Adventures of Mongolia's Great Blue Lake
In the heart of Mongolie, the crystalline waters of Khövsgöl reveal their secrets between steppes and taiga.
Duration
5 days
From
€1,090/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Lake Khövsgöl spreads its 2,760 km² of pure waters at the foot of peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, in a setting where the Siberian taiga meets the Mongolian steppes. This blue pearl of the north reveals striking alpine panoramas, bordered by pine forests and meadows where yaks and horses roam freely.
The valleys of Alag Sar offer privileged terrain to immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, accompanied by local herders who share their thousand-year-old traditions. Between horseback rides, yurt construction under the stars and boat crossings to Öngölög, each stage reveals the deep soul of these lands. Fields of edelweiss in the heart of summer transform the valleys into natural gardens, while the banks welcome whooper swans and sea eagles.
This territory, inhabited by Mongolian peoples for centuries, preserves the imprint of the first nomads through the deer stelae of Uushigiin Övör. A compact journey that condenses the essence of Mongolie in five intense days.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Departure to Lake Khuvsgul
Transfer to Ulan Bator airport and boarding for Mörön, capital of Khövsgöl province, where our driver awaits you upon arrival. We then head to Khövsgöl Lake, a true natural jewel of the country. With its 2,760 km² of pure waters that can be drunk directly, this mountain lake is surrounded by a dozen peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, covered with pine forests and vast meadows where yaks and horses graze peacefully. A grandiose setting that already invites serenity.
We continue eastward, toward the verdant valleys of Alag Sar, where we settle into a charming ger camp situated on the shores of the lake, ideal for enjoying this unique setting.
Nomadization in the Alag Sar valleys
Accompanied by local herders and their yaks, we set off for two days of hiking on foot or on horseback in the wooded valleys of Alag Tsar. Following the peaceful rhythm of the cart, we discover this land of nomadism. A flowering region, in the heart of summer you will literally evolve on a field of edelweiss, while to the west you will see on the opposite shore, the peaks culminating above 3000 meters bathing in the crystalline waters of the lake.
In the evening, we will set up with the herders the yurt that we have carried and under which we will spend the night.
Relaxation on the shores of Lake Khuvsgul
Wake up and breakfast in an exceptional setting, with the lake at our feet and mountains enveloping us. We resume our mounts (or set off on foot again for hikers) and return to the Alag Sar yurt camp.
Lunch at the camp and relaxing afternoon where you can freely enjoy the lake, take walks and possibly rent canoes on site.
By boat on the lake
We set off for a 2-hour motorboat ride on Lake Khövsgöl, which we cross from East to West before reaching Ongolog on the opposite shore of the lake.
The rest of the day will be devoted to a canoe ride along the shores of the lake or, for those who prefer, to a hiking excursion in the surrounding mountains.
Since the lake is a national nature reserve that is home to 291 bird species, we may be lucky enough to encounter whooper swans, arctic divers or other fish eagles.
Return flight to Oulan Bator
We leave Lake Khusvgul. Along the way, we visit the reindeer stone stelae site at Uushigiin Övör. We reach Mörön, the provincial capital, and board our return flight to Ulan Bator.
Arrival in the city and check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals and accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage supplement if you carry more than 15kg (checked and carry-on baggage combined)
Included
- Hotel / airport / hotel transfers
- Return Flight Ulaanbaatar - Moron
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- 3 nights in comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 1 night in a mobile yurt
- 4x4 or minibus transfers + driver
- English-speaking guide
- English-speaking horse guide(s)
- 2 days of trekking by "yak carting", on foot or on horseback
- Motor boat ride on the lake
- Canoe rental
- Droits d'entrée des parcs et musées mentionnés
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping equipment (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lakes North
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
