Discover the best of Central Mongolia on an 8-day journey through the region. Explore stunning landscapes and historic sites while traveling through the heart of Central Mongolia.
Day 1
Terelj National Park
Today, we pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 am. First, we visit the famous Genghis Khan Statue. After exploring the statue complex, we drive to Terelj National Park, one of the most beautiful and popular places in Mongolia.
In Terelj, we visit Turtle Rock and the nearby Ariyabal Meditation Temple. Both places offer beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. With its beautiful nature and unique culture, Terelj National Park is a great place to experience the best of Central Mongolia.
Standard Ger ( Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 2
Elsen Tasarkhai: The Mini Gobi Experience on the Best of Central Mongolia Tour
After breakfast, we drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, a beautiful semi-desert in central Mongolia. Often called the “Mini Gobi,” this area has sandy dunes, green grasslands, rocky hills, and small lakes.
Enjoy a 1-hour camel ride, walk around the sand dunes, and enjoy the beautiful views. It is a great place to take photos, explore nature, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Standard Ger (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 3
Orkhon Valley
The Orkhon Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia and an important part of the Best of Central Mongolia tour.
Visit the famous Orkhon Waterfall, surrounded by rocky cliffs and beautiful nature. Meet a local nomadic family and learn about their daily life and traditions. Enjoy a 2-hour horse ride through the beautiful countryside and take in the peaceful views.
Nomadic Family's ger (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 4
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Tsenkher Hot Springs is famous for its warm, mineral-rich water. The water contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, and sulfur, which are believed to be good for the body.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, it is a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Take a warm bath, rest, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The area is also perfect for nature lovers and photographers, with beautiful views all around.
Standard Ger (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 5
Khorgo & Terkh – The Best of Central Mongolia
Today, explore Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, one of the highlights of the best of Central Mongolia. This beautiful area is perfect for travelers who love nature, adventure, and peaceful places.
Enjoy a hike, watch birds, and take in the fresh air and beautiful views. The park is known for its volcanic landscape and the clear blue waters of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Mongolia.
Standard Ger (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 6
Khorgo & Terkh
Spend a relaxing day at Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Walk along the lakeshore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Next, visit Khorgo Volcano and walk around its volcanic crater. From the top, see wide views of the mountains and countryside. In the evening, return to the lake and watch the sunset over the water.
Day 7
Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery
Today, we will visit Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. This historic town is full of cultural treasures and stories from the past.
We’ll explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and also visit the Kharkhorin Museum.
Standard Ger (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 8
Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we drive from Kharkhorin back to Ulaanbaatar. Once we arrive, we take you to your booked hotel. This brings your Best of Central Mongolia Tour to an end.
(Breakfast/ Lunch)
Tour Price
2 people -$1810 per person
3 people -$1550 per person
4 people -$1390 per person
5 and more – $1290 per person
Included
- Breakfast- 7, Lunch- 8, Dinner-7
- Standard ger 6, Nomad’s ger 1
- English speaking tour guide
- Driver+ Gas+4WD vehicle / Minivan
- Camel riding 1h
- Horse riding 2h
- 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, snacks, bar bills, laundry
- Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
8-Day Best of Central Mongolia Tour
Experience Mongolia’s stunning nature, rich history, and traditional nomadic culture on an 8-Day Best of Central Mongolia Tour. This private journey takes you through mountains, sand dunes, green valleys, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and historic sites while offering authentic encounters with local nomadic families.
Begin in Terelj National Park, known for its dramatic mountains, peaceful valleys, and unique rock formations. Continue to Elsen Tasarkhai, where golden sand dunes meet the green steppe, and enjoy a camel ride while experiencing traditional nomadic life. Travel to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the famous Orkhon Waterfall. Meet a local nomadic family, experience their daily lifestyle, and enjoy a traditional horse ride through the countryside.
Continue to Tsenkher Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the warm waters. Then explore Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful alpine lakes, and visit nearby Khorgo Volcano. Enjoy a lakeside walk, explore the volcanic crater, and take in the spectacular scenery. End your journey in Kharkhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and discover Mongolia’s fascinating history and culture before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Want to see more of central Mongolia? Explore our tour options for more routes and experiences. Prefer a shorter trip? Check our 6-Day Central Tour.
What to Expect
- Private tours available daily, 15 May–10 October.
- History & culture: Explore Kharkhorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery.
- Nomadic experience: Meet a local nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley and experience their traditional lifestyle.
- Horse & camel riding: Enjoy horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley and a camel ride across the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
- Natural beauty: Discover mountains, valleys, waterfalls, steppe, sand dunes, volcanic landscapes, and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
- Relaxation: Soak in Tsenkher Hot Springs and enjoy peaceful time by the lake.
- Adventure: Hike through scenic landscapes and explore Khorgo Volcano.
FAQ
What about drivers and guides?
Drivers with Vehicles
Our experienced drivers know Mongolia’s paved roads, gravel tracks, and rugged terrain. We provide comfortable, reliable vehicles suited to different road conditions, including Toyota Delica, Toyota Hiace, Toyota Prado, and Hyundai Grand Starex. Vehicles are selected based on the group size, itinerary, and road conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Tour guides
Our English-speaking guides have excellent knowledge of Mongolia’s history, culture, and landscapes. They are friendly, professional, and happy to share their knowledge throughout your Mongolia tour. Guides who speak other languages can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
What accommodation is provided?
What are ger camps? ( Yurt)
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, and a stove to keep warm. And sometimes a shelf or a small sink. There is no bathroom inside the ger. You will use clean toilets and hot showers in another building nearby. 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. Please note that ensuite gers are not available at all tourist destinations, and some camps have only a few ensuite gers.
What Are Ger Guesthouses? ( Nomad’s extra yurt)
Some nomadic families living in national parks or tourist areas run small businesses renting ger accommodations to backpackers. This gives you a chance to experience the real nomadic lifestyle up close. These usually have 4–6 beds and are shared only with your group, not with others. Keep in mind, many nomadic families don’t have formal toilets at their summer homes. Instead, you’ll find simple toilet trenches, often screened on three sides. Also, most guesthouses may not have shower facilities, so be prepared for basic living conditions.
What meals are included?
Meals on Your Mongolia Tour
Breakfast and dinner are provided at the ger camps, while lunch is usually served at local restaurants or cafés based on the day’s itinerary. In the Mongolian countryside, ger camps mainly serve traditional Mongolian food, along with some European-style dishes. Meals often include meat with vegetables, salads, or soup. Breakfast usually includes tea or coffee, bread, butter, jam, eggs, and sausage. Some ger camps also offer cereals, pancakes, cheese, and other options. When staying with nomadic families, you can enjoy authentic homemade Mongolian food and experience local cuisine.
Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be arranged with advance notice. Please let us know about any allergies or restrictions when booking. We provide one 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water per person per day.
What should I bring with me?
Recommended Clothing for Mongolia
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Warm layers – Mongolia’s climate can vary greatly, even in summer. Pack light and warm clothing such as sweaters, thermal tops, and a quality jacket.
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Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – Ideal for exploring national parks, valleys, and countryside trails.
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Waterproof jacket or rain poncho – Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so pack for possible rain.
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Hat, gloves, and scarf – Especially useful for cool mornings and nights.
Health and Safety Essentials
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Personal medications – Bring all necessary medications in their original packaging.
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Basic first aid kit – Include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary personal care supplies.
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Bug spray or insect repellent – Especially helpful during evenings or in grassland areas.
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Sunscreen – The sun can be intense in Mongolia’s high-altitude regions.
Toiletries and Personal Care
To save space, bring travel-size toiletries and only what you’ll need:
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo
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Sunscreen and moisturizer to protect against dry air and sun exposure
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Roll-on deodorant
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Shaving cream (in tube or stick form) and extra razor blades
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Wet wipes and dry tissues – useful when traveling in rural areas


