Skip to main content
Mongolian Short tours

Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour

By September 7th, 2026No Comments

Discover the beauty of Mongolia on a 4-day Kharkhorin & Orkhon Valley Tour. Visit the golden dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, the scenic Orkhon Valley, and historic Kharkhorin. Meet nomadic families and explore Mongolia’s nature, culture, and history.

Itinerary

Day 1

Elsen Tasarkhai: The Mini Gobi Experience on a Orkhon Valley tour

We pick you up at 9:00 a.m., then drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, a semi-desert in central Mongolia. Known as the ‘Mini Gobi,’ it features sandy dunes, grasslands, rocky formations, and small water bodies.

Enjoy a 1-hour camel ride, explore the dunes, and take in the stunning scenery. Perfect for photos and short walks, Elsen Tasarkhai is a must-visit stop on your tour.

Distance: 285km ( 5h drive on paved road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Lunch/ Dinner)
Elsen tasarkhai

Day 2

Orkhon Valley 

The Orkhon Valley is one of Central Mongolian highlights. The valley features lush grassy plains, a winding river, and the majestic Khangai Mountains in the background.

Enjoy hiking and a 2-hour horseback ride to explore the valley. Visit the famous Orkhon Waterfall, framed by rocky cliffs. With its rivers, mountains, and open plains, the Orkhon Valley is truly unforgettable.

Distance: 185km ( 5h drive on paved/ dirt road )
Nomad's Ger (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour

Day 3

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.

Distance: 125km ( 3-4h drive on dirt/ paved road )
Standard Ger Camp (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Karakorum

Day 4

Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we drive from Kharkhorin back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your booked hotel. This marks the final stop of your Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour.

Distance: 365km ( 6h drive on paved road )
(Breakfast/ Lunch)

Tour Price

2 people -$904 per person

3 people -$770 per person

4 people -$700 per person

5 and more – $650 per person 

Included

  • Breakfast- 3, Lunch- 4, Dinner-3
  • Standard ger 2, Nomadic family 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

4-Day Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour: Explore Mongolia’s Beauty and History

Discover the best of Mongolia on this 4-Day Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour. Experience stunning landscapes, rich culture, and deep history in just a few days.

Start in Elsen Tasarkhai, the “Mini Gobi.” Ride a camel across golden sand dunes and take in the vast desert views. It’s a perfect introduction to Mongolia’s nomadic life. Next, head to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay with a local nomadic family and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Experience how they raise animals and live with nature. Then, enjoy a horseback ride through the valley’s wide-open grasslands. It’s a unique way to connect with the land and explore Mongolia’s countryside.

Finally, visit Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum, where you can see artifacts from the Mongol Empire. This 4-Day Orkhon Valley and Kharkhorin Tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience Mongolia’s landscapes, history, and culture in a short time. It’s an adventure you won’t forget.

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 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 yurts.

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.

Hotels in Ulaanbaatar

Hotels in Ulaanbaatar are usually most cost-effective to book independently through Booking.com or similar hotel booking websites. We recommend choosing a hotel in or near the city center, as this makes it convenient to access restaurants, shops, and major sightseeing attractions. However, if you would prefer us to arrange your hotel in Ulaanbaatar as part of your tour, we can arrange this for you as well.

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

  • 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.

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – Ideal for exploring national parks, valleys, and countryside trails.

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho – Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so pack for possible rain.

  • Hat, gloves, and scarf – Especially useful for cool mornings and nights.

Health and Safety Essentials

  • Personal medications – Bring all necessary medications in their original packaging.

  • Basic first aid kit – Include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary personal care supplies.

  • Bug spray or insect repellent – Especially helpful during evenings or in grassland areas.

  • 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:

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo

  • Sunscreen and moisturizer to protect against dry air and sun exposure

  • Roll-on deodorant

  • Shaving cream (in tube or stick form) and extra razor blades

  • Wet wipes and dry tissues – useful when traveling in rural areas

Inquire About This Tour