Experiencing Nomadic Life Tour (8 days)
Overview
Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions of traveling to Mongolia is that, in the 21st century, half the people retain the nomadic lifestyle. This trip gives you the opportunity to visit nomad families and experience their way of life, their culture and traditions.
Combine this with a visit to the symbolic ruins of Kharkhorin. Built under the orders of Genghis Khan in 1220, Karakorum became the real capital of the Mongolian empire during the late 13th century before being ultimately destroyed by the Ming army in 1410.
On its ruins was built the Erdene Zuu Monastery, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and nearly destroyed itself during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. A fascinating tour of Mongolia's rich heritage and way of life - an experience you cannot afford to miss.
Schedule 2024 & 2025
Price based on pax
- Discover the biggest nomadic country in the world - rich diversity of nomadic culture in the regions
- Explore the hospitability of the nomadic culture and lifestyle
- Stay inside of Mongolian ancient and rich heritage
- A chance to see how the real Mongolian authentic barbecue is made the traditional way!
- Std twin room at 4* hotel
- Stay at a nomad family
- Shared accommodation at Ger camp
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Horse, camel ride
- Mongolian barbecue
- Letter of Invitation
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
- Single supplement
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to the hotel.
After a light lunch in the hotel, there will be a program of sightseeing in the afternoon. This will include the Bogd Khan Palace, a series of beautiful traditional buildings where the last religious King of Mongolia resided.
Overnight in the hotel. (L+D)
After breakfast begins the drive to the central region of Mongolia. Elsen Tasarkhai is 280 km west from Ulaanbaatar.
After lunch, we will visit a camel herdsman's family. Discover their daily life and ride a camel through sand dunes. In the evening sit out under the night sky and stars, watching the fun, singing, and dancing.
Overnight in tourist ger camp. (B+L+D)
Drive to Ugii Lake (altitude 1387 m; surface area—25 sq. km). After lunch at the camp, drive to visit the family of a horseman. You are free to taste the favorite drink of Mongolians - airag, fermented mare's milk.
Then volunteers are welcome to try milking the mares or participate by holding the foals next to their mothers or ride the horses. You may also enjoy tea and conversations with the family, take hikes or read a book around the family Ger. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian dinner.
Overnight with the family. (B+L+D)
In the morning see and help milking horses. Continue the tour in a nomadic family, giving you the chance to learn a little of the Mongolian way of life. After lunch attends the Mongolian Ger Program, which will give you an introduction to the traditional Mongolian dwelling, the ger.
Learn how to assemble a Ger and how to pack the components on a yak cart. Bring drinking water from a well by a cow cart. The program duration is two to four hours. You would like to watch sunset down on the beach of Lake Ugii.
Overnight in tourist ger camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, continue driving to Kharkhorin, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. On the way, we will enjoy a beautifully changing the landscape from semi-desert the Gobi into forest steppe.
Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit the Kharkhorin museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
Up early to drive to visit yak herdsman family. You are free to taste dairy products and discover their daily lives. Yak ride trial. After lunch drives to Hustai National Park and sees the Takhi, the Asian wild horse.
Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife. Visit Takhi's small museum.
Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, drive back from the camp to Ulaanbaatar. You may choose an optional city tour where you will be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops before enjoying an evening concert of National Folklore.
Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D)
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (B)
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.