This tour combines riding or hiking in Naiman Nuur National park with Orkhon waterfall, the semi-dessert and Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. By including a visit to the ancient city of Karakorum, you'll also get a of what the Mongol Empire looked like in its heyday. A relaxing day bathing in the hot springs of Tsenkher is a great way to unwind from the hiking or horseriding.
This tour is a must for all travelers looking for a little more adventure!
Day 1. Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
We start the tour and drive to the Khogno Khan Natural Reserver. The reserve covers 46,990 hectares and here you´ll find taiga forrest, magnificent mountains, steppes, Gobi-type desert and rich mineral water sources. All in one location. The animal life is very rich. It is not uncommon to spot foxes, many different types of deer as well as wolves. The snow leopard is by nature very shy. But if you are very careful and lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them. We will also visit the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarhai. They are part of the great Mongolian sand dunes, and extends about 80 kilometer. The curious get the chance to try camel riding. We spend the night in a geer/yurt.
Day 2. Orkhon Valley and Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall
We continue the tour to the Orkhon waterfall on Orkhon river, is the longest river 1124 km in Mongolia. Also it is known as "Ulaan Tsutgalan". The waterfall was formed by a combination of volcanic eruption and earthquake 20.000 years ago.It most impressive after heavy rain and disappears in dry season.We spend the evening with the nomadic family and experience their warm hospitality.
Day 3-5. Eight lakes
The National park is located in the provice Ovorkhangai, in the Khangai mountain range. It has the typical landscapes of the Mongolian hig mountains with their large forests of larches. The area Naiman Nuur (known by locals as Eight lakes) was formed by volcanic eruptions and lies 2.400 m above sea level. An area of 11.500 hectares is protected as national park.
To truly experience the nature and landscape we travel by horse, or if you choose hiking by foot. We spend two night camping with tents. This is a true adventure and is on the bucket-list for many travelers! You don't have to be an experienced rider or extreme sportsman. All that is required is curiosity, a happy mood and that you feel comfortable with physical activity. If, however, you want to be sure of being able to ride with a helmet, it is good to bring one from home!
Day five we reach the waterfall of the Park and stay overnight in a ger/yurt.
Day 6. Tsenkher hot spring (optional extra day)
A great way to relax from the horse riding or hiking is to lengthen your tour for a visit to Tsenkher hot springs. Here you can bathe in the alkaline rich water. Known by locals as a good treatment for problematic skin, nerves, joints and muscles. The hot water is pumped into pools at ger camps that is settled around the spring. Here you can relax and unwind with a beautiful view for wild nature. Hot spring is geological spectacle emerges from the ground at 860C(185.90F). We will have a hot shower, sit in a spa pool and relax in a comfortable ger.
Day 7. Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia
After breakfast we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. Karakorum was established in the Valley of Orkhon River in 1220. It was for 140 years one of the important stops along the legendary Silk Road. In the Karakorum museum (built 2010) we get the chance to learn more about Genghis Khan and the mighty Mongolian Empire. We also visit the buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu. Founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, on the ruins of Karakorum in 1585. We stay overnight in a ger/yurt guesthouse.
Day 8. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
In the evening we drop you off at your guesthouse/hotell.
Summary
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
Tour grade: Moderate
Available: May to October
Transportation: Russian van or minivan
Price
Tour with 2 people / 1200 $ per person
Tour with 4 people / 950 $ per person
We are happy to arrange tours with more participants and bigger groups. Just contact us and we will give you a price adjusted to the size of your group.
Included in the tour
Not included
