Khovsgol Ice Festival

At a Glance

Dates: February 20 – March 5 2027

Group Size: 2-6

Duration: 14 Days

Trip Style: Small group, immersive, winter, cultural

Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Uran Togoo Volcanic landscapes, Kkövsgöl Nuur National Park. Tsagaannuur

Price: US$ 3,115 – US$ 4,165 depending on final group size (2-6) pp

Key Experiences

Spend time alongside the Tsaatan reindeer herders
Explore the frozen surface of sacred Khövsgöl Lake by traditional horse-drawn sleigh with members of the Darkhad community
Overland travel from Ulaanbaatar – alowing time to slow down and experience the vast diversity of Mongolia’s landscapes and cultures
Discover rural and urban heritage through genuine connection and shared experience
Overnight in small, family-run accommodations including traditional Mongolian gers supported through our long-term community partnerships, ensuring your visit benefits rural families directly
Find time to pause in Mongolia’s vast winter landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth

‘Honestly, I think about my trip with your team every day. It's genuinely one of the best experiences of my life so far and I really hope I can go back one day!'

EL guest Grace, Khovsgol Ice Festival

Khovsgol Ice Festival Journey Details

Embark on a winter road trip through northern Mongolia, travelling overland as the landscapes shift from open steppe to forested taiga. This experience isn’t about racing between sights — it’s about the moments in between: shared tea stops, conversations, and the steady rhythm that comes with moving slowly through a place shaped by winter.

Centred around the Tsaatan and Darkhad ethnic groups, this cultural experience takes time to unfold. While the remote taiga and sacred Khovsgol Lake are undeniable highlights, we travel at a pace that allows each part of the journey to connect to the next. The people you meet along the way — drivers, hosts, herders, and community members — shape the experience just as much as the landscapes themselves.

At the heart of the trip lies the northern taiga, home to Mongolia’s Tsaatan reindeer herders. Here, the Dukha (or Tsaatan) continue their age-old way of life alongside their reindeer, and you’ll spend three days living within this landscape and its winter rhythms. Further south, Khovsgol Lake — known as Dalai Ej, or “Mother Sea” — is where the Darkhad people continue winter traditions that have endured for generations, crafting their own horse-drawn sleighs to cross the frozen surface. You’ll join them on a three-day traverse, travelling alongside those who know the lake best.

The journey ends in celebration at the Ice Festival — a gathering of communities who live with and within Mongolia’s long winter.

This is the kind of trip that reminds us travel isn’t about chasing highlights, but about connection — to place, to people, and to the quiet moments that stay with you long after the road ends.

You’ll find the key locations below. For the full day-by-day flow (and the why behind it), please email us. We share the detailed itinerary by email so we can explain the pacing, driving days, and options in context. We also keep a few moments back as a quiet surprise.

Ulaanbaatar
Overnight train to Erdenet
Mörön including its great market
Darkhad Depression including Ulaan Uul, Renchinlumbe, and the East Taiga
Jargant / Jargalant River
Khövsgöl Nuur
The community of Khatgal
Selenge River
Uran Togo volcanic landscapes
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Spring Eagle Festival (complimentary)
Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park (complimentary)

Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 4,16 pp *current group size*
Final group size of 3-5 guests: US$ 3,445pp

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Winterised Mongolian Gers

Throughout the trip, you’ll stay in winterised gers hosted by local families. These traditional felt dwellings have been insulated and prepared for winter, with heating provided by a central stove. Each ger accommodates 3–4 people, but you’ll always have your own bed and personal space.

A sleeping bag is required at the family accommodation: We provide a free rental service but our bags are not temperate rated.

Homestay at Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve Mongolia

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Simple Guesthouse

A simple but welcoming wooden cabin in a rural community, rooms will have between 2-4 beds.

Ortz | Tepees

The Tsaatan live in canvas tents called ortz. As. a group, you may sleep in a separate ortz provided by the family or you may sleep in the family home. If you sleep in an ortz, be prepared to sleep on the floor on your Thermorest. There won’t be showers and the toilets will be outside Asian-style long drops or just a hole in the ground.

Handbuilt Family Log Cabin

In Khatgal, you’ll stay in Bambakh’s family home, a cosy, handbuilt log cabin also heated with a central stove. Sleeping arrangements are simple and culturally authentic—as is common in Mongolian households, most people sleep on the floor, and you’ll likely be provided with a comfortable floor mat.

Facilities: Similar to the ger stays, showers are at the local public shower house, and toilets are basic outdoor latrines.

Overnight Train (UB to Erdenet)

You’ll travel in a four-bed sleeper compartment on the overnight train from Ulaanbaatar to Erdenet. Clean bedding is provided by the carriage attendant, and each carriage has one toilet, which is kept clean and regularly maintained.

Mongolian Style Hotel

You’ll also spend one night in a simple Mongolian-style hotel, typically in a warm, twin-share room. Rooms are en-suite, though please note that hot water cannot always be guaranteed.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on March 5th is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

- Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards

- Standard MOT checks

- Licensing for tourism use.

Learn more about our drivers and their tour vehicles here.

Travel Times

Road travel is a central part of journeying through Mongolia, one of the world’s largest countries. Daily travel times are provided as a guide rather than a promise, and we deliberately allow generous estimates to help set realistic expectations.

Average speeds typically range from 30–65 km/h, depending on road and weather conditions. Where routes include dirt roads, this can mean anything from smooth gravel to corrugated tracks, rocky sections, tree roots, or mud, varying with location and season.

Included in the price

All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.

You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams - made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.

Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink

Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days

Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.

Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.

Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)

Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

International airfare to and from Mongolia

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!

Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage

Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.

Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking

Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

Travelling With Our Team

FAQs

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments. Below are answers to the most common questions our guests tend to have at this stage.

Booking Conditions & Payment

Deposit

Deposit of US$ 600 pp with flexible payment options for the remaining balance

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.
30 days before departure – 50% of holiday cost
29 – 15 days before departure – 90% of holiday cost
Less than 15 days before departure – 100% of holiday cost

Notes

There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.
Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

Who This Experience Is For

This Is Right For You If…

You’re curious, adaptable, and interested in Mongolia as it is — including the occasional bumps along the way
You’re comfortable travelling with real people and adapting to change, understanding that plans may shift (with thoughtful alternatives in place)
You enjoy unstructured time — space to read, wander, or share a mug of tea, letting the day unfold naturally
You value travel that supports more equitable tourism, using travel as a force for positive social impact

This May Not Be Right For You If…

You prefer luxury accommodation or frequent hot showers
You’re uncomfortable with basic rural facilities, including occasional shared accommodation
You expect fixed schedules and tightly planned days
You’re looking for staged cultural performances or highly curated moments for social media
You approach travel with a checklist mindset rather than an interest in everyday life

Accessibility Considerations

Our small-group journeys are shaped around traditional celebrations, rural environments, and specific travel routes. As a result, experiences may or may not be suitable depending on individual accessibility needs. We encourage travellers to review our Accessibility Information page for further detail and to get in touch with us directly with any questions — we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible and help you decide whether a particular trip is the right fit.

Experiencing Mongolia In Winter

Winter is a defining season in Mongolia. Yes, it’s cold — sometimes very cold — but it’s also what gives the landscape its clarity, stillness, and scale. Temperatures can sound daunting on paper, yet Mongolia’s cold is dry and often feels less severe than expected. With the right preparation and good thermal layers, –25°C here can feel comparable to –5°C in damper parts of Europe.

Winter travel doesn’t require specialist expedition gear, but it does ask for thoughtful preparation. A simple layering system — base layers, insulation, and a windproof outer shell — goes a long way. Warm, practical essentials such as sturdy boots, thick socks, gloves, and good head and neck protection are key.

Travel also moves differently in winter. Distances take time, weather can change quickly, and daylight hours are shorter. This slower rhythm is part of the season and part of the experience.

We provide all guests with a detailed packing list on booking to help you arrive properly prepared without overpacking. Winter travel also calls for something less tangible: a willingness to adapt, to slow down, and to move in step with the season — embracing a quieter, more deliberate way of travelling.

Turn It Into A Tailor Made Experience

Turn This Into a Tailor-Made Journey

If our travel philosophy resonates with you but you’d prefer a private trip or some flexibility around the itinerary, we can tailor elements of Tsagaan Sar Insight to suit your needs. This might include upgrading some accommodation, adjusting travel dates, or extending or shortening the journey. Get in touch to talk through the options and see what’s possible.

Other Logistics

Visas

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking evisa.mn. If you need guidance, we’re happy to help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book international flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers connect via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan.

Airport transfers are typically included unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi but do check with Jess.

Domestic Flights

Some experiences include domestic flights within Mongolia, typically operated by MIAT or Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is essential.

Domestic flights are excluded unless stated otherwise, as fares fluctuate. Keeping flights separate helps keep overall trip costs lower for you, but we handle all domestic flight bookings on your behalf.

Baggage allowance on domestic flights:

15kg checked luggage
5kg hand luggage

Excess baggage on domestic flights:

Usually USD $1–3 per kilo paid at check-in (not always applied)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all travellers. While emergencies are rare, your insurance needs to work if something does go wrong. Arranging appropriate coverage is your responsibility.

What this means in practice

If you travel without insurance, you will be personally responsible for any costs arising while you’re away — including medical treatment, evacuation, delays, or other unexpected issues. You may also lose money if you need to cancel your trip and are unable to recover costs.

We provide guidance and links to suitable insurance options once you book.