Khuvsgul Lake on a Budget: Your 5-Day Tour Reviewed

Thinking of seeing Khuvsgul Lake, but watching your wallet? So, a 5-day budget tour might just be what you’re looking for. I recently checked one out, and thought I’d share the lowdown, covering everything from what to expect to if it’s actually a good deal. My thoughts here will, hopefully, help you decide if this kind of trip is the way to go for you. It could be that it suits you down to the ground, really.

First Impressions and Booking

Okay, so kicking things off with the booking part, it was pretty straightforward. It’s almost like many local tour operators have websites these days, or at least work with booking platforms. The tour I chose promised the major spots around Khuvsgul Lake without costing a fortune, but was it legit? Like your typical traveler, I was crossing my fingers.

The communications beforehand was decent enough, in that most of my questions got answered. Anyhow, there wasn’t a flood of info, but really it covered the important stuff, that, I guess, is fair enough. In a way, I felt prepared-ish, maybe 80% there, for what I was heading into, I suppose.

Day 1: Arrival in Moron and Lakeside Transfer

Touchdown in Moron, which, by the way, is that nearest town with an airport to Khuvsgul. Getting from the airport to the lake is actually a trip in itself. A shared van, yep, but it did the trick. Now, the drive? A bit bumpy, but that’s part of the appeal, more or less. We passed scenes of grassy plains and herds of animals. I mean, it’s what you come to see, actually. When we finally made it to the lakeside, the scenery was top-tier amazing, so very, very, stunning actually: endless clear water and sky!

Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Shore

Day two was all about seeing the eastern side. I thought that this was done by jeep – which handled the, uh, ‘roads’ (a generous term) – really rather well. So the first proper stop was a hike to see some fantastic panoramic views, with walking shoes on and camera in hand.

We stopped off in little, isolated spots. Then there was a family living in a ger, they showed us the local hospitality – and this bit, that, I wasn’t quite ready for. Real genuine welcome, not the staged thing you sometimes get. After that, in some respects, a sunset by the lake finished off the day like a picture postcard!

Day 3: Horse Riding and Cultural Immersion

You know, what’s a trip to Mongolia without a horse ride? I mean it’s pretty vital, right? So today, there was a guided tour on horseback across some great landscapes. Even for someone like me, that has a bit of riding experience (and someone who doesn’t have lots), it was manageable and kinda peaceful. Just letting the horse do its thing, felt brilliant, actually.

That day included spending more time around locals too, seeing some of their everyday routines. Watching how they live was like stepping back in time, as I was saying. Anyway, I got to taste some home-made food and have a good chat with a herder, well he did most of the talking in Mongolian, that.

Day 4: Tsaatan Reindeer Herders (Optional)

This was something extra, and optional – heading out to see the Tsaatan people, or Reindeer Herders. I went for it. Now it’s a big add on, in that it’s a long ride and the cost is extra, just a little, compared to the rest of the tour. The Tsaatan keep alive traditions unlike any others, though.

Being around them, living way out in the forests and dependant on their reindeer, was very eye-opening, really rather special, actually. Is that worth the additional cost and travel? Could be; it depends if you want something deeply cultural from your trip.

Day 5: Farewell Khuvsgul, Return to Moron

Alas, time to go, it was my last morning waking up by the lake. Taking in the stillness and calm before packing. The trip back to Moron, it felt longer, if anything. Then there was the flight home. Leaving felt kinda bitter-sweet, in fact; I mean I was pleased with everything I had seen, yet I knew I would miss the area.

Accommodation and Food

So accommodation is mostly in ger camps. This keeps costs down and offers a bit of authenticity. A few of these are obviously set up for tourists; some others were just families opening up their space, but it still had some pretty comfy beds. Hot showers are quite rare. The food? Plenty of mutton (a local favorite) and some local variations on noodles and rice, you know. Don’t think you’ll be getting gourmet stuff, yet there was always enough and pretty much tasty, arguably.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Right, what does the cost of your ‘budget’ tour get you? Generally it includes, transfers from Moron Airport, all the lodging in ger camps, food (usually 3 meals a day), guide costs, and entry to whatever parks you will visit, too it’s almost too good to be true. Always, though, check closely.

Stuff you normally have to pay for separately? Any of the add-on trips like going to see Reindeer Herders or perhaps renting horses for longer. Of course you will have to buy all of your personal drinks. Some packages leave out alcohol from the start, which brings down your costs. One definite is travel insurance is something that they make you cover.

Is a Budget Tour Worth It?

So, should you actually go on a budget trip to Khuvsgul? That is the biggie, isn’t it? Here’s what I’d say, in short: If you are happy with simple lodgings and aren’t that picky with your food, but what you are focused on seeing some amazing landscapes, then this might be great. If you wish things to be super comfy or are all about gourmet meals, you might be a bit bummed out, I feel.

Tips for Saving Even More

• Travel in the shoulder season: Going just before or after peak times, might be slightly colder but cheaper and quieter too.
• Pack snacks: Purchasing local snacks might mean lower prices instead of relying on pricey tourist stops.
• Think about group deals: Tours may discount a little if there are more of you, alright, and maybe worth teaming up with others you meet in Moron or online.
• Double-check what is included: That will stop unexpected costs whilst there.

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