Central Mongolia Highlights

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia! Upon arrival, you will be warmly received by our guide and the driver and transferred to the hotel. After check-in, we will accompany you to glimpse Mongolia’s political and economic center. First, make a pilgrimage to Gandan Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple that is the biggest gathering venue for Buddhists in Mongolia. The most famous part of it is the gilded Buddhist statue with a height of 26 meters (85 feet). Then, wander around Sukhbaatar Square, where many national celebrations and events are usually held. To commemorate the great leader Genghis Khan, his bronze sitting statue is set in the north of the square. You can take photos with him while listening to his story.

 The Cruel Conqueror Genghis Khan - Slaughtering Everyone in the City
Revered as a military genius, Genghis Khan started campaigns that reshaped Eurasia and forged an unprecedentedly larger land empire than any other before. He’s a hero of Mongolia but also a manic killer. The cities he conquered would be reduced to ashes, and survivors, such as young men, would be forced to be conscripted into the Mongolian army; women and kids would face enslavement, while the old and disabled would be executed. He said in his chilling maxim, “The greatest joy is to vanquish your enemies, to drive them before you, to seize their wealth, and to hear the lamentations of their women.”

★ Feel the Charm of Mongolian Music and Dance

At night, you’ll be treated to a welcome dinner with a traditional Mongolian singing and dancing performance. Beyond the world-famous Mongolian throat singing, Khöömei, the country’s soul vibrates through the morin khuur, aka the two-string horsehead fiddle, which was once used in Shamanism rituals and now is one of the most important instruments in Mongolian folk music. Starting with its ethereal sound, throat-singing performers add in their metallic vocals, giving you an illusion of being immersed in the breeze of the endless grassland. Accompanied by the rhythm, dancers in vibrant clothes cross-sit on the ground, shaking shoulders and making consecutive changing gestures of their upper body to imitate nomadic life activities, such as milking and herding.

 Information Need to Know Before Departure:
1. Plug Adapter: Type C and Type E plugs and sockets are mainly used in Mongolia, so please prepare suitable plug adaptors.
2. Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) is the only acceptable currency, and online payment has not been widely used yet. So, exchange some MNT cash at downtown banks, which have a better rate than the airport.
3. SIM Card & Internet Connection: The Mobicom SIM card is popular among locals. MNT 12,000 (USD 3.4) can get you 15 GB of data valid for 15 days. 4G internet is available in Ulaanbaatar, but signals are poor in rural areas.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

Today, we will explore the Bayan Gobi, aka Elsen Tasarkhai Mini Gobi, which is 280 kilometers (175 miles) west of Ulaanbaatar. The silk-like desert that is framed by jagged mountains cascades against emerald grasslands. Hiking around, you will find the edge of the desert meets the steppe in the distance, creating a surreal landscape. A one-hour camel ride is arranged for you to ascend the undulating dunes. Enroute, you will pass through some shriveled bushes that stand singly or in clusters guarding this golden land. Ascending the top of sand dunes, you will see wind-sculpted sand ripples on the slopes, and mountains, meadows and lakes afar.
➤ Tips for Camel Riding:
1. Hold the rein firmly and lean your body following the rhythm of camels. Besides, please avoid sudden movements or screaming when the camel stands up.
2. Green, khaki, and brown clothes are recommended since the fur of camels is dusty. Besides, it is better to wear trousers rather than shorts or skirts, as their fur is scratchy.
3. It’s windy and dusty in the desert, so a wind-proof facial mask is necessary. Sun-protective gear is also needed as the UV rays are intense. In addition, please prepare a thick coat to keep warm after the sun goes down.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger Camp

After breakfast, we will head to Tsenkher Hot Spring. A 3.5-hour drive through rolling hills and birch forests will lead you to a valley dotted with sparkling yurts and colorful wooden houses. You can see grazing cattle and frolicking herders. After arriving, check into the resort, and then bathe in the open-air hot spring we arranged for you to relieve yourself from the long-time car ride. As an important part of Mongolian traditional medicine, hot springs containing healing minerals like sulfate and calcium are thought to be wholesome. Soak in the pool, whose steam mingles with the scent of juniper, and admire horses rambling across nearby meadows. Please remember to remove your silver jewelry as it may become tarnished in the mineral-rich waters. Around the hot spring are the Khangai Mountains covered with luxuriant green forests. Our guide will accompany you on a small walk to see the spout of the hot spring.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Duut Resort or similar

Today, continue to drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital during the era of Genghis Khan and the world’s center in the middle 13th century. Stone ruins scattered on the vast grassland mark the original inner palace and outer court. Touching these remained stones, you can imagine the once glorious monasteries, churches, and other religious architecture. We will escort you to the Karakorum Museum to learn more detailed information about that refulgent period by seeing relics such as stone inscriptions, religious statues, and bronze vessels dating back to the 13th-14th century.

In the afternoon, let’s pay a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest temples in Mongolia. It was built with stones from Karakorum’s ruins in the early 19th century, whose bounding walls are adorned with 108 white Buddhist pagodas, thought to be a bridge between heaven and earth. In the monastery, you will see preserved paintings, embroidery, and manuscripts from the 15th to the 17th centuries. For an immersive experience, you can also rent traditional Mongolian clothes here and try taking photos with eagles at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Munkh Tenger Ger Camp or similar

Today, we will drive for 4 hours to Hustai National Park. Nestled in the heart of Mongolia’s untamed wilderness, it is home to the endangered Przewalski’s horses, the world’s only remaining wild horse species. We will first head to the Wild Horse Museum to learn about the national park and the wild horses. Later, our expert guide and the driver will escort you to trace this precious creature in the deep park. You may find them resemble Mongolian wild asses, but actually, they have quite different outlooks, especially tails. Wild horses’ tails are full-hairy, while two-thirds of asses’ are bare. If interested, you will also be accompanied to ride a horse or go hiking at the designated spots.
 Best Time to Visit: Wild horses usually gather along the river bank in the morning or the late afternoon, especially in the scorching summer (June-August), when they always hide in the shade of the forest at noon. Balmy spring (March-May) and cool autumn (September-October) offer more chances to spot this endangered animal.

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

A three-hour car ride will lead you to Terelj National Park this morning. Compared to serene Hustai, Terelj seems to be wilder. Beyond the endless grassland, it is a realm of jagged peaks, pine-clad valleys, and surreal rock formations such as Turtle Rock. The rugged landscape that once echoed the hooves of Genghis Khan’s cavalry now invites a modern adventure. Following the guide, you can get out of the car and hike along the Tuul River, where you may encounter ovoos, shrines piled with stones, and woods. Circling these divine rock piles and making a wish, you may be blessed. If you are a bird lover, Terelj is a good place to spot a load of raptors such as golden eagles, vultures, and falcons. Besides, wild goats and argali sheep are waiting for you. Drive deeper, we’ll reach the Ariyabal Meditation Temple. Ascending its 108 steps, you’ll arrive at its gate, where you can capture a sweeping view of the park. Surrounding the temple, there are 108 prayer wheels; spin them and you’ll gain blessings from the god. Passing through the gate carved with delicate and intricate patterns and probing deeper, you’ll see the meditation hall, which is so quiet that you can even hear your heartbeat.

 Explore Terelj on Horseback (at your own expense)
If interested, you can ride a horse on your own, which may cost MNT 30,000 (about USD 9) for 40-50 minutes. The herder will lead the horse if you have little riding experience, but an extra fee is needed. You can ride across the gurgling stream and traverse the flower-bloomed grassland and rocky valley to the emerald forest. Or ascend the little hill to catch the sweeping view of the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Terelj Lodge Ger Camp or similar

Today will be one of the most joyful days in your journey. The guide will accompany you to visit a local herder’s family and stay there for the whole day. If you arrive early, your morning may begin with herding or collecting dried dung, the nomad’s brown coal. At midday, you would be treated to traditional Mongolian food such as khuushuur, savory fried dumplings filled with minced lamb, onion, and cumin. Paired with airag, fermented mare’s milk, whose tangy bite melts into a nutty aftertaste, can fully wake your appetite. During lunch, you can talk to the locals to learn more about their customs and cultures. After a short break, hang around the yurts or learn to harvest cashmere. If interested, you can also experience milking: squat beside mares and gently tug their teats to fill the bucket. At the end of the day, go back to the tourist camp for an overnight stay.
➤ Tips:
1. As an etiquette, you are advised to bring some candies or tea to your host family as a gift.
2. Learn some simple Mongolian sentences, such as Sain baina uu (Hello), Bayarlalaa (Thank you), and Bayartai (Goodbye), which can help you break down barriers with locals quickly.
3. Please avoid touching children’s heads, as locals believe it is not good for their growth.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Terelj Lodge Ger Camp or similar

After breakfast, we will return to Ulaanbaatar with a stopover at the world's largest Genghis Khan's Statue Complex. This 40-meter (131-foot) high statue was built with 250 tons of stainless steel and cost 4.1 million dollars. “He” sits on the horse, looking afar with piercing eyes, very ambitious. Under the horse’s hooves is a European-style rotunda that rests on 36 granite pillars, symbolizing the 36 Mongolian tribes. Flanking the entrance stand statues of Genghis Khan’s 9 trusted generals who helped Khan forge the Great Mongol Empire. Descend to the small museum underground, where images of this great leader, a three-meter-long (about 10-foot) whip, and bronze sculptures of Mongol queens showcase Mongolia’s golden age. You can also ascend to the horsehead viewing deck to enjoy the surrounding sceneries from Khan’s perspective. Following his sight, look eastward, and you may spot a small statue of his mother.

Leaving the statue complex, we will continue to drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, the guide will lead you to the Zaisan Hill Memorial to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city. After descending the hill, you will be escorted to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you. If you want to hang around on your own, Sukhbaatar Square, surrounded by many restaurants and malls, is suggested. You can also visit the State Department Store, a 10-minute walk from the square, to buy characteristic souvenirs like cashmere and wool rugs.

 Recommended Restaurant in Ulaanbaatar (at your own expense)
As Mongolian cuisine is dominated by meat, how can you miss its authentic beef or mutton? Modern Nomads, a chain restaurant that mainly provides traditional Mongolian meat dishes, can satisfy your appetite. Try its stewed hand-pulled lamb ribs, which will be first seared with wild garlic and then braised until the meat can fall from the bones, and they just taste succulent and tender. Other special foods, such as beetroot soup with horsemeat and beef patty, are worth a taste, too. You can head to the Modern Nomads 2 restaurant, which is only a 10-minute walk from Sukhbaatar Square. Credit cards are acceptable for payment, but MNT cash is more worthwhile, and it costs MNT 70,000 (20 dollars) per person. 
➤ How to Hail a Car in Ulaanbaatar: After dining, you need to return to the hotel on your own. UBcab, a local car-hailing app, is recommended. You can register with a Mongolian SIM card and log in with English. Many private cars in Mongolia provide taxi services as well, so you can also hail a car on the street. The fare is calculated by meter, MNT 1,500 (USD 0.5) per kilometer, and only MNT cash is acceptable.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

Your best Mongolia tour will come to an end today with the airport see-off service. Want to probe deep into Western Mongolia to climb Malchin Peak and unveil the vanishing eagle-hunting culture? Interested in other Asian countries such as China, Japan, or Thailand? We are willing to continue to craft an itinerary for you. Contact us or check our website for more vacation plans!

Meals: Breakfast