Orkhon Valley Mixed Tour

The following day, around 9 a.m, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation to start your journey. You’ll drive along a 290 km asphalt road from Ulaanbaatar to Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune, which will take about 4 hours. Elsen Tasarkhai is a stunning natural wonder, known for its unique beauty, covering an 80 km long dune plateau. What makes it special are the Mongolian Bactrian camels, a rare sight not typically found in the Sahara or other places. These camels have adapted to Mongolia’s harsh climate and are known for their gentle and slow-paced demeanor. Riding them through the dunes provides a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to take in the breathtaking landscape at a leisurely pace that’s truly unforgettable. Combining these gentle camels with the mesmerizing dunes creates an extraordinary adventure you won’t find anywhere else. At night, you’ll experience the magic of Mongolia by staying in a traditional Mongol ger camp. These portable, round tents embody the nomadic heritage of Mongolia, offering a unique and cozy experience. You’ll spend the night in a ger.(B/L/D)

We’ll embark on a journey to the Orkhon waterfall, also known as Ulaan–Tsutgalan, for 2-3 hours across vast grassy plains interspersed with basalt rocks and rivers, which is one of the most beautiful sights here. Formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 20,000 years ago, the waterfall drops from a height of 20 meters into a canyon, and about 25 meters downstream from the falls, you can hike down to the bottom of the gorge, which is very scenic and dotted with pine trees. Will have our lunch here and our 2 hours drive brings us to the Buurung camp where we meet our horse guide. Overnight in a Ger camp.(B/L/D)

From here, we’ll kick off 2 two-day horse trek moving forward to Eight Lake with exclusive natural formation. A car trip is impossible for the destination due to the surrounding pine forest and the natural formation of rock cliffs. During the trip, you will experience wild nature, livestock, yak, goats, horses, sheep, and wild animals. Also, the landscape today would vary—from wide open steppes to rolling hills, and all the way to the rising Khangai Mountain range, Mongolia’s second largest mountain range. We pass through the Eight Lakes Protected Area, which is 2500 meters above sea level. We stroll by numerous small lakes on the way and arrive at Shireet Lake, which is arguably the most beautiful of all the lakes in this natural reserve. We will continue our ride into the southern half of the nature reserve after a picnic lunch on the lake’s banks. We’ll stay in tents. We’ll return to Buurug camp the next day in the evening and spend the day at the tourist camp.(B/L/D)

The journey carries on to meet a local nomadic family who live in the heart of Orkhon Valley about 2-3 hours. Here, you’ll experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mongolian steppe while resting in the Ger dedicated to travelers. For the best experience of nomadic culture, plan on spending 2 nights learning about nomadic agricultural practices, lifestyle, and cultural traits. You’ll immerse yourself in the culture of a nomadic family, learning how they spend their days and keep their traditions alive. Nomads are known for their hardworking nature, engaging in daily tasks such as processing milk products, tending to livestock, cleaning cattle sheds, and seeking productive pastures. You’ll have the opportunity to personally experience milking yaks, processing milk, fermenting horse milk, making dried curd, and skimming yak milk, all under the guidance of family members. Additionally, there will be a mini-tournament to test your skills against locals and fellow travelers after receiving a brief Khalkha archery course, a traditional sport in Mongolia. Other activities include herding cattle, milking cows, and transporting drinking water from a distance using a mini truck. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night with the nomadic family, fully immersing yourself in their way of life.(B/L/D)

We’ll ride horses to the picturesque Tuvkhun temple at the mountaintop, through a stunning forested area, immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere. Upon arrival at a small open meadow in front of a towering rocky cliff, you’ll ascend to the monastery using rocky steps. Along the way, you’ll encounter three small temples. Exploring the monastery, you’ll discover various meditation caves and a small cave known as the “mother’s womb,” believed by locals to cleanse the body like being reborn. At the mountaintop, you’ll find several ovoos and monuments dedicated to natural deities, offering a breathtaking display of nature. Afterward, return to the family and experience the breeze, and atmosphere, and keep trying the local’s daily culture.(B/L/D)

You’ll drive to Kharkhorin for about 2 hours through the heart of Orkhon Valley, known for its rich history and historical treasures. Historically, this region is recognized as the homeland of the ancient Mongolian empire. Kharkhorin, once the illustrious capital of the Mongol Empire, was situated near the enchanting Elsen Tasarkhai. Founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, this ancient city thrived as a political, cultural, and economic hub. It housed the Great Khan’s grand palace and played a pivotal role in trade along the Silk Road.

Erdenezuu Monastery, established in 1586, was constructed upon the ruins of Kharkhorin, preserving the city’s spiritual essence. It became a significant center of Buddhism in Mongolia, boasting remarkable architecture and housing precious religious relics. Despite periods of religious suppression, Erdenezuu endured the test of time.

After the decline of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin faced a somber fate, suffering destruction at the hands of invading armies and the passage of time. While its former glory now lies in ruins, its historical significance remains palpable.

You’ll explore Erdenezuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum, delving into the clear history of the Mongol Empire from the Bronze Age. Overnight in a tourist Ger camp.(B/L/D)

You’ll depart from Kharkhorin in the morning and drive to Khustai National Park for about 3-4 hours, arriving at noon. Known for its successful reintroduction of Przewalski’s horse, also known as the Mongolian wild horse or Takhi, into its native habitat, Khustai National Park boasts diverse landscapes including vast grasslands, rolling hills, and rocky outcrops. These provide habitats for various wildlife species such as deer, marmots, and more, in addition to wild horses. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, and learning about conservation efforts in this beautiful protected area. Afterward, we’ll head back to Ulaanbaatar on a paved road for 100km.(B/L)