Highlights
- Camp in Terelj National Park and Hustai National Park
- Look for Przewalski's horses in their natural habitat
- Trek into the wild to find birds of prey like the saker falcon
- Explore Ulaanbaatar on your own before your flight home
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Transfer to Terelj National Park | Terelj National Park |
| Day 2 | Guided National Park Bird-Watching Tour | Terelj National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Hustai National Park, Meet Przewalski's Horses | Hustai National Park |
| Day 4 | Trek into the Park to Spot Wild Horses & Birds of Prey | Hustai National Park |
| Day 5 | Depart Mongolia |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Transfer to Terelj National Park
Welcome to the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar! Meet your driver outside Chinggis Khan Airport and venture 2.5 hours into the countryside to Terelj National Park, nestled in the Khentii Mountains. As you make your way east out of the city, stop to visit the world-famous Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, where you can learn about the history of the Mongolian Empire and see the giant 131-foot (40 m) tall statue of Chinggis Khaan (Ghengis Khan) on horseback. You can even ride the elevator up to the horse's head to admire panoramic views over the surrounding plains.
Jump back in the car and continue the drive to the national park. When you arrive, leave your bags at your ger, a traditional Mongolian tent, and sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, put on your hiking shoes and start the trek to Turtle Rock, a massive rock formation resembling a turtle. On the way, stop at the Buddhist Aryapala Meditation Temple to meditate or reflect before continuing to the top. When you arrive, take in the panoramic view of the lush meadows and the meandering Tuul River before returning to the ger for dinner.
Day 2: Guided National Park Bird-Watching Tour
Spend a full day exploring the national park to find its avian residents. Follow your guide through the lush valleys, meadows, and forests, keeping an eye on the trees to see some of the rare and remarkable species that inhabit the area, like the saker falcon, eastern buzzard, and Siberian rubythroat. Don't forget to look down, as you may spot squirrels, chipmunks, or even elk running across the forest as well. Meander to the river, which attracts water-loving fowl like the common merganser and the white wagtail. After a long day of wildlife spotting, return to the ger to relax and enjoy your dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Hustai National Park, Meet Przewalski's Horses
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Trade one national park for another this morning as you transfer four hours west to Hustai National Park in the Khustai Mountains. When you arrive, settle into your mountain camp, then venture into the park with your guide to find Przewalski's horses, also known as takhi, the last species of wild horse in the world.
Learn about the park's conservation efforts to protect its animals and discover how they successfully reintroduced over 300 Przewalski's horses to roam freely in their natural habitat. When you find them, watch as they gallop across the vast steppes and rolling hills. Admire their distinctive dun-colored coats and sturdy build while they graze peacefully on the grasslands. After spending time observing the horses and learning more about their history and habits, return to camp to warm up by the fire and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Trek into the Park to Spot Wild Horses & Birds of Prey
After breakfast at the camp, set off on another full day of wildlife spotting. Although the park is primarily known for the wild horses you saw yesterday, you can also find an array of bird species thriving in the varied ecosystems. Trek into the forest and look out for the numerous birds that have adapted to the steppe environment, like the cinereous vulture and amur falcon. Watch where you walk, as ground-dwelling birds thrive here as well, such as the Mongolian ground jay and the demoiselle crane. At the end of the day, you'll return to the camp for your final night in the wild.
Day 5: Transfer to Ulaanbaatar, Depart
Enjoy your last breakfast at the camp, then set off on a two-hour transfer back to Ulaanbaatar for your flight home. If you have time to kill, you can explore the capital on your own. Meander to the central Sukhbaatar Square to see some of the main landmarks, like the Government Palace, a grand building that serves as the official residence of the president. Admire the building's exterior, showcasing a blend of traditional Mongolian architecture with modern elements, then continue to the Mongolian Stock Exchange.
Enter to observe the dynamic environment full of brokers buying and selling stocks and gain insight into Mongolia's robust financial sector. If you want to dive into the country's rich history, visit the National Museum of Mongolia. Browse the diverse exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day and admire the collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, religious items, and ancient weaponry. When it's time, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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