Wild Mongolia
Tailor Made Itinerary
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14 Days From A$7,123
Overview
The remote wilds of Mongolia are an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Blessed with breathtaking vistas of vast open steppes, rocky mountains, towering sand dunes and forested valleys, the country is perfect for remote exploration, by vehicle, foot and horse, where you can really escape the distractions of modern life.
After a chance to take in the culture and history of Ulaanbaatar, the country’s lively capital, head off into the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, where ...
The remote wilds of Mongolia are an outdoor-lover’s paradise. Blessed with breathtaking vistas of vast open steppes, rocky mountains, towering sand dunes and forested valleys, the country is perfect for remote exploration, by vehicle, foot and horse, where you can really escape the distractions of modern life.
After a chance to take in the culture and history of Ulaanbaatar, the country’s lively capital, head off into the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, where you can kayak down the Tuul River before moving on to the isolated wild steppe of Gun Guluut. There will be a chance to look for wild mountain sheep and the rare horses of Hustai National Park before your journey then carries you deep into the rolling hills of Central Mongolia.
Here you will begin a four-day hike through the alpine landscapes of the Khangai Hills, home to the famed Eight Lakes of Naimun Nuur. Camping beside the lakes each evening, you’ll pass your days trekking through some truly inspiring scenery concluding the trek with a visit to the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery of Kharkhorin en route to the rich wilds of the Khogno Khan National Park.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Kayak down the Tuul River in Terelj National Park
- Trek between the famed alpine lakes of Naiman Nuur
- See rare wild horses in Hustai National Park
- Explore the Buddhist monasteries of Ganden and Erdene Zuu
- Enjoy the romance of remote ger camps under the stars
- Admire the Orkhon Khurkree Waterfall in all its glory
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR
DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR
Arrive early in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, take a tour around the temple complex of Gandan Monastery, one of the most complete monasteries in Mongolia today, where you may perchance encounter monks chanting their daily, mid-morning rituals. A light lunch is followed by a visit to the National Museum and a walk across Sukhbaatar Square, both of which provide a good introduction to the history of Mongolia. Enjoy an early evening traditional folk show before sitting down to dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Depart the city this morning and head for the nearby Terelj National Park, the country's first national reserve. Home to forested hills, mountains and river valleys, its stunning rock formations and spectacular views make this a popular daytrip from the capital. From your picturesque base in the valley beyond the Tuul River, this afternoon you can hike or ride out to the ruins of the Gunjin Sum temple to visit one of the few Manchurian-influenced temples left in Mongolia before retiring to your ger camp next door to Naraa, a nomadic herder, and his family, for an evening of nomadic hospitality. Following a fun cooking lesson, where you will learn how to make traditional Mongolian dumplings, you will sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.
DAY 3: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - GUN GULUUT
DAY 3: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - GUN GULUUT
After breakfast, head to the water for a three-hour kayak down the Tuul River to visit the great Chinggis statue standing at 40-metres high and visible for miles around. It is possible to climb the statue to enjoy sweeping views across the countryside. After your visit, continue on through the remote steppe landscapes of Gun Guluut.
DAY 4: GUN GULUUT - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: GUN GULUUT - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Heading out early this morning, you'll take a walk across the vast open steppe of Gun Guluut in search of some of the region's wildlife including marmot, argali wild mountain sheep, bearded vultures and grey wolf. Heading back towards Ulaanbaatar, you'll then continue on to the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski’s horses, where an early evening drive through the park provides the opportunity to see them in their native habitat. This evening you will be staying alongside a park ranger and his family in guest gers for the possibility to experience traditional archery and pay a visit to the Bronze Age and Turkic Unguut stones nearby.
DAY 5: HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - ORKHON VALLEY
DAY 5: HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - ORKHON VALLEY
Today's drive into the rolling hills and forests of the Orkhon Valley takes you past herds of sheep, goats and horses grazing by the roadside. Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country's most important cultural landscapes and the journey is dotted with tiny encampments of nomadic herders. Later this afternoon walk to the deer stones, which are ancient burial markers believed to date back to the Bronze Age.
DAY 6: 8 LAKES TREK
DAY 6: 8 LAKES TREK
This morning, drive to the Buurgiin Valley to begin preparations for your trek and meet your packhorse and the team. The first hike sets off this afternoon, heading into the Khangai Hills and on towards Shireet Lake, one of the famed Eight Lakes of Naiman Nuur.
DAY 7: 8 LAKES TREK
DAY 7: 8 LAKES TREK
Over the next three days you will trek between the lakes, camping by Shireet Lake on the first night, Huis Lake on the second night and White Stallion Lake for the final night. Created by volcanic eruptions centuries ago, the lakes sit at around 2,400 metres above sea level lying amidst a landscape of alpine meadows, pine forests and barren mountains. The hikes between each of the lakes will take an average of six hours a day, covering some 15-20 kilometres daily.
DAY 8: 8 LAKES TREK
DAY 8: 8 LAKES TREK
Over the next three days you will trek between the lakes, camping by Shireet Lake on the first night, Huis Lake on the second night and White Stallion Lake for the final night. Created by volcanic eruptions centuries ago, the lakes sit at around 2,400 metres above sea level lying amidst a landscape of alpine meadows, pine forests and barren mountains. The hikes between each of the lakes will take an average of six hours a day, covering some 15-20 kilometres daily.
DAY 9: 8 LAKES TREK
DAY 9: 8 LAKES TREK
The final day of the trek sees you exploring the area surrounding White Stallion Lake.
DAY 10: 8 LAKES TREK - ORKHON NOMADIC HOMESTAY
DAY 10: 8 LAKES TREK - ORKHON NOMADIC HOMESTAY
Heading away from the Eight Lakes area today, the journey then takes you towards the confluence of the Orkhon and Uliastai Rivers with a stop at the Orkhon Khurkree Waterfall en route to see one of the country’s most beautiful falls. After heavy rains, especially around late July and August, this becomes arguably one of Mongolia’s most spectacular sights and a short walk downstream brings you to a 22-metre deep gorge. Continue from here to tonight's homestay.
DAY 11: ORKHON NOMADIC HOMESTAY - KHARKHORIN
DAY 11: ORKHON NOMADIC HOMESTAY - KHARKHORIN
Hidden away on a hillside, surrounded by pine forests, lies the tiny and peaceful Tovkhon Khiid Monastery. Stroll to the temple this morning for beautiful views across the valley,before continuing through the high passes to Kharkhorin, built on the site of Karakorum, briefly the capital of the Mongol Empire during the 16th century. This afternoon grants time to visit the local museum which provides excellent insight into the local history of the region.
DAY 12: KHARKHORIN - ELSEN TASARKHAI
DAY 12: KHARKHORIN - ELSEN TASARKHAI
A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery (probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country) provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting before you continue on to Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Take an afternoon walk in search of ibex and wolf or perhaps enjoy a camel ride into the nearby sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai.
DAY 13: ELSEN TASARKHAI - ULAANBAATAR
DAY 13: ELSEN TASARKHAI - ULAANBAATAR
There will be an opportunity, if you wish, to take a final early morning walk before heading back to the capital today. Alternatively, you may choose to head straight back to Ulaanbaatar to enjoy some time at leisure there for your final day.
DAY 14: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
DAY 14: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
After checking out of your hotel, you will be taken back to the airport for your return flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Steppe Nomads, Gun Galuut National Park
Steppes Nomads Ger Camp sits on the steppe in the Gun Guluut region close to a river and hills home to ancient burial sites and wild sheep. The only other signs of civilisation in the area are the distant herder families gers giving you a real feel of isolation out on the steppe. The gers are simple and comfortable with single beds and stoves, a larger block has a few rooms and bathrooms as well as a restaurant with balcony to provide beautiful views. There is also the option of staying in small cabins.
Ursa Major Ger Camp, Orkhon Valley
With beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley, the Ursa Major Ger Camp is a delightful place to stay. An eco-camp priding itself on working with the environment and local communities; it doesn't have a toilet and shower block, toilets are made from wood and composting and instead of showers hot towels are bought to your ger in the evening and morning. Gers are beautifully decorated inside and out with traditionally painted furniture, doubles and twins and small touches such as a little sink behind a screen, they also have good quality ceramic stoves. There is no electricity in the gers but a torch and candles are provided. The bar and restaurant are stylish and provide great food and the service is top quality. With so many activities in the area this camp makes a great base.
Monkh Tenger Camp, Kharkhorin
A lovely camp on the edge of Kharkhorin city with 25 gers, all beautifully furnished with traditionally painted day beds, plus extras such as wardrobes, tables, a sink and a sofa. Gers have double, twin or triple beds and are still spacious, with 14 Gers providing ensuite facilities. A restaurant provides good food and there is a small toilet and shower block. The grassy areas between gers has plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the mountain views.
Sweet Gobi, Elsen Tasarkhai
Set right on the edge of Elsen Tasarkhai dunes in a stunning wilderness location, this eco-camp has stylishly appointed gers with double beds, comfy mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and traditional soft furnishings and design features. In keeping with their environmental credentials the toilets are compost facilities stylishly and cleanly maintained, plus there is a ‘bathroom’ ger where they provide a personal head massage and hair-washing service. Their large ornately carved dining ger provides delicious meals, a range of beers and wines and outstanding views of the surrounding plateau.
Nomadic Homestay (Galaa's Family), Orkhon Valley
The Orkhon Valley is a stunning location and here you can stay with a nomadic family in traditional Mongolian gers. The gers are colourfully decorated and contain wooden beds with bedding as well as a central stove for heating. Be treated to family recipes of delicious Mongolian nomadic delicacies. There are plenty of walking and riding opportunities from the camp. Located two kilometres from Orkhon Waterfall, guests can choose to walk, drive or horse-ride to the falls depending on their itinerary.
Sanjaa's Homestay, Hustai National Park
On the southern edge of Hustai National park you can stay with a park ranger Sanjaa and his wife, in a guest ger next to the family. Although the facilities are basic, this is a great opportunity to enjoy traditional nomadic hospitality.
8 Lakes Trek Camping, Orkhon Valley
Camp will be set up in a different location each day, which is made up of sleeping tents, a dining tent and a shower/toilet tent. High quality sleeping bags with liners and sleeping/rest mats will be provided. All of the camping equipment, including cooking tools and utensils, will be carried to each campsite via pack animals. For single travellers, a double tent will be used, and for couples and twin shares, a three to four-person tent will be provided. Before departing the campsite, everything is dismantled and covered over in a commitment to a ‘leave-no-trace’ style of travel.
Nomadic Homestay (Naraa's Family), Terelj National Park
This secluded homestay with a nomadic family is tucked away in the Baruun Bayan Valley in the further reaches of Terelj, accessible only by fording the Terelj River which not many vehicles can do. Naraa and his wife Bujee's home is a base for horse riding and other activities in the area such as kayaking. Their four guest gers are well-furnished and sit near a small tributary of the nearby Tuul River. Each ger is well furnished and also has a small washbasin stand. A compost long-drop is located around 30 metres away and has a sit-down toilet. Guests will live alongside the family during their stay, experiencing local hospitality and enjoying traditional, home cooked food such as khorkhog or similar countryside fare. Naraa is a master horseman and Bujee is an accomplished cook, so guests will have the chance to sample her wonderful dishes or even help prepare them.
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Mid-Range
Good quality service and overall comfort
Mid-Range
Good quality service and overall comfort
Mid-Range
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
WILD MONGOLIA (14 DAYS) A$7,123
MEALS
As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.
TRANSPORT
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.
ENTRANCE FEES
Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.
EXPERT TEAM
Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.
ACCOMMODATION
As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultra - The best of the best, the ultimate indulgence
Luxury - Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium - Excellent standards without the big price tag
Superior - Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple - No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHEN TO GO
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258