This four day tour combines Mongolian history, culture and nature - all in a relative small package. You will visit the ancient capital of Mongolia (Karakorum), the Erdene Zuu monastery (from 1585) and both Khogno Khan Nature Reserve and Khustai Nuruu National park. In the latter some of the worlds only remaining truly wild horses live.
Day 1. Khogno Khan Nature Reserve/ Elsen Tasarhai
We start the day early, driving to Khogno Khan Natural Reserve. 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. Here you can get the chance to try camel riding! We spend the night in a geer/yurt.
Day 2. 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 3. Khustai Nuruu National Park
We drive south to Hustai National Park and spend the whole day here. The park is vast and covers over 50.000 hectares. In addition to the famous Mongolian wild horse it is also possible to spot Altai wapiti, wild sheep, ibex, cosac fox, Mongolian marmot and many many more animals. For those interested, the vegetation in the park is also very rich and many unusual species can be seen. In the information center we get the chance to learn more about the park, with its flora and fauna, as well as the ongoing work with environmental protection. We stay overnight in a ger/yurt.
Day 4. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
In late afternoon drop you off at your guesthouse/hotell.
Summary
Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Tour grade: Moderate
Available: May to October
Transportation: Russian van or minivan
Price
Tour with 2 people / 460 $ per person
Tour with 4 people / 380 $ 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
