Western Mongolia Cultural Tourism - Khovd Province and Khar-Us LAKE

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

We’ll Start of Western Mongolia Cultural Tourism via a Domestic Flight

You will be picked up by your guide from your hotel and taken to the airport for your direct afternoon flight to Khovd. The flight will take about three and a half hours you will arrive in the provincial capital where you will be met by our local staff. You will later drive to a scenic spot on the Buyant River where a camp will be set up for the night. Enjoy your evening meal on the banks of the river, but don’t forget to take mosquito repellent in the summer months.

Western Mongolia Cultural Tourism – You Can Hike or Ride in the Vicinity and Visit Locals

Today you will have the opportunity to hike or hose ride in the vicinity of the lake. In the summer months there will be several local herding families that you will be able to visit. This part of Mongolia is home to several ethnic minorities and you may well wander upon Khalkh, Myangad, Durvud, Tuva, Oold or Zakhin families. Rest, ride, hike, visit local families, or search for more birds. This is your day to spend as you wish. You will be free to take a packed lunch with you if you choose to spend the whole day away from camp. Camp overnight.

Western Mongolia Cultural Tourism – Hiking and Exploring Ancient Caves as well as Visiting Local Nomadic Families

This morning we say goodbye to Lake Khar Us and head for the “Blue Caves” in Mankhan Sum. After a drive of about 50km you will reach a rocky valley with a small cave entrance situated several metres above the valley bottom. The main reason to visit Tsenkheriin Agui or the Blue Cave is to see the ancient cave paintings, which date back somewhere between 15000 – 40000 years. 

Take a strong torch and you will be able to find pictures of wild goats, camels, an ostrich, and other larger mammals. Wear a good pair of hiking boots and try to avoid the piles of bird guano. We will camp in the vicinity of the cave and you will be able to meet local families and hike in the hills.

Western Mongolia Cultural Tourism – Overland by Jeep to Khovd and Explore the Local Town

We will drive the 90km or so back to Khovd after a relaxing breakfast. You will be able to spend the afternoon exploring the town. Sights you may want to see include the local museum, the Sangiin Kherem Manchu Ruins, the local Buddhist temple, and the local market. We will once again camp along the banks of the River Buyant.