Treasures of Central Mongolia

Central Mongolia's Khangai region is a land of high mountains, deep valleys and vast grasslands, crossed by rivers such as the Orkhon. It is the heartland of nomadic herding and rich in history, including Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

• Orkhon Waterfall (UNESCO Orkhon Valley)
• Erdene Zuu Monastery
• Tsenkher hot spring
• Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo volcano
• Przewalski's horses in Khustai
• Chinggis Khan Statue & Terelj

1. 01

   Day 1

   Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

   Upon arrival at the airport you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Visit the Chinggis Khan National Museum — the nation's largest, with over 10,000 objects relating to the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire and the history of Mongolia from the Xiongnu to the end of the 20th century. After lunch visit the palace museum of the 8th Bogd Gegeen, the last emperor of Mongolia. Built between 1893 and 1903 and named "The temple of developing wisdom", it displays religious art, ethnographic objects and the Bogd Khan's royal collection.

   Overnight:

   Hotel

2. 02

   Day 2

   Bayangobi

   Bayangobi (Elsen Tasarkhai) combines Gobi sand dunes stretching 80 km with forests and rocky mountains. Hike in the small dunes and ride a camel.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   280 km, 4–5 h (paved road)

3. 03

   Day 3

   Orkhon Waterfall

   Drive to the Orkhon Waterfall in the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed by the Orkhon River and considered sacred by many Mongolians, the 20 m fall is surrounded by forests and rolling hills.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   190 km, 5–6 h (dirt road)

4. 04

   Day 4

   Erdene Zuu — Tsenkher hot spring

   Visit Erdene Zuu, one of Mongolia's first and largest Buddhist monasteries, founded in 1586 by Abtai Khan at the old imperial capital Karakorum. Partly destroyed in 1937, it reopened as a museum in 1965 and became an active monastery again after 1990. After lunch drive to Tsenkher hot spring in Arkhangai, whose mineral-rich water is known for easing rheumatism, skin and respiratory problems, surrounded by beautiful scenery for hiking and relaxing.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   260 km, 5–6 h (paved/dirt)

5. 05

   Day 5

   Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

   Drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, visiting Taikhar Rock on the way — a 20 m rock bearing 150 inscriptions in Turkic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu and Chinese, the oldest in 6th–7th century runic script — and the 20 m deep basalt canyon of the Chuluut River.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   230 km, 4–5 h (paved/dirt)

6. 06

   Day 6

   Khorgo volcano

   Hike Khorgo, the last volcano to erupt in Mongolia, nearly 8,000 years ago. Stairs on the west side lead to the 200 m crater rim in about 15 minutes.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   20 km, 30 min (dirt road)

7. 07

   Day 7

   Ugii Lake

   Drive to Ugii Lake, a freshwater lake known for fishing, boating and bird watching, rich in plant and animal life.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   300 km, 5–6 h (paved/dirt)

8. 08

   Day 8

   Khustai National Park

   Khustai National Park, about 105 km south-west of Ulaanbaatar, is famous for its takhi — the Przewalski's wild horse once thought extinct. The park is also home to red deer, gazelles, wolves, lynx, marmots and 223 bird species. Wildlife watching is best at dusk and dawn.

   Overnight:

   Ger camp

   Distance:

   290 km, 5–6 h (paved/dirt)

9. 09

   Day 9

   Mongol Nomadic show — Ulaanbaatar

   Visit the Mongol Nomadic show, which demonstrates the traditional nomadic way of life: milking sheep and goats, making felt, preparing milk tea and dairy products, distilling milk vodka, traditional games and folk music. After lunch drive to Ulaanbaatar and rest.

   Overnight:

   Hotel

   Distance:

   120 km, 1.5 h (paved/dirt)

10. 10

    Day 10

    Chinggis Khan Statue — Terelj National Park

    Visit the Statue of Chinggis Khan, the largest equestrian statue in the world (30 m high without its 10 m pedestal), with an observation deck on the horse's head. Legend says that young Temujin found a golden whip here in 1177 — a sign of success before he united the Mongols. The 36 columns at the base symbolise the 36 Khans who ruled after Chinggis Khan. Arrive at the "Heaven Envoy" camp in Terelj National Park for lunch — a peaceful spot with a shamanic "world tree". Walk to the Aryabal Meditation Temple, hidden in the mountains near Turtle Rock. Built in the shape of an elephant's head, it is reached by 108 steps — an auspicious number in Buddhism — symbolising the elephant's trunk. The valleys around are full of granite formations and wild flowers, including edelweiss. Optional horseback riding or exploring the area.

    Overnight:

    Ger camp

    Distance:

    55 km

11. 11

    Day 11

    Ulaanbaatar

    Drive back to Ulaanbaatar for lunch, rest or souvenir shopping. In the evening, a cultural performance by the Tumen Ekh ensemble — Mongolia's premier traditional group, with folk music, throat singing, dance and contortion.

    Overnight:

    Hotel

12. 12

    Day 12

    Departure

    After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight.

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