Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days
5 Days Starting in Ulaanbaatar and ending in Ulaanbaatar
Visiting: Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Gurvanbulag, Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Khugnu Tarna, Erdene Khamba Monastery, Hustai National Park, Nalaikh, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THTB/1901
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 4
Age range:
5-85
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , GermanTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Camel Trekking-Riding, Hiking, Horse Riding Excursion, Walking
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
The Essence of Mongolia is an activity-packed tour into the central Mongolian steppe. Visit the Khognokhan Nature Reserve, and the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai before venturing to the Khustai National Park to see the wild Takhi horses and plenty of other wildlife. This condensed trip lets you experience as much of Mongolia as possible in a short time. Overnight stay in gers next to local nomadic families and a comfortable ger camp. Learn about your hosts’ culture and traditions, socialize with them, ride horses and Bactrian camels, and hike and visit hilltop temples. This all-encompassing trip contains most of what Mongolia offers, including must-dos and must-sees and is perfect for those with limited time in the country.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Gandan Monastery - Gurvanbulag - Homestay - Horse Ride
Location: Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Gurvanbulag, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Homestay, - Guest Ger alongside the Nomad Family
Accommodation Name: Ger(Yurt)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner, Mongolian Barbeque
You will be picked up from a pre-arranged Ulaanbaatar location at a time to suit you - we suggest leaving around 8:30 am to make the most of the day. Jump in the vehicle with your guide and stop off at Gandan Monastery - enter the temples, including that of the Migjid Janraisig with its huge golden Buddha statue. In the old temple complex listen to the chanting ceremonies which happen mid-morning. Afterwards, board the vehicle again and head west to the northern part of Gobi. On the way, you will stop briefly visiting Khar Bukhiin Balgas, interesting remains of an ancient fort used by nomadic tribes dating back to the 10th century. Then it's onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. Enter the ger and experience the hospitality and traditional nomadic way of life - you can help make and drink milk tea, plus try homemade produce such as yoghurt and dried curds. In the afternoon you will have a chance to do an hour or so of horse riding in the surrounding hills and the sand dunes nearby. Or you can walk if you prefer. In the evening enjoy a traditional feast of khorkhog - mutton and vegetables seared and steamed with red hot stones from the fire.
Day 2 : Kharakhorum - Erdenezuu Monastery
Location: Kharkhorin
Accommodation: Hostel, Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will travel to Kharakhorum, it is the ancient capital of Mongolia where Chinggis Khaan established his headquarters in 1220. In 1235, his son and successor, Ogodei built a palace enclosed by walls. You will visit the newly built Kharakhorum Museum and Erdenezuu monastery, the largest and first Mongolian Buddhist temple complex built on the remains of 16th-century Kharakhorum city. Then we will visit a local cooperative to attend a workshop for making felt items by hand or an Art gallery.
Day 3 : Khognokhan - Uvgun Temple - Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune - Camel Ride
Location: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Khugnu Tarna, Erdene Khamba Monastery
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ger alongside camel herder nomad family
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you head to the nature reserve of Khogno Khan, where you can explore the lower temple complex of Uvgun Khiid, see the reconstructed temples, and prayer wheel, and look around the ruins. Then we recommend taking the 45-minute hike up to the older ruined temple complex in the hills - the scenery is fantastic, and depending on the time of year, wildflowers may be in abundance. Head back down to the valley floor, and onto the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, a 30-minute drive away. Tonight you will stay alongside a family of camel herders - settle into your gers and head off on a Bactrian ride across the dunes for an hour, then enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
Day 4 : Hustai National Park - Wild "Takhi" Horse
Location: Hustai National Park, Hustai National Park
Accommodation: Camp, Ger camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast jump in the vehicles for the journey back east to Khustai. You should arrive at your ger camp in time for lunch. The camp is located at the entrance to the National Park, and you will have some time to rest before venturing inside. At dusk, drive from your camp to see the Takhi - this is the time you have a better chance of seeing them up close and inaccessible areas. You may want to combine the trip with a long walk in the park - in which case you should leave a little earlier. Discuss your preference with your guide. Afterwards, head back to camp for dinner and your last night in a ger.
Day 5: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - Ulaanbaatar
Location: Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast travel to the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex. Once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii. Then have lunch in the complex's restaurant. After lunch, board the vehicle and drive back to Ulaanbaatar, where you will be dropped off at a location to suit you (we can do multiple drop-offs if required).
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
1.5L Mineral bottled water
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Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying at guest gers alongside nomadic families, and in a hostel or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, a table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being naturally basic.
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Entrance Fees
At Tour Mongolia, we believe that a good guide is essential to the enjoyment of any trip. Your guide will be English-speaking by default, but we can also provide German, and Korean-speaking guides - please email us your preference. Your guide will be hand-picked by us to suit your itinerary and requirements. Each guide is personally briefed on all elements of the trip. You will be sent guide details in the confirmation document prior to your tour.
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Fully Guided
A professionally trained guide will be guiding for the entire time.
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Meals – Full Board
Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking. At ger homestays, meals will be traditional Mongolian home cooking such as Mongolian rice porridge for breakfast and Tsuivan (stir-fry with homemade noodles), or Buuz (steamed dumplings) for lunch and dinner. During your time at ger camps, meals will be a mix of western and Mongolian cuisine, breakfast is a continental buffet style along with cooked options. Dinner is often a three-course set menu of traditional dishes with a western twist. Generally, the water quality in Mongolia is good. But as a precaution, we advise our guests to drink bottled water that can be purchased in shops, food markets and kiosks in the capital and many of the provincial centres as well as in tourist Ger camps in the countryside. Mineral water is usually not included in our trips as we aim to produce as little plastic waste as possible. But we do provide plenty of warm drinks such as tea and coffee during our trips.
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Local Taxes
All road taxes
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Wi-FI or any internet accesses do not exist in the countryside.
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Personal items
Mode of Transport
On the dust of the desert and mud of the steppe, the Japanese off-road MPV such as Mitsubishi Delica provides comfort and safety for your trip. These 4x4 vehicles are specifically tuned for the rough off-roading that's inevitable when travelling in the wilds of Mongolia. They provide ample space, and air conditioning and are well maintained while offering good luggage space, seat belts and speed.
Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying at authentic guest gers alongside nomadic families, and depending on the season in a guesthouse or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being on a natural basis.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Local tour guides speak English.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Mainly, we provide 4WD Russian minivans (UAZ 452 type) and Japanese minivans (Mitsubishi Delica) in our tours travelling in the remote countryside. Only Japanese vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
kids can be part of the family trip or attend other tour groups with their care-taker.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group with 6 people.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport transfers aren't included in this tour. However, private arrival and departure are available on request.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees are included in the tour price such as national park and museum.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each person can bring a back sack of 3-5kg and a suitcase of 20kg on that tour.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
You can keep Mongolian Tugrug(MNT) during that your tour. It is necessary to buy something from locals and for souvenirs.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will arrange your pre-and post-tour accommodations upon on your request.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Guests will homestay at ger alongside the Nomad family in the rural areas. There is no available Wi-fi in remote areas.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
– EASY: A basic level of fitness is required, the tour is generally easy-paced.
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How to get relevant entry visas easily?
Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport or train station, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance. Please check the following website for your nationalities requirements. www.consul.mn
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
A vaccination certificate is required if you are vaccinated with all types of vaccines.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa entries are not included in the price of the tour. Visa is required for all, except citizens of the following countries. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one-month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US.
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Do you require a visa for this tour?
All travellers must obtain a visa before travelling to Mongolia. Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
If you are not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. During your trip you should follow all recommendations and requirements at your destinations including wearing well-fitted mask and staying 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will be sent tour
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Tour Mongolia has been trading their products such as cultural, active and adventure trip since they have established in 2001.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you noticed to your companions in 2 months prior your departure it is available to postponed till your alternative dates or cancel it according to policy.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All accommodations such as hotel, lodge, Ger camp and Ger of local communities are meet with local health and safety regulations.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Tour Mongolia's handpicked and experienced team will be companied with you during on your trip.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Tour Mongolia allows you to make 3 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 7 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Tour Mongolia allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform tour mongolia, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Tour Mongolia requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tour mongolia charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.