WINTER GROUP TRIP  ·  ICE FESTIVAL 2027

MONGOLIA ICE FESTIVAL.

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Mar 1 – Mar 8, 2027
1 Batch
8 Days · 6 Nights
Duration
12–14 Pax
Group Size
Hotel + Heated Gers
Stays
All Meals
B/L/D
Ulaanbaatar UBN
Fly Into + Out
Khuvsgul Ice Festival
Signature
Dog Sled + Reindeer
Winter Only
What You'll Do

10 Frozen Mongolia Moments

The Khuvsgul Ice Festival runs for two days a year on a lake that freezes a metre thick. Everything below happens because we go when almost nobody else does.

01
Stand on the frozen surface of Asia's second-largest lake, a metre of ice under your boots Day 2–6
02
Watch traditional ice wrestling, the national sport moved onto the lake for the festival Day 3
03
Ride a reindeer with the Tsaatan, one of the last reindeer-herding peoples on earth Day 5
04
Sleep in heated ger camps with the whole white expanse of Khuvsgul out the door Day 2–5
05
Sleigh across the ice at sunset, pulled by horses the way locals have always done it Day 3
06
Taste airag and buuz the way they are meant to be eaten, in deep winter Day 1
07
Sit in on Darkhad shamanic traditions, optional and entirely on their terms Day 4
08
Shoot ice sculptures lit up after dark, the best photography night of the trip Day 3
09
Share tea inside a ger with Darkhad families and learn how they survive −25°C Day 5
10
Celebrate Mongolian winter culture at a festival almost no Indian traveller has seen Day 2–3
Day by Day

The Itinerary

8 days, 6 hotel nights. Hotels in the city, heated ger camps on a frozen lake, and the festival that only happens once a year. The last night is a late-night airport transfer, not a hotel.

Day 1

ULAANBAATAR · DIRECT FLIGHT IN + WELCOME DINNER

Direct from DelhiUBN AirportWelcome Dinner
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Ulaanbaatar in winter Plate of steamed buuz and fried khuushuur with tea

The direct Delhi flight lands in Ulaanbaatar at 16:00 and you feel the cold the second the doors open, in the coldest capital on earth. Our driver meets you at Chinggis Khaan International and gets you to the hotel. Tonight is the group's first dinner together, buuz steaming on the table and airag going round. If you have legs left after that, go walk it off. Ulaanbaatar is Soviet blocks, Buddhist temples and genuinely good coffee shops stacked on the same street. Night in an Ulaanbaatar hotel.

Did You Know? Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world.
Day 2

FLIGHT TO MÖRÖN + KHATGAL + ICE FESTIVAL OPENING

Domestic FlightScenic DriveFestival OpeningLakeside Ger Camp
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Frozen shore of Lake Khuvsgul Cracked ice on the lake surface Crowd around the ice arena at the Khuvsgul Ice Festival, seen from above

Morning flight north to Mörön, then the scenic drive to Khatgal on Lake Khuvsgul, Asia's second largest freshwater lake. In early March it is a frozen sheet you can walk straight out onto. You settle into the heated lakeside ger camp with the whole white expanse out the front door, then head onto the ice for the opening day of the Ice Festival. The afternoon and the evening performances happen out on the lake. Night in the heated ger camp.

Did You Know? Khuvsgul holds close to 70% of Mongolia's fresh water, and the ice gets thick enough that locals drive vehicles across it.
Day 3

KHUVSGUL ICE FESTIVAL

Ice WrestlingSleigh RacesIce SculptingIce Bar
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The festival ice arena on Lake Khuvsgul with the crowd around it, from above Crowd lined in an oval around the festival ice on Lake Khuvsgul Wide view of the festival field on frozen Lake Khuvsgul with mountains behind

The whole day happens on the ice. Ice wrestling, horse sleigh races, sculptors turning blocks into dragons and temples, and an ice bar that is exactly what it sounds like. After dark the sculptures light up, and the lake cracks and booms under everybody's feet. Night in the heated ger camp.

Day 4

DOG SLEDDING + SHAMAN FIRE CEREMONY

Dog SleddingSkating on the LakeShaman Fire CeremonyStargazing
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Sled team through winter forest View from the sled Shaman with a drum beside the fire at night during the Khuvsgul fire ritual Darkhad shaman in full costume standing on the frozen lake Two shamans on the frozen lake before the ritual, hills behind

Morning is dog sledding across the frozen lake, the fastest you will ever move while sitting still. Then you stay out there. Skating on a surface that runs to the horizon, a walk back through the sculpture field once the crowds have gone, the campfire when your face has had enough. After dark a shaman performs the fire ceremony, drum and all. Then look up. There is no town for a hundred kilometres and air at minus 25 holds almost no moisture, so the stars over Khuvsgul are the clearest most people will ever stand under. Night in the heated ger camp.

Did You Know? Shamanism was never fully replaced in northern Mongolia. Around Khuvsgul it is still the practising tradition, not something put on for visitors.
Day 5

TSAATAN REINDEER HERDERS + DARKHAD NOMADS

Tsaatan FamiliesReindeer RidingTea in a Ger
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Herder with reindeer at sunset Tsaatan riders on reindeer in the snow Tsaatan herder leading a saddled reindeer through snowy forest Two travelers laughing over breakfast and tea inside a ger

Today you meet Tsaatan reindeer herders and Darkhad nomadic families. You learn how people actually get through a winter like this, try reindeer riding, and share salted milk tea inside a ger with the stove going. Night in the heated ger camp.

Did You Know? The Tsaatan are one of the last reindeer-herding peoples on earth. Fewer than 300 of them are left.
Day 6

GER CART RIDE + FLY BACK TO ULAANBAATAR

Ger Cart RideDrive to MörönFlight to UBNFarewell Dinner
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Ger under snow Herder walking across a snowy valley toward his ger Ox cart on a snowy slope in Gorkhi-Terelj The whole group at a long dinner table in a Mongolian restaurant

A last morning on the ice, a ger cart ride along the shore, and the slow business of packing up a camp in the cold. Then the drive to Mörön and the afternoon flight to Ulaanbaatar. We are back in the city by evening, which buys you a hot shower and a farewell dinner where the whole group tells the week back to each other. Night in an Ulaanbaatar hotel.

Day 7

GORKHI-TERELJ NP + CHINGGIS KHAAN STATUE + LATE-NIGHT AIRPORT TRANSFER

Terelj NPAryapala Temple40m StatueAirport Transfer
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Snow on the drive to Terelj Traveler on the viewing deck inside the Chinggis Khaan statue Tripper in an orange jacket at the foot of the Chinggis Khaan statue Three travelers in orange deels outside the gers

One more day out of the city. We drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which in summer is full of tour buses and in early March is just you. Rock formations wearing snow, valleys so quiet you can hear the cold. We stop at the Aryapala Meditation Temple, then stand under the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, 40 metres of stainless steel staring east across an empty white steppe. There is a dressing room there with full traditional Mongolian kit, and yes, everybody does it. If there is time on the way back, we stop at Narantuul market for cashmere and souvenirs. Then dinner in the city. There is no hotel night tonight: after dinner we do the late-night transfer to the airport for the 03:30 flight.

Did You Know? A lift runs up through the horse's chest and comes out on its mane, so you end up standing on the head of the statue looking out over the steppe.
Day 8

DIRECT FLIGHT HOME, IN DELHI BY 07:00

03:30 FlightDirect to DelhiTrip Ends
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Ulaanbaatar skyline Herd on the snow The group with performers in traditional Mongolian costume in Ulaanbaatar The group sitting on the steps of the Platinum Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Your direct flight leaves Ulaanbaatar at 03:30 and lands in Delhi at 07:00 the same morning, so you are home before the day has really started. We check you in at Chinggis Khaan International, and that is the trip. You will be cold for about a week afterwards and you will miss it immediately.

Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Munkhbayar.B (CC BY-SA 4.0), Taylor Weidman / The Vanishing Cultures Project (CC BY-SA 3.0), yeowatzup (CC BY 2.0).

The Route

Ulaanbaatar → Khuvsgul → Back

A night in the capital, a domestic flight north to Mörön and the drive onto the frozen lake, then back to Ulaanbaatar for a day trip to Terelj before the late flight home.

Ulaanbaatar Day 1 · Fly into UBN Terelj NP Day 7 Mörön Day 2 · Fly North Lake Khuvsgul Day 2–6 · Ice Festival Route Start + End (UBN) Stop The Ice Festival
Ulaanbaatar UBN, Arrive Day 1
Mörön, Day 2 Fly North
Khatgal & Lake Khuvsgul, Day 2–6 Ice Festival
Tsaatan Camp, Day 5 Reindeer
Mörön, Day 6 Fly South
Ulaanbaatar, Day 6 Night
Gorkhi-Terelj NP, Day 7
Ulaanbaatar UBN, Day 7 Late-Night Transfer, Day 8 Fly Home 03:30
Investment

Lock In Your Spot

One batch, 12 to 14 people. ₹25,000 blocks your slot, the rest follows a clear payment schedule.

Mar 1 – Mar 8, 2027 · One batch
$1,800
≈ ₹1,75,500
per person · excl. 5% GST
EMI available

Token to block slot: ₹25,000. Remaining due per the payment schedule shared on WhatsApp. 14 slots in total.

Block a slot

Domestic flights inside Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar to Mörön and back) are included. International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar are not, including the direct Delhi flights. Rupee amounts are indicative, converted live. We lock the USD rate for 7 days when we send your balance request, so the INR you pay is fixed.

Bring Your People

Coming with other people? save ₹3,000 each

On any international group trip, get 2 friends to join you on the same batch and all three of you save ₹3,000 each.

Block your slots →

Booking as a three? Tell us right after you block, and we will take ₹3,000 off each on your balance payment.

What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ What's Included
✓All accommodation, hotels in the city plus heated ger camps on the lake
✓All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
✓English speaking guide for the full trip
✓All listed activities and Ice Festival entry
✓Domestic flights, Ulaanbaatar to Mörön and back
✓Private 4x4 transfers throughout
✓Bottled water and snacks
✓Mongolian visa, we handle the application for you
✗ What's Not Included
✕5% GST (applied on the INR equivalent at time of balance payment)
✕International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
✕Travel insurance
✕Personal expenses and tips
✕Alcohol and any extra activities
Social Proof

What Trippers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 Google Rating
★★★★★

"This was my third trip with One in the Orange Jacket and Vyshakh, and each one has been unforgettable in its own way. Every day brought breathtaking views, warm local stays, and seamless planning. We felt completely taken care of. But the best part? The people. We started as strangers and ended as a close-knit group, something that happens naturally on a Vyshakh-led trip. Grateful for yet another amazing journey."

Krithika Singhania
Krithika Singhania
Google Review · 3 trips with OJ
★★★★★

"I'm an adventure guide from Cape Town, South Africa, travelling solo for the first time. I know adventure, having taken in excess of 5,000 guests personally on mountain hikes and adventure tours. This one was the best. The hospitality, connection, empathy and love I felt from this group of strangers made this trip one I'll cherish for the rest of my life. They've managed to curate an off-the-beaten-track adventure experience that anyone can participate in."

Tauriq Gamildien
Tauriq Gamildien
Google Review · Adventure Guide, Cape Town
★★★★★

"Vyshakh was not only knowledgeable about every destination but also ensured that every member of our group felt comfortable and included. By the end of our journey, those who were once strangers on Day 1 had transformed into friends. Team OJ stands out for their commitment to delivering not just adventures, but lifelong memories."

Aishwarya Warty
Aishwarya Warty
Google Review · OJ Tripper
Click here to read what our trippers have to say →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the inclusions?

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All accommodation, hotels in the city plus heated ger camps on the lake. All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner). English speaking guide for the full trip. All listed activities and Ice Festival entry. Domestic flights, Ulaanbaatar to Mörön and back. Private 4x4 transfers throughout. Bottled water and snacks. Mongolian visa, we handle the application for you. Note: if you are vegetarian, please carry at least 4 ready-to-cook meals with you.

What are the exclusions?

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5% GST (applied on the INR equivalent at time of balance payment). International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar. Travel insurance. Personal expenses and tips. Alcohol and any extra activities.

How do I get there?

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We time the trip to the Monday nonstop between Delhi and Ulaanbaatar on Hunnu Air, about 5h30m each way. You land in Ulaanbaatar on Day 1 (Monday 1 March, 16:00) and fly home on Day 8 (Monday 8 March, leaving at 03:30 and landing in Delhi at 07:00). International flights are not included in the trip price, so you book your own. Coming from another city? Connect into Delhi and fly out from there. Airlines can change timetables, so check the schedule again before you book.

Do I need a visa?

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Indian passport holders need a Mongolian visa for this trip. It is included in the price and we handle the application. You just send us your documents when we ask. Your passport needs at least 6 months validity.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

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If Plans Change, We've Got You We totally get it, life happens, and sometimes your plans have to take a rain check. That's why we've kept our cancellation policy simple, transparent, and as kind as possible.

• 45+ days before the trip: 10% cancellation charge
• 30 to 44 days before the trip: 25% cancellation charge
• 15 to 29 days before the trip: 50% cancellation charge
• Within 14 days of the trip: 100% cancellation charge

These are calculated on the total trip amount, not just the token amount.

Now, if you can find someone to take your spot, we'll happily refund your full amount. No questions asked. Because at the end of the day, we'd rather have someone travel than hold back your money.

To keep your spot confirmed, please clear the remaining balance by the due date, it helps us lock in stays, permits, and experiences for the group. If payments are delayed beyond that, we'll have to treat it as a cancellation (same policy applies).

When will the remaining payment be collected?

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We collect the full remaining payment 45 days before the trip starts. If the payment isn't made by then, we'll assume your slot is cancelled, and our cancellation policy applies.

What should you bring?

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  1. Passport with at least 6 months validity (we sort the visa)
  2. International credit or debit card (1) – check it works abroad before you fly
  3. Thermal base layers, top and bottom (2 sets) – this is the single most important thing you pack
  4. Heavy down or insulated jacket (1) rated for −25°C
  5. Fleece or mid layer (2)
  6. Insulated waterproof snow boots (1 pair) – not trainers
  7. Thick wool socks (5 pairs)
  8. Insulated gloves (1 pair) + thin liner gloves (1 pair) for using your phone
  9. Woollen hat that covers your ears + neck gaiter or balaclava
  10. Sunscreen SPF 50 + UV sunglasses – snow glare is brutal
  11. Lip balm + heavy moisturiser – the air is bone dry
  12. Power bank (1) – cold drains batteries fast, keep it in an inside pocket
  13. Hand and toe warmers if you feel the cold
  14. Headlamp (1)
  15. Day backpack (1) + insulated water bottle
  16. Personal medicines + small first-aid kit
  17. Plug type C and E

How cold does it actually get?

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Expect −15°C to −25°C during the day and colder at night. It is a dry cold, which is more manageable than it sounds, but it is real. Every camp is heated with a wood stove and warm gear is available on request. Pack the thermals and you will be fine.

Is the ice actually safe?

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Yes. Lake Khuvsgul freezes over a metre thick by February, thick enough that locals drive vehicles across it. The Ice Festival (early March) is held on the ice itself. Everything we do out there is run by local operators who have been doing it for years.

Do I need experience for dog sledding or the sleigh?

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None at all. Every activity is guided and built for complete beginners. You sit, you hold on, they do the rest.

How tough is the trip physically?

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Moderate, and mostly because of the cold rather than the effort. There is walking on ice and snow, but no long hikes and no altitude problems. The pace is deliberately relaxed for winter conditions.

Is there mobile signal or internet?

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Limited once you are at the lake. Ulaanbaatar and Mörön are fine. Out on Khuvsgul expect to be properly offline for a few days, which most people end up calling the best part.

I'm coming solo. Is that a problem?

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Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner. Honestly it really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have led, most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought they wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.

What are trips like with OJ?

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Usually most batch sizes are between 12 to 14 people aged between 18 to 38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy, experiential things than regular tours. If we find a beautiful sunset or a hidden spot, we stop the vehicle right away. We usually sleep very late because people play group games and feel they'll miss precious time with the group.
Travel Planning

Flight & Visa Considerations

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