Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days

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tourhub | Tour Mongolia | Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days | THTB/1901 | Map

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~~$1004~~

$956

Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days

5 Days Starting in Ulaanbaatar and ending in Ulaanbaatar

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag, Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Kharkhorin, Erdene Khamba Monastery, Khugnu Tarna, Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Hustai National Park, Nalaikh, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

Tour operator:

Tour Mongolia

Tour code:

THTB/1901

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 4

Physical rating:

Low, Relaxing

Age range:

5-85

Special diets catered:

Meat, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English , German

Private Available:

From: $1004 $956 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$48

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The Essence of Mongolia is an activity-packed tour into the central Mongolian steppe. Visit the Khognokhan Nature Reserve, and the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai before venturing to the Khustai National Park to see the wild Takhi horses and plenty of other wildlife. This condensed trip lets you experience as much of Mongolia as possible in a short time. Overnight stay in gers next to local nomadic families and a comfortable ger camp. Learn about your hosts’ culture and traditions, socialize with them, ride horses and Bactrian camels, and hike and visit hilltop temples. This all-encompassing trip contains most of what Mongolia offers, including must-dos and must-sees and is perfect for those with limited time in the country.

Highlights

Experience the way of Nomadic lifestyle.
Stay overnight in authentic gers of horse and camel herder nomadic families.
Ride Mongol horses and Bactrian camels during this trip.
Explore Kharakhorum and visit in Erdene Zuu Monastery - one of the Buddist center in Mongolia.
Wildlife tracking - Truly wild horses

Places You'll See

Venture Wild Life And Wild Horse

Chance To See And Experience The Nomadic Way Of Life Its Culture Of Mongolia

Essence Of Mongolia - 5 Days

You Will Be Sit On Between Two Humbs Of Camel And Travel To Sand Dunes.

Essence Of Mongolia - 5 Days

Equestrian Statue

Itinerary

tourhub | Tour Mongolia | Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days | THTB/1901 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Gurvanbulag - Ger - Home Stay - Horse Ride

Location: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag, Gurvanbulag Community Travel

Accommodation: Homestay, - Guest Ger alongside the horse herder Nomadic Family

Accommodation Name: Ger(Yurt)

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner, Mongolian Barbeque

You will be picked up from a pre-arranged Ulaanbaatar location at a time to suits you - We suggest leaving around 8:30 am to make the most of the day. Board the vehicle and head west to the northern part of Gobi. On the way, you will stop briefly visiting Khar Bukhiin Balgas, interesting remains of an ancient fort used by nomadic tribes dating back to the 10th century. It's onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. Enter the ger and experience the hospitality and traditional nomadic way of life - you can help make and drink milk tea, plus try homemade produce such as yoghurt and dried curds. In the afternoon you will have a chance to do an hour of horse riding in the surrounding hills and the dunes nearby. Or you can walk if you prefer. In the evening enjoy a traditional nomadic meal of Buuz (steamed dumplings) or Huushuur (fried dumplings) – you can also help with cooking if you want.

Travel details: 4hr/280km to Gurvanbulag
Accommodation: Guest ger alongside a horse herder nomadic family

Day 2 : Kharakhorum - Erdenezuu Monastery

Location: Kharkhorin

Accommodation: Hostel, Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning drive to Karakhorum. First visit Erdene Zuu Monastery in time to hear the monks chanting, which takes place from 10 am. Take a walk around the main temples, and stroll around the grounds. You should arrive at the hostel in time for lunch. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the interesting local museum showcasing the Mongolian Past. In the afternoon, visit the local cooperative felt workshop or Art Gallery. If you are up for it, you can stroll to the Monument of the 3 Kings overlooking the Orkhon River and the fertility stone on the edge of town.

Travel details: 2hr/150km to Karakhorum; short drives in town

Day 3 : Khognokhan - Uvgun Temple - Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune - Camel Ride

Location: Erdene Khamba Monastery, Khugnu Tarna, Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi)

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Ger alongside camel herder nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you head to the nature reserve of Khogno Khan, where you can explore the lower temple complex of Uvgun Temple, see the reconstructed temples, and prayer wheel, and look around the ruins. Then we recommend taking the 45-minute hike up to the older ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and depending on the time of year, wildflowers may be in abundance. Head back down to the valley floor, and onto the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, a 30-minute drive away. Tonight you will stay alongside a family of camel herders - settle into your gers and head off on a Bactrian ride across the dunes for an hour. In the evening enjoy a traditional feast of khorkhog - mutton and vegetables seared and steamed with red hot stones from the fire.

Travel details: 1.5hr/90km Khogno Khan; 45min/30km to Elsen Tasarkhai
Accommodation: Guest ger alongside a camel herder nomadic family

Day 4 : Hustai National Park - Wild "Takhi" Horse

Location: Hustai National Park, Hustai National Park

Accommodation: Camp, Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast jump in the vehicles for the journey back east to Hustai. You should arrive at your ger camp in time for lunch. The camp is located at the entrance to the National Park, and you will have some time to rest before venturing inside. At dusk, drive from your camp to see the Takhi - this is the time you have a better chance of seeing them up close and in inaccessible areas. You may want to combine the trip with a long walk in the park - in which case you should leave a little earlier. Discuss your preference with your guide. Afterwards, head back to camp for dinner and your last night in a ger.

Travel details: 3hr/250km drive to Hustai National Park
Accommodation: Ger camp

Day 5: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - Ulaanbaatar

Location: Nalaikh, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation: None

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast set off for the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex, Once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii and visits the museum of horse culture in the complex. Then will have lunch at the cosy restaurant of the resort. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar where you will be dropped at a location to suit you.
• Travel details: 2.5hrs/170km to Chinggis Khaan Statue complex; 1hr/60 km to UB
• Accommodation: -

What's Included

1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

1.5L Mineral bottled water
Accommodation

During your journey, you will be staying at guest gers alongside nomadic families, and in a hostel or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, a table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being naturally basic.
Entrance Fees

At Tour Mongolia, we believe that a good guide is essential to the enjoyment of any trip. Your guide will be English-speaking by default, but we can also provide German, and Korean-speaking guides - please email us your preference. Your guide will be hand-picked by us to suit your itinerary and requirements. Each guide is personally briefed on all elements of the trip. You will be sent guide details in the confirmation document prior to your tour.
Fully Guided

A professionally trained guide will be guiding for the entire time.
Meals – Full Board

Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking. At ger homestays, meals will be traditional Mongolian home cooking such as Mongolian rice porridge for breakfast and Tsuivan (stir-fry with homemade noodles), or Buuz (steamed dumplings) for lunch and dinner. During your time at ger camps, meals will be a mix of western and Mongolian cuisine, breakfast is a continental buffet style along with cooked options. Dinner is often a three-course set menu of traditional dishes with a western twist. Generally, the water quality in Mongolia is good. But as a precaution, we advise our guests to drink bottled water that can be purchased in shops, food markets and kiosks in the capital and many of the provincial centres as well as in tourist Ger camps in the countryside. Mineral water is usually not included in our trips as we aim to produce as little plastic waste as possible. But we do provide plenty of warm drinks such as tea and coffee during our trips.
Local Taxes

All road taxes

What's Not Included

Airport Transfers at Destination
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Country Entry Visas
Tipping and Gratuities
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

Wi-FI or any internet accesses do not exist in the countryside.
Personal items

Mode of Transport

On the dust of the desert and mud of the steppe, the Japanese off-road MPV such as Mitsubishi Delica provides comfort and safety for your trip. These 4x4 vehicles are specifically tuned for the rough off-roading that's inevitable when travelling in the wilds of Mongolia. They provide ample space, and air conditioning and are well maintained while offering good luggage space, seat belts and speed.

Accommodation

During your journey, you will be staying at authentic guest gers alongside nomadic families, and depending on the season in a guesthouse or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being on a natural basis.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Local tour guides speak English.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Mainly, we provide 4WD Russian minivans (UAZ 452 type) and Japanese minivans (Mitsubishi Delica) in our tours travelling in the remote countryside. Only Japanese vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

kids can be part of the family trip or attend other tour groups with their care-taker.
What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group with 6 people.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Airport transfers aren't included in this tour. However, private arrival and departure are available on request.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price such as national park and museum.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Each person can bring a back sack of 3-5kg and a suitcase of 20kg on that tour.
What currencies are required for this tour?

You can keep Mongolian Tugrug(MNT) during that your tour. It is necessary to buy something from locals and for souvenirs.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

We will arrange your pre-and post-tour accommodations upon on your request.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Guests will homestay at ger alongside the Nomad family in the rural areas. There is no available Wi-fi in remote areas.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

– EASY: A basic level of fitness is required, the tour is generally easy-paced.
How to get relevant entry visas easily?

Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport or train station, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance. Please check the following website for your nationalities requirements. www.consul.mn
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

A vaccination certificate is required if you are vaccinated with all types of vaccines.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

Visa entries are not included in the price of the tour. Visa is required for all, except citizens of the following countries. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one-month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US.
Do you require a visa for this tour?

All travellers must obtain a visa before travelling to Mongolia. Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

If you are not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. During your trip you should follow all recommendations and requirements at your destinations including wearing well-fitted mask and staying 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will be sent tour
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Tour Mongolia has been trading their products such as cultural, active and adventure trip since they have established in 2001.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If you noticed to your companions in 2 months prior your departure it is available to postponed till your alternative dates or cancel it according to policy.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All accommodations such as hotel, lodge, Ger camp and Ger of local communities are meet with local health and safety regulations.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Tour Mongolia's handpicked and experienced team will be companied with you during on your trip.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Lanak495

Authentic and interesting!

10-Jul-2019

We spent two nights in the Mongolian steppe with two different local families. The families were so generous and kind. Our guide - Bogi - was amazing. Before we went out to the steppe, we spent some time in the capital, Ulaanbataar, where Bogi explained many different aspects of Mongolian culture. Our driver - Bold - was also incredible; he had to drive over all kinds of terrain and always took the safest routes. Both tried their best to make the trip comfortable and interesting; they knew what to bring along to keep the experience authentic, but also a little more comfortable for foreigners (e.g. bringing folding chairs for us to sit on outside the gers). Mongolia is a beautiful country - and we really got to see the best of it - amazing landscapes, many many animals (including the famous Takhi horses) - and birds - and we also experienced homemade food and very authentic nomadic living experiences in the gers (yurts), including an outhouse, no showers, and a stove heated by animal dung. I enjoyed playing ankle bone with the grandson of a highly decorated horse trainer; drinking homemade vodka; running on the steppe; riding both a horse AND a camel; drinking milk salt tea, and learning about Mongolia and the nomadic life. These experiences would not have been possible or at least not easy to plan without this tour!

Janetf980

Great Experience with the Essence of Mongolia Tour

15-Jul-2019

Our guide, Bogi, met our early train arrived at the station, and then we set out on our Mongolian adventure after a quick breakfast. The restaurant wasn't open yet, but Bogi was able to talk the restaurant into making something for us. We stayed two nights with two different nomadic families and learned a lot about the local life. The families were really lovely and accommodating even though we didn't speak the same language. Bogi was able to explain customs to us and translate conversations quickly. Our driver, Bold, was amazing at driving safely across the dirt roads to get to our destinations. Our guides took great care of us and provided things to help make our trip more comfortable. We had so much fun on this 3 day, 2-night trip. This tour was really well organised and a really unique experience. Bogi and Bold are amazing people and not only would I consider them friends now, but I am looking forward to going back to Mongolia to experience the country with them again!

Droesj_55

amazing trip to the grasslands of Mongolia

06-Jan-2019

We visited real Mongolian Nomads with an excellent driver and a pleasant guide in a wonderful country.

smiley_lize

Welcoming, accommodating, & informative

13-Jun-2019

I had an amazing time on tour with Tour Mongolia, their guides were extremely knowledgeable, the family stays were so welcoming and accommodating to the best of their ability, the sites and wilderness was amazing. I truly loved this tour group and highly recommend that if you want to take a tour in Mongolia, use this company! As Mongolia is a large country, the villages and families are spread around expect a fair bit of driving time, but the scenery is amazing, and the driver will stop anywhere you want to take a photo. Such a good experience.

VeronaB

Great experience

18-May-2019

We did the Essence of Mongolia tour with a private guide and driver. All arrangements beforehand were handled very professionally with quick responses to emails. On our arrival in Ulaanbatar our driver and guide met us at our train. Mongolia is a beautiful country, but it requires travelling vast distances to really experience it. Our guide provided interesting commentary and although the driver spoke limited English he was always friendly, helpful and on time. The accommodation we stayed in included 2 nights with nomad families. Very interesting experience - although I felt the guide could have provided more information. There were for example no introductions to the family which I found odd. The one night we stayed in a hotel in Kharkorum was very disappointing. The hotel was in a dismal state with no blankets or heating provided despite the temperatures dropping to below zero at night. We were finally provided with a small heater after multiple complaints. The vehicle was well maintained, and the driver was clearly very experienced managing the roads (or lack thereof) very well. On the final evening of the trip we were provided with evaluation forms which we were expected to complete with the guide sitting with us. I think this could very easily impair the feedback they are getting as people may feel obliged to assess them more positively. In general, the trip was well planned and executed and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Mongolia.

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Jan 27, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025

~~$1004~~ $956 (USD)