Mongolian Golden Circuit Tour: Through the Monasteries and Lakes

Transfer to the hotel and relax. City tour including the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Buddhism, Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). Welcome dinner and a short briefing on the upcoming tour. (L/D)

Leave early in the morning to Amarbayasgalant Monastery – one of the the largest monastery of Mongolia, built in 17th century in the memory of the Bogdo Lama Zanabazar- head of Mongolian Buddhist religion. Located in the northern province Selenge, the Monastery lies in beautiful surroundings good for walking. Lunch at a road-side restaurant on the way (B/L/D)

Head to Lake Khovsgol National Park. Pass through Erdenet city / Mongolia's 3d largest city famous for its huge copper mine/ and Bulgan province. Late on the 4th day, we will arrive at the magnificent lake Khovsgol - one of the natural wonders of the world covering an area of 2760 km2. It is a land of taiga forest, crystal-clear lakes, icy streams, and lush grass.

Take a boat ride to Khusliin Khad (Wishing Rock) and hike up to the top of the mountain to have a wonderful panoramic view of the lake and national park. Walking along with the lakeshore and swimming are nice activities to enjoy. (B/L/D)

Our trip turns to the south towards Khorgo - Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. Take an overnight stop at Shine-Ider village on the way. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Terkhiin Tsagaan lake - a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above the sea level. Explore the lake and its vicinity areas. Hike to Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. (B/L/D)

Drive to Tsetserleg, the central town of Arkhangai province. Visit the Zayan Gegeen Monastery and local Museum in the town. (B/L/D)

Drive towards the “Orkhon valley cultural landscape” as inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004. Next 3 days we will navigate within this historical landscape having a visit to its famous sites as Tuvkhun monastery, Kharkhorin Erdene Zuu, and lake Ugii.

Hike up to Tuvkhun temple settled on the Shiveet mountain top. This is the place where Zanabazar, the head and founder of Mongolian Buddhism, was creating his famous artworks such as the national script “soyombo” in the XVI century. Now, the temple has accepted as “the world's precious heritage” by UNESCO. We can see the symbolic rock formations, stone script, and caves in the surroundings. (B/L/D)

Drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia at the time of the Mongol Empire. There’s almost nothing left from this great capital of the world, but in 1586, under the rule of King Avtai Sain, the Erdene-Zuu Monastery was built at the site of the ruins of ancient Kharkhorin. The Erdene-Zuu – means Hundred of Treasures was again destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, but there are still various Buddhist statues, works of art, religious instruments, and even Tsam religious dance masks at the monastery. There are an amazing 108 stupas surrounding the monastery. (B/L/D)

Head to Lake Ugii, which is a wonderful place to have to relax after long driving. The lake has an abundant birdlife of more than 150 bird species. Bird watching, fishing is parts of the available entertainment. We will visit a local family, exploring their nomadic lifestyle and livestock farming. Getting the first experience of a Mongolian ger. (B/L/D)

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch at a road-side restaurant on the way. Transfer to hotel and have free time for relaxing or personal activity. (B/L/D)

Visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum. Go up to the top of the Zaisan Memorial to have a panoramic view of the whole city. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

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