Offroad Odyssey: Mongolia

Dates: July 26 – Aug 8, 2026

Vast, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful, Mongolia is a land where endless steppe meets towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient forests. Rich in history and culture—from the empire of Genghis Khan to a centuries-old nomadic way of life—Mongolia offers a journey not only through stunning landscapes but also into the heart of a profound and enduring spirituality shaped by Shamans, Buddhism, Father Sky and Mother Nature herself.

This 14-day offroad adventure invites you into the wild heart of Mongolia — a land of big skies, nomads, horses, and endless horizons. From the tranquil beauty of Amarbayasgalant Monastery to the alpine majesty of Khuvsgul Lake, this itinerary takes you across sweeping steppe, volcanic landscapes, breathtaking forested Taiga, and desert dunes. Among the highlights is a rare opportunity to trek on horseback through the northern Taiga and live among the Dukha (Tsaatan) reindeer herders, one of the last nomadic reindeer cultures in the world.

Tour Highlights

Amarbayasgalant Monastery – “Monastery of Tranquil Felicity”
Khuvsgul Lake – “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia”
Horse trekking and overnight camping through the ancient Taiga forests to visit the Reindeer People
The Great White Lake & Khorgo Volcano
Gobi Desert and Khugnu Khaan Nature Reserve

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – July 26: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Optional half-day city tour: Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khaan Winter Palace
Traditional Mongolian concert in the evening
Welcome dinner
Overnight: Hotel (L, D)

Day 2 – July 27: Journey to Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Travel north to one of Mongolia’s largest and best-preserved monasteries, built between 1727–1736 in honor of Zanabazar, the first spiritual head of Mongolian Buddhism.

Leave 7.30 am, drive 350 km/5 hr
Explore the temple complex of 30 structures
Short hike in the surrounding hills
Overnight: Yurt camp (B, L, D)

Day 3 – July 28: Murun town – Gateway to the North

Attend the monks’ morning chanting ceremony before driving to Murun.

Leave at 7 am, for the first of our three day-long drives on this itinerary at 500 km/8 hr
Several stops on our beautiful scenic drive
Continue onward toward Murun
Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 4 – July 29: Into the Darkhad Depression – Ancient Deer Stone Monument

Drive through the dramatic Darkhad Valley, dotted with rivers, lakes, and forested mountains.

Leave at 7.30 am, drive 270 km across scenic dirt roads, little brooks and forested mountains, up to 8 hrs with multiple stops
First stop: Visit Uushigiin Uvur Valley, a Bronze Age site with 14 beautifully carved deer stones used in ancient burial rituals.
Visit the remote village of Ulaan-Uul
Arrive at a nomadic host family near Tsagaan Nuur
Overnight: Nomadic Host Family (B, L, D)

Day 5 – July 30: Horse or Hike into the Taiga forest

Begin the horseback or hiking journey into the northern Taiga, home of the Dukha Reindeer People.

Leave at 7 am to cover 20-25 kms (5-6 hrs)
Ride or hike through lush forests and wetlands — a landscape alive with wild beauty.
Overnight: Tent (B, L, D)

Note: For those uncomfortable with horse riding, we have the option of hiking on foot instead, although this will take longer. A guide will walk with you. Please request this ahead of time. Horse riding itself will involve many breaks and walking alongside the horse as needed.

Day 6 – July 31: Back to the Darkhad Valley

Say farewell to the Dukha Reindeer people after breakfast

Horseback or hike back to Tsagaan Nuur the same way we came
Beautiful outdoor picnic lunch surrounded by mountains and forests
Overnight: Nomadic Host Family (B, L, D)

Day 7 – August 1: The Blue Pearl – Khuvsgul Lake

Drive to the stunning Khuvsgul Lake National Park, known as Mongolia’s “Mother Sea.”

Leave after breakfast around 8 am, drive off road, across beautiful landscapes for 350 km/7 hrs with stops
Overnight: Yurt Camp (B, L, D)

Days 8 – August 2: The Blue Pearl – Khuvsgul Lake

Explore the lakeshore and surrounding forested mountains

Enjoy short hikes along the shore
Return to Murun town late that afternoon (2 hr drive)
Overnight: Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 9 – August 3: Zuun Lake

Zuun lake is a scenic highlight of Khovsgol’s far south. There are excellent camp sites all around and the blue dollop of water is located 13km north of Shine-Ider village and about 110km southwest of Murun.