Depending on your availability and preferences, we offer two different itineraries— each incomparable in terms of landscapes and technicality.
River Itinerary in Khan Khentii National Park
From December to late February: Khagiin Gol and Khagiin Khuul Nuur Lake
Terelj is located in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, 80 km from the capital. The park, bordering Khan Khentii National Park, covers a large part of the Khentii Mountains.
The Terelj region is a mountainous area with peaks reaching 2,700 meters. Largely forested, Terelj is also a sanctuary for wildlife.
The park features steppe zones and stunning rock formations, with the most famous being Mekhii Khad, an erratic block resembling a turtle, from which it gets its name. This natural monument is one of the most visited by Mongolians.
This adventure between nature and culture will see you driving a team of 5 to 6 dogs through the meandering rivers of Tuul and Khagiin.
Meet our nomadic friends and experience a timeless way of life, enjoying the famous nomadic "hospitality."
Even though the whims of the weather may soften the Mongolian winter, temperatures in Terelj remain harsh, especially in January. Expect a "chilly" -20°C during the day and -30°C at night. However, the air is very dry, and with appropriate equipment, this adventure remains accessible to everyone.
The cold and the purity of the air create an incredible atmosphere. The ice, sublimated by the cold, turns into mist that crystallizes upon contact. The river ice, pressed by the cold, bends, twists, and undulates, allowing water to seep through, rising to the surface and changing the landscape day by day. The river's level rises daily, with narrow passages between rocks transforming into wide, flat trails within a few days.
An unforgettable and intense experience…
Your Adventure Terrain
The Tuul River, which flows through the heart of the capital, originates in the Khentii Mountains. It is on its ice-covered path that you will glide during part of this itinerary.
At the junction with the Khagiin River, you will leave the Tuul behind and climb in altitude towards the Black Lake, where it originates.
This area is particularly wild, with abundant wildlife. Although you may rarely spot the animals, you can "satisfy" yourself with the tracks left by wolves, moose, musk deer, wolverines, lynx, foxes, and variable hares…
A true open book on the winter life of this varied fauna.
Or, in March & April
The Mythical Khuvsgul Lake
Full Crossing by Dog Sled
Khuvsgul is a province in Mongolia, located at the far north of the country. It is named after the largest and deepest lake in Mongolia, which was named "the lake with blue waters" by its ancient inhabitants and later popularized by the Russians as "Kossogol."
Today, the lake is also known as "the Blue Pearl of Mongolia" due to its great beauty and the color of its waters.
This region has preserved popular traditions more than other aimags; several ethnic groups live around the lake, the most well-known being the Darkhad, the Buryats, and of course, the Uriankhai, more commonly known as the Tsaatan.
The area is a national nature reserve where, in spring and summer, you can see a rich and often endemic flora and fauna. A wide variety of birds inhabit or pass through during their migration. The lake is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Saïan and Khodiral Saridag, which host nearly a dozen extinct volcanoes. Thanks to its lake, Khuvsgul is one of the few regions where fish is part of the local diet.
In winter, the lake takes on a completely different dimension—an expanse of ice amidst pristine nature.
It resembles a small ice floe, with crevasses and compression ridges; the lake lives, vibrates, and cracks. The ever-changing weather and the purity of the space blur the sense of distance, giving this route an adventurous touch. Incredible moments are shared with Alaskan dogs, who will be your companions throughout the journey on the lake.
This itinerary is far from the usual tourist routes—it's unique, for lovers of wide-open spaces, dog sledding enthusiasts, and true adventurers.
In March, the ice is incredibly pure, completely transparent, bluish near the shore, greenish when the sandy bottom is not too far away, or black when approaching the deeper parts of the lake. It’s a strange sensation, as it’s impossible to gauge the thickness of the ice.
March is also a transitional period between winter and spring; the weather can change very quickly, and strong winds can sweep across the lake in gusts.
April is often a milder month with more stable weather, and the ice becomes opaque, making the lake appear white almost all over its surface.
In April, the arrival of spring, which warms the air and makes the sun rise higher in the sky, causes more movement in the ice.
It is difficult to answer the classic question: "What is the best time to do this trip?"
The Lake: Your Adventure Playground
Stretching 135 kilometers in length, between 30 and 37 kilometers in width, with a depth of about 260 meters, and fed by over 60 rivers and streams, this vast reservoir of pure water is one of the largest in the world. The lake’s waters flow into the Eg River, then into the Selenge, and eventually reach Lake Baikal, earning it the nickname "Little Brother of Baikal."
But Khuvsgul is more than just a lake in Mongolia; more than the Blue Pearl, Khuvsgul is a legend.
Traversing this expanse of ice is no small feat…
Your Guide: Joël Rauzy
An experienced musher with over 30 years of professional practice, Joël has been working on the lake for 18 years. He knows every corner, can gauge ice ridges, and assess routes based on wind conditions.
"Our two circuits on Khuvsgul are for me special moments of great intensity. The lake in winter is beautiful, magnificent... but much more than that, there is a kind of magic created by the elements.
Of course, the 9-day circuit is my favorite, but the 6-day one can sometimes be more demanding. The dogs don’t have rest days, and it's common to encounter challenging ice zones for both the dogs and the musher.
During the two months we spend at Khuvsgul, we witness the lake change and evolve. The ice transforms, crevasses open or close, and compression ridges widen or become easier to cross. Each circuit is different, and we must adapt to the whims of the ice and the winds.
Even though the word 'adventure' is somewhat fashionable now and losing its meaning, I believe these two circuits on Khuvsgul Lake are a true adventure. I strive to make them accessible to novices so that the days spent with our dogs are unforgettable, for our clients as well as for us."
The Dogs: Alaskans & Greenlanders
The majority are Alaskan Huskies, known for their surprising vitality and friendliness. Always ready for work, no matter how tough, they are constantly seeking contact with the musher, which makes the experience even more engaging.
In the team, there are a few Greenlanders, who are more rugged and wild compared to the Alaskans, but they have their own advantages… it’s just a matter of knowing how to approach them.
The teams consist of 5 to 6 dogs, which each novice musher will need to handle and manage throughout the day. For the rest, whether it’s putting on the harness, preparing the equipment, or feeding this lively bunch, you’ll have the option to take charge or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the landscapes.
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