Mongolia Adventure Tour - Khuvsgul Lake

Members of the GoingPlaces.sg team will be going on a 8-Day Mongolia Adventure tour with Universal Travel. We booked the tour during the Natas Fair 2012 and are excited to share the itinerary with those who are also planning to discover Mongolia.

The highlight of this adverture tour is to visit Mongolia's largest and deepest lake, Khuvsgul Lake, also known as "The Dark Blue Pearl" on a 4-wheel drive.

The tour fares for twin-sharing is about SGD3,800 per pax, it on the expensive side but the package includes direct chartered flight to Ulaanbaatar (the capital of Mongolia), over-land transfers on a 4WD and accommodations, including staying in a Mongolian ger and all meals are provided. And there is only one departure date on 13 June 2012.

Adult Twin S$3399*
Adult Single S$3899*
*Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharge: S$409

8 Days Mongolia Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Singapore - Ulaanbaatar

Fly via Mongolia Air OM702 19.50pm - 05.10am (direct chartered flight) to Ulaanbaatar, the captial of Mongolia.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar - Arkhangai province
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the morning, we will proceed for a drive to the Arkhangai province. Along the way, we will get glimpses of attractive landscape wit ha composition of mountains, forests, grassland and rivers. At night, we will stay overnight in tourist camp near the Bulgan mountain of Tsetserleg town.

Day 3: Arkhangai province - Khorgo Volcano - Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

We will visit the extinct Khorgo volcano by trekking to its big crater which once spewed hot lava. Khorgo Mountain used to be a dormant volcano located on the east shore of Lake Terkhliin Tsagaan. The volcano crater of the Togoo Uul is covered with Siberain Larch. One of the most interesting sights of Khorgo is the so-called Basalt Ger, which lies on the southern side. It is a large solidified bubble of lava with a broken piece on one side, which makes a natural door. If time permits, we will visit a local horseman nomadic family where we will experience their lifestyle and also a trail ride on hoursebacks.

Next, we will proceed to tour the Terkhiin Tasagaan Lake, which was formed when Khorgo volcano lava dammed the Suman River, cutting a large gorge through the basalt. It is an astonishingly beautiful lake - 20km long, 16km wide and 4 to 10 meters deep with an altitude of 2,060m above sea level. Well known as the White Lake, it is a good spot for bird watching and fishing. Afternoon, we will proceed for lunch at Taikhar rock camp. Overnight in tourist camp.

Day 4: Terhkiin Tsagaan Lake - Khuvsgul National Park

On the 4th day, we will proceed for about five hours' drive to the Zuun Lake. Zuun Lake is great place for bird viewings and it is also located along the way to the Khuvsgul lake park. Tonight, we will overnight in tourist camp.

Day 5/6: Khuvsgul National Park - Khuvsgul Lake

Drive to Khuvsgul Lake, the deepest and purest lake in Mongolia. As known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, it borders Siberia and has magnificent landscape views. We will also embark on a trek to the lakeside and mountains for photo taking sessions, exploring and enjoying the wildlife, flora and fauna of Khuvsgul Lake area.

We will proceed for a tour to the Khuvsgul Lake area to visit the Tsaatan ethnic people. These enigmatic people herd reindeer and live in the deep taiga forest. Reindeers are herded for their antlers, a lucrative medicinal material as well as for their milk and meat. We may get a chance to ride on the back of the reindeer to taking a memorable picture of an unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Khuvsgal National Park - Murun - Ulaanbaatar

Drive back towards Murun to catch the return flight to Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will have some time to shop for souvenirs and cashmeres. Later in the evening, we will enjoy live performance of Mongolian National folklore followed by farewell dinner in Mongolian BBQ restaurant. Overnight at Bayangol hotel.

Day 8: Ulaanbaatar - Singapore

After breakfast, we will proceed to check out form hotel in the morning and depart to airport for flight (OM701 9.45am - 6.50pm) back to Singapore.

Vietnam Travel Tips from HCMC to Hanoi

Last month, we spent 2 weeks in Vietnam travelling from the south to the north. We started from Ho Chi Minh City, travel to Mui Ne, back to HCMC, took a flight to Danang, travel by taxi to Hoi An, took a bus from Hoi An to Hanoi via a 4 hours stop at Hue and from Hanoi, we took a train to Sapa.

Here's our 5 Tips on Vietnam Travel:

1. If possible, do not stay more than 2 nights in HCMC. Instead, visit nearby attractions e.g. Mekong Delta and Mui Ne beach. The idea is to get out of HCMC.

2. Mui Ne beach is beautiful, especially in March when the sky is clear and yet not as hot and humid like HCMC. There are many beach resorts where you can relax or if you are the adventure type... then go kitesurfing!

3. As for central Vietnam, visit the Hoi An old town. Be sure to join the Hoi An Photo Tour if you love taking photos. A must-visit restaurant is the Morning Glory, almost everything on the menu is good.

4. If you have the time, stay one night in Hue. It is quite different from the rest of the Vietnam. We had only 5 hours stop-over here and regretted not staying at least a night to visit the sights and try the food here.

5. Hanoi weather in March is gloomy and wet. If not for the amazingly delicious street food, we would not have stay for another night. You must try the food stalls along the street (Hàng Chiếu) of the Old Quarters. Eat at those stalls that are busy and have many local customers. The soup base of the Pho here is very tasty. The deep fried prawn fritters are heavenly when down with lots of Bia Ha Noi (local beer).