Tsagaan Sar Insight - 9-day Small Group Winter Trip

At a Glance

Dates: February 5th – 13th 2027

Group Size: 2-6

Duration: 9 Days

Trip Style: Small group, immersive, winter, cultural

Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Middle Gobi, Khogno Khan & Elsen Tasarkhai Sand dunes, Kharkhorin, Orkhon River Valley, Khustai Nuruu National Park

Price: Between US$ 2,320 pp – US$ 1,940 pp depending on final group size

Key Experiences

Celebrating Tsagaan Sar as it is lived, through everyday life
Winter travel through central Mongolia’s changing landscapes
An itinerary shaped by long-term local partnerships
Slow-paced travel that follows seasonal rhythms
Time for connection, conversation, and everyday life
Find time to pause in Mongolia’s vast winter landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth
Journey with no more than six guests allowing for a more personal experience

‘The whole of the New Year’s experience we were just participating along with the Mongolians. It wasn’t a ‘tourist’ activity and we didn’t see a single other Westerner the entire time. We were just part of the family.’

EL guest Amanda Cook, Tsagaan Sar Insight

Tsagaan Sar Insight Journey Details

Tsagaan Sar Insight: A Cultural Winter Journey

Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, is one of the country’s most important family celebrations. On our Tsagaan Sar Insight journey, we invite you to spend this time with four rural families we know well — the Nergui family, the Davaasuren family, the Tumee family, and the Batchuluun family. These are families we have returned to over many years, through all seasons, as part of our long-standing community partnerships.

These relationships have grown gradually — through repeated visits, shared conversations, changing seasons, and the simple act of returning. They are not new contacts added to an itinerary, but families whose homes, the landscapes in which they live, and ways of life have helped shape our understanding of Mongolia over time.

Each family brings a different perspective to the journey. The Nergui family are part of the wide-open desert-steppe landscapes of Erdenedalai. The Davaasuren family are connected to the sacred mountain landscape of Khogno Khan. The Tumee family welcome us in the Orkhon River Valley, a place shaped by herding life, history, and seasonal movement. The Batchuluun family are part of the community around Khustain Nuruu, where conservation, pastoral life, and local livelihoods sit closely together.

Expect a winter journey adapted to the rhythm of Tsagaan Sar as it is lived: visiting homes, sharing food, travelling between families, and moving through winter landscapes. Our hosts open their homes during a time that is meaningful, personal, and busy, welcoming you not as passing visitors, but as genuine guests.

This is a journey that asks a little more of you — warm layers, patience, flexibility, and openness. Days move at the pace of the season and the households you visit. Plans may shift, journeys may take longer, and the celebration itself unfolds according to family life rather than a fixed visitor schedule.

Travelling at a slower pace, you’ll experience Tsagaan Sar through the quiet accumulation of moments: greetings, visits, food, conversation, and the generous hospitality that sits at the heart of this celebration. Our hosts are not performing a festival or creating an experience; they are people we know well, opening their homes during one of Mongolia’s most meaningful times of year and sharing it with us in the way they have done over many years.

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.

Spend time in Ulaanbaatar, gaining a sense of the capital beyond the main sights.
Celebrate Tsagaan Sar with the Nergui family in the wide-open desert-steppe horizons of Erdenedalai.
Explore the sacred mountain landscape of Khogno Khan.
Take in the views of the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes from between the ears of a Bactrian camel owned by your hosts, the Davaasuren family.
Discover the history and culture of Kharkhorin.
Spend time with the Tumee family in the Orkhon River Valley and gain a window into their way of life.
Stay with the Batchuluun herding family in the foothills of the Khustain Mountains, after looking for the wild Takhi horses in Khustain Nuruu National Park.
Enjoy a complimentary day trip to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, offering a gentle way to start or round off your time in Mongolia.

Group Size & Pricing

Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 2,320 pp **current group size**
Final group size of 3-4 guests: US$ 2,245 pp
Final group size of 5 guests: US$ 2,110 pp
Final group size of 6 guests: US$ 1,940 pp

Map Of Route

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!).

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on February 16th and 23rd 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.