Highlights
- Camp in a traditional ger (yurt) in Central Mongolia
- Milk a yak or horse with a nomadic family in Bat-Ulzii
- Climb the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex to soak in the views
- Stargaze constellations under clear Mongolian skies
- See wild takhi horses in Khustai National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Free Day to Explore | Ulaanbaatar |
| Day 2 | City Tour, Visit Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex | Ulaanbaatar |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Khustai, Hike Mount Tsetsee Gun | Khustai National Park |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Bat-Ulzii, Visit Horse Breeder, Stargazing Experience | Bat-Ulzii |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Rashaant, Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery | Rashaant |
| Day 6 | Hike Mount Khugnu Khan, Sand Dunes, Transfer to Ulaanbaatar | Ulaanbaatar |
| Day 7 | Depart Ulaanbaatar |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Free Day to Explore
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia! Your private driver will welcome you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. After a quick refresh, the rest of the day is yours to dive into this city of vibrant contrasts. Once the seasonal abode of the Mongolian princes, Ulaanbaatar became permanent in 1639 and is now a mix of traditional and modern influences.
Day 2: City Tour, Visit Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Meet your guide and driver for a full-day city tour this morning, beginning with the Buddhist Gandan Monastery. Marvel at the 85-foot-high (26 m) gilded statue of Megjid Janraisag in the temple, then explore the country's rich cultural and historical heritage at the National Museum of Mongolia, including exhibits on nomadic life, before taking a stroll around the bustling Main Square.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Transfer to Khustai, Hike Mount Tsetsee Gun
Early this morning, begin your guided overland adventure toward Central Mongolia by kicking off with a 7.5-mile (12 km) hike from Manzushir Monastery to the 7,441-foot (2,268-m) peak of Mount Tsetsee Gun in Bogd Khan National Park—protected since the 12th century as a sacred mountain. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch to soak in the tranquil scenery and look out for musk deer and sable.
Later, head two hours west to Khustai National Park and check in to a traditional ger (Mongolian yurt) camp, with a flask of hot water and tea on arrival—a perfect way to experience traditional nomadic dwellings. During an evening hike, witness the endangered native wild horse takhi (Przewalski's horse) in its natural habitat, then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner, unwind, and relax in your cozy ger.
Day 4: Transfer to Bat-Ulzii, Visit Horse Breeder, Stargazing Experience
After an early breakfast, journey 4-5 hours to the majestic Orkhon Valley, check in to the Ursa Major Geolodge, and try the khorkhog (wild lamb cooked on stones) for lunch. Then, immerse yourself in the daily lives of the locals with a visit to a nomadic family of yak and horse breeders. Experience milking a horse or yak and help out with the evening chores, then follow up with a peaceful hike along the Orkhon River.
As night falls, prepare for a mesmerizing evening of stargazing under one of the clearest night skies you'll ever see. Explore the celestial wonders above with the MEADE LX 200 ACF telescope, then spend the evening dining on huushur (fried mutton) or lamb skewers. Finally, hang out in the bar listening to traditional music before retiring to your ger warmed by a wood-burning stove.Day 5: Transfer to Rashaant, Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery
Grab breakfast at 5:30 am before today's four-hour hike to the Tuvkhun Monastery, perched at 7,585 feet (2,312 m) on Mount Shireet Ulaan. Enjoy panoramic views of the Khangai Mountains as you wind your way up to this tranquil and significant UNESCO-listed site built in 1654 by Zanabazar—the first Bogdo Gegeen (Buddhist spiritual leader)—and once visited by the Dalai Lama. Along the way, pause to enjoy a packed lunch and breathe in the forest air.
Afterward, continue to Kharkhorin (Karakorum), the ancient capital of the Mongol empire, whose ruins lie near the upper Orkhon River. First settled by Ghengis Khan in 1220, under his son's rule, the city became an important center for mercantile trade along the Silk Road. Then, travel two hours east toward the Bayan Gobi Sand Dunes and settle into the ger camp. Try banshtai tsai (milk tea with dumplings) for dinner.
Day 6: Hike Mount Khugnu Khan, Bayan Gobi Sand Dunes, Transfer to Ulaanbaatar
Lace up your boots for a half-day guided hike to the picturesque Khugnu Khan Mountain and the 17th-century ruins of Erdene Khamba Monastery, where, at its height, some 1,000 lamas lived. Add an exciting camel ride on the great dunes of Bayan Gobi, bordered by green grasslands, for extra fun. Afterward, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting a nomadic family to experience their fascinating daily life. Taste traditional dairy products, learn how to make a Mongolian dish, and then enjoy it together for lunch.
Finally, journey four hours back to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and refresh. Pick up a Mongolian cashmere souvenir or two, then admire the city's evening panorama from Zaisan Memorial Hill before ending the day with a farewell dinner, where you'll say goodbye to your guide.
Day 7: Depart Ulaanbaatar
If you have time before your departure, check out some of Ulaanbaatar's museums, showcasing the history and the culture of Mongolia. Both the Choijin Lama Temple Museum (with its colorful temples) and the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum house fascinating collections of Buddhist art and artifacts.
More Great Mongolia Itineraries
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