An activity-packed journey into Central Mongolia, an area of diverse landscapes and the nomadic heartland of the country. See the sacred Mountain Khogno Khan, and the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai before venturing to the Khustai National Park for the wild takhi "Przewalski" horses and a plethora of wildlife. This condensed trip is a great introduction to the rich diversity of Mongolia’s culture and landscapes, with authentic homestays in guest gers next to local nomadic families. Spend time with your hosts and also use these fabulous wilderness locations as a base to explore the surrounding area on foot, by horse, and by vehicle. You will experience a range of cultural traditions – music, cookery, ankle-bone games, archery, felt-making, ger building may all feature at some stage along your way.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Personal Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel Insurance
- Driive to Khogno Khan nature reserve – the site of the Uvgun Temple complex
Day 1: Gandan Monastery - Gurvanbulag - Ger Homestay - Horse Ride
After meeting your guide at 08:30 am in your hotel or another Ulaanbaatar location of your choice board the vehicle for a morning visit at the Gandan Monastery in the western part of the city. Take a guided tour of the temples and see the monks chanting. Then head west to the northern part of Gobi onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. On arrival, enter the family ger and experience nomadic hospitality sample milk tea, homemade yoghurts, and curds, learning about the nomadic way of life and your hosts’ traditions. In the afternoon, if you are up for it, ride a horse to the nearby sand dunes – or you can walk if you prefer. In the evening enjoy a traditional nomadic meal of Buuz (steamed dumplings) or khorkhog (mutton seared with hot stones) – you can also help with cooking if you want. Travel details: 4-5hr/280km to Gurvanbulag Accommodation: Ger alongside Nomad family Meals included: Lunch; Dinner
Day 2: Khogno Khan - Uvgun Temple - Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes - Camel Riding
After a home-cooked breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and drive to Khogno Khan nature reserve – the site of the Uvgun Temple complex. Khogno Khan is an area where taiga meets rolling steppes and north Gobi’s sand dunes. Hike a short distance to the Uvgun temples which were built in the 17th century by Zanabazar but destroyed in the 1930s during communist purges. After coming down to the vehicle drive 25km to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, where you will stay next to a family of camel herders. Settle into your ger and once your camels are ready, mount up for a 1-hour ride into the dunes, taking time for photographs from the camelback. In the evening return to your hosts and enjoy a home-cooked dinner, socializing in the evening over fermented mare’s milk with the family(summer). Travel details: 1.5hr/60km Khogno Khaan; 45 min / 20km to Elsen Tasarkhai Accommodation: Guest ger alongside camel herder nomadic family Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3: Hustai National Park - Wild Takhi Horses - Hiking - Ulaanbaatar
After a leisurely breakfast, board the vehicle for the journey back east to Hustai. On arrival visit the park’s information centre where you will learn about the plethora of wildlife roaming the National Park. Have lunch in ger camp located at the park’s entrance, then venture into the park to see the wild Takhi horses. Your guide will be in contact with the park rangers who will relay the animal's location – so you have a high chance of seeing them close. You can also venture deeper into the park on foot if you wish, perhaps to track wild deer or foxes – Hustai offers wonderful wilderness hiking opportunities. In the late afternoon return to the vehicle and drive back to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be dropped at a location of your choice. Travel details: 3hr/240km drive to Hustai National Park; 1-2hrs/110km drive to Ulaanbaatar Accommodation: - Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch;
