Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Mongolia – Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center
- Dinner
Upon arriving at Ulaanbaatar Airport, a transfer leads to the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center. This open-air museum presents the traditional lifestyle of Mongolia's pastoral nomads, showcasing their dwellings, culinary practices, and migration techniques. Demonstrations of horsemanship, craft-making, and traditional music provide insight into centuries-old traditions. The evening concludes at a ger camp, offering a comfortable introduction to the nomadic way of life under Mongolia’s expansive night skies.
Day 2 | Mongol Nomadic Center – Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The route continues to Khogno Khan Mountain, where rocky ridges rise above the plains. After a scenic hike with sweeping views, the journey proceeds to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a striking desertscape marking the edge of the Gobi Desert. A trek along the dunes reveals dramatic landscapes, followed by an opportunity to ride a Bactrian camel, echoing the ancient Silk Road caravans. The day concludes with an overnight stay near the dunes, surrounded by the tranquil desert.
Day 3 | Elsen Tasarkhai – Khangai Mountains
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The journey heads toward Shankh Monastery, a site rich in history and spiritual significance, linked to Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage. Continuing to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trail stops at Uurtiin Tokhoi, where the Orkhon River curves dramatically through the landscape. Exploring the volcanic canyon around the Red Waterfall offers opportunities to hike, take in the scenery, or enjoy the calm pools. Evening accommodations are nestled at the foot of the Khangai Mountains.
Day 4 | Trekking to the Small Waterfall
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
A four-day trekking expedition begins with the assistance of local herders, yaks, and horses to carry supplies. The trail winds through the Khangai landscape toward a hidden volcanic crater harboring the Small Waterfall. The day’s trek offers encounters with wildlife such as marmots and eagles amid verdant hills and open plains. At the destination, the waterfall creates a serene retreat. After returning to the eco-camp for lunch, the afternoon includes a visit to a herder family to observe traditional practices like dairy production.
Day 5 | Trekking to Shireet Lake
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The trek ascends Shireet Pass, offering panoramic views of the Khangai Mountains, before descending into lush valleys leading to Shireet Lake. This lake, the first in the Eight Lakes region, reflects the surrounding wilderness, creating a peaceful environment. A rustic campsite by the lake provides a tranquil setting for the night under a clear, star-filled sky.
Day 6 | Exploring the Eight Lakes Region
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The day’s route traverses the interconnected lakes of the Khuisyn Naiman Nuur National Park. Each lake presents unique beauty, from the reed-lined shores of Khaliut Lake to the mirrored surfaces of Bugat, Khayaa, and Shanaa Lakes. The trek concludes at Khuis Lake, surrounded by forested hills. A camp near the water’s edge offers an evening immersed in nature.
Day 7 | Böörög Valley – Tsenkher Hot Springs
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The final trek through the Khuisyn Naiman Nuur Valley transitions to a drive across grasslands, meeting drivers for the next stage of the journey. A stop at Tsenkher Hot Springs provides a chance to relax in natural mineral pools, surrounded by serene landscapes. The day ends with an evening of rest and rejuvenation at the springs.
Day 8 | Tsenkher Hot Springs – Kharkhorin
- Breakfast
Travel leads to Kharkhorin, the historic site of Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. Visits to Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Karakorum Museum reveal layers of history through Buddhist rituals and archeological exhibits. The day concludes with a visit to the Monument of Empires, where the Orkhon Valley serves as a stunning backdrop for the setting sun.
Day 9 | Return to Ulaanbaatar
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The return to Ulaanbaatar offers time to explore the National History Museum, showcasing Mongolia’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. A walk through the central square highlights the contrasts between the nation’s past and its modern urban life. In the evening, a folk concert and farewell dinner celebrate Mongolia's artistic and culinary traditions.
Day 10 | Departure from Ulaanbaatar
- Breakfast
The journey concludes with a transfer to Chinggis Khan International Airport, marking the end of a trek through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Dates & Pricing
All prices of Eight lakes' Trekking Tour are in US dollars and per person based on twin share occupancy
Discounted rates for groups of 4 travelers or more:
4 travelers- US$2245/ person
8 travelers- US$1885/ person
- Applicable only for travel groups booking Eight lakes' Trekking Tour together.
- The discounted price is the price for 2 people (below) less the discount.
- Mongolian Ways Ltd. reserves the right to change Eight lakes' Trekking Tour prices and programs due to changes in flight schedule, changes in airfares, and other local circumstances.
24th June, 2025–3rd July, 2025
All prices of Trekking the Eight Lakes are in US dollars and per person based on twin share occupancy
Rates for private tours:
2 travelers – USD3,653/ person
4 travelers – USD2,901/ person
- Prices are valid for payment by wire transfers. Payment facilitated by credit cards would incur a supplement of 2.2% (3.8% for USD cards)
- Mongolian Ways Ltd. reserves the right to change Trekking the Eight Lakes prices and programs due to changes in flight schedule, changes in airfares, and other local circumstances.
Upgrades (for an ensuite ger- some would have toilets and shower, some just toilets within the ger; limited availability). More information on accommodation in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar: Best Western Premier 5-stars +USD41/ person (1 night)
Kharkhorin: +USD41/ person@twin share | +USD60/ person@single occupancy (1 night)
Ulaanbaatar: Best Western Premier 5-stars +USD66/ person@twin share | +USD71/ person@single occupancy (1 night)
24th July, 2025–2nd August, 2025
Additional Information
- All camping equipment except sleeping bag and mattress
- Meals as indicated in the program (full board basis)
- Private 4WD vehicle
- Drinking water throughout the trip
- Local English speaking guide
- Pack animals during the trek
- All entrance fees
- All transfers
- International travel costs to/from Mongolia
- Travel insurance
- PCR/COVID tests, or any tests that might be required for international or domestic travel
- Expenses that might incur due to the results of COVID tests before, during or after the tour
- Mongolian Visa
- Excess luggage
- Gratuities
- Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)
- Anything not mentioned in the program
- 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
- 4 nights' accommodation in ger camps
- 5 nights bush camping
Note: The listed hotels on Eight lakes' Trekking Tour are tentative. Final hotel list shall be confirmed upon placing a booking and paying a deposit.