Arrival in UB and city tour

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.

Khustai national park: Observation of wild horses

Early in the morning, we will visit Gandan Monastery, the religious center of Mongolia, before leaving the city. There, we will have the chance to watch the peaceful morning prayers of the Buddhist lamas.
After this, we will travel to Hustai National Park, where we can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the wild Przewalski horses, known as ‘Takhi’ among the Mongolian people. The park, which means “the chain of birch tree forests,” features both desert and mountainous terrains.
The Takhi was reintroduced to its natural habitat in 1993 after vanishing from the wild in the 1960s, and today, there are over 800 individuals thriving in Mongolia. Of these, more than 390 can be found in the Khustain Mountain range, one of three areas where the Takhi has been successfully reintroduced.
As a result of conservation efforts, we can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, marmots, and white gazelles, during our visit. We will take a walk through the park to encounter these animals before settling in with a local family for the night.

Relaxing Day at the Shores of Ogii Lake

We will start our day early with a five-hour drive, covering a distance of 260 km to Ogii Lake, a freshwater lake in central Mongolia. This lake is known for its rich biodiversity, including over 150 species of migrating birds and abundant fish such as Perch and Pike. It is vital stopover for migratory waterbirds, including Relic Gulls and Whooper Swans. Surrounded by hills, Ogii Lake is a great spot for leisure travelers, offering fishing, hiking, boating, and bird watching opportunities. Overnight stay in a cozy ger camp.

To Kharkhorin: ancient capital of Mongol empire

We make our way to Kharkhorin, the ancient imperial city of the Mongol Empire from the 13th century until its destruction by Chinese Ming Dynasty troops in the late 14th century. Upon arrival, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Kharkhorin Museum, where we can learn about the rich history of the Mongol Empire and Genghis Khan.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first significant Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, founded by Abtai Khan in the 16th century. This monastery, surrounded by Buddhist stupas, was partially destroyed during the communist era. We will take time to explore its stunning architecture and tranquil grounds.

(Upon clients’ request, you can stay here for one more additional day to relax and enjoy other activities, such as the calligraphy center and felt workshop. An extension fee will apply.)

Travel to Orkhon valley: Experience nomadic lifestyle

Today, we drive towards the renowned Orkhon Valley, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical and archaeological significance, which has served as the cradle of nomadic life. Here, fertile pastureland lies along the Orkhon River and the Khangai Mountains, showcasing a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This vibrant landscape attracts many nomadic families who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. At noon, we will arrive at a nomadic family who will welcome us into their extra gers nearby. In the evening, we will enjoy delicious local homemade food prepared by our hosts.
During your stay here, you’ll experience local life through activities like milking animals, making traditional dairy products, and rounding up herds etc.

Leisure day: Explore Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfalls

After enjoying a tasty breakfast, we will head to the beautiful Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfalls. Cascading about 21 meters high, it was formed over centuries through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, creating impressive basalt canyons and a winding gorge.
For those who want to explore on horseback, local guides will be available to lead you on a memorable ride. After visiting the waterfalls, we will return to the family home for a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax or visit a small Ger production workshop in Bat-Ulzii village. This village is known as one of the few major producers of gers, where you can observe how these unique traditional homes are made.

Drive to Bayan Gobi, a camel ride amidst the Dunes

We will take a drive covering a distance of 200 km to Khogno Khan Reserve, where we can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mongolia and the grandeur of the Gobi Desert. This area features lush grasslands, surprising sand dunes, and impressive rock formations in the Khogno Khan mountains.
When we arrive at a local family’s home, we’ll be welcomed with their warm hospitality and then enjoy a camel ride for about 1-2 hours in the golden dunes. After our adventure, we’ll spend the night in a traditional ger, fully immersed in the charm of Mongolian culture.

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar, traveling 280 km through the stunning Mongolian steppe, where you’ll see traditional gers and grazing livestock. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.

Departure: See you next time 🙂

Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.