7-Day Mongolia Tour through Monasteries, Hot Springs and Sand Dunes

7 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 7-day journey through Mongolia's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, from Terelj National Park and the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue to...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Ulan Bator, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Kharkhorin · Languages: English, Korean, Russian, Spanish

Know before you go: Weather conditions: Days can be warm or hot, while nights may become quite cool, especially in spring and autumn.; Road conditions: Some routes are off-road tracks rather than paved roads. Travel times can be longer due to the vast distances and remote terrain.; Accommodation: During the tour, you will stay in traditional Mongolian ger camps or local guesthouses. Facilities are comfortable but may be more basic than city hotels.; Electricity and connectivity: Electricity in camps is usually available only during certain hours, and mobile signal or internet may be limited in remote desert areas.; Respect local culture: Mongolia has a strong nomadic culture and traditions. Respect local customs, nature, and wildlife during your travels.

About Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Mongolia

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

Explore Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Mongolia All destinations

What's Included

Professional driver and transportation throughout the tour
Accommodation in ger camps and guesthouses
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Bottled water during the tour
All entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
1-hour horse riding experience
1-hour camel riding experience at the sand dunes

Not Included

Visa fees
International flights
Travel insurance
Private snacks and personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Tobacco products
Hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Terelj National Park and Genghis Khan Statue

Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex: Drive about 1-1.5 hours and explore the world's largest equestrian statue, standing 40 metres high. An optional elevator ride to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding steppe. Drive to Terelj National Park: Continue with a scenic 30-40 minute drive through Mongolia's rolling landscapes. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a tourist camp in Terelj, featuring traditional Mongolian dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and local salads. Turtle Rock Formation: Explore the iconic rock formation shaped like a turtle, ideal for photography and light hiking. Ariyabal Meditation Temple: Take a short hike through scenic mountains to reach the temple, learn about Buddhist meditation practices, and join an optional meditation session. Optional activity: Horseback riding around the park's trails. Accommodation: Overnight in a tourist ger camp surrounded by mountains, with an evening around a campfire and dinner featuring local dishes.
2

Day 02

Kharkhorum and Erdenezuu Monastery

Drive to Erdenezuu Monastery: Enjoy a 4-5 hour scenic drive through the Khangai Mountains, with stops for photos and short breaks along the way. Erdenezuu Monastery: Explore Mongolia's largest and most significant Buddhist monastery, dating back to the 16th century. Visit the main temple, small shrines, and pagodas. Cultural immersion: Meet local monks, witness Buddhist ceremonies if available, and learn about local rituals and the spiritual history of the region. Lunch: Traditional Mongolian meal at a nearby guesthouse or camp. Evening: Relax in the serene surroundings, with an optional stroll along nearby nature trails. Accommodation: Overnight in a local ger camp or guesthouse near the monastery.
3

Day 03

Tsenkher Hot Springs Retreat

Drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs: Travel დაახლოებით 3-4 hours from Erdenezuu on a scenic mountain drive through Arkhangai Province. Hot spring relaxation: Spend the day soaking in the geothermal waters, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore the surroundings: Enjoy short walks to nearby extinct volcanoes and natural features, with excellent photography opportunities. Lunch and dinner: Traditional meals at the camp. Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable ger camp with hot spring access, and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
4

Day 04

Orkhon Valley and Orkhon Waterfall

Drive to Orkhon Valley: Travel დაახლოებით 3-4 hours through central Mongolia, stopping at scenic points for photos. Orkhon Valley: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "cradle of Mongolian civilization," and learn about its historical significance and connection to the Mongol Empire. Orkhon Waterfall: Hike to the 20-metre waterfall, enjoy panoramic views, a picnic, and photo opportunities. Optional fishing or boating along the Orkhon River is also available. Evening: Relax and enjoy sunset views over the valley. Accommodation: Overnight stay in a local ger camp.
5

Day 05

Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery

Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery: Set out on a morning hike of moderate difficulty to the hilltop monastery and enjoy sweeping views of the Orkhon Valley. Cultural experience: Learn about Zanabazar, Mongolia's spiritual leader, and the historical significance of the monastery. Lunch: Picnic lunch in the valley or at a nearby stop. Optional activity: Explore surrounding trails or visit nearby nomadic families to learn about local traditions. Accommodation: Return to the ger camp in Orkhon Valley for an overnight stay.
6

Day 06

Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes

Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai: Morning drive of about 5-6 hours through central Mongolia, with changing landscapes from steppe to semi-desert along the way. Desert exploration: Arrive at the sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride for a traditional Mongolian desert experience. Hiking and photography: Walk around the dunes to appreciate the striking desert-steppe contrast, especially beautiful for sunset photography. Lunch: Light picnic or snack during the exploration. Accommodation: Overnight stay at a ger camp near the dunes.
7

Day 07

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Morning drive: Travel about 5 hours back to Ulaanbaatar, with stops along the way for photos and refreshments. Arrival: Reach the city in the late afternoon or early evening. Optional activity: Shop for Mongolian cashmere and souvenirs, or explore local markets. End of tour: The tour concludes here, or a transfer to your hotel or the airport can be arranged if needed.