Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai Tour (3 days)
Overview
Once served as the capital of the Mongolian Empire and an essential station of the Silk Road, Karakorum city has much more to share than its current physical appearance. Mongolian largest and the historically most significant religious and cultural center – Erdene Zuu monastery – is operating as a museum there. Different stone relics and other ancient artifacts are standing around the city to reveal the history and stories dated back to hundreds of years ago.
Price based on pax
- Kharkhorin City is an essential part of the famous Silk Road and once served as the capital city of Mongolia.
- Visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, which is the oldest in Mongolia. There is a museum operating there filled with history and mystery.
- The city has historic statues and other artifacts that speak of the fabulous history of the Mongolian people.
- This is one of the most significant religious and cultural cities in Mongolia. Experience the rich history when you visit.
- Go to the fabulous Elsen Tasarkhai oasis and ride atop a camel just like the ancient nomadic Mongolians did.
- Shared accommodation at Ger camp
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Camel ride
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
Itinerary
After meeting in Ulaanbaatar, drive to Kharkhorin, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire. 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 by Orkhon River. (B+L+D)
In the morning, drive to Elsen Tasarkhai - Gobi type area with huge sand dunes.
After lunch in a tourist camp, there is an opportunity for a camel ride trial through the sand dunes.
In the evening, we will play traditional games and stay overnight in a tourist camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar and finish the trip. (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.
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