people sitting on grass field during daytime

BLUE PEARL - ICE FESTIVAL 2026

DURATION : 7N 8D

DISTANCE : 2,095 KILOMETERS

DON’T MISS THE BLUE PEARL ICE FESTIVAL 2026 – WHERE MONGOLIA’S WINTER MAGIC COMES ALIVE!

Every winter, Mongolia’s breathtaking Lake Khuvsgul – often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia” – transforms into the magical setting of one of the country’s biggest winter events, the Blue Pearl International Ice Festival.

In 2000, to protect the beauty of Lake Khuvsgul—revered by locals as the “Mother Ocean”—and to encourage winter tourism, environmental inspectors D. Lkhagvatsogt and J. Tumursukh of the Khuvsgul Special Protected Area initiated the very first Ice Festival. The event was held at Santiin Uvur and began with about ten horse sled races. Since 2001, the festival has grown steadily, transforming into one of Mongolia’s most significant annual winter events and playing a vital role in promoting sustainable winter tourism in the region.

Held in the charming village of Khatgal, Khuvsgul Province, this spectacular festival brings together locals and visitors from around the world to celebrate Mongolia’s unique winter culture. Over several days, the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul becomes a stage for ice sculpture exhibitions, horse-drawn sled rides, ice wrestling, skating, tug-of-war, and traditional Mongolian Art performance and games – all performed on the dazzling crystal-clear ice of the lake.

Visitors can also experience the rich culture of the reindeer herding Tsaatan people, taste traditional Mongolian food, and enjoy vibrant music and dance performances. More than just a festival, it’s a cultural adventure that combines fun, tradition, and stunning natural beauty.

At the “Blue Pearl-2024” Ice Festival, more than 20,000 visitors gathered to enjoy one of Mongolia’s most spectacular winter events. The famous “Kirva Anka” music band from Ecuador, known worldwide for representing the country’s national culture and art, gave a special performance at the festival.

The event also welcomed over 270 international guests and representatives from eight different countries, including Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the United States. Notably, a delegation from Daejeon, South Korea, and a media team from Korean KSBN television also joined the festival, adding to its truly international atmosphere.

DATE: MARCH 2026

TOUR ITINERARY

When you arrive at the airport, our tour guide will welcome you with the tour company’s logo or your name.
Drive to Ulaanbaatar city via highway and check into the hotel
Enjoy dinner

DAY 1 ARRIVAL DAY - ULAANBAATAR CITY

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, travel to Murun city for the Blue Pearl – Ice Festival 2025, by airplane, bus, or train (optional).
Arrive in Murun city and check into the hotel.
Lunch time.
Travel around Murun city.
Enjoy dinner.

DAY 2 MURUN CITY

Pack the luggage
Breakfast at the hotel
Explore to the Ice Festival for unique winter adventures and fun.
Attend the opening ceremony of the Ice Festival – experience the beauty of Mongolian winter performances.
Participate in and enjoy activities at the Blue Pearl – Ice Festival, including
visiting the Tsaatan ethnic group urts/ger, sliding with horses on Khuvsgul Lake, and more.
Lunch time.
Continue enjoying the festival.
Head to the tourist camp and enjoy dinner.
After dinner, relax with a movie night.

DAY 3 KHATGAL TOWN-"BLUE PEARL"-ICE FESTIVAL 2026

Having Breakfast
Travel to the Ice Festival for Day 2 and enjoy the activities.
Lunch time.
Participate in the events.
Attend the closing ceremony.
Return to camp and have dinner.
Enjoy fireworks and dance night.

DAY 4 KHATGAL TOWN-"BLUE PEARL"-ICE FESTIVAL 2026

Enjoy Breakfast
Drive to Murun city and Return to Ulaanbaatar city via airplane, bus, or train (optional).
Arrive in the UB city and check into the hotel
Have dinner.

DAY 5 KHATGAL-MURUN CITY-UB

DAY 6 UB-TSONJINBOLDOG-TERELJ NP-UB

Breakfast at the hotel.
Head to Tsonjinboldog Equestrian Statue – the largest equestrian statue in the world, standing 40 meters tall in Tsonjin Boldog. Visitors can walk through the chest and neck to reach the head for a panoramic view. (Optional: Take photos with an eagle at your own expense.)
Lunch time.
Travel to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park for a dogsledding day tour. Dog sledding in Mongolia is very affordable compared to Norway and other countries.
Return to Ulaanbaatar city and check into the hotel.
Dinner time and relax

DAY 7 ULAANBAATAR CITY

09:00 – Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 – After breakfast, enjoy free time. You can explore UB city, go shopping at souvenir shops and Gobi cashmere stores, or interest Mongolian National art performance at the theater.
19:00 – Closing dinner of the tour.

DAY 8 DEPARTURE DAY

Pack the luggage
Having breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Check the flight registration
Once seated on the airplane, our tour will conclude

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Hiace/Bus (24 seats)

2095 km

7N 8D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

HOTEL

2 Nights

5 Nights

Group size

Price

3.450 USD + Flight

1.500 USD + Flight

1.150 USD + Flight

1.010 USD + Flight

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation during trip
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English and Chinese-speaking tour guide
Daily breakfast
Meals inclusive 4 Lunches + 7 Dinners
Blue Pearl – Ice Festival Entrance ticket
Reindeer riding
Sliding with horse cart
Visiting in Tsaatsan people’s urts /ger/
Gorkhi, Terelj National Park Entrance ticket
Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue Entrance ticket
Fireworks with fun games
Fun games
Movie night
Dog Sledding tour
Hotel /Ulaanbaatar/ - 4 nights
Hotel /Murun city/ - 1 night
Blue Pearl tourist camp – 2 nights
Travel Insurance
Daily Mineral Water

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Riding reindeer fee
Taking photos with eagle
Domestic flight/ Bus/ Train tickets
International flight ticket
Tips for guides and driver

TRAVEL'S CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Luggage Advice: Avoid bringing oversized suitcases.
Power bank
Warm, winter clothing
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Etiquette Reminder: Kindly refrain from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol during the trip to avoid disturbing fellow travelers.
Relaxation: Wind down and relax by midnight.