Central Mongolia To The Gobi Cultural Tour
About this tour
Visit Nomadic family, Monasteries, Kharkhorin and the Best destination of the Mongolian Gobi
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia and transfer to a centrally located 5 star hotel. Afternoon guided walking city tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city: The central city square with a grand statue of Genghis Khan and Sukhbaatar statue placed at the center as well. Museum of National History is located right next to the square will introducing Mongolia's history from early humans to modern era. Then choose to visit one or two museums from the following: 1. Choijin Lama or State Oracle Residence-museum displaying best samples of Buddhist artwork and religious masks. 2 The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum displays old arts including Buddhist arts, painting, folk arts and crafts, sculptures, carvings and embroideries. Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia
Drive to the Elsen tasarkhai. Sand dunes and Hugnu khaan mountain. Hundreds of horses, cows, sheep and goats graze alongside. Soon there appear some stretches of sand dunes like a silken scarf laid across vast steppes. In the afternoon we arrive to local family located amidst sand dunes and mountains dotted with granite rocks.
Day 3: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Mongolia
Drive to Kharkhorin town where the 2nd son of Chinggis Khan built the capital of the Mongol Empire in early 13th century. Largely an experiment of city building in a pre-dominantly nomadic culture, Karakorum as it was known then never became a fully functional capital before it was demolished by invading Chinese Min Dynasty troops in late 14th century. Today the main attraction here is the monastery museum of Erdene Zuu established in 16th century by a Mongol khan as part of introduction of Buddhism as the main religion. The monastery then suffered almost a complete destruction during the anti-religion campaign of 1930-ies with just a dozen of temples surviving till present. Spend some time in the peaceful premises of the monastery and take a glance at a few surviving artifacts of the old capital. You may as well walk the earthen hills nearby that still contain remains of the imperial capital. You will visit Kharkhorin museum and Erdenezuu monastery.
Day 4: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Ongi Monastery, Mongolia
Drive to Ongi monastery is the collective name for the ruins of two monasteries that face each other across the Ongi River in Saikhan-Ovoo district of Dundgovi Province, in south- central part of Mongolia. The Barlim Monastery is located on the north bank of the river while the Khutagt Monastery sits on the south bank. The older southern complex consisted of various administrative buildings as well as 11 temples. The northern complex, built in the 18th century, consisted of 17 temples - among them one of the largest temples in all of Mongolia. The grounds housed also 4 Buddhist universities. Founded in 1660, it was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia and housed over 1000 monks at its height. The ruins are situated about 18 km south of the town of Saikhan Ovoo.
Day 5: Ongi Monastery, Mongolia to Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
Travel to visit the Flaming Red Cliffs. Here in 1923 an American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first ever dinosaur nests and eggs as well as hundreds of specimen including dozens of new dinosaur species. We will walk through the sun baked cliffs of red sand and try to make our own discovery.
Day 6: Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia to Khongoriin Els, Mongolia
Our next destination is the “Singing” sand dunes majestically contrasting with the green meadows and black mountain ranges. In late afternoon we arrive to the Singing Sand Dunes. Stretching for over 100km and reaching 200 meters in height they run side by side to a dark range of Sevrei Mt and the green meadow of Khongor river. Do the dunes really sing? Yes, they do; on a windy day a distant propeller hum is distinctly heard from the dunes. Fine sand is pushed up by the dominating western winds on the ridges. Gradually building up on crests it then collapses down the steeper slope thus producing the tremor of tons of sand rolling down.
Day 7: Hongorïn Els, Mongolia
A full day at Khongor sand dunes.
Day 8: Hongorïn Els, Mongolia to Yoliin Am Canyon, Mongolia
Day trip to the “Eagle mouth” or Lammergeyer Canyon. Nestled between the beautiful peaks of the Three Beauties Range the canyon shelters a small "glacier" which remains frozen even on summer's hottest days. Wild Goats roam the steep cliffs. At the entrance of the gorge is a small museum displaying samples of the area’s animal world.
Day 9: Yoliin Am Canyon, Mongolia to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia
Drive to Tsagaan suvarga cliff. Having 10 million years history, the cliff indicates different times by its colored layers. It’s 90 degree of straight, consists of many colors of clay deposits. In ancient times, there was a big sea in Khevtee and Bosoo valleys of Tsagaan Suvarga. After dried up the sea, this area became a valley with many glacis and escarpments, covered by many different sedimentary deposits. Tsagaan suvarga is a big escarpment with 200m height and 400m long. It earned its’ name because of the Harmony of the colors.
Day 10: Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), Mongolia to Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Mongolia
Drive to the Baga Gazriin Chuluu, is a 15km long and 10 km wide stone massif, is located 30 km to the south east of Adaatsag sum. The highest point is Tahilgat Mountain /1768 m/ in the Northwest part of the stone massif. Over 20 kinds of medical herbs and many species of animals such as wild sheep, ibex and marmot exist here, Surtiin am is one of many beautiful places in Baga gazriin stone massif. This is a narrow canyon with asp, birch, white wicker and elm tree.
Day 11: Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Drive to the UB. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch will be on the way. Transfer to hotel and rest until farewell dinner.
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia
Departure Our guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
What's included
Price includes: 2 overnights at 4* Bayangol hotel in UB (twin) 1 overnight at the local family guest ger (twin/triple) 8 overnights at the Ger camp (twin/triple) All indicated meals ( B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner ) Drinking water All visits, NP fee and sightseeing fees Japanese or Russian 4x4 jeep including gasoline with driver English speaking guide All airport transfers
Price excludes: Travel Insurance Optional Activities Meals not indicated Drinks Gratuities
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Сэргэлэн, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia