Following The Great Tea Road Across Mongolia
About this tour
Follow the Great Tea Road across Mongolia from Zamyn-Uud on the Chinese border to Altanbulag on the Russian frontier, tracing one of the world's most important historical trade routes.
For centuries, camel caravans carrying tea crossed Mongolia on their long journey between China, Russia and Europe. As Mongolians were traditionally nomadic people, few permanent structures remain today. Instead, the story of the Great Tea Road survives through ancient caravan tracks, historic relay stations, wells, landscapes and local traditions.
Travel across Mongolia from south to north along the main corridor of the Great Tea Road, visiting historic relay stations including Senjiin, Khökh Dërs, Uizen, Ivtseg, Amgalan, Sonsgolon and Altanbulag. Along the way, discover forgotten caravan routes, explore the dramatic landscapes of Choir Bogd Mountain, and gain a deeper understanding of the route that connected civilizations, cultures and economies across Eurasia.
Experience authentic Mongolian nomadic life through stays in traditional ger camps, visits to local herding families, camel riding, horse-cart journeys, campfires beneath the stars and traditional countryside hospitality. Enjoy khorkhog and other Mongolian dishes while learning how nomadic communities played an essential role in supporting the caravan trade.
The journey also includes visits to Gandan Monastery, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, Terelj National Park and the iconic Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue.
More than a historical tour, this is a journey through Mongolia's living heritage. By following the route from the Chinese border to the Russian frontier, travelers gradually uncover the true significance of the Great Tea Road while experiencing the landscapes, culture and hospitality that have shaped Mongolia for centuries.
Activities included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Zamiin-Uud, Mongolia to Sainshand, Mongolia
Meet your guide in modern-day Zamyn-Uud and begin your journey at the southern gateway of Mongolia. From a viewpoint overlooking the historic Old Zamyn-Uud border area, learn how the Great Tea Road once entered Mongolia from China, carrying tea and goods across Eurasia. After lunch in Zamyn-Uud, travel north along the historic corridor that connected China, Mongolia, Russia and Europe for centuries. Leaving the border region behind, continue across the vast Gobi steppe toward Örgön soum. Visit Senjiin Relay Station, one of the historic stations that supported communication, transportation and caravan trade along the Great Tea Road. Hear stories about camel caravans that transported tea across Mongolia on their long journey toward Russia and Europe. As you travel through the open landscapes of the Gobi, gain your first understanding of the scale and importance of this remarkable trade network. Arrive in Sainshand in the evening, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner and rest for the night.
Day 2
After breakfast, continue your journey along the Great Tea Road and travel toward Khökh Dërs Relay Station. Here, learn how relay stations and wells supported camel caravans crossing Mongolia's vast steppe and desert landscapes. Try drawing water from a traditional well using a wooden bucket system, just as travelers and herders have done for generations. In earlier times, these wells also provided water for caravan camels traveling along the Tea Road. Continue to Uizen Relay Station near Airag soum in Dornogovi Province. This historic stop once served merchants, travelers and caravans moving between China, Mongolia and Russia. Enjoy lunch in Airag soum before continuing your journey. In the afternoon, visit Ivtseg Relay Station near Choir Bogd Mountain, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Tea Road in Mongolia. Explore the dramatic landscapes around Choir Bogd and learn about the relay station network that once connected Mongolia with the wider world. The area was also home to a major Buddhist monastery and religious center with approximately 1,500 monks. Today, only the foundations remain, while numerous Buddhist carvings and sacred images can still be seen on the surrounding rocks, offering a glimpse into the region's rich spiritual heritage. Enjoy an off-road exploration around Choir Bogd before continuing to Borjigin Golomt Ger Camp. In the evening, enjoy a traditional khorkhog dinner, experience a camel caravan themed cultural program and, if you wish, ride a camel across the steppe. As night falls, relax beside a campfire beneath a sky filled with countless stars and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mongolian countryside. Overnight in a traditional ger camp.
Day 3
After breakfast, depart Borjigin Golomt Ger Camp and continue north along the historic Great Tea Road route. Stop near Choir to visit the Soviet military memorial and learn about the Soviet military division that was stationed here from 1969 until the early 1990s, when Soviet forces withdrew following the dissolution of the USSR. Continue toward Ulaanbaatar along the main north-south corridor of the Great Tea Road. Before entering the capital, visit Sonsgolon Relay Station, an important stop for merchants, camel caravans and travelers approaching the city. Learn about its role within Mongolia's historic relay station network and the Great Tea Road. Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant before checking into Bayangol Hotel, conveniently located in the city center. The afternoon is free for rest or personal exploration. In the evening, take a walk to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of modern Mongolia, and enjoy views of the Government Palace and the city's most important landmarks before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 4: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
After breakfast, visit the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, the former winter residence of Bogd Khaan, Mongolia's last theocratic ruler. Learn about Mongolia's transformation from a traditional Buddhist kingdom into the modern nation it is today. Continue to Amgalan Relay Station, one of the final destinations of the Great Tea Road within Mongolia. Historical records suggest that a significant portion of the camel caravans traveling along the Tea Road ended their journeys here, while others continued westward through Sonsgolon Relay Station toward Russia and Europe. Amgalan served as an important center for merchants, caravan traders and travelers. The surrounding area was also home to a Chinese merchant settlement, reflecting the commercial and cultural exchanges that flourished along the Tea Road. After lunch, visit the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and gain a deeper understanding of the Mongol Empire, the legacy of Chinggis Khaan and Mongolia's role in connecting civilizations across Eurasia. Continue to the Gobi Cashmere flagship store and experience the softness and quality of Mongolia's world-famous cashmere products. Enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 5: Алтанбулаг чөлөөт бүс, Altanbulag, Mongolia
Upon arrival, enjoy views across the border toward Kyakhta, the famous Russian trading town that played a central role in the Great Tea Road. Learn how Altanbulag and Kyakhta developed into one of the most important international trading centers in Eurasia between the 18th and early 20th centuries. Explore the remains of historical trading sites that still survive in Altanbulag today. Visit the remains of the former international bank and learn about the importance of finance and commerce during the height of the Tea Road era. Discover the remains of Maimaa Town, where customs and trade activities once connected Mongolia with Russia and China. In Altanbulag, the Great Tea Road is no longer just a route across the steppe; it becomes a story of border trade, customs, banking, merchants and international exchange. This was one of the key places where camel caravans arriving from China unloaded tea, silk and other goods before beginning their return journey. Caravans often departed again carrying Russian and European products, animal skins, wool and other goods destined for markets further south. Hear fascinating stories about international trade, merchants and caravan life while standing at one of the most important gateways of the Great Tea Road. Here, travelers gain a deeper understanding of how goods, ideas and cultures moved across continents for centuries. In the evening, enjoy dinner before traveling by traditional horse cart from the town center to a local ger camp. Surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of northern Mongolia, relax and unwind in a traditional Mongolian ger, experience warm local hospitality and reflect on the remarkable journey along the Great Tea Road. Overnight at a local ger camp in Altanbulag.
Day 6: Алтанбулаг чөлөөт бүс, Altanbulag, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at the ger camp. Take a leisurely walk around the surrounding countryside, breathe the fresh northern air and experience the peaceful atmosphere of rural Mongolia. Following lunch, visit Sukhbaatar, Mongolia's northern border city located on the banks of the Selenga River. Explore the local market, observe everyday life in this important border region and browse a variety of Russian and imported products commonly found in local shops and market stalls. Here, visitors can experience the unique blend of Mongolian and Russian influences that have shaped the region for generations. After exploring the town, begin the journey back to Ulaanbaatar. As you travel south, reflect on your remarkable journey across Mongolia along the historic Great Tea Road—from the Chinese border at Zamyn-Uud through ancient relay stations, vast steppe landscapes, caravan routes, historic trading centers and the Russian frontier at Altanbulag. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the evening and check into your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences, stories and friendships gathered along one of the world's most fascinating historic trade routes.
Day 7: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Улаанбаатар, Mongolia
After breakfast, travel east of Ulaanbaatar to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue Complex at Tsonjin Boldog. Visit the 40-meter-tall Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, the largest equestrian statue in the world, standing on the banks of the Tuul River where, according to legend, young Temujin once found a golden whip. Learn about the legacy of Chinggis Khaan and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding steppe. Continue to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia's most famous protected areas. Visit the iconic Turtle Rock and enjoy the beautiful scenery of granite formations, valleys and open grasslands. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to take photographs with a traditional eagle hunter and his golden eagle. Continue to Aryabal Meditation Temple, peacefully located on a hillside overlooking the valley. Walk along the scenic pathway and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests while learning about Mongolia's Buddhist traditions. Enjoy lunch in Terelj before experiencing a short horseback riding activity, one of the best ways to appreciate Mongolia's nomadic heritage and deep connection with horses. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. On the way, enjoy a performance at the Hun Theatre featuring traditional Mongolian music, throat singing, dance and cultural heritage performances that reflect the spirit of Mongolia's nomadic civilization. Enjoy dinner go to your ger camp. This day offers a perfect combination of Mongolia's natural beauty, history, spirituality and traditional culture.
Day 8: Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Улаанбаатар, Mongolia to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Sergelen, Mongolia
After breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Your Great Tea Road journey across Mongolia comes to an end, taking with you unforgettable memories of Mongolia's history, culture, landscapes and nomadic hospitality. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back to Mongolia again in the future.
What's included
• Professional English-speaking guide and Great Tea Road interpreter throughout the journey. • Private tourist transportation for the entire itinerary. • Accommodation as specified in the program, including hotels and traditional ger camps. • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. • Entrance fees to all attractions, museums and historical sites included in the program. • Historical, cultural and trade-route interpretation of the Great Tea Road. • Visits to historic relay stations, caravan heritage sites and key Tea Road locations. • Traditional cultural experiences as specified in the itinerary. • Bottled drinking water during transfers. • Airport, railway station or border arrival and departure transfers as specified. • Local taxes and service charges.
International and domestic airfare or train tickets unless otherwise specified. Travel insurance. Visa fees and related expenses. Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs. Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks not included with meals. Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service staff. Any services not specifically listed under "Included Services."
Languages spoken
What to know
• This journey follows the historic Great Tea Road, one of the most important trade routes connecting China, Mongolia, Russia and Europe. • The tour is designed as a cultural and historical expedition, focusing on the heritage, trade history and caravan routes of the Great Tea Road rather than a fast-paced sightseeing experience. • Travelers will visit historic relay stations, caravan heritage sites, museums and cultural landmarks while experiencing Mongolia's diverse landscapes, including the Gobi Desert, steppe and northern border regions. • Accommodation includes a combination of hotels and traditional Mongolian ger camps. • Road conditions vary throughout the journey and include both paved highways and off-road sections. • Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the Gobi Desert and northern Mongolia. Comfortable outdoor clothing and suitable walking shoes are recommended. • The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions or local circumstances while preserving the overall experience and highlights of the tour. • This tour can be customized for private groups. Please contact us for further information.
Route & locations
Zamiin-Uud, Mongolia to Sainshand, Mongolia