Khovsgol Ice Festival

Today we drive north to Moron, the provincial center of Khovsgol. Along the way, we’ll cross snow-covered mountain landscapes and pass key towns including Darkhan, Erdenet, and Bulgan. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our hotel for a restful evening.

Accommodation:

• Hotel L, D

Activities:

• Scenic drive to northern Mongolia amid winter beauty

Khovsgol Lake, known as Mongolia’s “blue pearl,” is a vast alpine lake spanning 2,760 sq. km (130 km long and 40 km wide). Surrounded by towering 2,000-meter peaks, dense pine forests, and meadows that in summer host grazing yaks and horses, the lake is fed by over 100 rivers and streams, with its waters eventually flowing to Lake Baikal via the Egiin River.

This afternoon we’ll hike along the frozen shore and skate on its thick ice. Optional activities include horse riding, horse-drawn or dog sledding, and visits to nomadic families. Locals in fur-lined, colourful traditional costumes against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the dark blue ice make this a once-in-a-lifetime scene for photographers.

Accommodation:

• Yurt / Ger stay B, L, D

Activities:

• Explore the vast frozen alpine lake
• Witness stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountain and pine forests
• Hike along the frozen lake shore

After breakfast, we’ll join the opening ceremony of the Ice Festival, where participants wear vibrant traditional costumes representing Mongolia’s many tribes and ethnic groups. The festivities begin with a skating competition you may join, while non-skaters can enjoy thrilling horse-sleigh races driven by local nomads—complete with a pre-race parade and the chance to bet on winners. Other highlights include an ice sculpture contest, ankle bone shooting, shamanic rituals, and cultural performances by local singers and dancers. In the afternoon, we’ll drive into the mountains to visit reindeer-herding families and experience their unique nomadic traditions. The day concludes with an evening bonfire.

Accommodation:

• Yurt / Ger stay B, L, D

Activities:

• Opening ceremony with colourful traditional costumes
• Skating competitions and free skating
• Hores-sleigh races
• Ice sculpture contest
• Archery competition
• Ankle bone shooting game

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a variety of competitions and games on the ice, including ice sumo wrestling, horse and reindeer sledding, jeep driving on ice, rope pulling, skating, and more. Listen to the crackle of the frozen lake beneath your feet as the excitement unfolds. The festival concludes with a closing ceremony, where winners are announced and awarded. Afterwards, we’ll drive back to Moron.

Accommodation:

• Hotel B, L, D

Activities:

• Ice sumo wrestling
• Tug of war on ice
• Dog sledding and horse-drawn sled rides
• Cultural performances by local singers and dancers
• Shaman rituals and fire ceremonies
• Meeting reindeer herding families

After breakfast, we’ll travel back to Ulaanbaatar through stunning winter landscapes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive.

Accommodation:

• B, L

Activities:

• Journey back to Ulaanbaatar through snowy winter landscapes