Central Mongolia Tour: Orkhon Valley and Nomadic Life

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6 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover Central Mongolia through a balanced journey of culture, history, and nature.

Visit the historic Orkhon Valley, stay with nomadic families, and explore rolling steppe landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition.

This route is ideal for travelers looking for a shorter, well-rounded introduction to Mongolia beyond the desert.

What's Included

Lunch (Optional[6])
Lunch
All entrance fees to the destinations and experiences outlined in your itinerary are fully included.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included during the tour.
Dinner (Optional[6])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[5])
Breakfast
All transportation from pickup to drop-off is included, covering private vehicle, experienced driver, fuel, road fees, and all transfers. Travelers have no additional transport costs during the tour.
Personal expenses (drinks, alcohol, laundry, souvenirs).
Snacks, sweets, and beverages outside included meals.
Personal travel and medical insurance are not included.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Guests will be picked up either at their hotel in Ulaanbaatar or at the airport arrival hall, depending on their arrival details. The driver or guide will be waiting with a sign displaying the lead traveler’s name.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Kharkhorin

    1 stop
  • 1
    Kharkhorin

    Travel west from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit the famous Erdenezuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum to explore Mongolia’s rich historical and spiritual heritage.

    4 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Tuvkhun Monastery - Sheep, Goat, and Horse Herders

    1 stop
  • 2

    Drive to the forested mountains of Tövkhön Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most sacred Buddhist sites. After exploring the monastery and enjoying the peaceful views, continue to a nearby nomadic herder family. Experience life with sheep, goat, and horse herders— try archery, go horse riding, and take part in simple daily tasks like herding or milking. End the day with a home-cooked meal and warm nomadic hospitality.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Orkhon Valley - Yak Herder

    1 stop
  • 3
    Orkhon Valley

    Journey deeper into the Orkhon Valley to the spectacular Red Waterfall, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and yak herds. Spend the day exploring the area and interacting with local families whose lifestyle revolves around yak herding.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Elsen Tasarkhai - Camel Herder

    1 stop
  • 4
    Elsen Tasarkhai

    Head toward the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, where Mongolia’s vast steppe gradually blends into a striking stretch of semi-desert. Enjoy a relaxed lunch en route, taking in the open landscape and distant mountain views. Upon arrival, take part in a memorable camel riding experience across the dunes, guided by local herders who know the terrain intimately. Spend time with a camel herder family to gain insight into their traditional way of life—learn how they care for their Bactrian camels, assist with simple daily tasks if you wish, and hear stories about living in harmony with the land through the seasons. This hands-on cultural exchange offers a deeper connection beyond the ride itself.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 5

    Terelj National Park

    1 stop
  • 5
    Gorkhi Terelj National Park

    Drive from Elsen Tasarkhai toward Terelj National Park, crossing central Mongolia’s open landscapes.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 6

    Chinggis Khan Statue & Back to Ulaanbaatar

    1 stop
  • 6
    Chinggis Khan Statue Complex

    After breakfast, explore Terelj National Park, visiting Turtle Rock, Aryabal Meditation Temple, and the Cave of the Thousand Monks. Continue to the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, the world’s largest equestrian statue, standing 40 meters tall and offering panoramic views from the top. After lunch, enjoy a performance at Hun Theatre at 5:00 PM, located at Sky Resort. This unique ger-style venue showcases traditional Mongolian music, throat singing, dance, and storytelling, offering an immersive cultural experience. After the performance, drive to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy dinner.

    5 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Brave New Mongolia

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
4WD Tours
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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