Central Mongolia Explorer: Karakorum, Hustai & Terelj - 7 Days

Discover the highlights of central Mongolia on this immersive 7 day adventure through vast steppe landscapes and historic landmarks. From the vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar to the ancient city of Karakorum, the dunes of Khogno Khan National Park, and the wild beauty of Khustai National Park, this journey captures the spirit of authentic Mongolia tours with a perfect balance of culture, nature, and nomadic heritage.

Supplement price:

Single Supplement: US $233 per person

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Ullanbaatar
Day 2: Khogno Khan Mountains and Elsen Tasarkhai & Karakorum (B, L, D)
Day 3: Karakorum (B, L, D)
Day 4: Khustai National Park (B, L, D)
Day 5: Genghis Khan Statue & Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar city tour (B, L, D)
Day 7: Departure (B)

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Ullanbaatar

Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be there to greet you. We will escort you to your comfortable hotel, conveniently located in the city center. Ulaanbaatar is a rapidly growing modern metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million residents

Accommodation:

• Hotel D

Activities:

• Airport transfer

Day 2: Khogno Khan Mountains and Elsen Tasarkhai & Karakorum

Today, we are heading to Khogno Khan National Park. We will embark on a trek through the Khogno Khan Mountains, culminating in a hike to enjoy breathtaking views of the hills, sand dunes, and grasslands. Additionally, we’ll explore the beautiful Ovgon Monastery.

The Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune, affectionately referred to as Little Gobi, stretches for 100 kilometers.

After exploring the sand dunes and area we will drive on and reach Karakorum.

Accommodation:

• Ger camp with shared facilities B, L, D

Activities:

• Explore Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
• Discover Khogno Khan mountain
• Visit Ovgon monastery
• Meet a camel breeding family
• Camel riding

Day 3: Karakorum

The capital of Genghis Khan's Mongolian Empire in the 13th century. Established in 1220 on the ruins of Turug and Uigur cities in the Orkhon Valley, it was completed 15 years later under Ugedei Khan, known for its multiculturalism. The silver tree from Möngke Khan’s palace became a symbol of the city, which thrived from 1220 to 1260 as a political, trade, and cultural hub.

However, from 1260 to 1380, it lost its capital status when Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing, reducing Karakorum to an administrative center in the Yuan Dynasty.

After the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty collapsed in 1368, the government returned to Mongolia, allowing Karakorum to regain some significance. However, in 1388, Ming troops destroyed the town, leaving no trace of it. In 1580, Abtai Sain Khan and Lord Tumenkhen sought the 3rd Dalai Lama's counsel on building a temple, leading to the restoration of the Main Zuu temple in Erdene Zuu monastery in 1588.

Erdene Zuu Monastery, once a large complex with 100 temples and over 1,000 lamas, now comprises three remaining temples: Dalai Lama, Zuu of Buddha, and Lavrin Temple, all within 400 m X 400 m walls. Visitors can explore the monastery grounds.

The Karakorum Archaeological Museum, though small, features a well-designed space with good lighting and clear English labels. It showcases hundreds of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as prehistoric tools, pottery, bronzes, coins, religious sculptures, and stone inscriptions from various archaeological sites.

A half-excavated kiln is set into the museum floor, alongside a scale model of ancient Karakorum from the 1250s, inspired by William of Rubruck's descriptions. Another chamber features a Turkic noble tomb with wall paintings, gold objects, and jewels, accompanied by a short video of the burial site.

You can also visit the Turtle Rock and the Phallic Rock, as well as a small market that showcases local artists’ work.

Accommodation:

• Ger camp with shared facilities B, L, D

Activities:

• Explore the Erdene Zuu monastery
• Discover the Karakorum Archaeological Museum

Day 4: Khustai National Park (260 km)

Today, we will journey to Khustain Nuruu National Park. The Przewalski's Horse, also known as the Takhi horse, is a rare and endangered wild horse subspecies native to the steppes of Central Asia. Once extinct in the wild, it has been reintroduced to its natural habitat in Mongolia. Khustain Nuruu National Park was established as a reserve in 1993 and was elevated to national park status in 1998. Currently, the park is home to approximately 350 Takhi horses, along with 459 vascular plant species and 217 bird species.

Upon our arrival at the Khustain Nuruu National Park camp, we will meet the park staff and learn about their ongoing projects. In the afternoon, we will explore the park's stunning natural wonders.

Accommodation:

• Ger camp with shared facilities B, L, D

Activities:

• Explore Khustai national park
• Catch a glimpse the wild horses

Day 5: Genghis Khan Statue & Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (170 km)

Terelj National Park, which lies 70 km from the capital. Our journey will take us through a valley surrounded by lush, forested hills and breathtaking granite cliffs. The valley is adorned with vibrant wildflowers and is home to herds of peacefully grazing yaks, horses, goats, and sheep. This picturesque park, featuring granite rocks, pine trees, and a flowing river, is an ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, or simply unwinding and soaking in the views. We will explore several notable sites in the area.

Our first stop will be the Genghis Khan Monument, an impressive aluminum statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a small museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Great Mongol Empire's history, including the lineage of the great Khans and their conquests. We will also visit Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery, a serene meditation spot located at the mountain's base, where there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding.

Accommodation:

• Ger camp with shared facilities B, L, D

Activities:

• Explore the Genghis khan statue
• Discover the Aryapal monastery
• Check out Turtle rock
• Horseback riding

Day 6: Ulaanbaatar city tour (70 km)

The moment has arrived to depart and make your way back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. We will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, situated near Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, presents a fascinating overview of the nation’s rich history and culture. Its collections range from prehistoric artifacts and nomadic tools to royal costumes, religious art, and modern historical exhibits.

Sukhbaatar Square is the heart of Ulaanbaatar and a prominent symbol of Mongolia’s political and cultural life. Named after revolutionary hero Damdin Sukhbaatar, it is surrounded by key buildings such as the Parliament House, Government Palace, and Opera House.

At its center stands a striking statue of Genghis Khan, often accompanied by other historical figures. The square serves as a focal point for public events, parades, and festivals like the annual Naadam. Visitors can stroll the open space, admire the architecture, take photos, and experience the blend of Mongolia’s traditional and modern influences.

To conclude the city tour, we will ascend Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation:

• Hotel B, L, D

Activities:

• Visit Sukhbaatar square
• Explore the national Museum
• Zaisan hill

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to the airport.

Notes:  

• Please be aware that hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. Where flights are cancelled or delayed Go Mongolia Tours will endeavour to secure alternative arrangements of similar value as noted in our booking conditions.  

• The travelling times mentioned within this dossier are approximations only. These times will vary according to weather, road, traffic or any other prevailing conditions.  

• This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing. However, it DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Go Mongolia Tours.