Central Mongolia to Lake Khuvsgul
Traverse the Orkhon Valley, Khangai Mountains, and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (White Lake) north to Khuvsgul, flying back from Mörön at the end.
This itinerary connects the ancient capital of Karakorum, Orkhon Waterfall, hot springs, volcanic lakes, and Lake Khuvsgul into a one-way route, flying back from Mörön to avoid backtracking on bumpy roads. The landscape offers the greatest variety, changing from sand dunes and river valleys to taiga forests, and is cooler than the Gobi in summer. The seventh and eighth days involve consecutive long drives on poor roads. Tsaatan reindeer herder camps require several additional days of horse riding and are not included here.
Camps at Lake Khuvsgul are open from June to September, and it turns cold in late September; dirt roads can be difficult during the rainy season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Head West to Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi) & Khogno Khan
Ulaanbaatar & Terelj → Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley（Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes、Khögnö Khan Mountain & Övgön Monastery）
Drive about 280 km along the western paved highway, taking about 5 hours. Ride camels and hike up to see the monastery in the afternoon.
Stay: Khogno Khan Camp
Day 2 · A Day in the Ancient Capital of Karakorum
Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley（Erdene Zuu Monastery、Turtle Rock、Ruins of Karakorum、Kharkhorum Museum、Mongol Empire Monument）
Drive about 80 km on paved roads, taking about 1.5 hours. Use a car for short distances or walk between attractions once in town.
Photography inside the temples of Erdene Zuu Monastery is often restricted; please follow local regulations.
Stay: Kharkhorin Town
Day 3 · Orkhon Valley to the Waterfall
Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley（Orkhon River Valley、Tövkhön Monastery、Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)）
Drive southwest along the dirt roads of the valley for about 4 hours. To visit Tuvkhun Monastery, drive to the foot of the mountain and then hike up.
The waterfall's water volume depends on the rainy season and can be small in early summer; the mountain path to Tuvkhun Monastery is steep.
Stay: Orkhon Valley Camps
Day 4 · Cross the Mountains to Tsenkher Hot Springs
Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley（Tsenkher Hot Springs）
Drive northwest across the foothills of the Khangai Mountains on dirt roads for about 5 hours. Relax in the hot springs in the afternoon.
Stay: Tsenkher Hot Springs Camp
Day 5 · Tsetserleg to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (White Lake)
Tsetserleg → Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo（Taikhar Rock、Chuluut River Gorge）
Drive west via Tsetserleg, mostly on paved roads, taking about 5 hours including stops. Arrive at the lakeshore in the evening.
Stay: Lakeshore Ger Camps
Day 6 · Climb Khorgo Volcano and Explore the Lake
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo（Khorgo Volcano、Yak Herder Ger Stay、Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake）
Stay in the area. Take a short drive to the foot of the volcano and hike to the summit (about 1 hour round trip). Ride horses by the lake in the afternoon.
The volcanic rock path is rough, so wear stiff-soled shoes; temperatures vary greatly between day and night in the lake area.
Stay: Lakeshore Ger Camps
Day 7 · Head North to Shine-Ider
Shine-Ider
Cross the mountains north along steppe dirt roads for about 150 km, taking about 6–7 hours with no services along the way.
There are very few camps in this section, so you will mostly stay in tents or with nomadic families; stock up on food and water before departing.
Stay: Camping or Nomadic Gers around Shine-Ider
Day 8 · Mörön Deer Stones to Lake Khuvsgul
Khuvsgul Lake（Danzandarjaa Monastery (Mörön)、Uushigiin Övör Deer Stones）
Drive on dirt roads to Mörön, then transfer to a paved road to Khatgal. The drive takes about 7–8 hours in total, arriving at the west shore of the lake in the evening.
Mörön is the last major supply point before entering the lake area; you can withdraw cash here.
Stay: Western Shore Camps (Zaanhai–Toilogt)
Day 9 · West Shore and Wooden Box Island
Khuvsgul Lake（Khövsgöl Lake National Park – West Shore (Jankhai & Toilogt)、Lake Khövsgöl、Modon Khuis Island）
Stay in the area. Take a boat trip arranged by the camp north to see the lake and Wooden Box Island, taking about half a day round trip.
Wind and waves on the lake can change quickly, and boat trips depend on the weather; bring a windbreaker.
Stay: Western Shore Camps (Zaanhai–Toilogt)
Day 10 · Horse Riding and Hiking in the Foothills of Khoridol Saridag
Khuvsgul Lake（Khoridol Saridag Mountains）
Spend the whole day on the west shore, riding horses or hiking west into the forested foothills, with no long drives required.
Stay: Western Shore Camps (Zaanhai–Toilogt)
Day 11 · Fly from Khatgal Back to Ulaanbaatar
Khuvsgul Lake（Khatgal） → Ulaanbaatar & Terelj
Drive from Khatgal to Mörön for about 2.5 hours, then fly to Ulaanbaatar for about 1.5 hours. Stay in the city tonight.
Flights from Mörön do not run daily and are subject to adjustment; book your flight tickets first, then plan the rest of the itinerary backwards.
Stay: Around Sükhbaatar Square
Day 12 · Wrap Up in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar & Terelj（Gandantegchinlen Monastery、Chinggis Khaan National Museum、Sükhbaatar Square）
Explore the city center on foot, or take a taxi between Gandan Monastery and museums. Depart today according to your flight schedule.