Day 1. Drive to Kharkhorin

We will drive to Kharkhorin where the oldest and one of the most attractive monasteries Erdene Zuu located. On the way to Kharkhorin, we will have lunch in the local restaurant. The Erdenezuu monastery was established in 1585 by Abtai Sain King and built by Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese architects.

Day 2. Drive to Terkh White Lake

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is an astonishingly beautiful lake with relatively pure fresh water. Torrents of lava issuing from the Khorgo volcano blocked the north and south Terkh Rivers, so forming the dammed lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake at an altitude of 2060 meters above sea level. The lake is 16 km wide, 4-10 meters deep with its deepest point at 28 meters and over 20 kilometers long. It flooded 61,1 square km. The lake supports Pike and other fish.

Day 3. Horseback riding or hike to Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m)

Khorgo Mountain is an extinct volcano, which lies east of the Terkh White Lake. The Khorgo volcano is covered with basalt. It has been protected since 1965, fully in 1997, to safeguard spectacular mountain scenery and endangered fauna and flora. The mountain enjoys State protection as a National Park of 28 square kilometers including Togoo Uul which reaches 2240 meters above sea level, the volcano crater of the Togoo Uul is 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep. 

Day 4. Encounter the Khangai mountain range and pass Solongot and Zagastai Mountain passes.

Day 5. Drive to Uliastai town, the center of Zavkhan province.

This province lies in the Khangai mountain range. Reach Otgontenger Peak (4021m), which is one of the Sacred Mountains declared by the Mongolian State. Those sites are treated with the utmost respect. Within the vicinity of these sites, the cutting of trees, hunting of wild animals, or digging of the land is prohibited. Dating back to pre-Buddhist animist beliefs, these taboos serve the double purpose of worship and protecting the surrounding environment. Later incorporated into Buddhism, people continue to practice these traditions nowadays.

Day 6. Drive to Khar Lake /Black Lake/

Drive to Khar Lake /Black Lake/ - another wonder of natural beauty. This lake occupies 40 sq. km areas, and is surrounded by magic sand hills that its beauty could impress one. The lake reaches a 40m deep point. Hiking in vicinity areas.

Day 7. Arrive in Songino village. 

Visit local herders’ settlements to have full interacted with nomads. You have an opportunity to enjoy these days at the nomadic settlement familiarizing yourself with its lifestyle. Explore Airag Valley and visit a site of ancient stone monuments.

Day 8-9. Drive to the west heading to the Uvs province

Drive to the west heading to the Uvs province - a chain of lakes, wetlands, dunes, and high mountains. Arrive at Khyargas Lake – 2nd largest salt Lake in Mongolia. The lake has abundant fish and it is a nice stop for bird watching.

Day 10. Kharkhiraa Valley

Kharkhiraa Valley – a beautiful river valley surrounded by dense fine forest meadows carpeted with colorful wildflowers. Twin peaks of Kharkhiraa Mountain (4037m) and Turgen Mountain (3978) dominate the area. People of the Khoton ethnic group inhabit this area. Arrive in Uureg lake which lies at the borders of Uvs and Bayan-Olgii provinces. The lake is surrounded by peaks 3.000m in height and more such as Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain (3.496m) and is a great place for trekking, hiking, and fishing.

Day 11-12. Enter Bayan-Ulgii province.

Unlike other provinces, its population is dominated by Turkic Kazakhs, who have their own language, customs, and Muslim religion. On the way visit a Kazakh family, living in slightly larger and more colorful gers. They train eagles, falcons, and hawks to collect marmots, small foxes, and wolves and return to the ger, where the Kazakhs use them for food.

Day 13. We are entering the Altai high mountain area

We are entering the Altai high mountain area and arriving at Shiveet Khairkhan mountain- the closest place to the Altai peaks reachable by car. We are traveling at an altitude of 2500-3000 m. We will visit local Kazakh family to explore their life as well as rent horses for our further trip. Prepare our luggage for the next 3 trekking trips to Altai peaks.

Day 14. The Altai Tavan Bogd Peaks

Leave our vehicle load our luggage onto the horses and trek toward the Altai tavan Bogd peaks of 4100-4374m. Arrive at the foot of the high peaks. Tent

Day 15. Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier

Start our trekking towards Potanin Glacier and The Tavan Bogd (which means Holy Five Peaks) highest peaks in Mongolia - Khuiten Uul- 4374m, Peak Malchin, Peak Naran, Peak Burged, and Peak Ulgii.This means the 5 Kings comprises five neighboring peaks. While trekking we will cross glaciers that connect those five peaks—trekking distance 20km appr. Arrive at the camp.

Day 16. Back to Ulgii town

Day 17. Take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar from Ulgii town. Visit the State Department store for shopping souvenirs and presents. Evening cultural performance. Hotel.