Sunday 1st March – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

• Arrive at your convenience into Ulaanbaatar – the capital city of Mongolia which is well connected from many countries within Asia, and the rest of the world.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Dinner where we will get to know our new members of the group and have our first look at the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar
• Overnight in Ulaanbaatar

Monday 2nd March – Ulaanbaatar – Erdenet

Morning

• After breakfast, we begin our long but scenic journey northwards to Khovsgol Province via Erdenet – Mongolia’s third-largest city. Though industrial in nature, Erdenet is surrounded by wide-open steppes and remote beauty, offering a unique contrast between modern industry and timeless nomadic landscapes.
• As we leave the capital behind, we’ll travel along paved roads winding through rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and scattered ger camps, where herders live much as they have for generations. This is classic Mongolia – vast, silent, and endlessly photogenic.

Afternoon

• Along the way, we’ll stop to visit a local nomadic family, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures. You’ll have the chance to step inside a ger, try traditional dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) or aaruul (dried curd), and chat with the family about their seasonal lifestyle.
• By late afternoon, we arrive in Erdenet, a small but significant city built around one of the largest copper mines in Asia. While not a typical tourist destination, it offers a fascinating look at Mongolia’s Soviet-influenced past and ongoing industrial development.
• Settle into a local hotel, enjoy a hearty Mongolian dinner, and perhaps toast the day’s journey with a local beer or vodka.
• Overnight in Erdenet

Tuesday 3rd March – Erdenet – Khovsgol Lake

Morning

• After breakfast, we continue our drive north into Mongolia’s remote northern reaches, heading toward the province bordering Russia – a region known for its pristine natural beauty and strong ties to Mongolia’s spiritual heritage.
• En route, we’ll make a special stop at Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most serene and architecturally significant Buddhist sites. Nestled in a quiet valley, this majestic monastery was built in the 18th century to honor Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first spiritual leader and a revered scholar, artist, and philosopher. Once home to over 600 monks, Amarbayasgalant was one of the few monasteries to survive the Stalinist purges relatively intact, making it a rare and precious cultural treasure.

Afternoon

• The road continues through dramatic steppe landscapes and thickening forests as we approach Lake Khovsgol – known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” One of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the region. Khovsgol is a sacred site for Mongolians and is home to breathtaking winter scenery.
• We’ll arrive by evening and settle into our cozy ger camp, located right by the frozen lake itself. These traditional gers (yurt-like felt tents) are still used by nomadic families across the country. Simple, warm, and atmospheric. Our camp is right on the lake’s edge, putting us in prime position for the upcoming festivities and local gatherings that take place on the frozen surface.
• Overnight at Lake Khovsgol

Wednesday 4th March – Khovsgol Lake: Blue Pearl Ice Festival

Morning

• After breakfast, we head out onto the frozen surface of Lake Khovsgol for the long-anticipated Blue Pearl Ice Festival – one of the most unique cultural experiences in Mongolia, if not the world.
• Held each year in the depths of winter, the festival brings together local nomadic families, and herders to celebrate life in one of the planet’s harshest but most beautiful environments. With temperatures dropping as low as –30°C, it’s a test of endurance and a full-on celebration of Mongolian resilience, tradition, and creativity.
• The day begins with the grand opening ceremony, featuring music, speeches, and traditional performances right on the frozen lake. From there, we dive into a whirlwind of sporting competitions, cultural displays, and adrenaline-pumping winter games.

Afternoon

• Today’s events include a variety of activities that highlight both traditional skills and quirky cold-weather contests. We’ll witness:
• Ice Archery – a precision sport with deep nomadic roots
• Horse Sled Races – locals show off speed and control across the ice
• Reindeer Performances – hosted by the Dukha (Tsaatan) reindeer herders, showcasing their unique bond with these mystical animals
• Ice Cube Stacking & Skating Races – light-hearted but competitive local games
• Winter Fashion Show – a showcase of traditional and modern winter clothing worn by herders and locals alike
• As night falls and the stars light up the frozen sky, we’ll take part in something truly unforgettable – a shamanic bonfire ceremony performed by local spiritual leaders. Gathered around the fire, we’ll witness age-old rituals meant to honour ancestors, ask for protection, and bless the coming year.
• Overnight at Lake Khovsgol

Thursday 5th March – Khovsgol Lake: Blue Pearl Ice festival & Reindeer Festival

Morning

• After breakfast, we head back out onto the ice to enjoy the final day of the Blue Pearl Ice Festival – a jam-packed finale filled with energy, tradition, and some truly wild competitions. This is the last chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, snap those icy photos, and take part in the festivities that celebrate life in Mongolia’s frozen north.
• Today’s events include:
• Tug of War – Whether one-on-one or in teams, this is a raw test of strength, grit, and crowd-pumping enthusiasm.
• Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh) – No weight classes here. Wrestlers of all sizes compete in a show of skill, balance, and sheer power. This is the sport of Mongolia – national champions are treated as heroes, often rising to fame in sports or even politics.
• Sumo on Ice – Exactly what it sounds like: sumo-style wrestling, but with the added challenge of a slippery surface. It’s a crowd favourite for its chaos and laughs.
• Horse Sledding – A throwback to traditional winter transport. Fast, bumpy, and exhilarating.
• Smoked Fish Tasting – Sample traditional local delicacies that form a staple diet among northern tribes. It’s not for the faint-hearted — but where’s the fun in playing it safe?
• Craft Shopping – Wander the vendor stalls for hand-crafted souvenirs, felt goods, wood carvings, and other Mongolian keepsakes.
• Closing Prize Ceremony – As the festival wraps up, cheer alongside locals for the winners of the games, many of whom are herders and villagers taking pride in their skills and traditions.

Afternoon

• After lunch, the cultural immersion continues as we kick off the Reindeer Festival, a smaller but equally fascinating event celebrating the Dukha (Tsaatan) reindeer herders. One of the most isolated and unique ethnic groups in the world.
• This afternoon’s highlights include:
• Reindeer Sled Races – The signature event of the festival! Watch as the Dukha people guide their reindeer across the snow in fast-paced races that blend precision, connection, and tradition.
• Cultural Activities – As the festival unfolds, enjoy additional cultural showcases such as traditional music, storytelling, crafts, and rituals passed down through generations of reindeer herders.
• With the lake frozen beneath your feet, reindeer racing across the tundra, and the sounds of throat singing echoing in the distance, you’ll feel a world away from anything ordinary.
• Overnight at Lake Khovsgol

Friday 6th March – Khovsgol Lake: Reindeer Festival – Erdanent – Ulaanbaatar

Morning

• After breakfast, we head back onto the snow-covered plains for the final day of the Reindeer Festival. You’ll have the opportunity to spectate and engage in a variety of unique events:
• Reindeer Sled Races – Watch the Dukha herders showcase their skill, speed, and bond with their animals in these thrilling races through the taiga.
• Ethnic Music Performances – Enjoy traditional Mongolian and Dukha melodies played on instruments like the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), accompanied by throat singing and folk songs.
• Storytelling & Folklore – Sit in on oral storytelling sessions, where legends, spiritual beliefs, and survival tales are passed down the generations.
• Photo Sessions – Pose with the majestic reindeer and their handlers for the perfect shot. An amazing opportunity for intimate portraits and cultural snapshots.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we say goodbye to Lake Khovsgol and begin the journey south back to Erdenet. As we leave the ice and snow behind, the landscape slowly opens into rolling steppes and quiet provincial towns.
• We’ll arrive in Erdenet in time for a final dinner and a chance to freshen up before boarding our overnight sleeper train departing at 10:00pm, heading back towards the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
• Overnight on the sleeper train

Saturday 7th March – Ulaanbaatar

• Arrive back into Ulaanbaatar at 9:00am. Though please note that weather conditions and rail delays can sometimes affect timing.
• Tour concludes – but your adventure doesn’t have to end here. If you’re keen to see more of Mongolia, we can help arrange customized extensions such as riding horses across the Gobi Desert, camel trekking with local herders, or spend more time lodging with nomadic families.

Read More