Festival of Ice at -35°C on the Khovsgol Lake
√ Reindeer people takes part of the event
√ Experience on horse sleighs

In March for just a week the trails leading to Khuvsgul Lake becomes crowded with tens of tourists. Khuvsgul Lake is located in North Mongolia under the direct influence of the cold winter wind from Siberia. The average temperature in -25 degrees Celsius in winter. Annual low temperatures below -35C are not uncommon. The pure waters freeze completely over in the winter time to create clear ice with up to meters of visibility of ground rocks. The festival will provide opportunities for Lake Khuvsgul visitors to enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities including downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-fishing contests etc.

Itinerary name: ICE FESTIVAL ON THE LAKE KHUVSGUL
Area: Northern Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul National Park

Date: 01 March - 04 March, each year.
Length: 4 days
Difficulty: easier - moderate (No experience necessary. Trips suitable for most ages and abilities)
Total distance: driving: 300 km, flying: 3 hours for RT
Price: from 1500 usd p.p

Day1. 01 March. Fly to Murun and drive to Huvsgul Lake National park

We will have flight to the center of the Khuvsgul province, Murun. The flight takes one and a half hours, and after landed in local airstrip, our guide and driver will pick you up and will visit to the town for a short time. Visit to local museum and market included. Then we will drive to World’s biggest Deer Stone Site at Uushig Valley. Dating back over 3000 years, the site belong to Huns period. Then we will drive to Khatgal village on the paved road which is located in southern most part of the Lake. After we arrive at Khatgal village, we will have free time.

Day2. 02 March. First Ice Festival Day

Today we will visit to main site of the festival and participate opening ceremony. Then we will see or participate (of course, if you like) some different types of the competition such as ice sculpture competition, sumo wrestling, ankle bone archery on the clear ice. There is also a shamanism ritual worshiping ceremony which offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the Tsaatan people’s way of life and the shaman culture and National Folklore concert etc. The sled sliding on the ice, punctuated by the trotting horses, and the tinkling of bells attached to the harness in the incredible universe of frozen waves is one of the highlights of this trip (this activity is included in the price). Reindeer people bring their reindeer to the festival site and we will also interest it.

Day3. 03 March. Second Ice Festival

Today we will also see rest competition of the event. Horse sledding competition is must see. After lunch time, our guide will arrange you ride horses in winter season of north Mongolia and along beautiful scene of the Lake. Unforgettable horseback riding will continue until you want to stop it and warm ger. Visit to nomadic family is also included in the itinerary and you will see how to live the nomadic people in harsh winter time. Then we will participate closing ceremony of the festival and enjoy bonfire work.

Day4. 04 March. Drive to Murun and fly back to Ulaanbaatar

Today you will back to your urban life. After breakfast time, we will drive back to Murun town for flying to Ulaanbaatar city. After you arrive in Ulaanbaatar we will pick you up and transfer to your hotel.

Prices included:

• land transportation within country and its fuel cost
• English-speaking Arvai Tour Manager or local guides (Other languages are possible)
• entrance fees to museums, conservation fees or permits to national parks and government charges
• special events and excursions as described in the itinerary
• horse or camel hire where specified
• support staff including horse/camel men and camp assistants
• domestic flight pick up and drop off transfers
• international flight pick up and drop off transfers
• accommodation in local (3 nights in tourist camp (ger camp) - double occupation)
• food service (three meals in a day)
• mineral waters

Prices not included:

• travel insurance, visas, departure tax
• alcoholic drinks, items of a personal nature
• gratuities for staffs