Essence Of Mongolia 7 Days Tour

Day 1: Gurvanbulag – Ger Homestay – Horse Ride

You will be picked up from a pre-arranged location in Ulaanbaatar at a time that suits you—we suggest leaving around 9:00 AM to make the most of the day. Jump into the vehicle with your guide and head west to the northern part of the Gobi. On the way, you will stop briefly to visit Khar Bukhiin Balgas, the interesting remains of an ancient fort used by nomadic tribes dating back to the 10th century.

You will then continue to Gurvanbulag, where you will stay in a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. Enter the ger and experience the warm hospitality and traditional nomadic way of life. You can help make and enjoy milk tea, and try homemade produce such as yogurt and mare’s milk.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to enjoy about an hour of horse riding in the surrounding hills and nearby dunes, or you may choose to walk if you prefer. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal. Overnight stay in a ger alongside a nomadic family. LD

Day 2: Travel to Tsenkher – Hot Spring

Today, you begin your journey to Tsenkher Town. The drive is one of the more challenging remote journeys, covering approximately 200 km, but the scenery is spectacular. Upon arrival at the camp, enjoy the natural hot springs fed directly into thermal pools where guests can relax and bathe. Overnight stay in a ger camp. BLD

Day 3: Travel to the Orkhon Valley

Today you will travel to the Orkhon Valley, enjoying breathtaking scenery across this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the ancestral nomadic heartland of the Mongols. After lunch with a yak-herder family, where you will stay overnight near the river, you will go hiking to visit Orkhon Waterfall.

Orkhon Waterfall is a scenic cascade on the Ulaan Tsutgalan River, standing approximately 20 meters high and 10 meters wide. You can participate in daily activities with the nomadic family, such as helping with milking yaks, watching yogurt-making, and observing the traditional distillation of vodka from milk. Overnight stay in a ger alongside a yak-herder nomadic family. BLD

Day 4: Travel to Kharkhorum – Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery

In the morning, drive to Kharkhorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, where Chinggis Khaan established his headquarters in 1220. In 1235, his son and successor Ögedei Khan built a palace enclosed by walls.

You will visit the local museum, which showcases Mongolian history, followed by Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first and largest Buddhist temple complex in Mongolia, built on the remains of the 16th-century city of Kharkhorum.

Later, visit a local cooperative to attend a workshop on traditional felt-making by hand or explore a local art gallery. Overnight stay in a ger camp. BLD

Day 5: Khognokhan – Uvgun Temple – Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes – Camel Riding

Today you travel to Khognokhan Nature Reserve, where you will explore the lower temple complex of Uvgun, view reconstructed temples and prayer wheels, and explore the surrounding ruins. You may choose to take a 45-minute hike up to the older, ruined temple complex in the hills, offering stunning views and, depending on the season, abundant wildflowers.

Continue to the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, about a 45-minute drive away. Tonight, you will stay with a camel-herding family. Settle into your gers and enjoy an hour-long ride on Bactrian camels across the dunes. In the evening, savor a traditional khorkhog feast—mutton and vegetables cooked with red-hot stones. Overnight stay in a ger alongside a nomadic family. BLD

Day 6: Hustai National Park – Wild Takhi Horses – Hiking

After a leisurely breakfast, travel east to Hustai National Park, covering approximately 250 km. You should arrive at your ger camp in time for lunch. The camp is located at the park entrance, allowing time to rest before exploring the park.

At dusk, drive into the park to spot Takhi (Przewalski’s horses)—this is the best time to see them up close in their natural habitat. You may also choose to combine this visit with a long walk through the park, leaving slightly earlier if preferred. Discuss your plans with your guide. Return to camp for dinner and your final night in a ger. Overnight stay in a ger camp. BLD

Day 7: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

After breakfast, depart for the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, located 170 km away. Upon arrival, climb inside the statue and ascend the staircase along the horse’s mane to reach the viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj National Park, and the hills of Khan Khentii. Visit the Horse Culture Museum within the complex.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at the complex restaurant before returning to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be dropped off at a location of your choice (multiple drop-offs can be arranged if required). BL

HIGHLIGHTS:

Gurvanbulag Community • Ger Stay • Tsenkher Hot Springs • Orkhon Valley • Kharkhorum • Erdene Zuu Monastery • Khognokhan Nature Reserve • Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes • Camel Riding • Hustai National Park • Wild Takhi Horses • Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

FITNESS LEVEL:

ACTIVE – This tour involves considerable walking and long travel days.

MEETING POINT:

Good news! You can be picked up from your hotel or train station. Simply email us the details. If you do not yet have the address, you may provide it later.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

Accommodation in guest gers with nomadic families and at Hustai Ger Camp • Transportation by 4WD Japanese van • Local guide • All meals as listed • All entrance fees • All listed attractions

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

Travel insurance • Visas • Snacks and alcohol • Items of a personal nature