Khovsgol Ice Festival | Small Group Winter Trip | Feb 20th 2026 | 14 Days

• Overland Travel From Ulaanbaatar - allowing time to slow down and experience the vast diversity of Mongolia's landscapes and culture.

• Spend Three Days Living Alongside The Tsaatan Reindeer Herders - in the remote taiga, gaining genuine cultural insight.

• Explore The Frozen Surface Of Sacred Khövsgöl Lake By Traditional Horse-Drawn Sleigh - with members of the Darkhad community.

• Experience The Ice Festival - a winter celebration showcasing local culture, games, and community pride.

• Gain Cultural Insight – discover rural and urban heritage through genuine connection and shared experience.

• Locally rooted – Overnight in small, family-run accommodations including traditional Mongolian gers  supported through our long-term community partnerships, ensuring your visit benefits rural families directly.

• Micro-Group Travel – With a maximum of six guests, enjoy the intimacy of private travel combined with the energy of a small group.

• Discover Ulaanbaatar through a local lens - gaining a real perspective of Mongolia’s capital.

• Time to Pause – Find stillness and space for reflection in Mongolia’s vast winter landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

• Travel with purpose - knowing your journey directly supports people, places, and ethics in Mongolia. Our annual Impact Report shows exactly how your booking makes a difference.

• Travel with Our Mongolian Team – journey alongside our intergenerational teams of male drivers and female trip assistants. We’re a family, not freelancers—sharing the road, the experiences, and the connections with you.

Experience the vastness of Mongolia as you travel from Ulaanbaatar to the remote Tsaatan reindeer herders, and cross the frozen expanse of Khövsgöl Lake with the Darkhad on horse-drawn sleighs, culminating in the Ice Festival.

Key Facts

• Dates: February 20 - March 5th 2026
• Duration: 14 Days
• Includes: Khovsgol Ice Festival
• Group Size : 2-6
• Trip Style: Small group, winter adventure, immersive cultural journey
• Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Uran Togoo Volcanoes, Khövsgöl Nuur National Park, Tsagaannuur & Tsaatan reindeer herders
• Start Of Trip: Final arrival day February 20th with our complimentary  ''Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch
• End of Trip: Trip finishes on March 5th although we provide a free departure transfer on your departure date
• Deposit: US$ 600 pp . Flexible payment instalments are available for the remaining balance.
• Included: Arrival and departure transfers
• Who it’s for: This journey is for curious, open-minded travellers of all ages — whether you come solo, as a couple, or with friends. No special fitness is required, but you should feel at ease with simple conditions, time in nature, and Mongolia’s winter cold. What matters most is a flexible mindset and a willingness to engage with local communities and everyday life — including outside squat or long-drop toilets and showers every 2–4 days.
• Your Local Team: Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our inter-generational Mongolian teams—a male driver and a female trip assistant—who not only handle the logistics but also offer genuine warmth and insight along the way. Founder Jess and office manager Tuya are available throughout your trip via WhatsApp for any questions or additional support.

Khovsgol Ice Festival In Detail

Embark on the ultimate winter road trip as you journey overland to the wild and diverse landscapes of Khovsgol Nuur National Park, a region that dominates northern Mongolia and forms the backdrop to this immersive cultural adventure centred around the Darkhad ethnic group.

While Khovsgol Lake is undeniably a highlight, we take the time to slow down and let you fully experience the landscapes in between. Mongolia is so much more than its famous sights; it’s about its people, culture, Buddhist traditions, and the incredible diversity of its landscapes.

On arrival, at the heart of Khovsgol Nuur National Park lies the revered Khovsgol Lake—stretching 136 km and affectionately known as “Dalai Ej” or “Mother Sea” by Mongolians. The Darkhad people skillfully craft traditional horse-drawn sleighs, which they use to traverse this magnificent lake. You’ll embark on a three-day expedition across the frozen expanse, accompanied by the Darkhad on sleighs they’ve built themselves. This journey culminates in a rich cultural immersion at the annual Ice Festival and the celebration of Tsagaan Sar—Mongolia’s Lunar New Year and perhaps the country’s most significant holiday.

Ulaanbaatar

Feb 20: Final Arrival Day  | "Intro To Ulaanbaatar' | Overnight train to Erdenet
Join us for an informal introduction to Mongolia’s capital through local eyes, a local-style lunch, and a welcome drink before then embarking on the overnight train journey to Erdenet,

Free transfer | Local lunch & welcome drink & D

Northern Landscapes

Feb 21:  Road trip to Mörön  
Begin the road trip, crossing the rolling steppe and rugged terrain, to Mörön, the provincial capital of Khovsgol, with its frontier-style vibe.

Twin share en-suite room at local hotel   | Approx 7-8 hours driving time | B/L/D

Feb 22: Road trip to Tsagaannuur
Embark on a full day's journey through Mongolia’s northern wilderness to Tsagaannuur, traversing remote roads that offer vistas of snow-capped mountains and vast valleys, before settling in for the night at a simple guesthouse.

Shared room at Erdene Guesthouse or similar. Toilets and showers are available within the guesthouse. | Approx 8-10 hours driving time | B/L/D

Feb 23 - 25 | Visit The Tsaatan
Experience life with the Tsaatan, a nomadic reindeer herding community, staying in traditional teepees (ortz) while immersing in their rich culture, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the taiga forests.

Shared ortz (teepee) with outside squat toilet & no showers | & Shared room at Erdene Guesthouse or similar. Toilets and showers are available within the guesthouse | B/L/D

Feb 26 | Khatgal in  Khövsgöl Nuur National Park
Travel for a day by road to Khatgal, a rural community with a peaceful charm, nestled at the southern tip of Khövsgöl Nuur.

Shared space in log cabin owned by Bambkah family |  Outside squat toilet & warm shower at local town shower house | Approx 8-10 hours driving time | B/L/D

Feb 27 - Mar 1 | Horse sleigh expedition on Khövsgöl Lake
Embark on a horse sleigh expedition across the sacred, frozen expanse of Khövsgöl Lake, experiencing the stunning winter landscapes.

Shared guest ger provided by local herding family with outside squat toilet & no showers & shared space in log cabin owned by Bambkah family |  Outside squat toilet & warm shower at local town shower house  | B/L/D

Mar 2: Khövsgöl Ice Festival
Witness the Khövsgöl Ice Festival, celebrating the local culture and community, with the frozen lake as a magnificent backdrop.

Shared space in log cabin owned by Bambkah family |  Outside squat toilet & warm shower at local town shower house | B/L/D

Mar 3: Selenge River
Drive to the mighty Selenge River, traversing mountain forest steppes and expansive open plains along the way.

Shared guest ger provided by local  family with outside  toilet & potentially a  warm shower  | Approx 7-8 hours driving time |  B/L/D

Mar 4  | Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Explore the historic Amarbayasgalant Monastery offering a connection to Mongolia's heritage.

Simple private  guest ger at Davaasuren family ger camp | Outside squat toilet & no showers | Approx 3 hours driving time | B/L/D

Ulaanbaatar 

Mar 5 | Return Ulaanbaatar
Conclude the journey with one last road trip back to Ulaanbaatar, where you'll return to the city and your choice of accommodation.

Your own choice of accommodation | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L

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.

Facilities: Showers are taken at the local public shower house every 2–3 days, and toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

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 February 20th and March 5th  is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Your Local Team

Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a male driver and a female trip assistant — who not only manage the logistics but also bring genuine warmth, insight, and companionship along the way.

Unlike many companies, we don’t bring in freelancers just for the high season. Instead, we invest in our team year-round, building a strong culture of trust and collaboration that we share with you on the road.

You’ll also be welcomed by the local families with whom we’ve built long-standing partnerships — their hospitality and friendship are at the heart of this experience.

And behind the scenes, Jess (founder) and Tuya (office manager) are always just a WhatsApp message away for any questions or additional support.

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.

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!).

Winter Temperatures

Mongolia’s winters are legendary — crisp, clear, and cold. Daytime temperatures drop well below freezing but with the right clothing it’s manageable. We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list and practical advice so you arrive fully prepared. From thermal layers to tried-and-tested tips from our team, we’ll make sure you stay warm and comfortable as you experience the raw beauty of Mongolia’s winter.

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

Map Of Route

Click on the link below to access the map.

Group Size & Pricing

Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers with trips guaranteed with two bookings.

• • • Deposit: US$ 600 pp . Flexible payment instalments are available for the remaining balance.

   

Sliding Price Scale

The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:

• Final group size of 2 guests: US$ 4,285 pp
• Final group size of 3-5 guests: US$ 3,545 pp *current group size*
• Final group size of 6 guests: US$ 3,255 pp

We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and take advantage of our friends & family discounts.

Why Travel with Us?

We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:

• Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
• Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
• Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.
• Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.
• Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
• Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.

Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments, but here are answers to the most common immediate questions:

Visa

Requirements vary depending on your nationality. You can check the most up-to-date information at evisa.mn. If you need assistance, we’ll help once your booking is confirmed.

International Flights

All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers fly via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan. Airport transfers are included in your trip unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi.

Domestic Flights

Some of our experiences include internal flights within Mongolia, operated by MIAT and Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is key. Tickets are excluded unless stated otherwise, but we handle all bookings on your behalf.

• Standard allowance: 15kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage

• Excess baggage: usually $1–3 per kilo (often not applied)

Packing List

We provide a detailed, tailored packing list when you book your trip. This ensures you bring everything you need for Mongolia’s varied weather and rural conditions, without overpacking.

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.

Included in the price

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.

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

No domestic flights. Emissions per km for domestic flights are high because a large proportion of the flight is spent taking off and landing. As we are serious about tackling the carbon footprint of the trips we offer, we try that a majority of our experiences don’t include domestic flights.

The maximum group size is six which is refreshingly small for the travel industry and allows us to manage our impact.

We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each experience we offer and balancing the footprint through the Mongolian Nomad Carbon Project. We wanted a high-standard project local to Mongolia where the local community had a positive say in the scheme and its impact. It’s the first project of its kind in Mongolia – restoring traditional nomadic practices to enable ecosystem recovery and carbon uptake.

Our team of female Mongolian trip assistants is breaking down barriers in tourism and leading the way for other Mongolian women from a diverse range of backgrounds to work in and be supported by tourism. Mongolia’s growing economy has not directly translated into better employment opportunities for women and by choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to create long-term development and employment opportunities for our brilliant trip assistants.

High unemployment rates and toxic masculinity are two very real issues faced by older more traditional men in Mongolia. By choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to provide long-term employment for our team of older, more traditional male drivers who have experience and accumulated knowledge but who would otherwise struggle to find employment and provide for their extended families.

The experience has been built with a focus on Mongolian culture and on creating local benefits for local people & communities including families we work in long-term local community partnership with – helping to supplement their income to help prevent urban migration, face the challenges of climate change and allowing them to maintain their fragile herding lifestyle. More about who we work with here.

A donation is made to the Mongolian projects that we provide long-term support to (and that you will visit) such as the Uuliin Nuur Community Project in Ulaanbaatar.

Our winter trips all have a 15% discount as a way of encouraging travellers to travel outside of the main travel season – helping to make tourism less concentrated around peak season in Mongolia (summer) and to help the income of the people we work with be more evenly distributed.