Vertical Big Loop North to South of Mongolia Tour

20 days from $2650

A real off-road adventure that crosses the vast Mongolian land vertically, while passing by unique wild passages of nature. In less than 20 days, you will encounter yourself in chilling areas of taiga, clear waters of the north, peaceful green meadows, as well as hot desert plains, surrounded by mighty impressive dunes of the south, so different colors like Mongolia itself. Our experienced tour team will let you explore all the wonders that this tour offers. We offer you to spend most of the nights under the star dazzling skies to be settled in beautiful wilderness areas.

Highlights

- Beautiful Lake Khuvsgul

-  Ancient capital Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery

-  Khorgo-Terkh National Park

-  Orkhon Valley

-  Cattle herding nomad family

Key Info

Physical level: Advanced Physical level: Advanced
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar.

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). (L/D)

in the hotel

Day 2.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Drive to the famous Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Excursion through the monastery. Located at the foot of Burenkhaan mountain close to the city Erdenet, Amarbaysgalant, or "monastery of tranquil felicity”, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Built between 1727 and 1736 with more than 40 temples in honor of Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegeen, it is one of the very few monasteries to have partly escaped the destruction of 1937, after which only the buildings of the central section remained. The entire contents: the tankas, statues, and manuscripts were looted by the Communists or hidden until more fortunate times. Restoration work began in 1988 and now the Amarbayasgalant monastery shows great stylistic unity. 

in the camp

Day 3.

Erdenet city

Pass Erdenet city and Bulgan provincial center. Heading to the Khuvsgul lake we will have overnight stop at the middle way. Opportunities of meeting local people and nomad families during this driving day. 

in the camp

Day 4-6.

Khovsgol Lake National Park

Drive towards Khovsgol Lake and overnight at Moron town, the central town of Khovsgol Province.

Next day, arrive at Khovsgol Lake National Park. Magnificent Khovsgol Lake - itself is one of the natural wonders of the world covering an area of 2.760 km2. It is a land of taiga forest, crystal-clear lakes, icy streams, and lush grass. Magnificent surroundings will make our 2 nights stay enjoyable.  Walking along the lakeshore and hiking in vicinity areas. (B/L/D)

in the camp 3 hours

Day 7-9.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park

Leave Khovsgol Lake National Park and drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park,  passing through Shine-Ider village. An astonishingly beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 m. The lake is 16 km wide and 10 m deep with its deepest point at 28 meters and over 20 kilometers in length. It has lovely sandy shores and enough warm water good for swimming. The area offers a great adventure for visitors with its caves, mountain cliffs, and Khorgo volcano creator. Explore the lake and the volcano creator. Horse riding experience.

in the camp 1 hour

Day 10.

Tsetserleg town in Arkhangai province.

Local museum with interesting exhibits.

in the camp

Day 11.

Arrive in Kharkhorin.

Arrive in Kharkhorin. The ancient capital city Kharkhorin was founded in 1220 in the legendary Orkhon river valley. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai khaan, the grandson of Chinggis Khaan, moved the city to Beijing. On the ruins of Kharkhorin, in 1586, was built Erdene Zuu Monastery which is surrounded by monumental walls with 108 stupas. The monastery is kept till nowadays and it is considered as one of the leading religious centers of Mongolia. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and the local market of art crafts and antique items. Tourist ger camp. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 12.

Drive to Tovkhon Monastery.

Tovkhon Monastery is located at the peak of Tuvkhun Mountain (2300 m), served for several centuries as a meditative and artistic retreat. It owes much of its significance to the fact that it was originally established as the studio of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, founder of the Mongolian school of religious art, whose masterful bronze Buddhas have gained worldwide recognition. Tuvkhun also bears witness to the Buddhist meditative tradition, as the site includes two caves used by lamas for secluded meditation.

Hiking up to the mountain top to explore the monastery. Continue to drive and arrive at the Orkhon waterfall. 

in the camp 3 hours

Day 13.

Explore Mystical Ongi Monastery

Drive to the south towards Gobi Desert. Overnight stop at Ongi River and Saikhan ovoo area of Middle Gobi province. Ongi Monastery, a small mountainous area with the sites of remains of ruined old monasteries. Once the monastery has served as a midway point for Buddhist pilgrimages going to holy Tibet. Enjoy the sunset from the top of the mountain. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 14.

Khongor Sand Dunes

The sand dunes of Khongor are known as the « singing dunes » and they extend for 180 km and at some places they are 80m high. These spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongor. Walking and Sliding at the dunes before the sunset and meditate in the middle of nowhere. Visit camel breeding family and get some experience with camel riding. (B/L/D)

in the camp 1 hour

Day 15.

Bayanzag - The red stone cliffs and canyons

Drive towards Bayanzag /also known as Flaming Cliffs/ - the classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, sun and, unbelievable emptiness has become known to the world as "Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first-ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 - discoveries which made world headlines by American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first time. Nowadays there is a local museum which displays important facts and some exhibits of this famous area. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 16.

Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park.

Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Yol valley is formatted by two high rock walls a big glacier on the ground kept frozen during hot summer days. It has breathtaking dramatic scenery and without a doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. Hiking along the valley and reach up the icy glacier. Visit the natural museum of localities. (B/L/D)

in the camp 3 hours

Day 17.

Arrive in Baga Gazriin Chuluu area middle Gobi province.

Arrive in Baga Gazriin Chuluu mountain area Dundgobi province. This is another granite rock formation in the middle of the steppe plains. 5 km away, the highest peak of 1768 meters in the area of Baga Gazriin Uul Mountain. Leisure time for rock climbing and hiking activities. (B/L/D)

in the camp 5 hours

Day 18.

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and relax.

in the hotel

Day 19.

City tour / Free Day

Free activities for personal exploration. Option to go shopping and watch the cultural performance. Farewell dinner.

in the hotel

Day 20.

Departure

Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size

Price/Per person

2 pax 3450$
3-4 pax 3150$
5-8 pax 2950$
9-12 pax 2800$
13-15 PAX 2650$

Includes

Accommodation: Hotel***, * ger camp, tented camp 
Guiding and interpreting service 
Full board meals 
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Camping equipments

Not Includes

International airfare 
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

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6 Reasons to choose Ayan Travel

Initial tour operator
Initial tour operator
Experience in Adventure and Discovery Tours
Advisors and specialist
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In Photography and Workshops
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Our Tours
We arrange Flexible and Fixed trips
Responsible for
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Clients- Locals- Nature
During your trip
During your trip
Assistance for 24 hours a day
Service quality
Service quality
Well planning and excellent