Essence Of Mongolia Tour 5 Days
About this tour
An activity-packed journey into Central Mongolia, an area of diverse landscapes and the nomadic heartland of the country. See the Khogno Khaan Mountain, the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, the ancient Mongol capital the Karakorum, before venturing to the Hustai National park for the wild takhi horses and a plethora of wildlife. This condensed trip is an excellent introduction to the rich diversity of Mongolia’s history. Culture and landscapes, with authentic homestays in guest gers next to local nomadic families. Spend time with your hosts and also use these fabulous wilderness locations as a base to explore the surrounding area on foot, by horse, and by vehicle. You will experience a range of cultural traditions – music, cookery, ankle-bone games, archery, felt-making, ger building may all feature at some stage along your way.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar to Gurvanbulag, Mongolia
You will be picked up from a pre-arranged Ulaanbaatar location at a time to suit you - we suggest leaving around 9:00 am to make the most of the day. Jump in the vehicle with your guide and stop off at Gandan Monastery - enter the temples, including that of the Migjid Janraisig with its huge golden Buddha statue. In the old temple complex listen to the chanting ceremonies which happen mid-morning. Afterward, board the vehicle again and head west to the northern part of Gobi. On the way, you will stop briefly visiting Khar Bukhiin Balgas, interesting remains of am ancient fort used by nomadic tribes dating back to the 10th century. Then it's onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. Enter the ger and experience the hospitality and traditional nomadic way of life - you can help make and drink milk tea, plus try homemade produce such as yogurt and dried curds. In the afternoon you will have a chance to do an hour or so of horse riding in the surrounding hills and the sand dunes nearby. Or you can walk if you prefer. In the evening enjoy a traditional feast of khorkhog - mutton and vegetables seared and steamed with red hot stones from the fire. Travel details: 4hr/280km to Gurvanbulag Accommodation: Guest ger next to a nomadic family Meals included: Lunch; Dinner
Day 2: Gurvanbulag, Mongolia to Kharkhorin
In the morning drive to Kharakhorum. First visit Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear the monks chanting, which takes place from 10 am. Take a walk around the main temples, and stroll around the grounds. Afterward, take a guided tour of the interesting local museum and have lunch at a local Mongolian eatery. In the visit the Monument of the 3 Kings overlooking the Orkhon River, and the fertility stone on the edge of town. You will also have a chance to stroll around in the local market. In the evening we hope you will be able to enjoy a performance of traditional music and dance (summer only). Travel details: 1.5hr/150km to Kharakhorum; short drives in town Accommodation: Zaya Guesthouse (winter) / Munkh Tenger ger camp (summer) Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3: Kharkhorin to Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Mongolia
Today you head to the nature reserve of Khogno Khan, where you can explore the lower temple complex of Uvguun Khiid, see the reconstructed temples, prayer-wheel, and look around the ruins. Then we recommend taking the 45-minute hike up to the older ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and depending on the time of year, wildflowers may be in abundance. Head back down to the valley floor, and onto the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, a 30-minute drive away. Tonight you will stay alongside a family of camel herders - settle into your gers and head off on a Bactrian ride across the dunes for an hour, then enjoy a home-cooked dinner. Travel details: 1.5hr/50km Khogno Khan; 45min/20km to Elsen Tasarkhai Accommodation: Guest ger next to a nomadic family Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Mongolia to Khustai Mountains Camp, Mongolia
After a leisurely breakfast jump in the vehicles for the journey back east to Hustai. You should arrive in your ger camp in time for lunch. The camp is located at the entrance to the National Park, and you will have some time to rest before venturing inside. At dusk, drive from your camp to see the Takhi - this is the time you have a better chance of seeing them up close, and inaccessible areas. You may want to combine the trip with a long walk in the park - in which case you should leave a little earlier. Discuss your preference with your guide. Afterward, head back to camp for dinner and your last night in a ger. Travel details: 3hr/190km drive to Hustai National Park Accommodation: Standard Ger; Hustai Resort Ger Camp Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5: Khustai Mountains Camp, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Mongolia
After breakfast travel to the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex near Erdene soum for 200km. Once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii. Then have lunch in the complex's restaurant. After lunch, board the vehicle and drive back to Ulaanbaatar for 120km, where you will be dropped at a location to suit you (we can do multiple drop-offs if required). Travel details: 2hrs/200km to Chinggis Khaan Statue complex; 2hrs/60 km to UB Accommodation: - Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
What's included
What to know
We always advise our clients to bring their own sleeping bags. Also small souvenirs for the locals "if possible".
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar to Gurvanbulag, Mongolia