Desert Shore to Desert Sand: Two Weeks from Khövsgöl to the Gobi
Two weeks in Mongolia unlocks the country’s full potential. This itinerary takes you from the Gobi Desert in the south all the way to Khövsgöl Lake in the north, with the Orkhon Valley in between. You’ll experience Mongolia’s incredible diversity: camel trekking across singing dunes, exploring ancient monasteries, horses trekking through pristine taiga, kayaking on crystal-clear alpine lakes, and meeting reindeer herders in the remote northern forests. This is the trip that will change how you see the world. Estimated budget: $1800–2600.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Ulaanbaatar Full Exploration
Spend two full days exploring Ulaanbaatar. Day 1 covers Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum of Mongolia, Gandan Monastery, and the Zaisan Memorial at sunset. Day 2 visits the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace (the last king’s residence), Choijin Lama Temple, and the Black Market (Narantuul) for souvenir shopping. Try traditional Mongolian BBQ and visit a local craft brewery in the evenings.
Days 3–4: Fly to Gobi Desert Expedition
Fly to Dalanzadgad. Day 3: Visit Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs at sunset — the red sandstone formations are spectacular. Overnight at a Gobi ger camp. Day 4: Camel trek across Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes), climbing the 300-metre dunes for panoramic views. Visit Yolyn Am, a dramatic ice canyon. Overnight near the dunes.
Days 5–6: Orkhon Valley – Karakorum & Erdene Zuu
Drive from the Gobi to the Orkhon Valley (5–6 hours). Day 5: Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery with its 108 white stupas, the ancient Karakorum ruins, and the Karakorum Museum. Day 6: Hike to the Orkhon Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Mongolia, and visit the Tuvkhun Hermitage for panoramic valley views. Stay with a nomadic family in the valley.
Day 7: Travel to Khövsgöl Area
Travel day from the Orkhon Valley to the Khövsgöl region. This is a full-day journey (8–10 hours by vehicle) across the northern Mongolian steppe. Arrive at Khatgal village at the southern tip of Khövsgöl Lake in the evening. Check into your lakeside ger camp.
Days 8–11: Khövsgöl Lake – Horse Trek & Kayaking
Four spectacular days at Khövsgöl Lake. Day 8: Explore the lakeshore, kayak on the pristine turquoise water, hike through taiga forest. Day 9: Multi-day horse trek along the lake shore, staying at remote ger camps. Day 10: Visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders in the northern taiga — one of the world’s last reindeer herding cultures. Day 11: Final lake morning with sunrise swim, then return to Khatgal.
Days 12–13: Return to UB & Rest
Day 12: Fly from Moron back to Ulaanbaatar (morning flight). Rest afternoon, do final souvenir shopping at the State Department Store for cashmere and felt products. Day 13: Optional day trip to Hustai National Park to see Takhi wild horses, or explore any UB sites you missed.
Day 14: Departure
Final morning in Ulaanbaatar. Last-minute souvenir shopping or a visit to the Winter Palace if you haven’t already. Head to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
Budget Summary: 14-Day Mongolia Itinerary
Estimated Total: $1800–2600 per person
- Accommodation (13 nights): $300–500
- Domestic flights (UB–Gobi, Moron/Mürün–UB): $250–350
- Gobi tour (3 days guide, transport, meals, camp): $350–500
- Orkhon Valley (2 days guide, transport, camp): $200–350
- Khovsgol Lake (4 days guide, camp, horse trek, kayak): $500–700
- Meals and incidentals: $200–300
Best Season: July–August (peak summer for Khövsgöl)
Recommended For: Adventure travellers with flexibility, photographers, culture enthusiasts wanting deep immersion
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and may vary by season. Domestic flights and guides should be booked in advance. This itinerary requires good physical fitness. For general reference only.