This itinerary combines remote landscapes with rare cultural encounters and two incredible winter festivals; all set within some of Mongolia’s most striking winter environments.
Travel across frozen Lake Khuvsgal into the Darkhad Depression to attend a 2-day Reindeer Festival, where nomadic Tsaatan tribes gather to celebrate their spiritual connection to the reindeer herds they live with. Spend time with this small nomadic community, gaining insight into a way of life centred entirely around their reindeer. Continue through remote northern terrain to the Khuvsgal Lake Ice Festival, a photographer’s dream, where ice sculpture competitions, horse-sled races and traditional performances take place directly on the ice. Return to Ulaanbaatar via an overnight journey on the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, then discover Terelj National Park in winter and experience the exhilaration of dog sledding across the frozen steppe.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Mongolia! Arriving in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar early today, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon you will explore Ulaanbaatar, starting with Gandan Monastery, one of the most complete temples in Mongolia. Continue to the Chinggis Khan National Museum where you will get a great introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening you’ll watch a traditional folk show, before dinner in a local restaurant. (D)
Overnight – Novotel Ulaanbaatar or similar
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a midday flight to Murun, the gateway to northern Mongolia. A packed lunch is provided for the journey.
On arrival, meet your local guide and driver and begin the overland journey to Khatgal, continuing onward to Khuvsgul Lake, one of Mongolia’s most striking natural landscapes. During winter, the lake freezes into a vast expanse of ice framed by surrounding mountains.
Arrive at your ger camp and check in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to settle in and take in the stillness of the landscape. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
After breakfast at the ger camp, depart for the Darkhad Depression, travelling across the frozen surface of Khuvsgul Lake and into one of Mongolia’s most remote northern regions.
Continue to the Reindeer Festival, where the Tsaatan reindeer herders gather to celebrate their culture and traditions. Once a thriving community, the Tsaatan (Tsaachin) tribe has dwindled in recent years leaving only 200-400 members left in northern Mongolia. Their entire existence is based on their reindeer herds which provide them with milk for producing cheese, antlers for carving and medicinal purposes, transportation and on the odd occasion, meat. Part of the Tuvan ethnic group, this small tribe is truly nomadic, regularly moving in search for a rare type of lichen and grass for their reindeer.
Experience the atmosphere of the festival, with traditional performances, games and competitions set against the winter landscape. In the evening, attend further festival events before transferring to your lodge. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Jarganat Lodge – Wooden Cabin (or similar)
After breakfast, visit a Reindeer Tribe camp in the surrounding taiga. Spend time with the Tsaatan herders, gaining insight into their nomadic lifestyle and close relationship with their reindeer.
Continue to experience the Reindeer Festival, with further opportunities to observe traditional practices, cultural performances and community gatherings. Return to your lodge in the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Jarganat Lodge – Wooden Cabin (or similar)
After breakfast, depart from your lodge and begin the journey back towards Khuvsgul Lake, travelling through the remote landscapes of the Darkhad Depression. Drive across open valleys and snow-covered taiga forests, passing reindeer herding areas and isolated winter camps. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop for short walks and photographs, capturing the stark winter scenery of northern Mongolia.
As you approach Khuvsgul Lake, the landscape opens into a wide frozen expanse framed by surrounding mountains. Arrive and settle back into your camp. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ger Camp with shared bathroom facilities
After breakfast, attend the Ice Festival on Khuvsgul Lake, a seasonal celebration of winter culture and traditions in northern Mongolia. Witness the opening ceremony, where local herders and performers gather, and explore displays of ice sculptures and artisan crafts. Throughout the day, observe and participate in traditional activities including ice wrestling, horse sled races across the frozen lake, archery, and tug-of-war. Cultural performances, including throat singing and dance, take place during the festival.
Lunch is taken either at the festival site or back at camp. In the afternoon, continue exploring the festival grounds before transferring to your hotel in Murun for check in and dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Murun Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, depart Murun and begin the overland journey south towards Erdenet, one of Mongolia’s largest towns. On arrival, board the Trans-Siberian Railway for an overnight journey to Ulaanbaatar, travelling through Mongolia’s vast winter landscapes. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Trans-Siberian Train – Shared overnight Cabin (or similar)
Arrive into Ulaanbaatar in the morning and disembark your train. You will then depart the city to drive over the open steppe to Terelj National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and winter landscapes. Enroute, visit the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex (56km, 1hr driving). Standing at 40 metres high, the statue towers over the surrounding landscape and includes an exhibition hall and museum at its base. Once inside the statue, climb to the horse’s head to stand on a viewing platform that offers superb views of the steppe.
After arriving into Terelj National park, experience dog sledding, travelling across the snow-covered terrain with a local team of sled dogs. Continue to Aryabal Monastery, set within the hills of the national park, offering expansive views over the surrounding valley.
Later, transfer to your ger camp and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Terelj Ger Camp in a Ger Tent with ensuite (or similar)
After breakfast, transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport for your onward journey. (B)
Standard Ger Camp
Staying in ger camps is a key part of the Mongolian experience, offering an authentic connection to the land and its enduring traditions. Standard ger camps offer a semi-nomadic experience with limited electricity, and generally 3-4 beds, around a central stove. Shared bathrooms include flushing toilets and showers, though hot water and Wi-Fi availability may vary.
Single Supplement
The single supplement applies to hotels and ger camps only. It does not apply to Jarganat Lodge or the Trans-Siberian Train, both of which are multi-share
Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced – are you ready for the adventure? Read our blog for more details.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
* The single supplement applies to hotels and ger camps only. It does not apply to Jarganat Lodge or the Trans-Siberian Train, both of which are multi-share
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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