In Khan’s Wake: Journey Across Mongolia
Discover Mongolia’s history, culture, and landscapes, from ancient cities and nomadic life to sand dunes, hot springs, and wild horses.
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Destination
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Departure
Tour starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. -
Departure Time
There will be a welcome meeting in the evening on the first day. -
Return Time
The tour will end with breakfast on day nine. -
Dress Code
Clothes suited to hiking, camel riding, and visiting monasteries (modest inc. headscarves for women). -
Included
Airport TransfersBreakfastsEntrance FeesLocal Sim Card -
Not Included
FlightsLunches and DinnersPersonal Travel InsuranceSpending Money
Day One: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where your guide and driver will meet you after customs. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace.
Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
In the morning, meet your private guide and driver at your hotel and head to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, where dunes, mountains, forests, and steppes converge. After lunch at the tourist camp, visit a camel herder family to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, then explore the area on camelback. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 3: Orkhon Valley - Orkhon Waterfall
Day 4: Tsenkher Hot Springs - Khangai Mountains
After breakfast, continue your journey to the renowned Tsenkher Hot Springs, where the water reaches a temperature of 86.5°C and flows at a rate of 10 liters per second. The springs are believed to have therapeutic benefits, including relief for rheumatism, neuralgia, and muscular pain, as well as promoting better digestion and immunity. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before hiking through the surrounding hills and forests, discovering the hot spring pools and steam vents. The combination of curative waters and the breathtaking natural beauty of the wooded mountains makes this an ideal location to relax and unwind. All meals are provided, and you will stay overnight at the tourist camp.
Day 5: Kharkhorin - Erdenezuu Monastery & Ugii Lake
After breakfast, continue to Kharkhorin, a small village with a significant historical role as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and a key city along the Silk Road. Upon arrival, visit the Karakorum Museum to learn more about Mongolia's rich history. Then, take a guided tour of the magnificent Erdenezuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery complex in Mongolia. After lunch, enjoy a 1.5-hour drive to Ugii Lake, the closest freshwater lake to Ulaanbaatar. The lake is a protected area under the International Ramsar Convention and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. After checking into the Ger camp on the lake's shore, enjoy some free time to relax and explore the surroundings. All meals are provided, and you will spend the night at the tourist camp.
Day 6: Hustai National Park
This morning, we will take you to Hustai National Park, home to the world’s last wild horse, the Takhi, which has never been domesticated. The park’s diverse landscape includes open steppes, river valleys, birch forests, and mountains. After lunch and check-in at a tourist camp near the park, we will visit the information center to learn more about the national park and the wild horses. Then, enjoy a short drive and walk to observe these rare and endangered horses in their natural habitat, offering fantastic opportunities for photography. All meals are provided, and you will stay overnight at the tourist camp.
Day 7: Terelj National Park and Turtle Rock
At 8:00 am, depart for Terelj National Park, a stunning natural area located just outside Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon, we will explore the park, starting with Turtle Rock, the iconic symbol of the park. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the rock for a closer view. Next, we will visit the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, situated on a hilltop. From the temple, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire park. All meals are provided, and you will stay overnight at the tourist camp.
Day 8: Ulaanbaatar - Genghis Khan Statue
This morning, we return to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we will stop at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue, standing 40 meters tall. You will have the opportunity to explore the museum and souvenir shops inside the complex. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ulaanbaatar, we will visit the Museum of Mongolian National History, offering a comprehensive overview of Mongolia's history and culture from prehistory to modern times. Next, we will head to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city, where you’ll find the Mongolian Parliament Building and impressive sculptures of Genghis Khan and his warriors. Following this, we will visit the grand Gandan Monastery, where you can observe the monks’ daily rituals. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Folklore show featuring Khöömii (throat singing) and vibrant costumes. Your farewell dinner will be at your hotel.
Day 9: Departure
Following breakfast, you will have the day at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace. At a time convenient for your flight, you will be escorted to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. End of service.
TOUR LOCATION
What to Expect
This tour takes you through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, history, and nomadic culture. Travel between key sites will be by private vehicle, with some excursions on horseback or camelback. Regular breaks will be included, but expect walking and time outdoors, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. In July and August, Mongolia typically has warm days with average highs between 21-24°C (70-75°F), though temperatures can drop to 4-12°C (40-50°F) at night. Occasional rain showers may occur, so it’s advisable to pack waterproofs.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes accommodation in twin rooms at 4-star hotels and shared Ger camps, private transfers, and transport throughout the journey. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group, and all entrance fees to listed sites and national parks are covered. Experiences such as horse and camel rides, a boat cruise, and a traditional Mongolian barbecue are also included. Domestic flights are provided with a 15 kg luggage allowance. Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, except for those on day one (arrival) and only breakfast on day nine (departure). The price does not include personal expenses, optional activities, camera fees for museums and monasteries, travel insurance, international flights, or visa fees.
Accommodation
Accommodation is based on twin or double occupancy at the listed hotels and Ger camps. Single rooms are available for an additional charge. Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be arranged upon request.
The standard accommodation will be comparable to the following images: