Eight Lakes & Orkhon Valley Trekking Adventure

10 Days / 9 Nights | Central Mongolia

A spectacular trekking journey through Mongolia’s UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley and the pristine Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur) region in the heart of the Khangai Mountains. This adventure combines ancient history, nomadic culture, volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, mountain passes, waterfalls, and authentic wilderness camping. The Eight Lakes area is one of Mongolia’s most remote and scenic trekking destinations, formed by ancient volcanic activity and surrounded by forests, mountains, and crystal-clear lakes.

Tour Highlights

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Orkhon Valley
Visit ancient Karakorum
Discover Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery
Trek through the spectacular Eight Lakes Protected Area (Naiman Nuur)
Hike across volcanic valleys and alpine mountain passes
Visit pristine lakes including Khuis, Shireet, Bugat, Khaliun, and Shavart
Experience authentic nomadic family hospitality
Witness the famous Orkhon Waterfall
Explore Khogno Khan National Park and the “Mini Gobi”
Enjoy stunning landscapes of forests, grasslands, rivers, volcanic craters, and sand dunes

Detailed Itinerary

Driving Distance: Approx. 380 km (6–7 hrs)

Depart from Ulaanbaatar and journey west into Central Mongolia. Arrive in the historic city of Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire established by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Explore the fascinating remains of Mongolia’s imperial past.

Activities

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
Explore Karakorum Archaeological Museum
See the famous Turtle Rock
Visit local artisan market

Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Travel into the beautiful Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO Cultural Landscape rich in archaeological and nomadic heritage. Visit the spectacular Orkhon Waterfall, created by ancient volcanic activity and geological processes over thousands of years.

Activities

Scenic drive through the Khangai region
Visit Orkhon Waterfall
Meet local nomadic family
Prepare equipment for trekking expedition

Accommodation: Nomadic Family Stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 12–15 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 hrs

Begin your trekking adventure from Orkhon Waterfall. Follow the Bituu River through mountain terrain and cross a scenic pass leading into the secluded Eight Lakes region. This protected wilderness area was shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions and remains one of Mongolia’s most pristine landscapes.

Highlights

Mountain valleys
Volcanic rock formations
Remote wilderness
First views of the Eight Lakes region

Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 14–16 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 hrs

Continue deeper into the Eight Lakes Protected Area. Reach picturesque Khuis Lake, distinguished by its rocky island and surrounded by forested mountains.

Highlights

Forest trails
Rocky cliffs
Alpine scenery
Lakeside camping

Accommodation: Tented Camp (Khuis Lake)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 15–18 km
Trekking Time: 6–7 hrs

One of the most scenic days of the expedition. Trek through interconnected lake systems and pristine alpine landscapes. Explore Shireet, Bugat, and Khaliun Lakes while enjoying spectacular mountain views and abundant birdlife.

Highlights

Multiple alpine lakes
Wildflower meadows
Volcanic landscapes
Birdwatching opportunities

Accommodation: Tented Camp (Khuis Lake Area)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 15 km
Trekking Time: 6 hrs

Head northwest through large alpine valleys and dense larch forests. Ascend toward Tsagaan Azarga Pass, offering magnificent panoramic views over the Eight Lakes region and surrounding Khangai Mountains.

Highlights

Mountain pass crossing
Alpine forest
High-altitude viewpoints
Remote wilderness experience

Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 12–15 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 hrs

Descend through volcanic valleys and open grasslands to beautiful Shavart Lake. Along the route, encounter nomadic herding families and enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic craters and lake systems.

Highlights

Volcanic crater landscapes
Nomadic pastoral life
Scenic lake views
Wildlife observation

Accommodation: Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking Distance: 15–18 km
Trekking Time: 6–7 hrs

Complete your trekking circuit and return to the Orkhon Valley. Reunite with your host family and enjoy a well-earned evening of traditional Mongolian hospitality.

Highlights

Final mountain trekking
Return to civilization
Cultural exchange with nomads

Accommodation: Nomadic Family Stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive east toward Khogno Khan National Park. Explore a fascinating landscape where mountains, sand dunes, and steppe grasslands converge.

Activities

Hike in Khogno Khan Mountains
Visit Ovgon Monastery
Explore Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes (“Mini Gobi”)
Optional camel riding

Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Free time for shopping, sightseeing, or attending a traditional Mongolian cultural performance before departure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Summary

Accommodation Type	Nights
Ger Camp	2
Nomadic Family Stay	2
Tented Camp	5
Total	9 Nights

Included Services

✔ Private transportation throughout the tour
✔ English-speaking trekking guide
✔ Cook and support staff
✔ All camping equipment
✔ Entrance fees and permits
✔ Museum and monastery entrance tickets
✔ Accommodation as specified
✔ Meals (9 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 9 Dinners)
✔ Luggage transport during trekking

Excluded Services

✘ International airfare
✘ Hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
✘ Travel and medical insurance
✘ Emergency evacuation expenses
✘ Alcoholic and soft drinks
✘ Personal expenses and tips
✘ Airport transfers

Trekking Information

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Maximum Elevation: Approx. 2,700–2,900 m
Trekking Days: 6 Days
Daily Walking: 5–7 Hours
Best Season: June – September

This itinerary is ideal for trekkers seeking a combination of wilderness adventure, cultural immersion, and some of Mongolia’s most spectacular natural scenery. The route traverses volcanic landscapes, alpine lakes, mountain forests, and traditional nomadic territories rarely visited by mass tourism.