Travel north from Ulaanbaatar to the extinct volcano of Uran Togoo, then continue to Murun and the shores of Khövsgöl Lake. The journey turns south through Khutag-Öndör and Ugii Lake before reaching Kharkhorin and the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, returning to Ulaanbaatar on Day 10. Highlights include a short crater hike, a motorboat trip to Khadan Khui Island, time beside two freshwater lakes, a monastery and museum visit in Kharkhorin, and an optional camel or horse ride at Elsen Tasarkhai.
Begin the northbound journey from Ulaanbaatar toward Uran Togoo. The approximate road distance from Ulaanbaatar to Uran Togoo is about 540 km; the itinerary lists a separate 230 km Uran Togoo leg for Day 2.
Travel to Uran Togoo in Bulgan Province and take a short hike to the crater, where a lake and forest sit within the volcanic landscape. Stay at a motel beside the paved road. Distance: 230 km on paved road.
Drive to Murun, the capital of the northern province. Take time to rest, shower, do laundry, shop, or visit a pub or lounge. Distance: 350 km off-road.
Travel to Khövsgöl Lake for a two-day lakeside visit. The shared two-day plan includes a motorboat trip to Khadan Khui Island and time to explore the lake area. Stay at a ger camp beside the lake. Distance: 300 km off-road for the lake leg.
Continue the two-day Khövsgöl Lake visit. The lake has four named islands: Modon Khui, Khadan Khui, Dalai Khui and Baga Khui. The plan includes a motorboat trip to Khadan Khui Island, hiking and lakeside exploration; cycling is optional. The lake has been protected as a national park since 1992.
Continue south toward Ugii Lake, stopping in Khutag-Öndör along the way. Enjoy the village’s river and mountain scenery, with time to hike and relax. Distance: 350 km.
Visit Ugii Lake, a freshwater lake in eastern Arkhangai known for its fish and birdlife. Enjoy time for hiking, swimming, sunset views and optional fishing. Visit a nomadic family and stay in their ger. Distance: 130 km on paved and off-road routes.
Travel to Kharkhorin and visit its monastery and museum. Stay overnight at a ger camp in the city. Distance: 350 km on paved road.
Explore Elsen Tasarkhai, where steppe, sand dunes, mountains and a river meet. Walk along the dunes and ride a camel or horse. Visit a nomadic family, enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue dinner, and stay overnight in a ger. Distance: 350 km on paved road.
Travel back to Ulaanbaatar, stopping at a small monastery and historic temple ruins if you choose; the monastery visit is optional. Continue to your accommodation in the city. Distance: 280 km on paved road.
