Golden Gobi and Kharkhorin Tour Mongolia
Discover must-visit places in Mongolia, the Gobi Desert, and Orkhon Valley If you travel to Mongolia. This classic Mongolia tour offers you to enjoy the natural view that is changing dramatically: from the golden dunes of Gobi to the open green valleys dotted with wildflowers, through vast steppes, a great waterfall, and a charming lake. Visit Khustai National Park which covers the steppe and forest mountain area, home to abundant wildlife such as Takhi, Przewalski's wild horses, hundreds of species of birds. You will explore not only wildlife and natural beauties but also experience Mongolia’s culture with visits to a hospitable nomad settlement, active Buddhist monasteries, and other important historical sites.
Highlights
- Legendary Orkhon Valley
- The ancient capital of the Mongol Empire - Kharkhorin
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Khongor Sand Dune
- Yol Valley- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Tour Itinerary
Day 1.
Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). (L/D)
Day 2.
Flight to Dalanzagdad town, the central town of Southgobi province. Drive to Yoliin Am or Yol valley known as Vulture valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain (28km) - this sunless canyon located in the middle of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park has a particular beauty with narrow paths broadening in places between rocks, while buzzards and eagles wheel and glide in the blue skies above. The cliffs of the canyon block the sunlight from the rivers below so that they remain frozen until the end of June. (B/L/D)
Day 3.
Drive to Khongor sand dunes (195km) - the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. Dunes of Khongor is known as the «Singing dunes» and rise from the plain reaching a height of 80m and extending for about 180km long. The spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongoriin gol. Hiking and sliding through the sand dunes. Visit camel breeding family and experience short camel riding. (B/L/D)
Day 4.
Drive towards Bayanzag (140 km) - the classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, sun, and unbelievable emptiness has become known to the world as "Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first-ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 - discoveries which made world headlines. The best time for photographing is before sunset when the cliffs look like flames. (B/L/D)
Day 5.
Head to the north towards Orkhon Waterfall. Overnight stop in Middle Gobi province, at the Ongi monastery ruins, a small mountainous area with the sites of remains of ruined old monasteries. Once the monastery has served as a midway point for Buddhist pilgrimages going to holy Tibet. After dinner walk to the ruins of the monastery and enjoy the sunset. (B/L/D)
Day 6.
We will reach the Orkhon waterfall or known as Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Formed by volcanic eruptions about 20.000 years ago, the waterfall cascades from a height of 20m. It is a scenic, tranquil spot and surrounding nature is undisturbed, as such there are opportunities for good walking and riding in the area. (B/L/D)
Day 7.
Drive to Kharkhorin (130 km) – ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire built by king Ugudei in 1235. The city was strategically located at the crossroads of traditional routes, creating a staging post for migrating nomads and merchants’ caravans. Foreign envoys and prominent clerics traveled to this city for an audience with the king of the Mongol Empire. Far after when the Khubilai Khaan (King) moved the capital to Beijing in 1264, Kharkhorin was raised to the ground by Manchu soldiers. However, the bricks and stones from the ruins of this ancient city were used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery nearby. Visit Erdene Zuu monastery and Karakorum Museum in Kharkhorin and local market for interesting souvenirs and artworks. (B/L/D)
Day 8.
Head to Ugii Lake. The road is smoothly paved, and for the last 90 km, we drive on a dirt road, which leads to the lake. Ugii Lake is a wonderful place to have to relax after long driving. The lake has an abundant birdlife of more than 150 bird species. Bird watching, fishing is parts of the available entertainment. We will visit a local family, exploring their nomadic lifestyle and livestock farming. (B/L/D)
Day 9.
Drive to Khustai national park /190 km/ to see a wild horse- takhi, widely known as “Przewalski horse”. Those are the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within Hustai National Park, which is 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar in 1992. Khustain Nuruu has good vegetation, springs, birch forest, and rocks which are suitable for many wild animals including 46 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. (B/L/D)
Day 10.
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, where the last king of Mongolia lived and now turned into a museum. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and other Mongolian natural products. Amazing cultural performance - national folk and dance concert in the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 11.
Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)
Prices & Inclusions
Group size | Price/Per person |
2 PAX | 2650$ |
3-4 pax | 2350$ |
5-8 PAX | 2200$ |
9-12 PAX | 1995$ |
13-15 PAX | 1860$ |
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Camel riding
Horseback riding /optional/
Not Includes
International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc