In Khan’s Wake: Journey Across Mongolia

£2700 per person

Discover Mongolia’s history, culture, and landscapes, from ancient cities and nomadic life to sand dunes, hot springs, and wild horses.

Explore Central Mongolia’s key sites, from ancient cities to diverse landscapes. Visit the UNESCO-listed Karakorum and Erdene-Zuu Monastery, ride camels at Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, and relax in Tsenkher Hot Springs. Experience nomadic life with local herders, ride through the Orkhon Valley, and see wild horses at Hustai National Park. Explore Terelj National Park and the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. In Ulaanbaatar, visit cultural and historical landmarks, including the National Museum. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable stays, this tour provides a deep look into Mongolia’s history and traditions.
  • Destination
  • 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 Transfers
    Breakfasts
    Entrance Fees
    Local Sim Card
  • Not Included
    Flights
    Lunches and Dinners
    Personal Travel Insurance
    Spending Money
1
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.

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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.

 

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Day 3: Orkhon Valley - Orkhon Waterfall
Over the next few days, we will travel through the Orkhon Valley, considered the cradle of Central Asian nomadic civilizations and continuously inhabited by various ancient peoples. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage "Cultural Landscape," the valley is rich in history and natural beauty. We will visit the Orkhon Waterfall, which was formed by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes around 20,000 years ago. After lunch, take a guided excursion to the waterfall and explore the area on horseback for one hour, immersing yourself in the stunning landscape. All meals are provided, and you will return to the tourist camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
 
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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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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: