Mongolian Steppe, Stories & Tradition: Karakorum & Elsentasarkhai
About this tour
2 Nights / 3 Days Central Mongolia Tour with Special Calligraphy and Traditional Cooking Workshops
Available to book year-round.
On this journey, you’ll visit Elsen Tasarkhai, often called the “Mini Gobi”—a beautiful stretch of golden sand dunes surrounded by green steppes and rocky mountains, offering a glimpse of Mongolia’s diverse landscapes in one place. You’ll also explore Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and one of Mongolia’s most important historical and cultural sites.
In the Mini Gobi, you’ll stay with a local nomadic family, make traditional Mongolian dumplings together, and have the chance to experience everyday nomadic life and Mongolian culture in a warm and personal way.
In Karakorum, you’ll discover the history of the Mongol Empire at the Karakorum Museum, visit the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery, and experience a traditional Mongolian calligraphy workshop and performance.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia
Your driver and guide will pick you up from your accommodation at 8:00 AM, and we’ll set off towards Elsen Tasarkhai, the beautiful “Mini Gobi,” located about 280 km from Ulaanbaatar. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, with plenty of changing landscapes along the way. We’ll have lunch in the Mini Gobi before arriving at our nomadic family stay. After settling in, we’ll spend around 2–3 hours exploring the area (Mini gobi & Khugnu Tarna National Park), enjoying the mini sand dunes, open steppe, and surrounding landscapes. In the afternoon, we’ll learn how to make traditional Mongolian dumplings together, guided by our nomadic host and tour guide. We’ll prepare, cook, and enjoy the dumplings together, a simple and fun way to share food and connect with our hosts. The rest of the evening will be slow and relaxed, spending time with the nomadic family, chatting, playing games, and getting a closer look at their everyday way of life. It’s a chance to experience Mongolia not just as a visitor, but as a welcomed guest.
Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
We’ll have breakfast around 8:30 AM before setting off for Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, located about 80 km away by paved road. The drive will take around 1.5–2 hours. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the Karakorum Museum, which provides an interesting window into Karakorum’s past, showcasing archaeological treasures and discoveries from the ancient capital of 13th century. Following lunch, we’ll visit the Erdenesiin Khuree Center to explore the art of Mongolian calligraphy. We will take part in a hands-on workshop followed by a private performance, offering a more intimate look into this unique cultural tradition. We’ll then check in at our camp and have some time to relax. Dinner will be served around 7:00 PM, followed by a relaxing evening at the camp.
Day 3: Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
We’ll have breakfast around 8:30 AM. After breakfast, we’ll visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, founded in 1586 and built using stones from the ruins of ancient Karakorum. After exploring the monastery, we’ll begin our journey back to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is approximately 360 km and takes around 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions. We’ll stop for lunch along the way around 1:00–2:00 PM, giving us a chance to take a break and enjoy a meal together. We expect to arrive in Ulaanbaatar around 7:00 PM. In the evening, we’ll have dinner together and enjoy a relaxed final evening after our journey through Central Mongolia.
What's included
This tour can be customized upon request, and I’d be happy to adjust the itinerary around your interests, schedule, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
International and domestic flights Travel insurance Visa fees Personal expenses Alcoholic beverages Laundry and other personal services Tips and gratuities Any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
Languages spoken
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia