hovsgol travel company

Empowering unforgettable journeys, our vision is to be the premier travel company, connecting people with the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences of Mongolia, fostering a sense of adventure and creating lifelong memories.

Empowering unforgettable journeys,

Our vision is to be the premier travel company, connecting people with the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences of Mongolia, fostering a sense of adventure and creating lifelong memories.

Our Mission

Dedicated to exceeding expectations.

Our mission is to provide exceptional camping, fishing, and travel tours, blending comfort with authentic exploration. We aim to showcase the beauty of Mongolia, promote sustainable tourism practices, and leave a positive impact on the communities we touch, ensuring every traveler discovers the magic of our diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

Exploring Mongolia's “Dark Blue Pearl”

Lake hovsgol extension.

From $2,395

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Mystical Lake Hovsgol (“Blue Water Lake”), sacred to Mongolians, is 85 miles long and 18 miles wide, and ringed by 9,000-foot peaks, pristine larch forests, and wildflower-filled meadows. Home to traditional nomad families and their herds, the lake is a sublime place to enjoy nature walks and cultural interactions. Hovsgol lies at the southern end of the Baikal Rift zone and is a sister to Baikal in Siberia.

Arrive: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Depart: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

• Discover Lake Hovsgol, a vast alpine lake known as Mongolia's “dark blue pearl”
• Explore on foot, by horseback or by kayak

Trip Extensions can be added on to Small Group Adventures or Private Journeys, to lengthen and customize your trip. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

• Service of local English-speaking guide
• Accommodations in hotels and gers
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from arrival until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the extension's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to guide, drivers, or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
• Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Mongolian Ger Camps

Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Days 1-3 (3 nights)

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Day 4 (1 night)

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

For those on a tight budget, there are cheaper ways to tour Lake Khovsgol. Most guesthouses in UB organise budget Lake Hovsgol tours, I have done one with the Golden Gobi guesthouse and would recommend them of the UB bunch. However, to get the most value, I recommend you do the following: -Get a bus ticket to Moron. Comfortable buses leave to UB every day. Journey is about 15 hours. It's a tolerable journey, and will save you compared to hiring a private car for the UB-Moron return journey. -Get in touch with Bata Byambadorj, a great guy who speaks good English and runs Bata's Guesthouse in Moron. Search for 'Bata's Guesthouse' on Facebook and let him know when you're arriving in Moron. -Bata will pick you up; you can stay at his guesthouse (leave quickly, Moron is not a nice town!) and organize a cheap tour to depart the next day. -Khatgal is about 3-4 hours north of Moron. Bata knows all the nomads who offer horses around Lake Khovsgol, and plenty of drivers if you want to do a vehicle tour, too. He's cheaper than the UB-based operators. -Compared to Hovd Tour's more expansive offering (see above), you get what you pay for, and will need to arrange your own food, gear, cooking, logistics, etc., which is part and parcel of a no-frills tour in Mongolia. However, Bata's tours of Lake Hovsgol are the best choice for shoe-string travelers. Good luck!

Return from Lake Khovsgol to Mongolia Travel destination overview Return from Lake Khovsgol to Mongolia-Travel-Advice homepage Facebook Twitter © Copyright mongolia-travel-advice.com All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission.

The Reindeer Herders of Hovsgol

The Reindeer Herders of Hovsgol | 19 days

In the far north of Mongolia , hugging the Siberian border, is the lush province of Hovsgol , where yaks and horses graze the shores of Lake Hovsgol against a mountain backdrop. This is the home of the ethnic Tsaatan or reindeer people who farm these majestic animals. You will camp by night and ride by day in search of these nomadic herders. The terrain is varied and the pace can be fast so riding expertise is essential. This is a journey for the adventurer.

Day 1: Fly to Ulaanbaatar

Days 2&3: Explore Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city

Day 4: Fly to Moron

Day 5: Drive to Soyot and meet your horses

Days 6-16: Riding and exploration of the shores of the 2,760 sq km Lake Hovsgol

Day 17: Drive to Moron

Day 18: Return flight to Ulaanbaatar

Day 19: Fly to London

Contact us for guide price

Trip Reports relating to Mongolia

Travel Tips

Clients’ comments

“A tremendous success, ‘South Zeal’s’ detailed planning and choice of local agent paying off, as ever. Though I’ve travelled extensively in remote areas I still found Mongolia one of the most challenging lands to have visited, physically and, sometimes, culturally – but also one of the most rewarding and special. One needs stamina and, specifically on the cross-country driving, anyone with back problems or whose body might not withstand hours of being wrenched and shaken up should look elsewhere.

However the rewards are enormous in the beauty of the scenery; the flora and (now and again) the fauna and the insights into nomadic life and ancient cultures. My guides and drivers were excellent. You gave ample advice about the uncertain standards of accommodation and food and with few exceptions I was very content with both. I was really glad that I had included some non or only local travel days at each of the camps to balance the long drives and take in the surroundings. The secret is to be selective, and not try to do too much.” David Carter, Mongolia

Fiona’s travel tips

WHAT TO EXPECT: It is not uncommon for drivers to stop at ‘gers’ — they are not lost but like to get local and seasonal information on travelling through regions with no roads.

DON’T MISS: An absolute highlight is the annual Naadam Festival in mid-July, which celebrates the traditional sports of riding, wrestling and archery.

TAKE WITH YOU: Everything from T-shirts to thermals. The weather changes constantly, especially in the mountains and you can expect everything from hail to sunshine. For riders a sheepskin ‘seat-saver’ will do just that!

INTERESTING FACT: Mongolia is the world’s second-largest landlocked country after Kazakhstan. Around 30 per cent of its population are nomadic or semi-nomadic and the predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism.

BEST TIME TO GO: We suggest travelling any time between May and October to get the best of the weather.

JOURNEY TIME: 10 hours (indirect)

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Lake Khuvsgul

Introduction.

Lake Khuvsgul is one of the most pristine large bodies of water of Asia, situated at 1645 meters above sea level. It is the twin lake of Baikal and its waters are equally blue. The setting is spectacular with Siberian taiga and the Horidal Saridag Mountain Range to the west. The lake is almost devoid of any ships, and is transparent to depth of 16-25 meters. There is lenok trout and an endemic gray-ling in the lake. It stretches some 125km from north to south and is 262 meters deep. It is not as deep as Baikal, but is part of the Baikal Rift system, which resulted from the pressures associated with the collision between India and Asia some 55 million years ago. Lake Baikal is 200km away and 1200 meters below inside Russia.

BRIEF OUTLINE ITINERARY

You will fly on a domestic flight to Murun, the aimag capital of Khuvsgul. You will stay in a ger camp at a secluded bay on the Ardavhar Peninsula. All meals will be served in the ger camp or as a picnic. A local guide will meet you when landing at ei-ther of the two locations. Murun airport is 110km and 3 hours from Hatgal village (102km), which is located at the southern-most tip of the lake. Weather permitting, you will be transferred to the Ardavhar Peninsula by boat which is a half hour north of Hatgal.

Trip Details

• Practicalities

Day 1: To Lake Khuvsgul

Arrival at Murun airport. If you start your journey in Ulaanbaa-tar pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar is included. Transfer 3h from to Hatgal and on to Ardavhar Peninsula by boat.

Day 2: Lake Khuvsgul National Park

Ardavhar is a simple ger camp on the peninsula, located in a secluded bay all on its own. The shoreline is spectacular, with forested hills coming straight down into the blue lake. We will hike up the hills and over to Somo Had, a sacred point of rocks jutting into the lake. It is worshipped by the locals, who travel there and leave hadags and others offerings.

Day 3: Lake Khuvsgul National Park

We will hike through the forest for a few kilometers until we reach the steppe, where several nomadic families live and where we will have a visit with these hardy people.

Day 4 To Mörön 

A.m. Supported by a yak cart, which will carry our luggage to the departure point, we will travel by boat for about half an hour to Hatgal village. Transfer from there to Murun airport. If you fly to Ulaanbaatar transfer on arrival to your hotel in town.

You need to plan to stay in Mon-golia for at least 2 nights after the return from Khuvsgul Lake. Flights from the inte-rior may cancel due to poor visibility (rain/fog), which is why there needs to be some “rubber” time built in to the itinerary to ensure that you arrive back in time for your international flight departure. The approach to Ardavhar Peninsula is by boat directly onto the beach. While for most wind directions the shore is not that exposed, the lake can be choppy and windy to the extent we will use alternative arrangements to get there.

Itinerary Map

DATES ex. Ulaanbaatar: 2024

• Approximately mid June to mid September daily.

PRICE ex 2024 Ulaanbaatar:

2 -12 members: USD 1500 per person

Single supplement (3n): USD 210

Practicalities:

This tour is supported by a jeep or minibus depending on the number of travelers. The approach to Ardavhar Peninsula is by boat directly onto the beach.

Accommodation:

We stay in Ger (yurt) Camps for the duration of this trip. These permanent camps are equipped with a restaurant and shared bathroom and shower blocks.

An English-speaking Mongolian guide will accompany you at all times. Other language guides such as Russian, French, German, Italian, Korean etc. available at additional cost, upon request.

The meals will be provided in the ger camps, or as picnic lunches.

Additional:

We can organize hotel accommodation, city tours and transfers in Ulaanbaatar.

Guide, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in ger camps. All local transport and entrance fees. Do-mestic flight tickets.

Beverages. Transfers and ac-commodation in Ulaanbaatar. Air or train tickets in and out Mongolia.

The luggage allowance (including a hand luggage) is 15 kg, and above that over-weight must be paid.

What our guests say

We appreciate your feedback about our tours and services.

Living the mongolian way

Great place to stay and experience mongolian way of living, no tv, wifi, phone. Just nature and great company of the staff and livestocks of mongolia. The toilet is a hole in the ground covered by a shed. It is clean, but can be smelly to those used to city life. Not hot water supply, inform the staff that you like to hot water half an hour earlier so that they can boil it over camel dung 🙂

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For 25 years Nomadic Journeys has been a leading tour operator in Mongolia, focusing on low impact sustainable tourism. We work with numerous community groups and conservation initiatives around Mongolia. Our philosophy is to offer a low impact travel experience, visiting different places on horse back, yak cart, and camel cart over long difficult journeys on a vehicle. Read more

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Mongolian Epic Overland Adventure

This epic off-road adventure showcases some of the most spectacular, varied, and historically important sites in Mongolia. Your journey will traverse the entire country from north to south using four-wheel drive off-road vehicles. Begin at Lake Hovsgol, situated among some of the world’s most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows.

The journey continues south toward the canyons and sand dunes of the Gobi, stopping along the way at ancient deer stones, dormant volcanoes, and the ruins of a 17th-century temple.

This extensive adventure follows an ambitious off-road route where the rest of the world seems millions of miles and hundreds of years away.

Inclusions & Exclusions

LAND PRICE INCLUDES:

• Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary
• Transfers upon arrival and departure
• All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers)

All meals in Mongolia including a camp cook while tenting

• Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks at meals
• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary
• Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, and luggage tags
• Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.

LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines
• Passport and visa fees
• Comprehensive medical and trip insurance
• Airport taxes
• Excess baggage charges
• Photography and video fees
• Tips to guides and drivers
• Food and beverages not included in the group meals
• Items of personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls
• Other items not specifically mentioned as included

NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS

Tour Leaders

Buyantmaa Dorjgotov

Ganzorig Darisuren

EPIC MONGOLIAN OVERLAND ADVENTURES

Photo Gallery

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Carol Tanenbaum – A Photojournal Excerpt

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The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises.

Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel, a luxury hotel located just steps away from various museums and shops.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room)

Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democratic nation.

Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed with silk and precious stones, completely fills one of Gandan’s temples.

Next, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.

After lunch, drive to Zaisan Memorial, built by the former Soviet Union to commemorate fallen soldiers of World War II. Those who climb the 300 steps will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the capital city, the Tuul River, and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, fly north to Murun (1.5 hours), the capital of Hovsgol Province, and continue overland to Lake Hovsgol (approximately 2.5 hours), passing through Mongolian steppe and forested mountains and by the Uushigiin Deer Stones.

Uushigiin Deer Stones are comprised of 14 magnificently preserved deer stones, lined up from north to south and often referred to as the “graveyard of deer stones.” The front stone is carved with a human face on top and is the only one of its kind to have been found. Awareness of the Uushigiin Deer Stones has increased recently as a result of the Smithsonian Institute’s research at the site.

Mongolia’s largest lake by water volume, Hovsgol extends 85 miles in length, 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl,” is situated among some of the most pristine forests, mountains, and meadows in the world. There will be ample time to discover the lake’s secrets in the following days. Overnight in gers.

(Double Lake Ger Camp - Standard Room; B, L, D)

Spend these days exploring the lakeshore and surrounding mountains and meadows. For those interested, there will be opportunities to kayak, visit local nomads’ dwellings, or sample horseback riding. Overnight in gers.

Today, continue with your journey south to Zuun Nuur (6 hours), stopping at Murun village for last-minute supplies.

Continue driving south over several mountain passes, including Tariat Pass, the highest pass in Mongolia, and through Jargalant village. Arrive at your ger camp later this afternoon near the river Ider. Overnight in gers.

( Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

In the morning, drive through the beautiful Arkhangai Province, known for the large number of yaks in the country.

In the afternoon, reach the Horgo Volcano (2 hours) and explore this sunken caldera and its volcanic formations. Here, you will also find two unique caves, both natural formations created by the lava of the erupted volcano - “Youth Cave” and “Yellow Dog’s Hell.”

Continue on to crystal-clear Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (2 hours), known as the “Great White Lake.” This lake is the highlight of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, established for the conservation of spectacular mountain scenery and endangered flora and fauna. The lake was formed thousands of years ago when lava from nearby Horgo Volcano flowed into the Terkh River, creating a natural dam. Overnight in gers.

(Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Tsetserleg, provincial capital of Arkhangai and considered one of the most beautiful provinces in Mongolia. En route, stop at Taikhar Rock (about 1 hour). The route to Taikhar Rock passes ovoos (stone cairns) erected for local deities, a custom with origins in shamanism, and the first religion to develop amongst the nomads of Central Asia. The pyramid-shaped piles of stones are usually located on the top of a hill or mountain. Worshippers and passers-by walk in a clockwise direction three times around the ovoos and make an offering, usually of three stones, to bring good luck to their journey.

At Tsetserleg, visit the picturesque Zayayn Gegeenii Temple, founded in 1586 and once home to almost 1,000 monks. During the communist purges of the 1930s, the monastery was converted into a museum and thus saved from destruction. It has become the town’s main monastery and now holds weekly religious services and houses many spiritual and sacred artifacts from its days as a museum.

Continue driving to Kharakhorum, site of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire (4 hours). The empire created by Chinggis Khan and his descendants was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has never been matched. Travelers in the 13th century were impressed not only with the beauty of Kharakhorum, but also by the internationalism and openness of this city where traders, intellectuals, and clergy enjoyed religious freedom.

(Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit the Kharakhorum Museum (25-minute drive). Founded to showcase the research findings from the ancient capital of Mongolia by the Mongolian and German joint archaeological expedition, the newly established Kharakhorum museum offers fascinating insight into what was once the center of arts, politics, trades, and religions of the world. The museum has two sections: one for the permanent exhibits, and another for the temporary exhibits to introduce the findings of recent or ongoing scientific explorations in the area.

It is impossible to mention Mongolia without conjuring up images of the great warrior, Chinggis Khan. The empire created by Chinggis and his descendants was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has never been matched. The great Khan and his son created the beautiful and legendary Kharakhorum to serve as the heart of this monolithic empire. At the time, Kharakhorum was one of the largest junctions of the Silk Route, connecting the Oriental world with the West. Unfortunately, this bustling capital was abandoned by Khublai Khan and later fell into ruin.

Our next stop is the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery. Mongolia’s largest monastery, neighboring Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharakhorum in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. Explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. The temples are richly decorated with spectacular Buddhas, as well as Buddhist art and architecture. Just behind the monastery compound, visit the site of archeological digs being conducted by German archeologists at the former sight of Kharakhorum. Among the findings was an entire foundation of a house with a brick stove and a beautifully forged gold bracelet.

Overnight in gers.

After breakfast, drive to Ongiin Hiid (approximately 4 hours) and explore the ruins of this 17th-century temple, situated in a beautiful mountainous region. Still known as the “Pearl of the Great Desert,” Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939.

(Secrets of Ongii Ger Camp - Standard Ger; B, L, D)

Drive to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge (approximately 6 hours) located at Bulagtai Mountain on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. The lodge offers a wide variety of activities to travelers from reading a book on Mongolia to watching a documentary about nomadic culture, and from learning traditional Mongolian games to enjoying a relaxing massage.

( Three Camel Lodge - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

Contrary to the sameness that the word “desert” suggests, the Gobi is a diverse and fascinating region, and includes the sites of some of the 20th century’s most important paleontological discoveries. Explore the stunning landscape of the Gobi, habitat for Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, Golden Eagles, Saker Falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats), and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most rare and elusive mammals, such as the dhole, snow leopard, and Gobi bear.

After breakfast, drive to Yol Valley National Park (1.5 hours), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Located in the northern part of the Gobi, this surprisingly green valley was once carved by an ancient river, and its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through this prehistoric canyon leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers. These predatory birds feed primarily on bone marrow, dropping large bones from the sky in an attempt to break them into smaller pieces. Return to the Three Camel Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, take an optional drive to Havtsgait Valley (25 minutes), site of ancient rock drawings left by early Gobi settlers. Hundreds of petroglyphs adorn rocks scattered on the top of the mountain.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

(Three Camel Lodge - Deluxe Ger; B, L, D)

In the morning, drive to Moltsog Els (45 minutes), one of the few regions of the Gobi covered by sand dunes. Meet with your camel wrangler at his home and mount your camels to begin your camel ride to the Moltsog Sand Dune. Return to the lodge for lunch.

In the late afternoon, travel to the legendary Flaming Cliffs (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone which glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.

After breakfast, transfer to Dalazangad Airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours.) Upon arrival you are transferred back to the Shangri-La hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure, to enjoy the Spa facility at your hotel or further explore the town, browse the bazaar for some last minute cashmere shopping. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance featuring khoomi throat singing, followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight.

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.

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Hovsgol Travel Hotel

View prices for your travel dates

See why so many travelers make Hovsgol Travel Hotel their small hotel of choice when visiting Ulaanbaatar. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you.

While staying at Hovsgol Travel Hotel, visitors can check out The Project for Rehabilitation of Railway Facilities (0.8 mi) and Genghis Khan Square (1.4 mi), some of Ulaanbaatar's top attractions.

Hovsgol Travel Hotel is a family-friendly small hotel offering a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests.

The small hotel features a 24 hour front desk and baggage storage. Plus, guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Ulaanbaatar. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.

During your visit, be sure to check out a popular Ulaanbaatar tapas restaurant such as Sky Lounge, which is a short distance from Hovsgol Travel Hotel.

Should time allow, Ulaanbaatar Railway Station and 976 Art Gallery are some popular attractions that are within walking distance.

At Hovsgol Travel Hotel, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to Ulaanbaatar.

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HOVSGOL TRAVEL HOTEL - Reviews (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

Newly updated 2024-2025 160+ page digital Catalog now available!

• Mongolia, China, Tibet

Photo credit: Devin Connolly

Descendants of Genghis Khan Steppe into the Future

Mongolia’s endless grassland and desert steppe make a dramatic backdrop for the tiny round  gers of lone nomadic families. Buddhist monasteries mark the vague tracks across the steppe, and the annual national festival, Naadam, still showcases nomadic skills. But times are changing: All over the country 21st-century geologists and miners are rushing to exploit riches under the ground, threatening this centuries-old traditional way of life. Visit here soon.

Why travel to Mongolia with MIR

Travelers frequently praise us for our inspired itineraries that take them deeper into the culture and communities of the places we visit. Journey with us to Mongolia to get better acquainted with the local people and to appreciate Mongolia’s fast-disappearing nomadic life and culture. We design every one of our Mongolia trips to help you discover for yourself why the sound of horses galloping across the open steppe haunts our dreams.

• Over 25 years of Mongolia travel experience
• Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
• Travel programs such as Princeton and Dartmouth have chosen MIR to guide them to Mongolia
• MIR’s Mongolia travel expertise recommend by Forbes.com
• Personalized travel planning from start to finish
• On-the-ground support
• Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
• Quality you can trust

Showing 5 results

• Festival tour! Small Group 11 Days From $7,195 Mongolian Explorer: The Gobi & Beyond with Naadam Festival Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (1)
• Festival Tour! Small Group 12 Days From $8,195 Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (1)
• Festival Trip! Private   Call for Pricing Mongolia's Altai Eagle Festival Departures May Vary
• Private 7 Days From $4,895 Essential Mongolia Departures May Vary
• Build Your Own Design Your Own Trip to Mongolia Traveling privately on a custom program means flexibility.
• Golden eagle hunter in Mongolia. Jeremy Woodhouse
• Reindeer herders near Hovsgol Lake. Peter Guttman
• Nomadic life on Mongolia's steppe. Helge Pedersen
• Colorful national dress at the Naadam Festival. Helge Pedersen
• Young horsemen on the steppe. Helge Pedersen
• Sukhbaatar Monument in Ulaanbaatar. Helge Pedersen
• Learning the long-held Mongolian tradition of archery. Photo credit: Helge Pedersen
• Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. Helge Pedersen
• Cocktail Party at the Gobi Desert's Flaming Cliffs. Alla Shishkina
• Genghis Khan statue in Ulaanbaatar. Douglas Grimes
• Riding bactrian camels in Mongolia. Michel Behar
• Uncovering fossils at the Flaming Cliffs. Michel Behar
• Hiking through the Gobi Desert's Flaming Cliffs. Michel Behar
• Traditional Mongolian horse head fiddle. Michel Behar
• Meeting local children in Mongolia. Kelly Tissier
• Tea break at a local nomadic home in Mongolia. Emily Saunders

Stories To Inspire

Beginner’s guide to mongolia’s magnificent monasteries, mongolia’s naadam festival: why go, places to go, people to see in mongolia: 7 favorites, a year of celebrations: holidays, festivals and special events to add to your travel calendar, traveler reviews.

C. & J. McLaren

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MS2S Organizers

Shuree Sukhbaatar

Contact for MS2S arrival Mongolia and ecoLeap foundation Mongolia branch

Shuree is a Mongolian living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Shuree first joined the MS2S in 2002 when she was the Travel Manager of Hovsgol Travel Company and now she is the General Manager of Ulaanbaatar Representative Office of ecoLeap Foundation in Mongolia.

Contact for: Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia

Tyler developed an interest in ultrarunning and in Mongolia during his 7 years of living in urban/industrial cities in China. His friendships with Nicolas and the other like minded people led to the development of the MS2S. Tyler has since then become a regular participant in the event, and serves as one of the race organizers. He now lives in Sydney Australia and competes in triathlons there, and has developed a passion for yoga, and has been teaching yoga for over ten years (sometimes running classes for the runners of the MS2S!). Tyler is a Sinologist and teaches Chinese language and literature at the University of Sydney.

Nicolas Musy

Contact for Mongolia, Greater China

Nicolas is a Physics Engineer from Switzerland who has been based in China since the 1990s where he runs an own industrial project management company and a precision mechanical production operation. Nicolas discovered a passion for nature, hiking and trail running when living in the urban jungles of Shanghai. He has run the Everest Marathon in Nepal and the Hong Kong Trailwalker and finished the first Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100 km. He has run in each of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset since. Nicolas first visited Hovsgol in 1996 and he has returned for business and horse or hiking treks every year since 1997.

Zvonimir Grobenski

Contact for: Europe

Zvoni is German , originating from  Croatia, based on the Lake of Konstanz, Germany. With degrees in Geology & Mineralogy (University of Zagreb), and Ph.D. in Chemistry (University of Konstanz), he has behind him managerial experience working for leading international companies in the fields of analytical instrumentation and biotechnology. Zvoni got his bug for international traveling, hiking and adventure in general, during his tenure in East Africa, and it was “normal” that he started running marathons and ultras many, many years ago. First time he attended MS2S was in 2001 and never stopped coming and he is now incorporated in to the organizing team of this wonderful race.

Marc Progin

Contact for: Hong Kong

Marc is a Swiss National living in Hong Kong for many years. Marc is a veteran participant of Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset, adventurer and very experienced Mongolia explorer, professional photographer and inspirational speaker with an affinity for Mongolia, exploration and running.

Julia Moffitt

Contact for: USA, Canada

Julia is a personal trainer, yoga teacher, and runner in Key West, Florida, USA. She has been a horse rider since childhood and trainer of dressage as an adult. Born in 1978 in Seoul, Korea, grew up in New York City as the adopted daughter of American parents. In a search for her roots, DNA testing showed that Julia had some pre-Korean Mongol ancestry. Her background and professional interests contribute to her fascination with Mongolia and decision to participate in this experience.

Koji Minami

Contact for: Japan

Koji is a Japanese living in Yokohama, Japan. After studying Electrical and Information Engineering and working at various international IT companies in Japan and Israel, Koji is currently consulting startup companies that are willing to develop/enhance business in Japan. In 2016 he participated in Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset as a 100km runner and got fascinated by the exceptionally friendly atmosphere of MS2S and breathtaking nature of Mongolia. In 2018 he came back with his family, run with his 15 years old son with joy, and has decided to help invite and take care of new participants from Japan.

Christopher Hazen

Chris is a native Oregonian (USA), Boston University graduate, serial entrepreneur and business consultant. After visiting Mongolia in 1998, Chris became a founder of Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset and has provided sustainability and organizational input to the event ever since. Chris ran 100km and marathon distances when in his 20s but these days is happier with 10 to 20 km distances in between swims or other activities. 

Bernhard Hagen

Contact for: Media

Bernhard is Austrian and lives both in Shanghai and Austria. After studying in Innsbruck and New Orleans and working in PR firms for a couple of years, Bernhard started a PR company specializing in international B2B press releases. In 2011, he began to support the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset with press releases and realized many articles in international running and outdoor magazines. For Bernhard, the first trip to Lake Hovsgol (and the first marathon) was not less than life-changing. He stayed involved, helped the communication efforts of MS2S to further promote the race and the environmental projects and joined the organizing team in 2013.

Angie Eagan

Angie Eagan is our Race Director She became committed to the race’s philanthropic objectives after her first visit to Mongolia in 1997. Born and raised in cowboy country – the high desert of Central Oregon – an affinity for Mongolia’s natural beauty, people and horse culture are a given for Angie. Being a sport enthusiast and adventure traveler rounded out her interest in the event. She has supported participants in the Everest Marathon and Hong Kong Trailwalker 100km race, and was Race Director for the first Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset in 1999. Angie lives and works in China where she manages a leading international recruitment firm.

Contact for: United Kingdom

Jo is living her best life! As a runner and with a career as a Physiotherapist. 

She lives in Devon, UK with her husband, Jon and dog, Wilfred. She works as a Sports Physiotherapist privately and for the UK Sport Institute.

She has been a runner for 20 years and she has been lucky enough to represent GB on the trails and in the road 100km champs. Her best results include 2nd in the Marathon Des Sables, 2nd in CCC and most recently 1st in the Cape Wrath Ultra. 

She often uses running as a way to travel and has raced in many countries around the world from Chile to Iran. Her exploits can be followed on her  Blog  https://jomeekblog.wordpress.com

This is what attracted her to the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset where she looks forward to racing the 100km in 2024. 

Steen Holck

Steen is an international nomad with Danish background and gens. A traveller from early child following his United Nations expatiate parents. Having grown up, lived and worked everywhere from Australia to Zambia. Steen is now an hotelier by trade and currently based in Zurich Switzerland. Steen first joined the MS2S in 2001 as an alternative to smoking and once there Hovsgol and Mongolia became part of him. Steen initially help raise funds for the environmental and cultural activities of MS2S and in 2009 Steen helped establish ecoLeap foundation registered in Geneva, Switzerland which is now the umbrella for the activities of MS2S and its philanthropic activities.As a child it was a dream to visit Mongolia and so when MS2S popped up on Facebook it was a sign to run and visit Mongolia.

Michael Whitehead

Michael lives in Auckland, New Zealand. When he is not on the trails he consults and invests mainly in the tech sector.  Michael’s first 100k race was the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset in 2019, and he claims the unofficial prize for the worst blisters (photos available on request). He has also run the MS2S 42k (no blisters) as well as other marathons and ultras in New Zealand, USA and Europe. While always on the lookout for the next trail run somewhere in the world he believes the location, organisation, and ethos of the MS2S makes it a special race and is happy to share his experiences and tips to kiwis thinking about running in Mongolia.

Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset Charity Run

“Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset” Ultra-Marathon

Our organization has been organizing the International long-distance marathon Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset since 1999 on the western shore of Lake Hovsgol in cooperation with Hovsgol Travel Company to develop eco-sports, tourism and protect the environment.

The funds from marathon helped to collect and transport abandoned dry waste from the west shore of Lake Hovsgol, and to distribute environmentally friendly bio-degradable garbage bags for free to tourists entering the Hovsgol Lake National Park, thus we have been contributing to the protection of the environment for 22 years.

From 2020 we have expanded our activities in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Global Nature Fund to support dry waste management and implement project “Conservation of ecosystem services through waste management in Hovsgol Lake National Park” by providing training on knowledge and skills of sorting waste at source and reduction of waste to tourist and ger camps, households, organizations operating in the Hovsgol State Special Protected Area, schools and kindergarten in Hatgal village.

For the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic we couldn’t held our ultra-marathon Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset www.ms2s.org in Hovsgol Lake National Park, which were to provide funding through fundraisers needed to successfully implement the project, instead we have successfully organized Virtual Run Ulaanbaatar 2021 to continue our contribution to the protection of the environment.

If you would like to learn more about the marathon and want to contribute to the Hovsgol Lake National Park you can donate here.

And to find out more about success of the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset marathon watch the video:

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Eg-Ur Rivers Taimen Camps

Lodging Details The Mongolian river camps – located in the Eg Ur Watershed – are operated and run by Hovsgol Travel Company of Mongolia and Sweetwater Travel of Livingston, Montana. Yellow Dog is proud to represent this partnership, which has been operating in Mongolia since 1995. The upper camp is located on the banks of the Ur River, and the lower camp is situated further downstream on the Eg River (below the confluence of the Eg and the Ur).

Anglers stay in Gers (small, low-ceilinged round tents) that are hard-sided and incredibly warm and comfortable. Each Ger features two beds, tables and chairs, plenty of storage space for gear and clothing, and a central wood stove that keeps things very warm on cold nights. Cots are outfitted with sleeping bags, bag liners, pillows, and fresh towels are included, which means that guests do not need to bring their own sleeping bag, linens, or towels. Drinking water and water bottles are provided and placed in your Ger each morning and evening.

Early each morning, a camp staffer quietly enters each Ger to re-light the fire and warm things up. The camp is powered by a generator, which always runs in the mornings and at night. Showers and a sauna are hot and ready each afternoon after your day on the water. The showers are heated by a wood stove system, as is the river-rock sauna.

Food and Beverages All meals are served in the main dining room building, where guests congregate each morning and evening for a great selection of hot food. Lunches each day are packed in a cooler and eaten on the water. The menu consists of both Mongolian and western meals. The food is good and usually plentiful and includes a variety of grilled sheep, beef, chicken, and other main dishes and salads.

Typical Length of Stay The typical package is seven (7) nights / six (6) fishing days. Anglers will overnight on the front end of the trip in Ulaanbaatar, typically arriving on a Sunday. (This hotel night, as well as a night on the back end of the week, is included in the package.)

Non-Angling Activities and Options In addition to fishing, the camps offer a variety of non-angling activities as well. Guests can experience the rural Mongolian countryside and herder communities, completely surrounded by hillsides perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring. There are horses at each camp, and excursions that range from one hour to full-day adventures can easily be arranged. In addition to hiking, guests are encouraged to visit the archeological and anthropological sites near the camp. There are old Tibetan monasteries and ancient burial mounds – one of which may be the mythological final resting place of Ghengis Khan and his treasure. While this is primarily an angling-focused destination, non-anglers that appreciate a remote location and an interesting culture will also enjoy this part of Mongolia. On the front and back end of the trip, Ulaanbaatar is a great place to explore. The capital of Mongolia is a busy, bustling place, home to a third of the country’s population. UB (as it is referred to by expats and tourists) offers all types of craft markets, museums, public squares, and a number of good restaurants and hotels.

Internet / Communications Wi-Fi is not available in the camps, which means that once you depart Ulaanbaatar, you will be offline and totally unplugged (something that is getting harder to find these days). Some U.S. cell phones may work in UB but will not work in the camp. There is very good Wi-Fi access at the hotel in UB.

How To Get There Traveling to Mongolia is not nearly as difficult as most people think. Ulaanbaatar (ULN) is only a two-hour flight from Beijing or a three-hour flight from Seoul, Korea. There are also regular, direct flights from Moscow and Berlin. It is possible to fly from the U.S. to Ulaanbaatar fairly quickly and directly, or guests can overnight in Beijing or Seoul to explore those cities as well. Yellow Dog can easily assist with all air travel and logistics.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times Anglers typically arrive in Ulaanbaatar on a Sunday from either Seoul, South Korea, or Beijing, China. You will be met at the airport by a representative of Hovsgol Travel Company and transferred to a small hotel in the city for the night. On Monday morning, you will be picked up and transferred back to the airport, where you will board a Cessna Caravan for the two-hour flight to the river. After six full days of fishing, you will fly back to Ulaanbaatar the following Monday. You can then either overnight in UB once again, or fly out that same night.

Documents Required A valid passport is required for all visitors to Mongolia and must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the duration of your stay. Citizens of the United States are not required to have a visa for travel to Mongolia or Korea, but if you plan on traveling through China (and staying longer than 24 hours) you will need a multiple-entry Chinese visa. If your passport is from a country other than the U.S. you may need a Mongolian visa. Yellow Dog can assist with these travel details.

Travel Arrangements Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Travel Tools – Airline Ticketing – Moon Phases – Rent This Rod – Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation – Global Rescue Membership

General Information Taimen are an interesting fish to pursue within a pristine and protected fishery. If you love swinging and skating flies or fishing large articulated streamers, then you’ll love this experience and the overall fishery. If you enjoy hunting large, predatory fish and value quality of catch over quantity, then this is your place. Taimen fishing is not a numbers game, but when a three, four, or even five-foot river fish eats your fly, you will quickly understand the draw of fishing in Mongolia. Anglers that enjoy the solitude of swinging flies for steelhead or pursuing musky with streamers transition well to targeting taimen.

Known to Mongolians as the “river wolf”, Taimen (Hucho Hucho Taimen) are exceptionally fierce and ferocious predators. As the world’s largest surviving salmonid, they are famous for feeding on large lenok and grayling, ducks, mice, and even large prairie dogs. Among the preferred techniques for catching Taimen is skating large, waking dry flies. The takes can be violent and unexpected, and one of the hardest things about this style of fishing is leaving the fly in place while a huge fish wakes, strikes and bats the fly before fully committing and eating. Despite the scene that can play out when a large Taimen attack a skated dry, it is crucial to let the fish take down the fly before strip-striking and setting the hook.

On Mongolian rivers, the average Taimen caught are around 32 inches and roughly 10 pounds. There is always the possibility for larger fish in the 40 to 50-inch range as well, and each week usually produces a number of these trophy fish. While Taimen are the primary species, lenok, Arctic grayling, and pike are also found in the area. Lenok runs anywhere from 16 to 30 inches in length, and their top-water eats can be fantastic. Looking much like a large brown trout with a strange, smallish mouth, they are routinely found in shallow, fast water, where skated dry flies and drifted terrestrials can be very effective. Lenok make a great addition to the more challenging, time-consuming hunt for Taimen.

All fishing on the Eg and Ur Rivers is catch and release, with single, barbless hooks only. Anglers can expect a combination of wade fishing and fishing from the 18-foot aluminum jet boats. Atlantic salmon-style “drops” (where the boat is slowly maneuvered downstream using an anchor and pulley system) are very effective and allow two anglers to effectively and carefully fish productive runs at the same time. Anglers should be prepared with both a dry fly set-up on a floating line and a streamer set-up with a 300-350 grain sink tip line. Each guide is assigned a specific section or “beat” of the river, and clients will rotate through different guides and different sections over the course of the week. You can expect long days on the water, leaving camp after breakfast and returning approximately one hour before dinner. Fishing days run anywhere from eight to ten hours in length.

+ Listen to this WAYPOINTS Podcast: Charlie Conn: Taimen Fishing and the Draw of Mongolia

Boats and Equipment Anglers fish the Ur and Eg Rivers using 18-foot aluminum jet boats. The typical situation has two anglers fishing with one guide. While flies, tippet, and leaders are included with each package, it is recommended that anglers bring all of their own fishing equipment.

Package Rates Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. Trips of any length of stay can be arranged, so please call Yellow Dog for details and custom package pricing.  

2024 RATES $7,300 per angler (plus a $450 Mongolian fishing license and $750 charter flight)

What’s Included:

• Meet-and-greet reception and transfers upon arrival into Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
• Seven (7) nights accommodations in camp
• Two (2) nights of hotel lodging in Ulaanbaatar on front and back end of trip
• Three meals per day while in camp
• Six and a half (6.5) days of guided river fishing
• Flies, leader, and tippet
• Beer, wine, and sodas in camp
• Mongolian fishing license (pre-paid amount of $450)
• All in-country air and land transfers (pre-paid charter flight of $750)
• Breakfast at hotel in Ulaanbaatar

What’s Not Included:

• International flights to Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
• Meals, drinks, taxis, tours, and any additional expenses while in Ulaanbaatar
• Fishing tackle, waders, rods, reels, and other fishing equipment
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Global Rescue insurance and trip insurance (mandatory)

Trip Deposit Information A 50% deposit (per angler) of the total package cost for each trip is due to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures (YDFA) at the time of booking to secure the reservation. This is extra important for all Mongolia trips, as dates and spots are very much in demand! Also, all deposits and payments must be paid by check. Guides and dates cannot be held or reserved without a deposit. Yellow Dog reserves the right to charge a handling fee of $100.00 per person for date changes after the initial reservation has been made. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

MONGOLIA CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY For all Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, L.L.C. (YDFA) Mongolia fishing packages, both deposits and final payments received are non-refundable, regardless of the reason. Because of the operator’s no refund and no credit policy, we highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. In no event will the operator’s be responsible for any cancellation of services or operations due to inclement weather, any event of force majeure, airline delays, missed travel connections, or any other reason beyond the control of the lodge. If your flights are late and connections are missed, operators are not responsible for alternative travel arrangements including flights, hotels, meals and any other expenses incurred. If a cancelled package is resold by either the outfitter or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog Flyfishing. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings   Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to [email protected] to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to [email protected] for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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India’s Massive Growth in Online Travel: Which Companies Will Lead?

Saniya Zanpure , Skift

March 27th, 2024 at 9:51 AM EDT

The online travel landscape is poised for dynamic growth as local players strive to maintain their dominance and western OTAs take steps to tap into the opportunity.

Saniya Zanpure

In a country known for tradition, India’s travel industry is undergoing a rapid transition. The younger population and a rising use of smartphones is reshaping India’s traditional travel booking landscape.

These forces set the stage for substantial growth in online travel in the coming years.

Skift Research’s latest report, India’s Travel Booking Landscape , offers a 10-chart overview of Indian traveler preferences and the top companies in online travel.

Unlike other markets, where third-party booking platforms dominate, India is unique: There is a roughly balanced market between direct bookings and third-parties.

Competition Heats Up

India has emerged as a pivotal market. As Western travel booking platforms gain traction in India, the third-party online travel landscape has become increasingly diverse and fragmented. 

OTAs are poised to play a significant role in India’s growing travel market and tapping into its online travel opportunities.

MakeMyTrip has emerged as India’s leading OTA, capturing 54% of the country’s online travel market. But western companies, such as Booking and Airbnb, have been steadily gaining market share.

As online travel booking becomes the primary method for Indians, it will be interesting to observe whether local, home-grown players retain their dominance or if the space is overtaken by Western players.

Read our India’s Travel Booking Landscape Report for further insights.

India’s Travel Booking Landscape

India’s travel booking landscape is rapidly shifting online, driven by the younger demographic, rising smartphone penetration, and improving internet connectivity across the country. Currently diverse and fragmented, the online travel landscape, is poised for dynamic growth as local players strive to maintain their dominance and Western OTAs take steps to tap into the emerging opportunity.

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Tags: digital , india , mobile booking , online travel , otas , skift research , smartphones , tourism , travel booking , young population

What we know about Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being hit by a cargo ship, with large parts of the bridge falling into the Patapsco River.

At least eight people fell into the water, members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time, officials said. Two were rescued, one uninjured and one in serious condition, and two bodies were recovered on Wednesday. The remaining four are presumed dead. The workers are believed to be the only victims in the disaster.

Here’s what we know so far.

Baltimore bridge collapse

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship , sending at least eight people from a construction crew into the water. Follow live updates and see photos from the scene .

How it happened: The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers recovered the bodies of two construction workers who died , while finding other vehicles trapped and probably containing the other victims, officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . The entire crew aboard the container ship Dali survived . First responders shut down most traffic on the four-lane bridge after the crew issued an urgent mayday call. It saved lives, Moore said.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge, which severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, adds a fresh headache to already struggling global supply chains . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

History: The Key Bridge was built in the 1970s and spanned the Patapsco River. Rebuilding the bridge will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, experts said.

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• Why investigators are looking into ‘dirty fuel’ in Baltimore bridge collapse March 27, 2024 Why investigators are looking into ‘dirty fuel’ in Baltimore bridge collapse March 27, 2024
• Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge will likely take years, experts say March 27, 2024 Rebuilding Baltimore’s Key Bridge will likely take years, experts say March 27, 2024

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The Key Bridge was named after the national anthem’s author.

Francis Scott Key was believed to be near the site when he observed a British bombardment during the War of 1812.

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By Jin Yu Young

• March 26, 2024

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship early Tuesday, was named after the American lawyer who wrote the lyrics of the national anthem. Construction of the bridge started in 1972 and was completed in March 1977.

Plans for the bridge began in the early 1970s, after traffic inundated the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, through which Interstate 895 crosses the harbor. When the bridge opened, The New York Times reported that construction costs had totaled $141 million, which is roughly $735 million in today’s dollars.

More than 12.4 million passenger and commercial vehicles crossed the bridge in 2023, according to a Maryland state government report .

The bridge itself spans 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River, but the crossing’s overall structure, including its connecting approaches, is almost 11 miles long. As part of Interstate 695, it is the outermost of three major crossings of the Baltimore Harbor.

Francis Scott Key was believed to be near the site of the future bridge in 1814 when he observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, where he served as quartermaster, during the War of 1812. The battle inspired Mr. Key to write a poem called “The Defense of Fort M’Henry” that would later be set to the music of a popular British tune and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It became the national anthem in 1931.

After the bridge opened to the public, parts of it underwent renovation several times, including a $14 million project in 1986 to repair damage, improve safety and restore the bridge’s appearance.

Jin Yu Young reports on South Korea, the Asia Pacific region and global breaking news from Seoul. More about Jin Yu Young

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Some foreign-made cars might be delayed as auto companies figure out port deliveries

Camila Domonoske

Cars exit from the Baltimore Port after the cargo ship Dali ran into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday. Two people were pulled alive from the water, two bodies were recovered and four people were presumed dead. The men were working on the bridge at the time of the collision at 1:30 a.m. Kena Betancur/Getty Images hide caption

Cars exit from the Baltimore Port after the cargo ship Dali ran into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday. Two people were pulled alive from the water, two bodies were recovered and four people were presumed dead. The men were working on the bridge at the time of the collision at 1:30 a.m.

When the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a cargo ship and collapsed, it was a shocking disaster that took the lives of six men working on the bridge at the time.

It also blocked off much of the port.

That raised alarm bells in the auto industry — because the Port of Baltimore handles more cars and light trucks than any other port in the U.S., and clearing the debris could take months .

Automakers were quick to emphasize that they were adapting . GM says it is rerouting deliveries. Stellantis is working on "contingency plans." Mercedes says it has options. Mazda says it has yet to finalize alternatives to this "vital" port. But it's not easy.

What we know and don't know about Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse

More from WYPR in Baltimore:

• Construction worker says friends, colleagues missing in bridge collapse
• Federal government pledges full support to rebuild FSK bridge, reopen port

For the latest from member station WYPR in Baltimore head to wypr.org

Imported cars travel in special ships

That's because rerouting an imported vehicle is a lot more complicated than redirecting a shipping container . Not all ports are equally equipped to unload the vessels that carry vehicles — a special "roll-on roll-off," or ro-ro ship.

And once unloaded, vehicles need to be inspected for damage and often need to have accessories or electronics installed. There's important paperwork after a car comes off a ship before it can can go to a dealer.

That all happens at a port facility that's typically built right next to where the ships unload, and it's a big reason why the vessels can't be sent just anywhere — even if you can get them off the ship at another port, who's going to install the subwoofers and finalize the window sticker?

Still, companies have several options, even though these might cause delays.

Part of the Baltimore port can still accept vehicles

First, part of the Baltimore port that handles vehicles is still operational.

The Tradepoint Atlantic terminal is located at the mouth of the harbor, before the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Volkswagen and BMW operate there, and as a result, those two automakers expect no impacts from the disaster. On Wednesday, a ship with Volkswagens arrived and was able to dock like normal.

Tradepoint Atlantic says its operation is "well equipped to handle additional levels of [vehicle] cargo. Plans to accept redirected cargo are underway, including the ability to handle the increased capacity."

Unload cars at a different port and drive them to Baltimore

Second, automakers could unload vehicles from a ship at a different port altogether and then drive them to their Baltimore facilities for those crucial processing steps, like inspections and part installations.

The Port of New York and New Jersey says it would be able to take vehicles off a ship and put them immediately on a car carrier truck bound for Baltimore, three hours away.

"Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this collapse," Bethann Rooney, port director, said in a statement, adding that the port "is proactively working with our industry partners to respond as needed and ensure supply chain continuity along the East Coast."

Those two options would also have a benefit for Baltimore as the city reels from the loss of a crucial bridge. They would allow at least some port jobs to continue, boosting the local economy, while the waterways are blocked.

Cars can also go to vehicle-focused ports farther away

As a third option, automakers could use a port farther afield, where they are already processing other vehicles.

For instance, Brunswick in Georgia is the second busiest port for vehicles after Baltimore — and Mercedes and Subaru, which import many vehicles through Baltimore, also have large processing operations there.

Officials at Brunswick say that the port has been contacted by companies as an interim solution while the Baltimore port is partially blocked, and that the port has unused capacity to process another 200,000 vehicles per year.

So that one port could absorb a significant chunk of the vehicles normally routed through Baltimore, which processed just shy of 850,000 vehicles last year. Other ports are also home to vehicle processing centers.

However, using a more distant port would mean a longer journey to dealerships. On the upside, because many vessels carrying vehicles make multiple stops up and down the East Coast, it might not require a detour at sea; that ro-ro ship would just unload more vehicles than originally planned at other ports, to make up for what it can't drop off at Baltimore.

Automakers and logistic companies could use a combination of strategies to address this shipping disruption.