DURATION:
6 Days
GROUP SIZE:
Any
Far in the north of Mongolia, where the vast Taiga (boreal) forest meets the Eurasian steppe, lies Khuvsgul Lake - ‘The Blue Pearl of Mongolia’. Every winter, its entire surface freezes up to a metre deep, transforming this enormous watery expanse into a giant winter playground. For a few days in March, braving temperatures sometimes below -20° C, Mongolians gather to celebrate their unique cultures and winter traditions in an incredible festival on ice. With numerous competitions, cultural showcases, ice architecture and sculpture, ritual performances, traditional food, and even a bonfire on the surface of the lake, it’s an unmissable event drawing both local and international crowds.
Beginning and ending in Ulaanbaatar, this tour gives you the chance to join in the festivities, mingling with local people, taking part in various games, and capturing spectacular photographs.
Even the journey to and from the festival is an adventure, travelling first by train then private car across Mongolia’s stunning winter landscapes with scenic stops along the way.
Cost
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Day 1
Ulaanbaatar to Erdenet by Overnight Train
Meet your guide at your accommodation around midday as you check out of your hotel. Share a relaxed lunch together before heading to the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station to catch your overnight train to Erdenet.
Settle into your comfortable sleeper cabin, then sit back and watch Mongolia’s beautiful countryside roll past. The peaceful journey gives you time to unwind, take in the scenery, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Get a good night’s rest as the train gently rocks you to sleep.
Day 2
Erdenet to Khuvsgul Lake
Meet your driver in Erdenet as you step off the train, then, after a hearty breakfast, drive through beautiful winter landscapes to the city of Murun, the provincial capital.
After Murun, it’s on to Khuvsgul Lake, known as ‘The Blue Pearl of Mongolia’ (6-7 hours total travel).
Upon arrival, glimpse the spectacular blue-white frozen expanse of the lake before checking into your ger (yurt) camp which will be your home base for the next two days. Explore or rest as you choose for the remainder of the day.
Day 3
Ice Festival
Following the formal opening of the Ice Festival, you’ll witness an exciting line up of traditional games and competitions. Watch the Tsaatan (Dukha) tribe’s showcase their unique reindeer herding culture and marvel at events like the ice-cube game, ice target archery, ice skating competition, and horse and dog sled races. There’s even a winter clothing fashion contest, where attendees show off their best cold-weather outfits.
For a change of pace, seek out the various ice structures and statues around the lake: lounge on frozen couches, slide down from the top of an icy tower, or admire the work of Mongolia’s talented ice artists.
As evening falls, the festivities continue around the bonfire and into the night.
It’s a day filled with culture, competition, and unforgettable winter magic.
Day 4
Ice Festival
Day two of the Ice Festival continues with more exciting events and activities. Competition ramps up for events such as ice skating and archery, with the addition of lively tug-of-war matches, relay races, and wrestling on the frozen lake. For a cultural highlight, be sure to catch the equestrian show displaying the incredible Mongolian horse skills and tradition, or mix it up with a Russian Jeep race across the ice.
The festival concludes with an award ceremony for competition winners. As time allows, you can try horse sledding yourself, sample freshwater smoked fish and traditional Mongolian meals, or browse handmade souvenirs to take home a piece of this unique experience.
Day 5
Erdenet City
After breakfast in your ger camp, begin the two-day journey back to Ulaanbaatar through gorgeous winter scenery.
If the weather is pleasant and you’re feeling energetic, take the opportunity to climb the Uran Togoo Volcano after your lunch break.
Stay the night in a comfortable hotel in Erdenet City, the location of Mongolia's largest copper mine. If you’re interested, drive to a viewing point to see the mine from above.
Day 6
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Complete your scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar, noticing the changes in the landscape as you travel Mongolia’s vast frozen north. Savour these last views of the snowy steppe before arriving back at your accommodation in the capital.
Finally, bid farewell to your guide and driver, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
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