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The Journey

How We Get to Khövsgöl

A comprehensive guide to traveling from Ulaanbaatar to the Khaich Valley.

Section I

The Quickest Route: Domestic Flights

Murun Airport terminal viewed from an aircraft on the tarmac, with the wing and steppe mountains beyond.Murun Airport

The most efficient route to the resort begins with a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar (UBN) to Murun Airport (MXV).

During the peak summer season, domestic flights run almost daily. The flight takes approximately one hour, with one-way tickets starting from 300,000 MNT per person.

Because July represents the peak of the Mongolian summer, domestic flights sell out exceptionally quickly. We strongly advise securing your air travel as early as possible directly with the carriers:

MIAT Mongolian Airlines

Check schedules and book directly on the MIAT website.

Hunnu Air

View timetables and book directly on the Hunnu Air website.

Chinggis Airlines (Nomin Holdings)

For availability on this newer premium option, please contact their operator, Enkhjargal, directly via Viber at +976 8810 4149.

Section II

The Overland Expedition: Driving the Steppe

A vehicle stopped on a paved road across the open steppe in Bulgan province, Mongolia.Overland route through Bulgan province

For those who wish to experience the vastness of the Mongolian landscape at their own pace, driving overland is a spectacular option. The 1,000 km route from Ulaanbaatar is fully paved.

Pacing the Journey

If you plan to complete the drive to Lake Khövsgöl in a single day, an early departure is essential. We strongly advise setting out from Ulaanbaatar no later than 9:00 AM sharp. To comfortably complete the journey and arrive before nightfall, aim to safely maintain a cruising speed of 100 km/h where the open road allows.

The Erdenet Pitstop

If you are driving, we highly recommend breaking up the trip with a stop in Erdenet for lunch and refueling. As one of Mongolia's wealthiest cities per capita, Erdenet offers a charming glimpse into Soviet-era urban planning. It is filled with character—you will find an eclectic mix of options to recharge, from cozy local "tea houses" to excellent standalone restaurants.

The Heart of Bulgan

As you leave Erdenet and continue northwest, the road opens up into Bulgan province. If you are familiar with airag—Mongolia's traditional fermented mare's milk—Bulgan is the undisputed heartland for it. As you drive through, the definitive place to stop and taste the best airag in the country is at the Tuluu Pass (Түлүүгийн даваа).

Section III

Intercity Coaches & Railway Options

A passenger train on the railway in Mongolia.Train travel in Mongolia

Intercity Coaches

For a direct overland route, air-conditioned intercity coaches depart from Ulaanbaatar's Old Dragon Terminal (Хуучин Драгон). Tickets are 110,000 MNT for adults and 55,800 MNT for children (ages 6–12). All tickets automatically include travel insurance (up to 10 million MNT in compensation).

  • The VIP Coach: Departs once a week on Sundays at 21:10. This premium option features spacious, reclining seating and phone charging ports so you can sleep comfortably and wake up in the north.

  • Standard Coaches: Depart six times a day, offering flexibility for your schedule.

  • Booking: Tickets can be purchased online via the Transdep E-Ticket Portal.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

There is no direct train to Murun; the railway ends in Erdenet. However, the route is a spur of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway—the very same iconic railway famously traveled by David Bowie. Taking the overnight sleeper train to Erdenet is a deeply nostalgic, romantic way to travel. Once you arrive, independent drivers are waiting at the station ready to take you the rest of the way to Murun (please remember to negotiate your fare before departing).

For Motorbike Expeditions: You can transport your motorbike with you on the train to Erdenet, bypassing the heaviest city traffic and officially beginning your ride from there.

Black and white archival photograph of David Bowie traveling in a sleeper cabin on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
David Bowie on the Trans-Siberian Railway, 1973. Photograph by Geoff MacCormack.

Section IV

The Final Leg: Murun to the Resort

Travelers in the Murun Airport terminal with Dalai Eej Resort signage visible.Murun Airport terminal

Provisioning in Murun

If you are driving yourself, Murun is your final major outpost. Before you leave the city limits for the lake, we highly recommend a stop at the Nomin Supermarket. Depending on your planned level of adventure, this is the definitive place to load up on essential supplies—from rechargeable batteries and flashlights to barbecue provisions and rain boots.

Navigating the Final Approach

The resort is located 13 km beyond the village of Khatgal, tucked into the Khaich Valley on the eastern shore of the lake. If you are driving yourself for this final leg, please note that while our Google Maps pin is highly accurate, the final approach to the resort can be adventurous.

The first 8 km out of Khatgal is a graded gravel road, but the final 5 km is an unpaved, natural dirt track. Because of this, we highly recommend traveling in a 4x4 vehicle or ensuring you are an experienced driver.

Once you pass the Khatgal village edge, you will need to navigate around the tree line…

Resort location map — placeholder

Taxis and Private Transfers

If you did not drive your own vehicle to Murun, you have several options for the final stretch:

Resort Transfer

270,000 MNT · each way

We offer a private transfer (100 km drive followed by a scenic speedboat arrival) for 270,000 MNT each way.

UBCab

App · Murun → Khatgal

You can reliably hail a taxi directly from Murun to Khatgal using the UBCab app.

Coordinate with us

Email · we align timing

Share your itinerary and we will align private transfers and your resort welcome.

Coordinating Your Arrival

Once your flights or overland travel plans are secured, please share your itinerary with our team. We will ensure your private transfers and resort welcome are perfectly timed.

Continue planning

Ready to plan your time on the water?

Discover our wellness and heritage experiences on the shores of Lake Khövsgöl.

Discover Our Wellness & Heritage Experiences