PHOTO SAFARI

Zavkhan aimag occupies a transitional zone between the well-watered Khangai mountain range of central Mongolia and the harsh Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia. In between the two regions, Zavkhan has its own microclimates and varied terrain that ranges from snowy peaks to steppe to lakes surrounded by sand dunes. This is a pity because the scenery is some of the most dramatic and varied in the country; one minute you are travelling through lush valleys and hills, and then a few kilometres further you are in a desert.

Day 1. Capital - Ulaanbaatar

Day 2. Uliastai - Otgontenger

Day 3. Mt.Otgontenger/River Zavkhan

Day 4. River Zavkhan/Lake Durgun

Day 5. Lake Durgun/Lake Khar-Us lake

Day 6. Lake Khar-Us/Lake Khyargas

Day 7. Lake Khyargas

Day 8. Ulaangom/Kharhiraa

Day 9. Kharhiraa/Lake Uvs/Ulaangom

Day 10. Ulaangom/Ulaanbaatar.

Day11. Departure

Day 1. Capital - Ulaanbaatar. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel and start city tour in Ulaanbaatar, the nation’s capital, visit Chinggis square, Zaisan Hill; Museum of National History, famous for its exhibition for Stone and Bronze Age, Turkic and Mongol Empire, rise of Buddhism and communist regime, Gandan Monastery a centre of Mongolian Buddhism. Traditional cultural performance. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 2. Uliastai –Otgontenger. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Uliastai, center town of Zavkhan province for 2 hours. Arrive in Uliastai and drive to the east for 80 kms and reach the magnificent sacred mountain Otgontenger (4031metres high), the highest peak in the Khangain nuruu range.. Zavkhan province has over 40 mineral springs, the most famous of which is at Mt. Otgontenger, that now has an on-site spa. Explore the local area making a visit to a local nomad family. Overnight in tents outdoors.

Day 3. Mt.Otgontenger/River Zavkhan. After breakfast continue the trip by driving to the south west via Uliastai to the direction of River Zavkhan for about 210 kms. On the way, we will pass Tsagaanhairkhan and Tsagaanchuluut soums. Arrive in the shores of River Zavkhan. Overnight in tents near the River neighboring with a nomad family.

Day 4. River Zavkhan/Lake Durgun. Today, we will drive to the direction of Lake Durgun. We will drive to the west north along River Zavkhan and explore beautiful Lakes of Ereen and Sangyn Dalay that are located in the area of Mongol Els Sand Dunes, that cover an area of 2,724 square kms. We will pass Khukhmorit soum and after driving for more than 230 kms totally, we will enter the territory of Khovd province where we reach saltwater Lake of Durgun. Overnight in tents near the Lake.

Day 5. Lake Durgun/Lake Khar-Us lake. After breakfast, we will continue to the west for around 60-70 kms to Chandmani soum. We will visit a local family and experience the "Khuumii" throat singing. The notes are continuous and low, made by forcing air through a constricted throat, and a series of harmonies made by the tongue which, rolled under the palate, gauges the breath, producing sounds remarkably similar to those of a flute) by locals. We will trekk Mt. Jargalant Khairkhan that is located in Chandmani soum area. We will drive to Khar-Us lake which is great place for birdwatchers and overnight at the tent.

Day 6. Lake Khar-Us/Lake Khyargas. Today we will drive to the direction of the Lake Hyargas via Zavkhan soum of Uvs province. En route we will pass through Khovd town, center of Khovd province. Continue the trip and after driving for about 250 kms we arrive at the west coast of the Lake Khyargas. The large saltwater Khyargas lake has sandy shores, is located 90 kms south-east of Ulaangom, the center of Uvs province at 1426 meters above seal level. Overnight at the ger camp near the lake.

Day 7. Lake Khyargas. Today we will rest and stay at the Lake Khyargas and enjoy a full day swimming and laying on the gentle golden beaches under a blue sky and sunshine. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 8. Ulaangom/Kharhiraa. After breakfast, we will drive to Ulaangom town for 100 kms. Arrive in Ulaangom town and drive to the west for 20-30 kms to Kharhiraa holiday camp that is located in the Mt. Kharhiraa along river. Explore the local area with a beautiful and untouched nature. Overnight at the camp.

Day 9. Kharhiraa/Lake Uvs/Ulaangom. After breakfast, we will drive to the Lake Uvs via Ulaangom town (50-60 kms). We have a full day to explore saltwater Lake Uvs which is 80 kms wide and 80 kms long. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Ulaangom town. Overnight at a local hotel.

Day 10. Ulaangom/Ulaanbaatar. Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to take a flight to Ulaanbaatar. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. Tour the "Gobi" cashmere factory for shopping original and pure cashmere gifts and garments. Overnight at the hotel.

Day11. Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Our photo safari in Mongolia ends here by transferring to the airport.