Huvsgul lake tour - 12 days

Day 1. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Visit to museums including Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, Traditional History Museum, Gandan Monastery -The Biggest Buddist Centre, Temple with 20-ton and 20 m gold and bronze statue of Avalokitesvara.

Day 2. To Kharkhorin. A stone tortoise (an ironic symbol of eternity.) is all that remains of the once great palace. Visit Erdene Zuu, the first monastery in the country .The compound walls ornamented by 108 stupas enclose both the working lamasery and the museum. The lavriin Sum is a Tibetan style temple and is a great place to sit and listen to the monks at prayer and watch the locals receive blessing. The museum houses some of the country’s most impressive Buddhist treasures.

Day 3. To Tsenkher hot springs. Drive into the hills to the yak herding pastures of the eastern Khangai. In the evening enjoy a dip in the springs of Tsenkher. The water here comes out of the ground at around 80 degrees C. The water is channeled into man made pools and cold water is added to allow for a safe temperature.(If you would like to ride horses here the staff may be able to arrange local nomads to take you out into the surrounding hills.

Day 4. White Lake -Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur in Arkhangai. Great White lake is surrounded by extinct and craterous volcanoes. The lake, birdlife and mountains are now protected within the 73,000- hectare Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The lake was formed by lava flows from a volcanic eruption. Horgo Uul Volcano (2968 m) and about 900 m above the lake Terhiin Tsagaan.

Day 5. Free day. Hike up into the mountains for fantastic views over the lake, a look at the local alpine flora and fauna including a variety of bird life including golden eagles and saker falcons. Visit nomadic yak herding family in one of valleys of the lake. Experience the hospitality of these nomads; drink airag (fermented mare’s milk, yak vodka and try a variety of dairy products, which make up the daily diet of a Mongolian family during the summer months.

Day 6. To Huvsgul lake. Sleep on the way in Shine Ider Village.

Day 7. Drive to Huvsgul lake - Mongolia ’s second-largest lake (125 km long and 30 km wide) with pure water. Horse riding possible here.

Day 8. In Huvsgul- Visit to Tsaatan-Rein deer people. (Shamans)They are unique and different in their life, living in rein deer skin tent and use reindeers for transportation.

Day 9. To Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Sleep on the way near Selenge River.

Day 10. Start excursion to Amarbayasgalant Monastery-was built in 1737. The second most important and beautiful monastery after Erdene Zuu. Cultural tour with a local guide as well as a local monk to visit the complex and offer an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 11. Drive to Ulaan Baatar

Day 12. Departure. Transfer to airport or train station.