Central Mongolia Highlights Tour (6 days)
Overview
TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Explore the hidden gems of central Mongolia.
Mongolia is the ultimate place to go for a vacation when you want to see a variety of natural settings and feel different history and culture. From breathtaking and awesome sheer mountain ranges with ice glaciers to relaxing hot springs and endless sand dunes. Just imagine – you can experience all of these natural wonders in a small part of our beautiful country.
First, we are going on an adventure to gorgeous Terelj National Park, where you will encounter many natural wonders. From gorgeous granite mountains to open fields and pristine waters, nature abounds. You will visit the world’s biggest equestrian statue, which is dedicated to Mongolia’s legendary supreme leader – Chinggis Khan.
Another natural wonder of our country is Takhi, the famous Przewalski wild horses, which you will encounter in the prosperous Hustai National Park.
The Kharkhorin city once served as the capital of the Great Mongolian Empire and was the heart of a political center and commercial, cultural hub. Even though it may seem like it’s run down, there are still many surprises it has to offer.
Erdene Zuu, the oldest and one of our most significant cultural and religious centers which now operates as a museum.
After the Kharkhorin, we will travel to Ugii Lake, exploring historical artifacts on the way. Ugii Lake is home to many species of wildlife and a wonderful place to fish. We then travel to Elsen Tasarkhai, which is a marvelous oasis with gorgeous sand dunes, a breathtaking lake, birds, and verdant vegetation, all just an hour’s drive from the Kharkhorin.
Schedule 2024 & 2025
Price based on pax
- Enjoy the majestic and pristine landscape of the Terelj National Park, where you will trek across awesome granite mountains.
- Visit the tallest horseman statue in the world. It is that of the famous Chinggis Khaan and it will take your breath away.
- Enjoy the former Mongolian capital of Karakorum, where Chinggis Khaan used to hold his court.
- Go to Erdene Zuu, the oldest monastery in Mongolia and marvel at the beauty and tranquility of this cultural monument.
- Explore historical artifacts on your trip to Ugii Lake, where there are many wildlife species and you will have the chance to fish.
- Shared accommodation at Ger camp
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Horse, camel ride
- Letter of Invitation
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
Itinerary
Take a tour of the Chinggis Khaan Statue, the biggest equestrian statue in the world - 40 meters tall stainless steel statue symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace, on the bank of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog.
Drive to Terelj national park to visit the Temple of Ariyapala and enjoy a stunning view. Explore the famous Turtle Rock and the extraordinary frock formations on horseback riding.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
(Distance approx 100 km, 2-3 hours drive on dirt/paved road)
Drive to the west side of UB. Hustai national park is rich with wildlife and historical monuments. Ungut monuments - famous for its large number of man-like figures, sepultures and rectangular tombs which dates back to the 6-8 th century AD.
But the most important highlight of the day is Takhi, The Przewalski horses. Takhi is the only true wild horse that once nearly went extinct in the wild. If you have a chance, you can see other wildlife such as wolves, marmots and deers. Enjoy short hiking over the mountains and photograph the charming landscape and wildlife.
Visit Hustai NP’s information center and souvenir shop.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
(Distance approx 280 km, 3-4 hours drive on dirt/paved road)
After breakfast, drive to Ugii Lake (altitude 1387 m; surface area—25 sq. km). When you visit the lake, you will have an opportunity to take a boat tour and do some bird watching.
On the way, you will see the Khusuu Tsaidam museum full of artifacts collected from nearby city ruins of the Turkic State (6th – 8th Centuries A.D).
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
(Distance approx 60 km, 3-4 hours drive on dirt/paved road)
Drive to the south, to the Orkhon valley, a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Kharkhorin was the capital of the Great Mongolian Empire, dates back to the 13th century. Now, the ruin lies low confronting against time and hiding Chinggis khaan’s secrets beneath its name – “black soil”. Visit Kharkhorin museum and see the artifacts collected from the ruins.
Next place Magnificent Erdene Zuu - the oldest monastery in Mongolia and the artwork of the Mongol architects – is located near the ruins.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
(Distance approx 280 km, 5 hours drive on dirt/paved road)
After breakfast, drive to Tarna Mountain and Petite Gobi.
Visit a local nomad family and ride 2 humped camels. Get involved in their daily life, take a class on milking livestocks and play ankle bone games. In the evening, cook a traditional Mongolian barbecue under the instruction of the hostess.
This is a real experience and will be an unforgettable highlight of this tour.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
(Distance approx 80 km, 2 hours drive on dirt/paved road)
Today is your chance to do some shopping for souvenirs and cashmere in Ulaanbaatar. (B)
(Distance approx 300 km, 5 hour drive on paved road)
B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
Good to know
- The best time to make this trip
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.
- Accommodation:
We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be staying in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 to 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Discover Mongolia is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.
- Meals:
In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice, and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own.
- Transport:
Discover Mongolia use the highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day's drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km.
- Personal things to bring with you:
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a waterproof jacket, and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don't forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ). All your camera equipment.
Related Tours
Taste of Mongolia Tour (8 days) (8 days)
- More cultural and more historical
- Orkhon Valley - UNESCO World Natural Heritage
- Visits to 2 Beautiful National Parks
Mongolian Gobi Tour (4 days) (4 days)
- See the fabulous Khongor Sand Dunes
- Visit the amazing Vulture (Eagle) Gorge
- Stop at Bayanzag, the home of dinosaurs