Terelj & Khustai NP, Elsen Tasarkhai, Kharkhorin Tour (5 days)
Overview
Mongolia is the ultimate adventure destination in the sense of embracing all types of natural zones from sheer mountain ranges and ice glaciers to singing sand dunes and hot spring waters. Therefore, visit the two main natural zones that are included in this trip. First up the Terelj National Park; where nature is articulated in a great combination of sheer granite mountains, open fields, and river. Visit the tallest horseman-statue in the world, dedicated to Mongolian legendary emperor – Chinggis or Genghis Khan is also included in your convenience on the way to the next destination.
Although Khustai National Park is best known as a home to wild Przewalski horses, it is not the only attraction of the Park. Because the Park occupies such a vast territory, there is ample opportunity for various outdoor activities such as Takhi and bird watching, hiking, horse or camel riding, photo shooting and visiting ancient artifacts there.
Our next destination will be Karakorum city, which once served as the capital of the Mongolian Empire and an essential station of the Silk Road; and thus has much more to share than its current physical appearance. Mongolian largest and the historically most significant religious and cultural center – Erdenezuu monastery – is operating as a museum there. In contrast to Terelj, the next stop will be Elsen Tasarkhai, marvelous oasis with sand dunes, vegetations, lake and birds, an hour drive from the Karakorum.
Schedule 2024 & 2025
Price based on pax
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- Shared accommodation at Ger camp
- Private transfers
- English speaking guide
- All meals as listed
- All entrance fee
- Horse, camel ride
- Letter of Invitation
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Camera fee for museum & monastery
- Travel Insurance www.WorldNomads.com
Itinerary
After meeting in Ulaanbaatar, drive to Giant Chinggis Khaan statue. The statues in total are 40m high and see as far-sighted Chinggis Khaan holds a golden whip in his right hand. Drive to Terelj National park (70km).
You'll explore the extraordinary formation of rocks and stones; some of them look quite similar to turtles. Free horseback trial.
Overnight in a tourist camp. (L+D)
After lunch drive to Hustai National Park (170km) and see the Takhi, the Asian wild horse. Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife.
Visit Takhi's small museum and overnight in the tourist camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the tourist camp, drive to Kharkhorin, the symbolic ruins of the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire.
Visit Erdene-Zuu, the oldest monastery, with 108 stupas, built in 1586. Then visit the Kharkhorin museum and see the Great Mongol state period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Ancient state period halls.
Overnight in tourist camp by Orkhon River. (B+L+D)
Up the early morning, drive to Elsen Tasarkhai unique area of forest and sand dunes. After lunch in the tourist camp, there is an opportunity for a camel ride trial through the sand dunes.
We will visit a local nomad family where you have an opportunity to experience their way of life, their culture and traditions.
Overnight in a tourist camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, drive back to Ulaanbaatar (280km) and finish the trip. (B)
Good to know
- The best time to make this trip
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.
- Accommodation:
We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be staying in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 to 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Discover Mongolia is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.
- Meals:
In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice, and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own.
- Transport:
Discover Mongolia use the highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day's drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km.
- Personal things to bring with you:
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a waterproof jacket, and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don't forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ). All your camera equipment.
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