Vertical Big Loop North to South of Mongolia Tour

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
Tour Itinerary

Day 1.
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)

Day 2.
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.

Day 3.
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.

Day 4-6.
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)

Day 7-9.
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.

Day 10.
Local museum with interesting exhibits.

Day 11.
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)

Day 12.
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.

Day 13.
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)

Day 14.
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)

Day 15.
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)

Day 16.
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)

Day 17.
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)

Day 18.
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel and relax.

Day 19.
Free activities for personal exploration. Option to go shopping and watch the cultural performance. Farewell dinner.

Day 20.
Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

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
Map & Destinations

