Tours

Today we will travel back in time to a place that recreates the lives of Mongolian nomads at the beginning of the 20th century.

We drive to the Mongol Nomadic Tourist Camp to see a nomadic show, set in the period in which Mongolia gained its independence from the Qing Dynasty of China and established itself as a re-emerging nation under a living god-king. The show will demonstrate how nomads lived their lives during this era and we will learn about some of the traditions that are carried on to this very day. If you read our general introduction to Mongolia, you will find that nomadic traditions and practices have, in fact, changed little since the Bronze Age; you will be able to spot some of the changes later in the tour.

After the show we drive to the Khustaiin Nuruu Strictly Protected Area (SPA). We will walk to a vantage point where will try to spot the small herds of Pzerwalski’s horses running down from the mountain tops into the narrow river valley, where they come to drink as the temperatures in the lower areas cool.

Drive to Kharkhorin, passing the Elsin Tasarkhai sand dune. This dune marks the northern edge of the great Gobi Desert which stretches over 130 km north into the heart of Central Mongolia.

On the way, we will visit at the ruins of Ovgon monastery in the Khogno Khan National Park. This monastery was built by Zanabazar, a famous religious figure of medieval Mongolia and, in its heyday, it hosted over a thousand lamas at a time.  It was destroyed by a rival of Zanabazar’s in 1640 and the monks were massacred.

Kharkhorin town was the ancient capital of Chinghis Khan's Mongolia in the 13th century and it was from here that the Mongol Empire was governed until Khublai Khan, the grandson of Chinggis Khan moved the capital to Beijing. 

In the afternoon we will visit the site of Erdene Zuu. Monastery which was built in 1586 from the ruins of this once great city. Much of the monastery was destroyed during the communist purge in the 1930’s but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remains. There are numerous unusual cultural and religious exhibits to be seen as well as an active Tibetan-style monastery in the Erdene Zuu which is still considered as one of the leading religious centres of Mongolia.

Drive to the Tuvkhon Monastery. Founded by Zanabazar and hidden deep in pine forest in the mountains this scenic monastery was destroyed in 1937, but rebuilt with public money in the 1990s. The monastery’s wooden buildings are integrated with a natural system of caves perched near a hilltop and it is now a major pilgrimage site for Mongolians.

We will take a hike in the hills and enjoy the stunning beauty of wild nature and wonderful views over the Orkhon Valley.

Our last stop of the day will be at the impressive Orkhon Waterfall which has a drop of about 27 meters and is a fine sight during the summer rains. The surrounding countryside is simply stunning.

Overnight Ger camp

The Eight Lakes Nature Reserve offers excellent hiking opportunities in wild, un-spoilt countryside. The reserve comprises several lakes, from which the park receives its name, scattered over two wide, pine-covered valleys.

This morning, we will meet the local support team and put our luggage onto pack horses that will carry it for us throughout the trek.

We will hike at a leisurely pace and the initial steep climb will take us through the Bodingiin Davaa (mountain pass) to Huis Lake, the first and one of the largest lakes in the Protected Area.

Overnight Camping

Today we continue across the Eight Lakes Protected Area, surrounded by Mongolia’s second highest mountain range which lies at 2500 meters above sea level. The trail takes us past a few small lakes before we reach Shireet Lake, probably the most beautiful of all the lakes in this nature reserve.

Overnight Camping.

This is our last day in the nature reserve. Leaving the Eight Lakes Protected Area, we descend into the White Stallion Valley, with its dramatic walls hemming us in.

Today we will zig zag across a river, perhaps four or five times. The depth is manageable although it can be variable and we advise that you change into sandals for these crossings to protect your hiking boots. Late in the afternoon we reach the point for tonight’s camping.

Overnight Camping.

This morning, we emerge from the valley into the vast plains under the Khangai Mountains, where nomadic families graze their herds beside clear blue streams in the lush green steppes.  

The views are amazing as we pass beneath the impressive mountain scenery.

In the afternoon we meet our vehicles and drive to our ger camp.

Overnight Ger camp.

After breakfast head to the Yak festival, which is not far from our ger camp.

Mongolia has the second highest yak population in the world after China and this now-domesticated animal is celebrated every year by way of the Mongolian Yak Festival.

The festival starts with a yak parade and events include an exciting yak polo competition, yak lassoing, best turned-out yak, best bull yak, a yak milking competition, a yak wool clothing fashion show and, the star of the show and concluding event before prize giving, yak racing (they are not the fastest animals in the world!).

This is a unique and colourful festival with many Mongolians wearing traditional dress and lots of good photo opportunities. You might even want to try yak riding yourself!

Overnight Ger camp.

Today we take an easy hike to the Red Waterfall and then drive through thick pine forests to the Tsenkher hot springs where water flows out of the ground at about 80°C (176°F) and where you can enjoy a relaxing soak (not in the 80C water but in cooler pools!).

Late afternoon another short hike to the source of the hot spring.

Overnight Ger camp.

The entire day will be dedicated to experiencing the lives of Mongolian nomads up close. We take a short drive to visit a family which camps in this region during the summer and we will take an active part in their daily activities, joining them as they graze their herds, milk the animals, and prepare traditional dairy products.

For those who have an interest in discovering ‘the real Mongolia’ this will be a hugely rewarding day, shared with warm and friendly family.

Overnight Ger camp

Today we have a long drive back to Ulaanbaatar and maybe have time for some last minute souvenir shopping - cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide will recommend the best places to go for these. In the evening we will have our farewell dinner.

Overnight hotel

Transfer para as before