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Winter Short Tour

Explore Terelj National Park, the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, and the ancient town of Kharkhorum on this 4-day, 3-night winter short tour. Despite the cold, winter in Mongolia offers memorable adventures and cultural experiences. 

Day 1 Genghis khan statue and Terelj NP

We will pick you up from your location at 9:00 am. Then our tour will head to the Genghis Khan statue. After exploring Genghis Khan statue complex, we will drive to Terelj National Park.The park is famous for its dramatic rock formations, including the iconic Turtle Rock. In winter, these formations are covered in snow, creating picturesque views. And you will discover another must-see spot: the Ariyabal Meditation Temple. Horse riding 1h
Ger Camp (Lunch/Dinner)
Distance: 100km ( 2h drive on paved road )

Day 2 Elsen Tasarkhai

Today’s our destination is the Semi Gobi Elsen Tasarkhai. Elsen Tasarkhai is a stunning semi-desert region located in central Mongolia. Visiting Elsen Tasarkhai in winter offers adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a memorable winter getaway. The area is often referred to as the “Mini Gobi” due to its resemblance to the larger Gobi Desert. Camel riding 1h.
Nomad’s Ger (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 340km ( 6h drive on paved road )

Day 3 Kharkhorum

Kharkhorum was established as the capital of the Mongol Empire by Genghis Khan’s son, Ögedei Khan, in 1235. It served as the political, cultural, and economic center of the empire for several decades. Adding to its historical allure, one of the most famous landmarks in Kharkhorum is the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Built in 1585 on the ruins of the ancient city, it is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia.
Local Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 80km ( 1h drive on paved road ) Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner

Day 4 Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we’ll head from Kharkhorum to Ulaanbaatar and drop you off at your booked hotel or guesthouse. Explore Winter Short Tour with us!(Breakfast/Lunch)

1 person- $1440

2 people -$805 per person

3 people -$640 per person

4 people -$600 per person

Included

Breakfast- 3, Lunch- 4, Dinner-3
Local hotel 1, Ger guesthouse 1 night, Ger camp 1 night
English speaking tour guide
Driver+ Gas+4WD vehicle / Minivan
Camel riding 1h
Horse riding 1h
Entrance fees for the parks and museums listed in the program
Daily drinking water (1.5 liter per person per day)

Not Included

International Airfare and Mongolia visa fee
Personal items
Alcoholic drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Single supplement
Accommodation in UB
Gratuities for guides and drivers

Winter Short Tour

Mongolia winter short tour offers a mix of cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and serene natural beauty, making it a memorable destination for travelers. Temperatures can drop below -30°C (-22°F), but the dry air and sunshine make the cold more bearable.
  • Cultural Immersion: Winter is an excellent time to learn about nomadic life, as families often welcome visitors to share their lifestyle and traditions during the Winter Short Tour.
  • Horse Riding: Despite the cold, horse riding remains a popular activity, allowing you to traverse the stunning winter scenery.
  • Camel Riding: Even in winter, camel rides are a popular activity. It’s an opportunity to see how the Bactrian camels, with their thick fur, are well adapted to the cold.
  • Stay in a Ger: Experience traditional Mongolian hospitality by staying in a heated ger. Enjoy the warmth of a wood stove and taste local cuisine.
  • Photography: The Winter Short Tour also offers the perfect setting for photography, with snow-covered steppes, majestic mountains, and traditional gers creating breathtaking photo opportunities.

Ger Guesthouses ( provided by local nomadic families)

Some nomadic families living in national parks or tourist areas run small businesses that rent out yurt to travelers. This gives you a great chance to experience their lifestyle up close.
On our budget tours, you’ll stay in a traditional Ger Guesthouse. Typically, these have 4 to 6 beds and are shared only with other members of your tour group—not with strangers.
However, please note that most nomadic families don’t have formal toilets at their summer camps. The best you might find is a basic outdoor toilet, with walls on three sides for privacy. Also, some nomadic families’ yurt may not have any shower facilities.

Standard Ger Camps

Standard Ger Camps are like hotels, but instead of rooms, you sleep in a yurt. These camps are usually near famous places.
A Standard Ger has 2 to 4 single beds, a small table, a stove to keep warm, and sometimes a a shelf or a small sink. However, there is no bathroom inside the ger. You will use clean toilets and hot showers in another building nearby. Additionally, there is also a place to eat, and sometimes a small bar or game room.
Some camps have Ensuite Gers. These have a private bathroom inside the yurt. If you want this type, please tell us. We can book it for you, but it costs extra.

Packing List for a Winter Short Tour

Clothing:

  • Thick winter coat: A long, heavy coat (down to your thighs or knees) that keeps you warm in really cold weather — even when it’s as cold as -30°C or lower.

  • Warm winter boots: Boots made to keep your feet warm in freezing weather (as cold as -40°C). They should have thick bottoms and be waterproof to keep out snow and slush.

  • Hat, gloves, and scarf for colder weather.

Health and Safety:

  • Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.

  • Bug spray and sun cream.

  • Prescription medications along with their prescriptions.

Toiletries:
Stick to small versions of your essentials to save space. Include:

  • Soap, shampoo, a brush for your teeth, toothpaste

  • Sunscreen and moisturizing cream (especially helpful against sun and wind)

  • Roll-on

  • Shaving cream in a tube or stick

  • Extra razor blades

  • Wet and dry wipes

  • Since there are no showers during the nomadic stay, bring enough supplies to stay fresh.

Additional Items:

  • Bring your own sleeping bag or sheets for sleeping bags.

  • Consider bringing small gifts for nomad families.

  • Headlamp