Central Mongolia Explorer: 7 Days of Highlights

Highlights of the Trip

Embark on an incredible 7-day adventure through Central Mongolia and uncover a wealth of culture and natural beauty. Visit Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongolian Empire, and be awed by the gorgeous Erdene Zuu monastery. Take in the grandeur of Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes and wander through the wondrous Hustai National Park, home to the wild Takhi, the Przewalski horse. With so much to explore, this is an unmissable journey for those yearning for a remarkable experience in Mongolia.

This 7-day tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the culture and history of Mongolia – from visiting the world’s tallest equestrian statue – the Giant Genghis Statue – to exploring the Bayangobi Sand and ancient capital Karakorum. You will also get to stay with a real nomadic family and spend four nights in a traditional ger under a starry sky! On top of that, you’ll get to witness the world’s last remaining wild horse species in their natural habitat!

* Tour months: Available all year round, except for the period between 6-18 July due to the Naadam Festival.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Ulaanbaatar

• Erdene Khamba Khiid Buddhist Temple: The temple is a beautiful architectural masterpiece, with its intricate designs, colourful paintings, and grand pillars.
• Chinggis Khan Statue: A grand statue dedicated to the founder of the Mongol Empire, Chinggis Khan.
• National Museum: As one of the oldest and largest museums in Mongolia, the National Museum houses over 60,000 items that date back to the Stone Age.
• Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum: A symbol of Mongolia’s enduring legacy and serves as a vital educational and cultural hub for locals and tourists alike.

Karakorum 

• Erdene-Zuu Monastery: Built in the 16th century, this monastery is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in the country.
• Karakorum Museum: A treasure trove of artifacts and relics dating back to the time of Genghis Khan and his descendants. As soon as you step inside, you are transported back in time to the era of the great Mongol Empire.
• King’s Monument: This landmark offers striking views over the Orkhon valley and river.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Elsen Tasarkhai: This vast stretch of sand dunes, grasslands, and rocky outcrops spans almost 80km and is a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Mongolian experience. The area is surrounded by the Khogno Khan Mountains, creating a striking contrast between the sandy desert and the rugged mountains.

Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve: A beautiful and diverse conservation area located in the western part of Mongolia. Covering an area of approximately 47000 hectares, it is home to a variety of endangered plant and animal species.

Camel Ride: Embrace a camel ride through the Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve. The gentle giants, with their powerful yet graceful strides, are the perfect companions for traversing the reserve’s diverse terrain. With their thick coats of fur and impressive stamina, these camels are well adapted to the harsh conditions of the steppe and have been used as a mode of transportation in the region for centuries. You can also experience the nomadic lifestyle with a camel breeder.

Hustai National Park: Marvel at the Takhi Wild Horses roaming free in their natural habitat. Today, Hustai National Park is a sanctuary for not only the horses but also other rare and endangered species such as the red deer, argali sheep, and the elusive snow leopard.

Mongolian Nomadic Camp: This is a perfect representation of the nomads’ culture and way of life. Inside the Gers, you can find traditional handcrafted decorations, such as tapestries and carpets.

Traditional Folklore Concert: Folklore concerts in Mongolia are a unique and vibrant cultural experience that showcases the rich history and traditions of this beautiful country. These concerts, often held in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, bring together musicians, dancers, and storytellers to share their heritage through music, dance, and oral traditions.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Mongolia

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including aaruul, which is made from dried and hardened yogurt and can be consumed as a snack or used as an ingredient in other dishes. Other dishes include “Buuz” (steamed dumplings), “khorkhog” (meat and vegetable stew), and “tsuivan” (stir-fried noodles).

Accommodation of this Tour

Ulaanbaatar: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel 4* or similar.

Karakorum: Ger camp (standard ger or ensuite ger).