Mongolia Group Tour: 6-Day Culture & Nature

Highlights of the trip

Set off on a captivating 6-day group tour of Mongolia, where immersive cultural encounters intertwine with breath-taking landscapes.

Begin in Ulaanbaatar, delving into city life and history. Stand in awe before the colossal Genghis Khan statue and marvel at Turtle Rock’s natural wonder. Journey to Gorkhi Terelj National Park for horseback exploration and a tranquil visit to Ariybal Meditation Temple. Traverse Bayan Gobi, interacting with nomads and indulging in a sunset camel ride. Conquer Khogno Khan mountain heights and trace history in Kharakhorum city. Witness wild Przewalski horses in Khustai National Park, culminating in a remarkable cultural program at a Mongol nomadic camp. Immerse yourself in Mongolia’s soul, sharing moments with hospitable nomadic families, their stories echoing through the vast landscapes. This 6-day journey intertwines cultural discovery and natural marvels, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the heart of Mongolia.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit 

Ulaanbaatar 

• Sukhbaatar Square:  Also known as Chinggis Khan Square, is the centre of political, social, and cultural activities in Mongolia.
• National History Museum: The museum was established in 1924 and has since become one of the largest museums in Mongolia.
• Gandan Buddhist Monastery: Known as the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia, and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
• Chinggis Khan Horse Statue: Standing at a towering height of 131 feet, the statue is a testament to the incredible legacy of Chinggis Khan.

Elsen Tasarkhai

• This desert stretches for over 80 kilometers and is surrounded by the lush green Khangai Mountains on one side and the vast sand dunes on the other.

Kharkhorin City

• Erdenezuu Monastery: This ancient monastery, believed to be the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, was built in 1586 by Altai Khan.
• Kharkhorin Museum: A cultural and historical centre that provides valuable insight into the ancient city of Kharkhorin.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Tumen Ekh Ensemble: Enjoy this traditional concert. The ensemble is made up of talented musicians and artists from different regions of Mongolia, each bringing their own unique perspective and skill to the group. With a vast array of traditional instruments such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), yatga (zither), and tsuur (flute), the Tumen Ekh Ensemble creates a captivating blend of traditional Mongolian music that is both mesmerising and exhilarating.

Terelj National Park: Here you can experience the tranquil beauty of the Ariyabal Meditation Temple. Take a short hike to reach the temple and bask in the stunning views of the national park. The temple also provides a serene sanctuary for meditation, perfect for escaping the heat and soaking up the positive energy of the surroundings.

Nomadic Family: Visit and play national games with a nomadic family. Nestled in the heart of the Mongolian countryside lies the Elsen Tasarkhai region, home to nomadic families that graciously welcome visitors to experience their traditional way of life.

Camel Riding in Elsen Tasarkhai: Embrace the stunning sunset among the sand dunes with a 1-hour camel ride. The camel is an essential part of Mongolian culture and history, having been used as a means of transportation and a source of livelihood for centuries. These majestic creatures are well adapted to the harsh desert environment and are an integral part of the life of nomadic communities in Mongolia.

Khustai National Park: One of the most iconic features of the Khustai National Park is its population of wild horses, known as Przewalski’s horses. These magnificent creatures were once extinct in the wild but thanks to successful conservation efforts, they have now been reintroduced into their natural habitat. Visitors can witness these horses in their natural environment, grazing on the lush grasslands or galloping freely across the open plains, providing a truly unforgettable experience.

Nomadic Camp: Immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Mongolia with a 2-hour program at a Mongol nomadic camp. This unique and innovative social institution aims to create a genuine human connection between tourists and the local community through cultural education. By participating in this experience, both tourists and the community benefit from this meaningful interaction.

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

All accommodation is included in this tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar Arrival & Welcome Dance

Enjoy breakfast at your airport hotel. Pickup from airport by our guide driver at 9am. Visit to Sukhbaatar Square. Visit to the National History Museum. Visit to Gobi Cashmere. Lunch at local restaurant. Visit to souvenir shop. Visit to Gandan Buddhist monastery. Enjoy a traditional concert (Tumen ekh ensemble) – approx. 1 hr 30 mins. This is a traditional Mongolian concert, one of the leading national song and dance ensembles in Mongolia, famous for its professionalism and respect of Mongolian traditional culture. Enjoy dinner. Transfer to hotel.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar Tour With Terej National Park

Enjoy breakfast. Pickup from your hotel at 9am. Drive and visit to Chinggis Khan statue. This awe-inspiring statue (also known as Genghis Khan) towers 131 feet tall on the Mongolian steppe, pays homage to the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire, Later, visit Turtle Rock. This is a natural granite formation in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park that resembles a turtle emerging from the earth and offers spectacular views. Stop for lunch.

Visit Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Horse ride to meditation temple – approx. 1 hr. short hike around Ariyabal Meditation Temple. During this part of the tour you can ride alongside local nomads on horseback to Ariyabal Meditation Temple, discovering ancient traditions, sharing stories, and forging connections that enrich your cultural understanding amidst Mongolia’s captivating landscapes.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Ellen Tasarkhai/Bayan Gobi & Nomadic Family Stay

Enjoy breakfast at s tourist camp. Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, stopping en route to take photos by your request. Enjoy lunch on the journey. Visit a nomadic family and help them with jobs, play a national game together and share traditional cuisine, engaging with their local culture and warm hospitality, and learning more about their way of life. Enjoy a visit to the Bayan Gobi sand fracture. 1 hour camel ride at sunset on the sand dunes.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Kharalhorum Transfer & Erdenezuu Monastery

Enjoy breakfast at a tourist camp. Drive to Kharkhorin museum and Erdenezuu monastery. Admire intricate artwork and witness prayer sessions and traditional ceremonies at Erdene Zuu Monastery. Eat lunch. Explore Kharkhorin. Visit souvenir shop at Erdene Zuu monastery. Free time. Dinner. Stay at tourist camp.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Przewalski Wild Horses & Khustai National Park

Enjoy breakfast at a camp. Drive to Khustai National Park to see wild horses. Stop for lunch. Visit more of the National Park and a small museum.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Mongol Nomadic Camp Life

Breakfast at tourist camp. Drive to Mongol nomadic camp for 2-hour informative cultural program. Here you will experience a 2-hour cultural program at a Mongol nomadic camp. This is an innovative form of temporary cultural and educational social institution, designed to foster an authentic human connection that’s mutually beneficial to both tourists and the local community. Have lunch at the camp, before a drive to Ulaanbaatar ready for your departure home.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Price

£2,300

– 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: Begin with a city tour, visiting Sukhbaatar Square, the National History Museum, and Gobi Cashmere, then enjoy lunch and explore Gandan Buddhist monastery before a traditional concert and dinner.

Day 2: Visit the iconic Chinggis Khan statue and Turtle Rock before venturing to Gorkhi Terelj National Park for horseback riding to the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, immersing in Mongolian culture amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Day 3: Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai for a camel ride at sunset, then visit a nomadic family to assist with daily tasks, play traditional games, and savour local cuisine, embracing their warm hospitality.

Day 4: Explore Kharkhorin museum and Erdenezuu monastery, witnessing intricate artwork and traditional ceremonies, followed by free time to explore the area before dinner.

Day 5: Travel to Khustai National Park to observe Przewalski wild horses, enjoying lunch and further exploration of the park and its museum.

Day 6: Experience Mongol nomadic camp life with a cultural program, followed by lunch before returning to Ulaanbaatar for departure home.

FAQs

1. 
   What is the duration of the tour?

1. • The tour spans over 6 days, offering a comprehensive exploration of key cultural and natural highlights in Mongolia.
2. What activities are included in the tour?
   • Activities include city tours, visits to historical and cultural sites, horseback riding, camel riding, interactions with nomadic families, and exploration of national parks.
3. What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
   • Accommodations range from tourist camps to hotels, offering a blend of comfort and authenticity, with facilities varying from basic to modern amenities.
4. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Yes, all meals are included, offering a taste of traditional Mongolian cuisine alongside international dishes.
5. What should I pack for the tour?
   • It’s recommended to pack comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, including sturdy shoes, layers for varying temperatures, and personal items such as sunscreen and insect repellent.
6. Will there be English-speaking guides throughout the tour?
   • Yes, experienced English-speaking guides will accompany the tour, providing insightful commentary and assistance throughout the journey.
7. Is this tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
   • While some activities involve moderate physical exertion, the tour is designed to accommodate various fitness levels and ages, with options for leisurely exploration as well as more active pursuits.