• Overall

  Join Koryo Tours this 2026 for possibly THE ultimate winter adventure for travellers, adventurers, and runners alike.

  A tour to Mongolia in winter, combined with the official Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026. 

  Our Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026 tour to Mongolia combines a running adventure with authentic Mongolian hospitality, local culture, and breathtaking Mongolian wilderness. 

  The marathon highlight of the trip takes place on the frozen Lake Khövsgöl, one of Mongolia’s most pristine and remote destinations.

  But the marathon is only one part of this tour to Mongolia. 

  We will also be exploring the highlights of Mongolia's capital city, Ulaanbaatar, stopping at a local family's home, enjoying horse riding, meeting a local shaman, staying in Mongolian Gers, and also visiting Mongolia's famed Chinggis Khan Equestrian statue. 

  Everything you'd expect from a tour to Mongolia - all the highlights, plus much more! 

  Not a big runner? No problem!

  This ice marathon in Mongolia offers distances for varying abilities. 5km, 10km, 21km (half marathon) and 42km (full marathon) distances are all available to register for.

  (Plus, it's not mandatory to run at all!) 

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  Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026

  Introducing the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026

  Calling all travellers and runners. Or calling all travellers and adventurers..!

  Conquer extreme conditions on a course carved into solid ice. Open to both seasoned athletes looking for a challenge, or bold first-timers. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the edge of the world.

  You don't have to be a runner to take part and make the most of the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026. With 5km and 10km running options, you just need to be excited for a unique adventure.

  This ice marathon in Mongolia is held on the frozen surface of Mongolia’s stunning Lake Khövsgöl. This is one of Mongolia's most important and stunning lakes. 

  Set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and endless blue sky, this ice marathon in Mongolia on the frozen Lake Khövsgöl offers a truly magical experience in one of the most beautiful settings in a country already famed for its epic landscapes. 

  Read about the Mongolia Ice Marathon here. 

  Koryo Tours & the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon

  Koryo Tours are the official partners of the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026.

  With extensive marathon experience as the official partners of the Pyongyang Marathon for a decade, as well as running the Chinggis Khan marathon before 2020, we offer both a safe and fun experience for one of the world's most unique marathons. 

  About the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026

  What is the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon all about? 

  Well, the clue is in the name. A marathon. Across a lake. But not just any lake.

  Lake Khövsgöl is a glacier-fed lake that holds nearly 70% of Mongolia's freshwater. It exudes a tranquil, untouched beauty that reflects the sky like glass. And you can run straight across it. 

  Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon Distances

  You can choose to run the following distances for the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026;

  5km
  10km
  21km (half-marathon)
  42km (full marathon) 

  Highlights

  • Chinggis Khan Mongolia Ice Marathon 2026
  • Traditional living & cultural immersion, staying in Mongolian Gers, enjoying horse-riding, and food at a local family's home.
  • Tour & highlights of Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar, including the Equestrian Statue of Chinggis Khan and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. February 7 | Saturday

     Arrival day and Ulaanbaatar City Tour

     • Airport Transfer | Whatever your time of arrival, we’ll pick you up from the airport and take you to the group hotel.
        
     • Sukhbaatar Square | Once you've had a chance to relax, we'll head out into the city for a bit of light exploration. We start by visiting the nation's heart, Sukhbaatar Square. This square is surrounded by important buildings constructed during Mongolia’s communist period.
        
     • Genghis Khan Statue | There is an equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar, and a massive bronze monument of Genghis Khan flanked by two of his many sons and two of his most important generals.  
        
     • State Department Store | Our city walking tour will take us from the central square down one of the nation’s main avenues to the beautiful State Department Store. Here, you have a chance to peruse some of the more unusual on sale in this luxury department store.
        
     • Truly a department store with a difference, the weird and wonderful are mixed in with the everyday and the usual. Think washing machines on one floor, stuffed eagles on another.
        
     • Beatles Statue | Then, we’ll head out to the Beatles Statue to discover why there is a monument to this Liverpudlian band in the heart of Outer Mongolia. 
        
     • Seoul Street | We’ll take a leisurely stroll back towards the city centre along Seoul Street. This is Ulaanbaatar’s attempt to create a bar culture in the middle of the city.
        
     • On our way, we’ll pass other incredible Soviet buildings such as the Art and Drama Theatre and the first Elementary School. 
        
     • Finally, it's off to dinner for our first group meal. 

     Accommodation | Standard hotel; single room available

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. February 8 | Sunday

     Fly to Moron, Ice Lakes and Shamans 

     • Morning Flight | After breakfast, we head back to the airport to catch our flight across the frozen Mongolian steppe to the country's far north and the town of Moron. 
        
     • Moron & Danzadardscha Monastery | This small settlement only received its first paved road in 2014. For us, it’s a great starting point with a visit to its monastery Danzadardscha Khiid.
        
     • This is a small affair, home to only a few monks. A shadow of the 16 monasteries that once made up this religious outpost. 
        
     • Moron Town | From the monastery we will stop in Moron Town to pick up some supplies and essentials for our coming days on the shores and ice of Lake Khövsgöl. 
        
     • Lake Khövsgöl | A two-hour drive takes us further north to the shores of Lake Khövsgöl.
        
     • Often called the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia," frozen, crystal clear water, Lake Khövsgöl is framed by dense pine forests and rolling mountains. This ancient, glacier-fed lake holds nearly 70% of Mongolia's freshwater and exudes a tranquil, untouched beauty that reflects the sky like glass.
        
     • This lake will be the location of our Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026. So, it's time to get acquainted! 
        
     • Free Afternoon | This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at our ger camp and check into our beautifully appointed Mongolian tented homes. Late in the afternoon, you have the chance to rest or enjoy some light hiking along the icy shores of the lake. 

     Accommodation | Ger Camp

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. February 9 | Monday

     Nomadic Families and Horse Sledging 

     • Local Nomadic Family | After breakfast, we’re off onto the landward side of the shore as we venture out to visit a local nomadic family.
        
     • We’ll have the chance to interact and learn how the lives of nomads. How they manage their livestock in the depths of winter, heat their Gers, and cope with the wintery conditions. 
        
     • Optional Horse Ride | For those of you who wish, you will also have the opportunity to ride a famed Mongolian horse for a short trek with a local guide.
        
     • Horse Sledges | We’ll return to the warmth of our camp for a well-deserved lunch before we head out onto the ice for further horsey fun. This time, we wrap up warm as we use horse-drawn Mongolian sleighs.
        
     • During this, we check out tomorrow's marathon route. We'll traverse the vast Lake Khövsgöl to familiarise ourselves with the epic Chinggis Khan Marathon 2026 the following day. 
        
     • Shamanic Blessing | This evening after dinner, we will receive a shamanic fireside blessing as we prepare for our main event. The Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026. 

     Accommodation | Ger Camp

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. February 10 | Tuesday

     Marathon Day

     The Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026

     • Chinggis Khan Marathon 2026 | Today is the day of the Chinggis Khan Ice Marathon 2026.
        
     • You have the choice of running a 5km, 10km, half marathon, or full marathon.
        
     • The event will begin at 9 am near the small harbour whose ships remain locked within the icy clutches of the lake.
        
     • For the 10km event and half marathon, there will be a heated ger at each finish line. Those who wish to complete the full event will run the return course.
        
     • There will be a mix of vehicles on hand to help out, as well as horse sledges to aid runners returning to the start point. For those who are not running, you can cheer at the start line along with the locals or even help at one of the drink stations supplying heated beverages to our runners.
        
     • Return to Ger Camp | Upon completion of the run, all who wish will be taken back to our ger camp immediately for a hot sauna and well-deserved rest. 
        
     • Free Evening | This afternoon is free for relaxing or one final look at the lake before this evening’s dinner and celebration.

     Accommodation | Ger Camp

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. February 11 | Wednesday

     Fly back and drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

     • Flight to Ulaanbaatar | This morning its up early as we bid farewell to our hosts and make our way to Moron airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar.

     Ulaanbaatar to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (approx. 3+hrs)

     • Gorkhi-Terelj National Park | The adventure continues as we head to the famed national park of Terelj, once Chinggis Khan’s hunting grounds.
        
     • Turtle Rock | We make a stop and the odd but interesting Turtle Rock, resembling (not surprisingly) a giant turtle!
        
     • A striking natural rock formation resembling a giant turtle, it is a popular landmark nestled in the scenic landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
        
     • Aryabal Temple | Our next stop may help with a few of those achy legs as we visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple. This temple is located within the confines of the Park. It is a serene Buddhist temple renowned for its unique architecture and spiritual ambience.
        
     • Constructed in 1998, the temple's design is inspired by an elephant's head, with its 108 stone steps symbolising the elephant's trunk. If your legs are not too tired, there is a pleasant hike up to this rocky retreat. 
        
     • Return to Ger Camp | This evening, we return to a beautiful, warm ger camp for a well-deserved rest. 

     Accommodation | Ger Camp

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. February 12 | Thursday

     Drive back to Ulaanbaatar via the Equestrian Statue of Chinggis Khan

     • Depart Terelj | Today, as we drive back to Ulaanbaatar, we will make an important detour as we visit the famed Chinggis Khan equestrian monument.
        
     • Chinggis Khan Statue | A visit to this towering 40-meter (131-foot) stainless steel monument of Chinggis Khan on horseback is the largest equestrian statue in the world. As you approach, the sheer scale of the statue against the vast Mongolian steppe is breathtaking. 
        
     • Chinggis Khan Statue Museum | Inside the base, a museum offers insights into Mongolian history and the life of the legendary Khan.
        
     • You can take an elevator up into the horse's neck, leading to a viewing platform with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This combination of history, engineering marvel, and natural beauty makes it a powerful tribute to Mongolia’s most iconic leader.
        
     • Return to Ulaanbaatar | After our Chinggis Khan visit, we head back into Ulaanbaatar arriving late afternoon we’ll be sure to stop by one of the country’s famed cashmere factories to catch a glimpse of this exotic production process one of the few that actually show us how its produced. After returning to the hotel you have free time for those last minute purchases or resting before our final group meal. 

     Accommodation | Hotel 9

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. February 13 | Friday

     Departure Day 

     • Departure & Airport Transfers | Today, it's time to bid goodbye to Mongolia. We'll head to Chinggis Khan International Airport to see you off. Although the tour is over, we hope you'll be flying home with a head full of memories and stories to share with your friends and family!

     Included Meals | Breakfast

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation (2 nights' hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 4 nights in Ger camps)
  • Transportation in 4X4 vehicles
  • All entrance fees & national park taxes
  • All meals included
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Western tour leader
  • Airport Transfer (on the trip start/end dates)
  • Marathon Entry Fees
  • Local Marathon Support

  NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Any alcoholic beverages
  • Meals (if any specified)
  • Medical insurance
  • Visas (if needed)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Airport Transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) 30 USD

• Notes

  We meet and say goodbye in Mongolia/Ulaanbaatar. You will need to make your own way to and from Ulaanbaatar.

  NOTE: This tour has been specifically arranged to visit these areas, and it may have elements of an expedition about it due to the nature and ruggedness of the terrain.

  As such, any change in itinerary at the time cannot be helped.

  We will keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible, although please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter any extreme weather conditions. Along the way, all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and the tour leader.

  We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground, whose expertise will far exceed our own.

Please apply by 1st January, 2026.