Live Like A Nomad Tour In Mongolia - 5 Days
About this tour
Are you looking for a trip to relieve your stress from busy schedules and crowded cities? If so, we recommend you this tour. Less driving and more time in nature, away from phones and Wi-Fi.
There is no better way to closely experience the Mongolian nomadic culture than by staying with local families for several days. And it is not just getting to stay with a family, but to truly create a bond with locals, help with their daily activities, learn their lifestyles and culture, create fruitful memories, and refresh your soul in beautiful nature.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Mongolia
Today, the team travels from Ulaanbaatar to Elsen-Tasarkhai, or also known as the Mini-Gobi; It is located in Rashaant soum, Bulgan province, 270km to the west of capital, Ulaanbaatar. The team is expected to have lunch around Lun area, which is halfway through the road. Elsen-Tasarkhai is a breath-taking scenery, featuring sand dunes, trees, rivers, grassland and mountains all at once. The best activities to do there are walking,hiking, riding horses or camels. The team rides the Bactrian two-humped camels for an hour through the dunes, enjoying the picturesque landscape. Afterwards, the team visits a nomad family who will accommodate them for the night. Dinner will be served around 6-7 pm in the evening. The team has plenty of free time to do hiking on their own before sunset. The activities are done for today. Rest well because the adventures of tomorrow awaits!
Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Mongolia to Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
The team heads to a nomad family in the beautiful Orkhon valley. The total distance is 180km. Orkhon valley is one of the most astonishing places in Mongolia which incorporates Uurt valley, Red Waterfall, Orkhon Waterfall. and the Khangai Mountain range. The team is expected to have lunch near Khujirt town, Ovorkhangai Province. The team explores Uurt valley and Orkhon river, the longest river in Mongolia, stretching over 1120km. The last 60 km driving of the day goes through lava rocks, high mountains, pretty rivers, It is challenging on one hand, but on the other hand, it rewards the team with beautiful views and exciting off road experiences. The team skips the waterfalls on the way to see for the following day and visits the nomad family first. The nomad family lives in a beautiful place 3km away from the Red Waterfall. The family will not only accommodate the team for the next two days but also provide horses for the following days to help us explore the surrounding area. The team will spend most of their time, learning about the family and their lifestyle. Milking yaks, cooking classes, having dinner, trying fresh dairy products, playing with local kids, walking up to forests and mountains, and just enjoying the nature and the calmness it gives.
Day 3: Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve, Mongolia to Red Waterfall, Mongolia
Today, the team rides horses and explores the surrounding area. The main highlights are the Red waterfall and the Orkhon waterfall. After breakfast, the team is given instructions and trained horses as well as horse guides. The team goes on an adventurous horse riding trip for the day, stopping by beautiful attractions. First stop is the Red Waterfall. It is about 24km high, 15 metres deep. Short walking around the waterfall- around 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, lunch either back at the family place or picnic. Second stop for the horse riding is Orkhon waterfall, 2 metres deep. Another 10-15 minutes break for pictures and resting our muscles. Riding back to the family place for dinner. More free time to spend with the nomad family. Activities like milking yaks, herding goats and sheep, seeing how Mongolians milk mares and make traditional drink called Airag, cooking traditional cousines such as Khorkhog, trying out Mongolian traditional outfits. Overnight stay with the same family.
Day 4: Red Waterfall, Mongolia to Ugii Lake, Mongolia
After having breakfast, the team says goodbye to the family and moves back on the road to visit Erdene-Zuu temple and stay on the shore of Ugii lake.The total distance is 210km. After driving over 100km, the team has lunch in Kharkhorin city. Then visits Erdene-Zuu temple, which is one of the biggest and oldest Buddhist temples in Mongolia. About 60-90 minutes given to explore Erdene-Zuu temple. 80km more to the north of Kharkhorin to reach Ugii lake. Ugii covers an area of 25 sq.km. It is about 7km long and 5 km wide. It is known for its fishes and birds. Free time is given to the team to swim and explore the lake. Fishing tour is available on advanced request. Overnight in a ger or tent.
Day 5: Ugii Lake, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The team heads to Ulaanbaatar as the last day of the tour comes. The total distance is 330km. Lunch near Lun town. Visit Khustai National Park on the way to see the Przewalski wild horses. They are the last wild horses in the word. Currently, there are over 300 wild horses in Khustai National Park. The team will be transported to their respective hotels, hostels once reaching Ulaanbaatar. End of the tour.
What's included
What to know
The tour itinerary is flexible and could be customized upon request.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Mongolia