Tour description:
This tour takes place through Orkhon Valley. Recognized in 2004 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape" holds the distinction of being the birthplace of nomadic Mongolia. This vast expanse of pastureland extends 80km in length and 15 km in width on both sides of the Orkhon River.
Incorporating the historic site of Karakorum, the area remains a living testament to Mongolia's nomadic heritage. Even today, Mongolian nomadic herders utilize the expansive grasslands, preserving the traditional way of life. The valleys and riverbanks are dotted with yurts, serving as homes for these nomadic families. Amidst the wilderness, herds of horses, yaks, sheep, and goats roam freely within these protected areas.
Tour Highlights:
Explore the Karakorum Museum
Visit Erdenezuu Monastery
Experience nomadic lifestyle with a visit to a nomadic family
Enjoy camel riding
Relax at Tsenkher Hot Spring
Seize the opportunity for hiking
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Your guide will welcome you and pick you up from the airport. Have dinner and check into the hotel.
Day 2: Ancient Capital Karakorum & Erdenezuu Monastery
We start our journey driving to our ancient capital site Karakorum. Believed to have been settled around 750, Karakorum became a pivotal site in 1220 when Genghis Khan, the renowned Mongol conqueror, chose it as his headquarters. From this strategic location, he orchestrated his historic invasion of China. Explore the Karakorum Museum, as there are no remaining ruins to visit. Adjacent to the museum, discover Erdenezuu Monastery, once the epicentre of Buddhism and among the earliest monasteries constructed in Mongolia. Overnight sleep in a tourist camp.
Day 3: Orkhon Waterfall
After breakfast, we start driving to Orkhon Waterfall. 4-5 hours driving from Karakorum. Approximately 25 meters downstream from the waterfall, a descent leads to the bottom of the gorge, characterized by a depth of around 22 meters and surrounded by picturesque pine trees. Originating from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions some 20,000 years ago, the waterfall's intermittent flow starts with the initial summer rain. Immerse yourself in nomadic culture by visiting a nomad family for a firsthand experience of their lifestyle and enjoy a delightful dinner. Overnight sleep in a tourist camp.
Day 4: Tuvkhun Monastery-Tsenkher Hot spring
After breakfast, our day begins with an early morning drive to Tuvkhun Monastery, perched atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views. A 3-4 hour hike awaits, allowing you to explore the monastery's scenic surroundings. Following this, our journey continues to Tsenkher Hot Spring, where you can relax in an outdoor hot tub.
Day 5: Elsen Tasarkhai
After breakfast, our journey takes us to Elsen Tasarhai on the return to Ulaanbaatar. This scenic area boasts sand dunes stretching from north to south, offering the opportunity for camel riding. Explore the local culture with a visit to a nomadic family.
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we will start driving to Ulaanbaatar on a paved road for 280 km, anticipating a journey of 5-6 hours We will be delighted to drop you off at your hotel. Thank you for joining us on this memorable journey.
Optional airport service for your departure from Ulaanbaatar or tour extension are available based on your wishes*
Highlight
Camel trekking
The Gobi is the perfect place to experience all the fun of camels which are surprisingly more comfortable than horse riding as they walk slowly and gently, and we will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September. Beautiful scenery and exhilarating riding - a wonderful combination!
Show moreElsen Tasarkhai / Els sand dunes/
The Elsen Tasarkhai is a part of the Mongol Els Sand Dunes, that continues 80 km long 5 km wide. The nature in this area is really spectacular and great for relaxing and located in Burd soum in Uvurkhangai Aimag (Province) 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare bushes and a small forest near a river. Together this presents a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests and Gobi-type landscape in one location.
Show moreOrkhon Waterfall
This 10m-wide waterfall cascading from height of 20m is situated 132km from Karakorum, Uvurkhangai Aimag. Orkhon Waterfall is formed when Ulaan River, a tributary of Orkhon River, flows down 20-m high cliff into Orkhon River. It flows over 130km through volcanic basaltic stone. During the quaternary period the volcano at the beginning of Tsagaan Azarga River, which takes its rise from Khangai range, erupted and 10km thick layer of basaltic stone was formed along Orkhon valley due to rapid cooling of hot lava from volcanic eruption.
Show moreErdene Zuu Monastery
In 1580s, by the order of Dalai Lama first temple of Erdenezuu monastery was built on the ruin of Mongolian ancient capital city Kharkhorin. By 1792s there were 62 temples, over 500 buildings nearby. The monastery was registered in “ Heritage of Mongolia” by UNESCO.
Show moreTsenkher Hot Springs
Tsenkher Hot Springs: Arkhangai province famous for its many old volcanoes. These volcanoes explain the presence of the springs natural hot water that flows all year long at 1860 meters (1.16 mile) above the sea level.
Show moreTour price:
Tailored to fit your travel schedule, this tour package offers complete customization from May to October. Tour price per person, as detailed below.
Staying at tourist camp: Staying at nomad family:
2 pax – 1170 USD 2 pax - 870 USD
3 pax – 1050 USD 3 pax - 750 USD
4 pax or more – 930 USD 4 pax or more - 660 USD
Price included: Price not included:
4* Hotel in Ulaanbaatar 1 night Travel insurance
Tourist camp 4 nights Visa fee
English speaking tour guide Hotel extra service
Transfer Alcoholic drinks
Meals as mentioned Any charges arising from major force
Entrance to sightseeings events beyond our control
National Park tax
Horseback riding
Folk art concert
Museum ticket
Drinking water
Terms & Conditions
Your holiday contract
When you book a tour or other travel arrangements our contract with you takes effect when we send you a written confirmation /by info@tourmongolia.com this e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it/ of booking. Once contract is made we are responsible for providing you with the tour you have booked and you are responsible to pay us for it, in each case subject to terms and conditions.