The Essence of Mongolia - Khara Khorum is an activity-packed tour into central Mongolia. Visit the Orkhon Valley - World Cultural Heritage, Khogno Khan Reserve, and the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai before venturing to the Hustai National Park to see the wild Takhi horses and plenty of other wildlife. This condensed trip lets you experience as much of Mongolia as possible in a short time of four days. Overnight, stay at authentic guest gers next to local nomadic families and in a comfortable ger camp for one night. Learn about your hosts’ culture and traditions, socialize with them, ride horses and Bactrian camels, hike, and visit hilltop temples. This all-encompassing trip contains most of what Mongolia offers, including must-dos and must-sees, and is perfect for those with limited time in the country.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Transport
- Meals
What is NOT included in the tour
- Service Tax
- Drive to Khogno Khaan nature reserve
- Hike a short distance to the Uvgun temples
Day 1: Kharakhorum - Erdene Zuu Monastery
After meeting your guide at 08:30 am in your location of your choice board the vehicle and head west to the Orkhon Valley. The drive is mostly on a paved road and should take 4 hours. We will have lunch at the local eatery on our way. Upon arrival, first visit Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear the monks chanting, which takes place from 2 pm. Take a walk around the main temples, and stroll around the grounds. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the interesting local museum, and visit the local felt workshop or Art Gallery. In the late afternoon, monument of the 3 Kings overlooking the Orkhon River, and the fertility stone on the edge of town. Travel details: 4-5hr/370km to Kharakhorum; Accommodation: Ger camp Meals included: Lunch; Dinner
Day 2: Khogno Khan - Uvgun Temple - Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes - Camel Riding
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Khogno Khaan 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 Bactrian ride into the dunes, taking time for photographs from the camelback. In the evening return to your settlement and enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner with the host family. Travel details: 1.5hr/90km Khogno Khan; 45 min / 25km 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
After a leisurely breakfast, board the vehicle for the journey back east to Hustai. The drive will take 3 hours and on arrival visit first the park’s information centre where you will learn about the plethora of wildlife roaming the National Park. Have lunch in the ger camp, located right 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 animals’ location, and 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 short drive to the location of the Nomad family, and enjoy a home-cooked hearty dinner. Travel details: 3hr/200km drive to Hustai National Park; 1hr/40km drive to Nomad family Accommodation: Guest ger alongside Nomad family Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: Chinggis Khaan Statue complex - Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast set off for the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex, once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii and visits the museum of horse culture in the complex. Then a short drive to the complex restaurant will have lunch. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar where you will be dropped at a location to suit you (we can do multiple dropoffs if required). Travel details: 2-3hrs/170km to Equestrian statue; 1hr/60km to UB. Accommodation: - Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
