The Essence of Mongolia
Overview
The Essence of Mongolia is a singular voyage across expansive vistas, historic legacy, and genuine nomadic culture. It offers unparalleled experiences of nature, tradition, and adventure in Mongolia's unspoiled wilderness, from the picturesque Orkhon Valley and historic Kharkhorum to the tranquil Khognokhan Nature Reserve and Khustai National Park.
Highlights
- Tsenkher Hot Spring
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Khognokhan Nature Reserve
- Khustai National Park
Tour Details
Themes
Best For
Detailed Itinerary
Ulaanbaatar (Arrival) - Guranbulag
You will be picked up from the international airport upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Get into the car with your guide and drive west to Guranbulag in the northern Gobi. There, you will stay at a guest ger with a nomadic family. Discover the hospitality and traditional nomadic lifestyle of the ger. You can go horseback riding in the adjacent hills and dunes for about an hour in the afternoon, or you can stroll if you'd rather. Savor a typical Mongolian dinner in the evening. Spend the night in a nomad family's Mongolian ger. (L, D)
Guranbulag - Tsenkher
You begin your journey to Tsenkher town today, and the 200-kilometer drive is one of the most difficult isolated trips. However, the scenery is just amazing. When you get to the camp, take advantage of the thermal pools where visitors can have a bath and the hot spring that the camp feeds. Spend the night in the Ger camp. (B, L, (D)
Tsenkher - Orkhon
You will go to the Orkhon Valley today to take in the breathtaking views of the Mongol historic nomadic heartland and the UNESCO-listed heritage site. Following lunch with the Yak Herder family, you will spend the night by the river and go to the Orkhon Waterfall. On the Ulaan Tsutgalan River, Orkhon Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall that is 10 meters broad and 20 meters high. You can participate in the nomadic family's activities by helping to milk yaks and observing how they make yoghurts and extract vodka from milk. Spend the night at the Yak Herder Nomad family's Mongolian Ger. (B, L, D)
Orkhon - Kharkhorum
Drive to Kharkhorum, the former Mongolian capital where Chinggis Khaan set up his headquarters in 1220, early in the morning. Ogedei, his son and heir, constructed a walled mansion in 1235. You will tour the earliest Mongolian Buddhist temple complex, Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was constructed on the ruins of Kharkhorum city in the sixteenth century, as well as the fascinating local museum that highlights Mongolian history. After that, you'll go to an art gallery or a local cooperative to participate in a session for creating felt goods by hand. Spend the night in the Ger camp. (B, L, D)
Kharkhorum - Khognokhan Nature Reserve
Today you travel to the Khognokhan Nature Reserve, where you can see the expansive Uvgun temple complex, observe the rebuilt temples, a prayer wheel, and the remnants of the monastery. It suggests a 45-minute climb up to the old, abandoned temple complex in the hills; the vista is breathtaking, and wildflowers may be abundant depending on the season. After a 45-minute trip, return to the valley level and enter the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai. You will stay with a family of camel herders tonight. After settling into your gers and taking an hour-long Bactrian ride across the dunes, have a traditional feast of khorkhog meat and vegetables that have been cooked and seared using hot stones from the fire.Overnight in Mongolian Ger of Camel Herder Nomad family. (B, L, D)
Khognokhan Nature Reserve - Khustai National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, board the vans and travel 250 kilometers back east to Khustai. Your ger camp should be ready for lunch when you get there. You will have some time to relax before entering the National Park, which is where the camp is situated. You have a higher chance of getting a close-up look at the Takhi in difficult-to-reach places if you drive from your camp around dusk. You should depart a little early if you plan to combine the excursion with a lengthy stroll in the park. Talk to your guide about your preferences. After that, return to camp for dinner and your final ger night.Stay overnight in Ger camp. (B, L, D)
Khustai National Park - Ulaanbaatar (Departure)
Head to the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue complex after breakfast. When you get there, ascend inside until you come to the outside staircase that leads up the horse's mane to a view of the Khan Khentii hills, Terelj, and the Tuul River. Take a look at the complex's equine culture museum. You'll have lunch after that. Return to Ulaanbaatar International Airport for your next flight after lunch. (B, L)
Map & Logistics
Cities Covered
What's Included
- Accommodation in traditional Mongolian Ger camps and guest stays with nomadic families on twin / sharing basis
- All meals as mentioned in itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Airport pickup and drop from Chinggis Khaan International Airport
- Private 4WD vehicle with experienced driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
- Horse riding experience in Gurvanbulag
- Camel riding experience at Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
- Entry fees to Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, Erdene Zuu Monastery and Khustai National Park
- Visit to Orkhon Waterfall and nomadic family experiences (yak milking, dairy preparation, etc.)
- Visit to Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
- Hot spring experience at Tsenkher
- All sightseeing and activities as per itinerary
- Driver allowance, fuel charges and parking charges
- All applicable local taxes
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Mongolia visa charges (if applicable)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, shopping, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Early check-in / Late check-out charges
- Any additional transport or sightseeing not mentioned in itinerary
- Emergency evacuation or medical expenses
- Any increase in government taxes
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Dates & Availability
Stay & Hotels
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