A 30-day traverse from Ikh Nart Nature Reserve and the Khamar Monastery in the eastern Gobi across Mongolia’s desert, mountain and lake regions. Explore Ikh Gazar, Yol Valley, Bayanzag and Khongor Sand Dunes; continue via Bichigt Khad and Ikh Bogd to horseback journeys through the Naiman Lakes and Orkhon Valley. Visit Tovkhon Monastery, Tsenkher Hot Springs and Khorgo Volcano, then travel to Khovsgol Lake and the Darkhad reindeer country. The return route passes through Murun, Uran Togoo, Ugii Lake, Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai before Ulaanbaatar.
Day 1: Explore Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. Day 2: Visit Sainshand and Khamar Monastery. Day 3: Travel to Ikh Gazar. Day 4: Hike in Yol Valley. Day 5: Explore Bayanzag and the Flaming Cliffs. Day 6: Climb the Khongor Sand Dunes.
Day 7: Visit Bichigt Khad. Days 8–9: Explore Ikh Bogd Mountain, with camping in the area. Day 10: Travel via Shireetiin Davaa. Days 11–12: Explore the Naiman Lakes. Day 13: Horse trek through the Orkhon Valley.
Day 14: Visit Tovkhon Monastery. Day 15: Relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs. Days 16–17: Explore Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Day 18: Visit Shine-Ider village. Day 19: Arrive at Khovsgol Lake.
Days 20–24: Travel to meet a reindeer herding family in the Darkhad region. Spend time with the family, make the horse trek to and from the visit, and experience the reindeer herders’ way of life.
Day 25: Return to Murun. Day 26: Hike to the Uran Togoo crater. Day 27: Visit Ugii Lake. Day 28: Explore Kharkhorin. Day 29: Cross the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes. Day 30: Return to Ulaanbaatar, with an optional visit to a small monastery.
