Highlights of Zavkhan Circuit

Flanked by the breathtaking high mountain range of Khangai Nuruu, Zavkhan offers some of the most varied landscapes in Mongolia. Travellers will experience vast desert land, serene salt lakes and incredible sand dunes all within close proximity of each other. The sharp contrast in terrain makes travelling in this area unforgettable. This part of the country is still mostly untouched by travellers. However, MXP Adventure is proud to be one of the first agencies in the world to offer adventure trips for travellers keen to explore the unmatched beauty of Zavkhan.

MXP Adventure has put together a 12-day Zavkhan Circuit that brings you into the wilderness of untouched mid-western Mongolia.

DAY 1. Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia with airport transfer to hotel.  City sightseeing tour. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Not inclusive

DAY 2. Uliastai
Take an exhilarating ride over the Mongolia landscapes and reach Uliastai one hour after taking off from Ulaanbaatar domestic airport.
Uliastai, a peaceful and pleasant city, is wedged in by mountains in all directions. You can view the entire city from Javkhlant Tolgoi, a hilltop that sits in the northern part of the city.

Accommodation: Local hotel in Uliastai
Meals: Full board

DAY 3. Otgon Tenger Strictly Protected Area
The very reason why this itinerary includes Otgon Tenger Strictly Protected Area is to catch the glimpse of the Otgon Tenger Mountain, the highest peak in the Khangai Nuruu range. Towering at 3905 m, this peak is considered a sacred one to the locals and scaling the peak is prohibited. The best view of this holy peak is from Dayan Uul. For one who is extremely lucky is able to see the peak of Otgon Tenger.

Accommodation: Camp at the foot of Dayan Uul
Meals: Full board

DAY 4. Khar Nuur
Khar Nuur locates about 4 hours drive from Uliastai. It is a scenic lake that is surrounded with high mountains and sand dunes. Horse riding around the Khar Nuur is possible.

Accommodation: Camping near Khar Nuur
Meals: Full board

DAY 5. Mukhart
Mukhart is part of the huge Mongol Els (sand dune) and is uniquely shaped to look like a dam, particular Hoover Dam in Nevada. A river runs from the foot of the dam and meanders through the sand dunes forming an oasis which is excellent for camping.
The sceneries from Khar Nuur to Mukhart are indescribable. The varied landscapes change continuously from mountains, lakes, sand dunes, unique rock formations, plains, plateaus, grassland etc. An interesting highlight on this part of the overland journey is the Senjit Khad - a natural stone arch. This stone arch is located on an elevated plain where surrounding views are breathe-taking and it looks like a doorway to heaven.

Accommodation: Camping on the oasis
Meals: Full board

DAY 6. Uliastai
Return back to Uliastai. Spend a night in Uliastai before heading eastwards towards Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: Local hotel in Uliastai
Meals: Full board

DAY 7. Camping outside Tosontsengel
Tosontsengel offers some lovely valleys and quiet spots which are ideal for camping. Tosontsengel is Zavkhan's second biggest city and has more economical values that Uliastai as it is a timber centre in Western Mongolia.

Accommodation: Camping in Tosontsengel
Meals: Full board

DAY 8. & DAY 9.Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur
You will be greeted with spectacular sceneries and landscapes en route to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur from Tosontsengel. Sunsets over the lake are splendid!

Accommodation: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur ger camp resort
Meals: Full board

DAY 10. Kharkhorin
Embark on an overland journey to Kharkhorin – once the capital city that serve Chinggis Khan and his vast empire. Visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu monastery, the first centre of Lamaism in Mongolia, and enjoy the majestic architecture of ancient history.

Accommodation: Kharkhorin ger camp resort
Meals: Full board

DAY 11. Terelj
Another long drive before arriving in Ulaanbaatar. Transit to Terelj. Terelj offers excellent hiking opportunities and horse riding through cooling alpine scenery. Swimming in icy river is definitely worth a try. Free and easy in Terelj.

Accommodation: Terelj ger camp resort
Meals: Full board

DAY 12. Ulaanbaatar
Last minute souvenir shopping in Ulaanbaatar, checking emails, doing laundry, dining in restaurants are some of the things you can engage before heading home.  Free and easy in the capital city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Meals: Not inclusive

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel:                
4 nights
Ger camp resort:
3 to 4 nights
Camping:           
4 to 5 nights
(tents and roll mat will be provided, however sleeping bags are not as it is considered a personal item)

MEALS
Full board except on Day 1 and 12 as Ulaanbaatar offers a wide variety of international cuisine.
(Please take note that late meals are often a norm in some days due to long travelling distances between ger resorts.  Do expect to have your dinner at close to twelve midnight!)

PAID ACTIVITIES
1. Horse-riding in Khar Nuur
2. Museum in Ulaanbaatar
4. Ulaanbaatar sightseeing tour
5. Entrance fee to Terelj National Park

MODE OF TRANSPORT
1. Russian Van or Jeep
(maximum capacity is 5 passengers per vehicle; however MXP tries to limit to 4 passengers per vehicle for extra comfort)
2. Domestic Flight
MIAT or Aero Mongolia between Uliastai and Ulaanbaatar

PRICING
Prices are subjected to change, please email to pj@mxpadventure.com for pricing.