Your guide will pick you up from Ulaanbaatar airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel so you can check-in, relax and meet your fellow travelers. Today there is the option to be part of a leisurely city tour starting with Gandan Buddist Monastery that is just round the corner from the hotel.

We take the only road North to Erdenet, Mongolia’s third largest city with a population of 97,000. The road is paved but “rugged”, and we can enjoy the impressive Mongolian scenery. The vast landscapes and infinite horizons give you a sense of just how immense this country is.

A short moderate to challenging hike up one of the sacred and extinct volcanoes of Uran and Tulga National Park. The volcanoes hold spiritual significance to local shamans and it is tradition to walk clockwise around the ring-summit. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape before we complete the final leg of our drive North to Mörön, the province capital of Khovsgol.

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Sleeping: Wild camping    Meals: Cooked on fire

A ride to remember. In the remote village of Hatgal, located on the southern tip of the dazzling lake Khovsgol – known as the blue pearl of Asia – we meet our nomadic guides. After some introductions and tea our guides will introduce us to the horses and we will saddle up for the spectacular ride to our first campsite on the shores of the lake. Over the next few days we will ride through mountain meadows, green woodlands and mountain passes as we explore Khovsgol’s breathtaking wilderness. ​

The shores of the blue pearl. This is a good day to get comfortable in the saddle. The terrain is varied with open meadows and sparse green woodland. As we ride past the last signs of civilisation we can relax on the shores of the lake skimming stones and taking in the majestic beauty of nature. 

The wild places of the world. The most amazing day of riding. The scenery only gets more spectacular as we ride between the shores of the lake and the foothills of towering mountains. Wild flower meadows become abundant and many streams flow down from the mountains as we discover a paradise of natural sacred places. 

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Sleeping: Wild camping then homestay    Meals: Cooked on fire

From the lake through the mountains. Our journey takes us away from the shores of the lake, meandering through mountain passes and into lush green valleys with fresh flowing streams and tall trees. These ancient paths have been travelled for generations and you will feel the excitement of adventure stirring.

Exploring peaceful river valleys. The terrain opens up into wider valleys with rolling mountains all around. It’s a day for taking in the majestic beauty and tranquillity of this natural and unchanging landscape.

Riding onto plains. As we descend from the mountains into a vast grassland steppe the remote village of Renchklumb appears in the distance. At the village we are greeted by the local wrestling champion ‘Amartuvshin’ and his family who give us a tour of their home and village.

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Sleeping: Homestays and tepees   Meals: Cooked by hosts on the fire

Exploring the mountain plains and an exclusive film viewing. Spending the morning with Amartuvshin we have the opportunity to learn about Mongolian wrestling and take a look around the village. In the afternoon we drive to another village further North and meet a local filmmaker. He will show us two short documentaries on the Tsataan reindeer herders that he made in the 80s with some very retro kit.

The path to an ancient tribe. In Khovsgol’s high mountain plateaus the Tsaatan reindeer herders are believed to practice the oldest form of shamanism on Earth. They are skilled craftspeople and often trade with the local villages. To reach the Tsataan we will must meet with one of the herders at the foot of the mountains. He will lead us on horse back up in the mountains and to the Tsataan’s camp.

Reindeer riding and other traditional skills. Today the Tsaatan will teach us about their unique way of life including showing us how to ride a reindeer. The high mountains are too cold for horses in the winter so the Tsataan train the reindeer for riding so they can get around and keep up with their herds.

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Sleeping: Wild camping, Ger camps & hotels   

Meals: On the fire and in restaurants

Taking the scenic route. On our return journey to Hatgal we take the opportunity to explore yet more of Khovsgol’s speculator scenery by setting out in off-road vehicles through the mountains. The wildflower meadows here are a sea of colour and the landscape is like something out of a dream. Its the perfect place to take some incredible photos and go for a pleasant stroll with your fellow travellers as we pick out the perfect place to camp for the night. 

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Day 14 - Return through the Mountains

High mountain passes and spectacular views. As we navigate the high passes there are spectacular views of the valleys below. We are in no rush and you have the opportunity to stop and take short walks whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery before returning to Hatgal and picking up the road to Mörön.​

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Day 15/16 - Return through the Mountains

The journey home. After such an incredible adventure to some beautiful remote places it is time to return to Ulaanbaatar. From Mörön it is a 10 hour drive on paved roads and we will split this over two days allowing us to enjoy our last few days in the country. Once back in Ulaanbaatar you have time to relax at the hotel before meeting that evening in one of the capitals bustling restaurants to celebrate our incredible journey together. 

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