ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR AND DRIVE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE

Ulaanbaatar - Arrive at Ulaanbaatar airport, located just outside the Mongolian capital. After completing immigration procedures, meet the local guide and driver and proceed to a camp just outside the city. Following lunch and some time to recover from the long flight, enjoy a leisurely afternoon hike to appreciate the tranquil landscape of the semi-arid steppe. If possible, visit a nomadic family to gain an initial understanding of the ancient customs and traditions of the Mongol nomads. Later in the evening, settle into a ger camp, the cozy yet simple Mongolian version of a lodge, featuring traditional felt-made dwellings known as yurts by the nomads of Central Asia.

MONGOL NOMADS – KHARKHORIN

Kharkhorin - Embark on a journey back in time to a place that recreates the lives of Mongolian nomads at the start of the 20th century. Here, witness a demonstration of how the nomads lived during this era and learn about some traditions that continue to this day. After lunch at the camp, take a four to five-hour drive to Kharkhorin. Established by Chinggis Khan around 800 years ago, Kharkhorin was renowned throughout Asia as the capital of the Mongol Empire. If time allows, ascend a hill overlooking the small town to visit the Monument of Empires, erected to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Chinggis Khan’s coronation as the king of all kings of the steppes. Explore the site, which depicts the history of three of the largest steppe empires that originated here, and enjoy the stunning view of the sun setting over the sacred Orkhon valley before settling in the camp for the night.

KHARKHORIN – TSENKHER HOT SPRINGS

Tsenkher Hot Spring - In the morning, visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses a permanent display of various archaeological findings and provides a glimpse of how the city appeared during the Mongol empire’s reign. Then, take a walk through Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the country’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, in time for the morning puje – the chanting of Tibetan prayers accompanied by traditional musical instruments. After lunch, depart Kharkhorin and drive to the region often referred to by Mongolians as the ‘horse herders’ paradise’ due to its lush grasslands and open valleys. Travel through dense pine forests to Tsenkher hot springs, where water emerges from the ground at approximately 80°C (176°F). After settling in the camp for the night, enjoy a relaxing soak in the open hot-water pools under the Mongolian million-star sky!

HIKING AROUND TSENKHER

Tsenkher Hot Spring - After breakfast at the camp, take a short drive to the trailhead to begin the day’s hike. The hike is a truly enchanting walk up a stream, hopping from one boulder to another to reach the top of a hill for a fantastic view of the surrounding valleys. This little-known trail is hidden away from most travelers’ routes and runs through a pristine pine forest, with its floor carpeted with wildflowers of all shapes and colors. At the hike’s end, enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the camp to enjoy another night of soaking in the hot water pools.

THE RED WATERFALL

THE EDGE OF THE GOBI DESERT

Elsen Tasarkhai - After breakfast at the camp, drive to the summer camp of a nomadic family near the waterfall. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse in the nomadic way of life and gain hands-on experience with daily chores that are routine for nearly one-third of the Mongolian population. This morning offers great insight into the significant role of women in Mongolian society. After sharing a traditional meal, bid farewell to the host family and drive to Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune for a few hours. Marking the northern edge of the great Gobi Desert, Elsen Tasarkhai stretches over 130 km north into the heart of Central Mongolia. Arrive at the dune and take a hike for a marvelous view over the dune, seemingly nestled between two mighty mountain ranges. Then, pause by a small seasonal lake to observe a variety of migratory waterfowl. As the sun sets, enjoy a camel ride through the dune before settling in the camp for the night.

ANCIENT WILD HORSES

Khustain Nuruu National Park - After breakfast, embark on an approximately four-hour drive to Khustai Nuruu Strictly Protected Area. Khustai was established as part of a unique project to reintroduce the world’s last surviving wild horse back to its natural habitat. On the brink of extinction in the previous century, only a few Takhi or Przewalski’s horses remained in European zoos. After lunch and a brief visit to the visitors’ center, drive to a vantage point in the park to observe the herds of horses sprinting from the mountain tops to the narrow river valley, where they come to drink as the lowland temperatures cool down. After dinner at Khustai, take the two-hour drive to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the Mongolian capital late in the evening.

THE NATIONAL CAPITAL

DEPARTURE FROM ULAANBAATAR

• Accommodation as per program
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinking water
• All entrance fees as per program
• Private 4WD vehicle
• Local English speaking guide

• Travel expenses to/from Mongolia
• Travel Insurance
• Mongolian visa
• Excess Luggage
• Gratuities
• Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)

Central Mongolia, often referred to as the Horse Breeders’ Paradise due to its tranquil beauty, features lush green meadows, gentle hills, and pristine blue lakes and rivers nestled at the northern base of the Khangai Mountain Range. This region is home to numerous nomadic families who tend to their livestock, offering a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the Mongolian Horse Culture. Join the Central Mongolia Cultural Tour, thoughtfully crafted to suit travelers of all ages, providing a leisurely pace that allows for a full appreciation of Mongolia’s distinctive serenity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.