassed cultural opportunity to watch the horse racing competition includes around 150-200 horses. Also, there are you will have a great opportunity to take photographs of local horse trainers, people with traditional garments and so more contrast.
End of these experiences, return to the city.
In the afternoon, continue to explore the city and visit “Gandan” Monastery, Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery including the Mongolian Buddhist University. The highlight of visiting to Gandan is a 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig.
Continue to visit the Chinggis Khaan National Museum – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Then, we will check Sukhbaatar Square which lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as a government palace, bank theaters, and post office. There is an equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar and a massive Bronze statue of Chinggis Khaan with his four warriors in front of Parliament House.
Our next highlight is a famous cultural show in the city, which features traditional performances by singers, dancers, and contortionists. It’s a great chance to hear Khuumii (throat singing) and see some fabulous costumes.
After dinner, transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L, D.

12 Jul – DAY 07

Departure

 

Transfer to international train or flight.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B

PRICES & INCLUSIONS 

1 – 2 pax – US$ 1,990 per person

3 – 5 pax – US$ 1,890 per person

6 – 12 pax – US$ 1,790 per person

* A tour price is based on a group of 2 adults sharing one room.

* If there are more people in your group of family or friends there will be more discounts.

* This tour package can be fully customizable to fit your travel plan between July 6 to July 13, 2025/2026.

What’s included in the Price?

  • English-speaking guide at all times,
  • 7 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double (Hotel 4*) and twin share (Tourist camp)
  • All meals as listed: Breakfast – 7, Lunch – 6, Dinner – 4,
  • All Transfers/Transport with comfortable vehicles
  • Domestic flight/airfare to/from the Khovsgol,
  • Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony Ticket(s). Car entry permission to Naadam stadium and horse racing field,
  • All entrance fees are as mentioned in the program
  • A Cultural Show – featuring traditional performances,
  • Horse riding at Khovsgol Lake ~ Half day (2-3hrs),
  • Visit reindeer herder family (Tsaatan),
  • Complementary drink water during the tour
  • All service charge, local and Gov’t tax
  • Visa invitation letter, if required

What’s NOT included in the Price?

  • Visa to Mongolia (Get in advance),
  • International flights & Travels insurance
  • Hotel early check-in and late check-out
  • Tipping and other personal expenses
  • Other services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights

FAQ & HELP

Travel FAQ's MONGOLIA

Here are the most common questions asked by our travelers. Please follow the links to get the answers. If you cannot find your answers, please send us your questions via email or on our Tsogoo Travel Mongolia Facebook page. We will email you back with your answer, and update it on our website for other travelers.

Accommodation: Hotel

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?
According to the Mongolian rating system, 2-5-star hotels are approved to receive foreign guests.
Our accommodations are carefully chosen, based on our research, our experience, and feedback from clients, to provide the best combination of high-quality accommodations, affordability, and convenient location.
We give clients the opportunity to stay in a wide range of accommodations, depending on tour from 3* to 5* hotels in cities and the best tourist Ger camps in countryside trips.

Does the hotel staff speak English?
Most staff working face-to-face with customers in 5-star hotels can speak English well. As for those working in 4-star and 3-star ones that contracted with Tsogoo Travel Mongolia, English is not a barrier to simple conversation. It’s suggested to ask the clerk at the front desk for help if anything is needed. They will be happy to help you.

What time can I check in and check out of the hotel?
Generally, the earliest check-in time of the hotel is 14:00 p.m., and the latest check-out time is 12:00 a.m. at noon. When you need to check in early, please let us know in advance because the earliest check-in time is dependent on whether the room is vacant or not on the day when you arrive, and the late check-out time may cost extra money.

We are a family of 4 with two young kids. What type of room we will get for our Mongolia tour?
Hotels in Mongolia can accommodate a maximum of 3 in one room due to local fire codes. We will get two separate rooms for your family based on two double occupancy rooms. We will request adjoining rooms, which have limited availability in Mongolian hotels, or rooms next to each other.

What facilities and services do our hotels normally provide?
All hotels on your Mongolia trip have a Foreign Currency Exchange Service, a business center with access to the Internet and fax, a postal service, a gym, a sauna, and massage service, and an International Direct Dialing telephone in your room. You may also find a hair dryer, iron, converter, and adaptor (subject to limited supplies) with housekeeping. Some 4 and 5-star hotels have swimming pools.

Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel if we are returning there later?
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you free of charge.

Do I need to bring a power plug adapter when I come to Mongolia?
Keep in mind that Mongolia uses 220V of electricity, which is higher than that Western countries use. A power plug adapter will do you a great favor if you want your electronic products to run properly during your Mongolia stay. What to do if forgot to pack it in your bag? Don’t worry. An adapter or converter is easy to get everywhere in Mongolia just by turning to your tour guide or the hotel staff.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Mongolia?

What is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the Mongolian summer, from the mid of June till the last week of August.  This is the safest time of the year to travel to Mongolia in terms of weather, sunny days throughout Mongolia, and sufficient rainfall to make the steppes lush and green.
June and September are both very pleasant times to visit Mongolia. September, autumn is enjoyable, colorful, not hot, and not cold. Nomads have plenty of dairy products and are busy processing milk and preparing for winter. The beautiful countryside of Mongolia is even more beautiful and picturesque with the autumn colors.

Months to Best:

  • July is the best time to see the Mongolia Naadam Festival.
  • The best season for Gobi Desert tour: is from June to September and October is shoulder season.
  • July to August is the best season to travel to Northern Mongolia and Khuvsgul Lake tour and September is shoulder season.
  • The first of October is a chance to see Golden Eagle Festival in Altai, Western Mongolia.
  • February is the best time to experience Mongolia’s winter season.

What months in Mongolia are considered green Peak Season (High Season), Shoulder Season, and Low Season?
Generally and traditionally, the Peak Season refers to July and August; the Shoulder Season refers to May, June, September, and October; the Low Season refers to January, February, March, April, November, and December.

How to Pack for Mongolia trip

What gift would you recommend we bring to Mongolia?
Our tours are designed to enhance your learning, discovery, and people-to-people experience. For instance, all of our tours include a home visit to nomadic families and exploring their daily lifestyles. If you would like to bring some gifts to them, suggested items include Swiss pocket knives, a flashlight for men, some candies, small toys, crayons/colored pencils for housewives and kids are just as fine. Whatever gift you choose to present, the recipient will be most grateful.

Can I bring my laptop, iPad, or iPhone when traveling to Mongolia?
Internet access is available at almost all hotels on your Tsogoo Travel Mongolia itinerary. In most hotels, you can access free Wi-Fi internet. Outside of the city, some tourist Ger camps offer little charged or free internet access. So you may want to bring your own laptop.
We recommend you bring a converter to Mongolia. As throughout Mongolia, the AC power standard is 220V/50Hz. So you may use the converter for a 110-volt electrical appliance. Usually, the four and five-star hotels provide adapters, but we still suggest you bring a converter.

What are the appropriate clothes for travel in Mongolia?
Mongolia is a vast country with various climates and four distinct seasons. Thus travelers may need to pack different clothes at different seasons. But weather patterns at any time can change rapidly. One minute you’re walking around in a T-shirt and sandals, you need an overcoat and boots, then it’s back to T-shirts. This is especially the case during autumn and spring.
Suggest you check the climate of your travel season, and month and then choose the appropriate clothes. In most cases, you will not need to bring towels as you will be provided in the hotels and tourist Ger camps. In general, you should take easily dry clothes and prepare an umbrella for a rainy day. In addition, we suggest you also bring along a first aid kit with the commonly used medicines.

What is Mongolian Currency?

The official currency is the Tugrug (MNT=₮). Denominations come in 20.000₮, 10.000₮, 5.000₮, 1.000₮, 500₮, 100₮, 50₮, 20₮ and 10₮. The official exchange rate at this time (July 2022) is 3.150₮ to 1 U.S dollar. Visitors are advised to carry credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Union Pay– and traveler’s checks that can be accepted by most hotels and major stores and can be exchanged for cash of MNT.

Accommodation; What's Tourist Ger camp

Tourist Ger camp is a traditional style accommodation with full-service facilities, most commonly used outside of the city. The Ger is a round structure of walls, poles, and a peaked roof covered with canvas and felt, and tightened with ropes.
Tourist Ger camp – consists of 20-30 Gers (Mongolian traditional dwelling), a restaurant, some entertainment facilities, western style toilet, and hot water showers. Each Ger has 2 to 4 beds and is furnished with a table, chairs, and wood stove. Most visitors prefer to stay in Ger, which provides an authentic taste of Mongolian culture and adventure, their most enjoyable experience in Mongolia.

What meal is included? What is the restaurant like?

We select restaurants based on our experiences, client satisfaction, location, and cuisine. Normally we include three meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) each day during the whole trip.
In Ulaanbaatar, you can expect a good variety of quality restaurants with international foods. Breakfasts usually are served in western style at the hotel where you stay in Ulaanbaatar.
We mostly use the following restaurants for lunch & dinner on the city trip: “Modern Nomads”, “bd’s Mongolia Barbeque”, “City Nomads”,  “Khaan Ger” and hotel restaurants for dinner where you stay. Lunch & dinners are m& served in Western food, and sometimes Mongolian food, or a combination.
Outside of the we generally eat breakfast and dinner in tourist Ger camp and some days of longer trips take a packed lunch. Your packed lunch will be carried in appropriate containers to prevent spillage or spoiling. Ger camps serve both Mongolian and international foods, and there will usually be a choice of the main dish.

Any problem for a Western tourist in Mongolia?
About it. Mongolian and Western cuisines are both available throughout Mongolia. If you require special meals due to religious or medical limitations, please inform us so that arrangements can be made in advance.

Will you provide vegetarian (including no chicken/seafood) meals for me?
Make the arrangement according to your requirements. So if you have any special requirements for your food, please let us know so that we can inform the restaurants beforehand to meet your needs.

What's Camping Tent?

We use camping tent for some of our remotest trips, places with no tourist Ger camps or local hotels.
Mongolia offers fantastic camping possibilities in beautiful landscapes.
On all of our camping trips, we provide our guests with high-quality 2-3 people tents, mattresses, and other necessary camping equipment. No formal toilet or shower facilities will be available. You will use a sheltered hole for the toilet and a sheltered shower. Also, we will provide you with water for washing up.
camping days, we usually send vehicle support with an expedition cook for a group tour.
e group is less than 7 travelers may not be accompanied by a cook. In this case, the guides and drivers will be cooking for you. All our guides have had basic cooks training, but not all of them are great chefs, so if you feel like it, they will be happy to let you assist them. On expeditions where there is no vehicle support, there will be dried and canned foods available, but fresh fruits and vegetables often cannot be transported beyond the first couple of days. For groups of more than 6 travelers, we usually send a cook, which in this case you shouldn’t worry – the food will be just great! Please let us know if you have any food preferences or restrictions, or if you are following a special diet.

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