Khuvsgul lake, Ice festival 5 days tour

KHUVSGUL LAKE ICE FESTIVAL 5-DAY TOUR

Celebrate the magic of winter at Mongolia’s Ice Festival on Khuvsgul Lake. Enjoy local games, shaman rituals, ice sculptures, and horse sledding.


📌 QUICK FACTS FOR VISITORS

🔍 Category💡 Details
📍 DestinationKhuvsgul Lake National Park & Ulaanbaatar, Northern Mongolia
📅 AvailabilityMarch only (coincides with the Ice Festival)
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
🧭 Tour StyleEvent & Festival Tour with cultural, outdoor, and winter experiences
✈️ TransportDomestic flights (Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Murun) + ground transfers
🌡️ WeatherCold winter conditions: -10°C to -25°C (14°F to -13°F)
🏨 AccommodationComfortable mid-range hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Murun
🧊 Main EventsIce Sumo, Ice Sculpture Contest, Shaman Ceremonies, Skating Marathon, Horse Sled Racing
🦌 Cultural EncountersMeet Tsaatan reindeer herders and local shamans
🗣️ LanguageEnglish-speaking guides provided

🧊 TOUR ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

🛬 Arrival and city tour in Ulaanbaatar: Gandan Monastery, National Museum, and local market

✈️ Flight to Murun and scenic drive to Khuvsgul Lake National Park

🎉 Ice Festival Day 1: Ice carving, ice sumo, ankle bone shooting, folklore concert, and shaman ceremony

🏃 Ice Festival Day 2: Skating marathon, horse sled races, and cultural encounters

🧳 Return flight to Ulaanbaatar and farewell


❄️ ABOUT THE KHUVSGUL ICE FESTIVAL

🎊 The Ice Festival is held each March on the frozen surface of Khuvsgul Lake, celebrating Mongolia’s winter culture with:

 

Ice sumo wrestling

Horse sled races

Ice sculpture competitions

Ankle bone shooting

Shaman ceremonies

National folklore concerts

This celebration offers a rare chance to meet the Tsaatan reindeer herders and observe centuries-old traditions.


🌊 ABOUT KHUVSGUL LAKE

🌐 Known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Lake Khuvsgul is the country’s largest and deepest freshwater lake.

🗻 Surrounded by mountains and forests, it freezes over in winter, transforming into a magical landscape perfect for ice festivals.

🦌 It’s also home to diverse wildlife and is considered sacred in local shamanist beliefs.

 


🐾 TOUR PACE

🚶 Moderate – Comfortable for most travelers.

Includes walking on icy terrain, horse sledding, light hiking, and domestic flights. Participants should be prepared for cold weather and winter conditions, but no special skills are required.


❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

📆 When is the Ice Festival held?

Every March, usually in the first week.

 

🧊 Is it safe to walk on the frozen lake?

Yes. The ice is regularly monitored and is usually 1 meter thick.

 

🌡️ What temperatures should I expect?

Between -10°C and -25°C (14°F to -13°F). Proper winter clothing is essential.

 

💪 Do I need to be very fit?

Not necessarily. Activities are light and mostly optional.

 

🧥 Can I rent winter gear?

Best to bring your own, but rentals may be available in Ulaanbaatar.

 

🍽️ Are meals included?

Yes. Full-board is provided, and dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.


🎒 WHAT TO BRING

🧥 Insulated winter jacket (down or parka)

🧤 Warm hat, scarf, and gloves/mittens (2 pairs recommended)

👢 Waterproof snow boots

🧦 Wool socks and thermal base layers

🕶️ Sunglasses or snow goggles

🧴 Lip balm and face moisturizer

📸 Camera + spare batteries

💊 Personal medications

🎒 Daypack

🥤 Reusable water bottle


KHUVSGUL LAKE ICE FESTIVAL 5-DAY TOUR PACKAGE PRICE

Group size1 pax2-3 pax4-6 pax7-9 pax10-12 pax13-15 paxMore than 16 pax
Price/Per person2530$2020$1950$1880$1790$1700$1600$
NoInclude serviceExclude serviceInclude service of Meals
1Vehicle with a driver.Items of personal natureBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2English speaking guideBeverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundryPer day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/
3Accommodation/Ger camps and Hotel/Travel and insuranceOne time Mongolian traditional food  /lamb with vegetables/
4Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerInternational transportation 
5All cooking and camping gears.Taxi 
6Airport shuttleOptional activities 
7National park and border office permits (area you will go is close to China and Russia border)Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/ 
8Domestic flight ticketsGratuity for the tour team 


KHUVSGUL LAKE ICE FESTIVAL 5-DAY TOUR ITINERARY


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