North & Central Mongolia

Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival, our private driver and the guide will pick you up at the airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in. On the way, you can glimpse the modern city views of nomadic Mongolia.

 Know the Whip of God - Genghis Khan's Romance Looming over Ulaanbaatar
As the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar shows the worship of Mongolians to Genghis Khan. You can see his images everywhere, on the cash, on cigarette brands, and his sculptures and statues are scattered across the city. Not only Mongolians but also Westerners thought highly of Genghis Khan, calling him the “Whip of God” and believing him the envoy dispatched to punish them. Lived up to his reputation, Genghis Khan captured regions near the Black Sea including present-day Ukraine, southern Russia, Azerbaijan, and other areas.

 Free Time Suggestion: Narantuul Open Air Market
After check-in, you can rest for a while or explore the city on your own. It takes you around half an hour to arrive at this most prosperous market in Mongolia from your hotel by car. It opens from 9:00 to 19:00. Entering from the south gate, you will first see some general merchandise stalls, then stores selling saddles and Mongolian traditional clothes, mixed with some woodwork and woolen shops. You can also find some retailers offering wooden carvings and ritual instruments of Shaman culture.

Useful Information for You:
1. Currency in Mongolia: Mongolian Tugriks (MNT) are legal tender, and the only currency accepted in remote areas. Card payment is not yet widely used, so it is better to exchange enough MNT cash in Ulaanbaatar since banks or ATMs are also scarce in rural areas.
2. Car-hailing: Besides taxis, private cars also provide taxi services in Ulaanbaatar. UBcab, a Mongolian car-hailing app is handy, but you need a Mongolian SIM card to register. English is available on the app. The fare is MNT 1,500 (USD 0.5) per km and please refer to the distance on Google Maps when paying to avoid being overcharged. Only MNT cash is acceptable by both taxis and private cars.

Accommodation: Ramada Ulaanbaatar City Center (4 stars)

The first escorted sightseeing stop of your Mongolia tour is Amarbayasgalant Monastery, which is a 6-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar. On the way, you will get the first impression of the vast grassland dotted with hills, sometimes with herds of cattle or sheep grazing on the plain. Amarbayasgalant Monastery was built in 1727, by order of a Chinese emperor. After passing the last col, it unfolds in front of you. You will first see a plaque in Chinese, Manchu, and Mongolian characters hanging on the gate. Stepping into the temple, you will be surprised to find that not a single nail was used to construct the buildings. However, it was built with the magic mortise and tenon structure, perfectly connecting sections of wood. Climbing up the hill where stands a Nepalese-style white pagoda at the back of the monastery, you can admire the panoramic views around. In addition, there is a stretch of bumpy road on the way, so please remember to take some Dramamine beforehand. A headrest is also useful for relieving car sickness.

 Capture the Mongolia’s Ritual Beauty - Tsam Dance
If you visit Amarbayasgalant Monastery from August 9 to 11 when the Tsam Dance Festival is celebrated, you can enjoy the Tsam Dance. Monks will wear masks of deer, bulls, lions, and eudemons, pretending to be deities descending on the earth. Accompanied by the music, they usually dance and chant along, in pairs or groups. It is said that this dancing ceremony can purify the environment, eradicate illness and miseries, and bring auspiciousness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Amarbaysgalant Urguu

In the morning, we will move on to Uran Togoo Mt. Nature Reserve by car. Uran means “art” in Mongolian, which is perfectly illustrated by the unspoiled natural beauty. It features four extinct volcanoes, extensive grasslands dotted with wildflowers, and clear streams that nurture various animals including deer, argali, wild boars, and Tolai hare. In the afternoon, we will visit the Uran extinct volcano on the western side. On the way, you will encounter Mongolian ovoos heaped with stones and wood and adorned with colorful prayer flags, which are dedicated to gods as magnificent shrines. So please do not touch or take anything from these stone towers as they are sacred to locals. After arrival, you will be wowed by the stunning views of the crater, which is 500 meters (1,640 feet) in diameter. There is a natural water pond surrounded by lush vegetation at its bottom where many birds such as grouse, falcons, and cuckoos, nest.
► Tips:
1. You need to walk 10-20 minutes to reach the top of the volcano, so please wear hiking shoes.
2. May to September is the best time to visit the volcano when the weather is moderate and the scenery is the best.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Unit Camp

After breakfast, we will set off for Khovsgol Lake. On the way, stop at Murun, a small town for lunch and a short break. Then drive for another 2 hours to Khatgal Village on the southern tip of Khovsgol Lake. There, the guide will show you around the local bazaar, where you can see herds of livestock. For a deeper exploration, climb up the hill near the village. If you visit in summer, you can see the panoramic view of wooden houses surrounded by hills covered by verdant trees. However, the view is quite different during autumn when withered trees and grasses endow a golden tinge to it. Can’t wait to have the first glimpse of the Khovsgol Lake? Follow the paths to the north part of the village, where you can see a corner of the lake and hear the gurgle of water. We suggest you wear thicker clothes, as the temperature at the lake area varies widely from day to night even in the summer months (June - August).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Khuvsgul Eco Tour Camp

We will spend this whole day touring around Khovsgol Lake. It is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia, containing 2% of the world's freshwater, and is nicknamed the “sister of Lake Baikal”. Reputed as the "blue pearl of Mongolia", the lake is surrounded by craggy peaks covered with pine forests. In the morning, our guide will accompany you to explore the lake on horseback, which takes about 2-3 hours depending on your interests. Setting off along the shore of the lake, you will first pass through a vast meadow. As you venture deep, the shrubbery becomes lusher and taller and a patch of wooded area awaits you. Following the trail, you will finally reach the top of the hill, enjoying the 360-degree view of Khovsgol.
► Horse Riding Tip: The herdsman will help you lead the horse. Please follow the instructions, since dismounting without permission, acting alone, and sudden movements may put you in danger. Besides, you need to get off the horse and walk for a while if meet steep slopes, so please remember to wear comfortable shoes.

★ Explore Tsaatan Tribe - One of the Ten Primitive Tribes in the World

If you visit the lake after August 15, you may have a chance to meet the Tsaatan tribe, also known as the reindeer tribe, one of the ten primitive tribes in the world. Different from other Mongolian nomads, they live in cone-shaped houses - wooden pole houses constructed with trunks and covered with felts. You can watch Tsaatan people herding reindeer. And if interested, touch the soft fur of Santa’s mount or take photos with them with permission. But during the first half year, Tsaatan people usually hide in the deep forest, which is more suitable for reindeer’s survival, so it is almost impossible to meet them then at the lake shore.

In the afternoon, be ready to explore the area by yourself. You must not miss the chance to go boating on this mirror-like lake to enjoy the serene environment. The camp you stay usually provides a boat rental service. June to August is the best time for boating and other water activities such as diving and swimming, as the water gets warm. If you are a bird lover, feast your eyes on various bird species, such as red-billed choughs, nuthatches, and Demoiselle cranes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Khuvsgul Eco Tour Camp

Ready to treat yourself to a mineral hot spring? Today’s destination, Jargalant Hot Springs, is a 6-hour drive away in Khangai Province. Upon arrival, unpack and settle down in the clean ger camp, and then take a cozy bath in the hot springs on your own. Remember to pack swimming suits. Insect repellent is also necessary as there may be mosquitos around the hot spring. The natural mineral springs emerging from the deep ground are very good for health, especially for skin and bones. But please control the bathing time as the temperature of the hot spring is a little high. After bathing, go for a short walk to explore the nearby mountains and forests.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Jargal Jiguur

After breakfast, we will drive 2.5 hours to Terkh White Lake. Surrounded by the Khorgo Extinct Volcano, the lake is one of the most scenic destinations in Mongolia. It is said that Terkh White Lake was once a vast grassland where people lived on well water. But one day, an old lady forgot to cover the well after fetching water. At midnight, water gushed out of the well, flooding the plain and forming the White Lake. However, according to scientists, Terkh was actually formed because the magma of Khorgo Extinct Volcano blocked the Terkh River after an eruption. After checking into the ger camp there, you could arrange some pleasant activities based on your preference.

 Recommended Activities at Terkh White Lake:
Killing time by cruising on the lake and enjoying fishing. The lake is home to more than ten kinds of fish including taimen, lenok, bass, and barracuda. If lucky, you will have a chance to spot the scene of water birds catching fish. The camp by the lake usually offers fishing gear rental services. If they are not your thing, just stroll around the lake, during which you can admire the crystal water and the yaks grazing. You may find a small island on the shore where many stone towers are piled with black rocks. Wandering through these towers, you’ll feel like being the protagonist of an apocalyptic film.
► Tip: The internet signal is weak in remote areas in Mongolia, but Terkh White Lake is one of the few places where you can use it slightly on the entire trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Maikhan Tolgoi

Today, we will first head to the 2,240-meter (7,349-foot) high Khorgo Extinct Volcano, one of the famous extinct volcanoes in Mongolia, which was formed by an eruption 9,000 years ago. Our guide will lead you through the small copses of trees where strange basalt rocks are scattered. After about a 30-minutes of climbing, you will reach the crater of the volcano where you can immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the White Lake. There are ovoos at the base of the crater. Walk around these stone towers for three laps and make a wish, and you may be blessed. But it is better not to take the rock from the volcano, which is thought that it may anger gods and cause disaster.

Then, pay a visit to Taikhar Chuluu. It is a 20-meter-high (about 66-foot) granite rock located in the middle of a vast flatland, with a history of 1,500 years. You can see about 150 writings carved in different times and languages from the top to the bottom.

★ Visit a Local Herder's Family

At the end of the day, we will visit a local herder’s family and experience their lifestyle. After a warm greeting, the host will treat you with traditional Mongolian food. Take your time to taste khuushuur (fried meat pocket), and airag, a kind of alcoholic beverage fermented from mare milk, which is slightly sour but addictive. If you happen to visit the family when they are making felt, catch the chance to join them: beat the wool, put fluffy wool layer by layer, sprinkle hot water, tie it with string, and roll it on the ground until it is compressed, and then the felt is finished.
► Tips:
1. As a courtesy, we suggest you take some small gifts such as candies or snacks for the family you will visit.
2. You can learn some simple Mongolian words like Sain baina uu (Hello), Bayarlalaa (Thank you), and Bayartai (Goodbye), which will make it easier to approach locals.
3. Please do not touch local children’s heads, as Mongolians think it is not good for kids’ health.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Taikhar Camp

Today we will visit the first UNESCO world cultural heritage of Mongolia, including Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. Karakorum was the ancient capital of Genghis Khan and once a world-class metropolis influencing Asia and Europe. Sadly, it was severely damaged by the war, leaving only a stone turtle, which is said to be one of the four lying on the four corners of the ancient Karakorum. Want to explore the history of this old city in detail? Follow our guide to the Karakorum Museum to see the scale model that reproduces the ancient Mongolian capital.

Leaving the museum, we will head to Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It was established in 1586 and is one of the country's most important architectural heritage sites. The temple features a blend of Mongolian and Chinese architectural styles and is surrounded by an enclosure decorated with 108 white pagodas. Stepping into the main hall, you will see paintings, decorations, embroideries, valuable inscriptions, and bamboo slips from the 15th to 17th centuries. A small temple with a blue-tiled roof is on the north of the main shrine. At around 11:00, you will see monks chanting mantras there. Please do not take pictures in the temple, as it is thought to be disrespectful to the Buddha.

Leaving the monastery, we will depart for Bayan Gobi, also known as Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes where you can see the unique Gobi landscape with soft sand hills surrounded by mountain ridges. A camel ride is specially arranged for you to better explore the stunning desert. At sunset, golden and orange dunes can add more romance to your tour. At the end of the day, we will pay a visit to a camel herder's family to learn more about Mongolian nomadic culture.
► Tip: It features intense heat at summer’s noon in the Gobi desert, so please prepare sun-protective gear and enough drinking water. However, the temperature will drop in the afternoon, so a thick coat is necessary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bayan Gobi Camp

Coming to Mongolia, how can you not have close contact with horses? Today, the guide will accompany you to Hustai National Park, aka Wild Horse Park, which is home to the endangered Przewalski's Horse, the world’s only living pure wild horse. They are short and have wide faces and white fur on the belly, which makes them easy to distinguish from Mongolian horses. According to our professional guide, it is easier to encounter wild horses in the afternoon since they always gather along the river grazing and playing. We recommend you take a telescope because you are not allowed to observe these agile creatures closer than 200 meters (656 feet). You will be transferred to the designated viewing spots and have a small walk around to find other rare animals such as boars, roe deer, grey wolves, Pallas cats, Mongolian marmots, and golden eagles. Keep your eyes open and do not miss them.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp

Today, we will drive 3 hours back to Ulaanbaatar and visit some of its top attractions. The first one will be the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Mongolia, Gandan Buddhist Monastery. Inside the monastery, there is a 26.5-meter-high (about 87-foot-high) copper statue of Megjid Janraiseg, a bodhisattva that represents compassion, which is also the world's tallest indoor statue. Then we will drop by Sukhbaatar Square situated at the city center where important ceremonies and festivals are usually held. In front of the square is the Mongolia Parliament House, with the Bronze Statue of Genghis Khan standing at its doorway. Then, our guide will lead you to the Museum of Mongolian National History. If you are a fan of Genghis Khan, you can closely learn about the legendary story of him. The following one is about his lost tomb.

 The Mysterious Creature Guards the Tomb of Genghis Khan
Where Genghis Khan was buried remains a mystery. A legend has it that his tomb is guarded by the Mongolian Death Worm, a huge red poisonous worm that looks like a large intestine. The worm was initially considered a fiction in the folk story until it was said to be seen by locals. According to the witnesses, the worm is around 1 meter (2-5 feet) long, featuring a red body with dark spots. It has a fringy-shaped head and a tail that can spray venom and release electrical currents. Archaeological teams even found some suspected remains of the worms during their hunt for Genghis Khan's tomb.

Thereafter, we will continue to head to the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, the winter palace of the eighth Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, the state's religious head who later became the Bogd Khan or the last emperor of Mongolia.

★ Watch Mongolian Music and Dance Show

In the evening, you can relax and appreciate an excellent Mongolian music and dance show. To the accompaniment of the traditional instruments, the performance begins with “khoomei”, a Mongolian art of throat singing. One singer can produce low, middle, and high pitches simultaneously. Close your eyes and listen carefully, you will have an illusion of listening to a small choir and be wowed by his metallic vocal. Sometimes, khoomei is accompanied by the Mongolian traditional dance, Biyelgee. Initially, it was a ritual imitating gods and heroes and gradually became the main entertainment of nomadic life. You can see dancers half-sitting or sitting on the ground and telling stories by flexibly changing the movements of the upper body, especially the shoulders and hands.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ramada Ulaanbaatar City Center (4 stars)

Today, at the time per your request, our driver will escort you to the airport and your trekking Mongolia tour will end here. If you want to learn Chinese culture, climb the Great Wall, or admire the aesthetic buildings in Russia, we are willing to continue to tailor the trip to China or Russia for you.

Meals: Breakfast