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).

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar & Welcome Dinner

Once you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport after custom formalities and transferred to the hotel (please note that the normal check in time is 2 pm. If you require an early check in, there will be an extra cost). To help you adjust to the time zone, the rest of the day is for you to take a good rest and get over jet lag before your wonderful journey across Mongolia. A welcome dinner will be held at a Mongolian restaurant.

✓ Dinner

Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai, Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve, camel ride, ger camp

We will start our day early by driving to Elsen Tasarkhai (Bayan Gobi) and Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve, where you will be surrounded by stunning rocky mountains and mini sand dunes. We will then visit a camel breeder family, giving us the opportunity to experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian people. Afterwards, guests may opt for a camel ride around the reserve before heading to the Erdene Khamba Khiid Buddhist temple, which has been standing since the 1930s and gives a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. We will stay overnight in a ger camp.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Karakorum, King’s Monument, Ger camp

After a delicious breakfast, we will make our way to Karakorum, the legendary former capital of Mongolia. We will explore the Erdene-Zuu monastery and its surrounding area before transferring to a ger camp for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Karakorum Museum, which provides a thorough explanation of the ancient city and its discoveries. Later, we will stop at the King’s monument for a stunning view of the Orkhon valley and river. We will spend the night in our ger camp.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Hustai National Park, Takhi horse, nomadic family and camp

This day, we will drive to Ulaanbaatar stopping at the stunning Hustai National Park. Here, we can observe the Takhi wild horses roam freely with other wildlife. After arriving at the Mongolian Nomadic camp, we will take part in the ordinary lives of a Mongolian family, even witnessing the breeding of five kinds of livestock and their transportation with ox, yak, camel, and horse carts. We will then venture into the Hustai National Park to observe the Takhi horse (Equus Przewalski) and other animals in their natural environment. We can take a hike through the park and spend the night in a ger camp.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Terelj National Park, Chinggis Statue Complex, Turtle Rock, Ger Camp

This morning, we will make our way to Terelj National Park, one of the most renowned parks in Mongolia. Along the way, we will make a stop at the Giant Chinggis Khan Statue complex, the tallest equestrian statue in the world. We will arrive at a ger camp in time for lunch. During the afternoon, we will visit the Turtle-shaped rock and the Meditation Temple. We will spend the night at the ger camp.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Ulaanbaatar city tour, shopping, traditional folklore concert

After breakfast, we embark on a tour of Ulaanbaatar, starting with a visit to the Genghis Khan monument on the square and the National Museum. Here, you will get a glimpse of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan’s empire-building. After lunch in a Mongolian restaurant, you will visit the Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum – the residence of the last king of Mongolia. There is also the option for some souvenir and cashmere shopping, as well as a traditional folklore concert from the magical Tumen Ekh ensemble. Finally, you will be transferred to the hotel after a farewell dinner.

✓ Breakfast

Day 7: Breakfast & Transfer for Departure Flight

After you have had breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport/train station for your departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This marks the end of our service.

✓ Breakfast

Price

Price: £1,797

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Dinner Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai, Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve Visit Elsen Tasarkhai and Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve, camel ride, and overnight in ger camp.

Day 3: Karakorum, King’s Monument Explore Karakorum, Erdene-Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, and overnight in ger camp.

Day 4: Hustai National Park, Nomadic Family Experience Visit Hustai National Park, observe Takhi horses, experience nomadic family life, and hike in the park.

Day 5: Terelj National Park, Chinggis Statue Complex Explore Terelj National Park, visit Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, and overnight in ger camp.

Day 6: Ulaanbaatar City Tour, Folklore Concert Tour Ulaanbaatar, visit Genghis Khan monument, National Museum, Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum, and enjoy a folklore concert.

Day 7: Departure Transfer to airport/train station for departure.

FAQs

1. Is there a minimum group size required for the tour?
   • Generally, we require a minimum of two participants to operate the tour.
2. What type of accommodation can we expect during the tour?
   • Accommodation will be in traditional Mongolian ger camps, providing a unique cultural experience.
3. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Yes, breakfast is included each day, along with some lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary.
4. What activities are available during free time?
   • During free time, you can explore the surroundings, engage in optional activities, or simply relax at the ger camp.
5. Is there Wi-Fi available at the ger camps?
   • While some ger camps may offer limited Wi-Fi, it’s advisable to prepare for limited connectivity during the tour.
6. What should I pack for the tour?
   • Essentials include comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle.
7. Is there an age limit for participating in the tour?
   • There’s no strict age limit, but participants should be in good health and prepared for outdoor activities and some walking/hiking.