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Offered languages
- German
- English
An activity-packed journey into Central Mongolia, an area of diverse landscapes and the nomadic heartland of the country. See the Khogno Khaan Mountain, the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, the ancient Mongol capital the Kharkhorum, before venturing to the Hustai National park for the wild Takhi horses and a plethora of wildlife. This condensed trip is a great introduction to the rich diversity of Mongolia’s history. culture and landscapes, with authentic homestays in guest gers next to local nomadic families. Spend time with your hosts and also use these fabulous wilderness locations as a base to explore the surrounding area on foot, by horse, and by vehicle. You will experience a range of cultural traditions – music, cookery, ankle-bone games, archery, felt-making, ger building may all feature at some stage along your way.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
We can pick you up from a prearranged location in Ulaanbaatar.
Itinerary
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1
You will be picked up from a pre-arranged Ulaanbaatar location at a time to suit you - we suggest leaving around 8:30 am to make the most of the day. Board the vehicle again and head west to the northern part of Gobi. On the way, you will stop briefly visiting Khar Bukhiin Balgas, interesting remains of an ancient fort used by nomadic tribes dating back to the 10th century. Then it's onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. Enter the ger and experience the hospitality and traditional nomadic way of life - you can help make and drink milk tea, plus try homemade produce such as yoghurt and dried curds. In the afternoon you will have a chance to do an hour of horse riding in the surrounding hills and the sand dunes nearby. Or you can walk if you prefer. In the evening enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
12 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Kharkhorin
In the morning drive to Karakhorum. First visit Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear the monks chanting, which takes place from 10 am. Take a walk around the main temples, and stroll around the grounds. You should arrive at the hostel in time for lunch. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the interesting local museum showcasing the Mongolian Past. In the afternoon visit, a local cooperative felt workshop. If you are up for it, you can stroll to the Monument of the 3 Kings overlooking the Orkhon River and the fertility stone on the edge of town.
16 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Elsen Tasarkhai
Today you head to the nature reserve of Khogno Khan, where you can explore the lower temple complex of Uvgun Khiid, see the reconstructed temples, and prayer-wheel and look around the ruins. Then we recommend taking the 45-minute hike up to the old ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and depending on the time of year, wildflowers may be in abundance. Head back down to the valley floor, and onto the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, a 30-minute drive away. Tonight you will stay alongside a family of camel herders - settle into your gers and head off on a Bactrian ride across the dunes for an hour, then enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
16 hours • Admission ticket included -
4Hustai National Park
After a leisurely breakfast jump in the vehicles for the journey back east to Hustai. You should arrive at your ger camp in time for lunch. The camp is located at the entrance to the Hustai National Park, and you will have some time to rest before venturing into the park. In the afternoon drive from your camp to see the Takhi - this is the time when they gather to drink at streams so you have a better chance of seeing them up close and in innaccessible areas. You may want to combine the trip with a long walk in the park - in which case you should leave a little earlier. Discuss your preference with your guide. Afterwards, head back to camp for dinner and your last night in a ger.
16 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Chinggis Khan Statue Complex
After breakfast set off for the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex for 180km. Once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii. Then have lunch at the restaurant in the nearest resort. After lunch, come back down to the vehicle and return to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be dropped off at a location of your choice.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
GURVANBULAG - GER STAY - HORSE RIDE
ANCIENT CAPITAL - ERDENEZUU MONASTERY - KHARKHORUM MUSEUM
ELSEN TASARKHAI DUNE - ERDENEKHAMBA TEMPLE - CAMEL RIDE
WILD LIFE TRACK - 'TAKHI' WILD HORSES
CHINGGIS KHAAN STATUE COMPLEX - ULAANBAATAR
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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