Ulan Bator
The train makes a 30-minute halt in Mongolia’s capital Ulan Bator (1350m above sea level) – enough to stretch your legs and buy supplies and souvenirs from the small shops at the station.
But actually, the city deserves a couple of days. Mongolians are very friendly. Although Ulan Bator has a population of 600.000, there is still something village-like about it – you can see, for example, a cow grazing in the middle of town! And on the outskirts people still live in the traditional round felt tents, “ger”.
One of the most interesting sights is Gandan Khiid – a Buddhist monastery from 1840 with four temples, the biggest of which is 42m high. Other places of interest include the Museum of Natural History whose main attraction is the skeleton of a dinosaur found in the Gobi Desert; the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of History.
MNG-1: Welcome package in Mongolia (3 days)
The welcome package includes 1 overnight in ger camp in Terelj National Park and 1 overnight in hotel in Ulan Bator (incl. sightseeing with a guide). Arrival in Ulan Bator. Transfer to Terelj National Park, which is situated approximately 75 km northeast from Ulan Bator. In the wild nature there is a possibility for hiking or renting a horse with payment on spot (about 5 USD for 1 hour).
MNG-2: City sightseeing tour (7 hrs)
The tour gives a good introduction about Ulan Bator, where you visit famous buildings, streets and squares related with the rich history of the city. Included are the Buddhist Monastery Gandan Hiid, The Museum of Nature and History with skeletons of dinosaurs, Zaisan Memorial. In the evening dinner with Mongolian folklore show is included.
MNG-3: Terelj National Park (7 hrs)
Excursion to Terelj National Park, which is situated approximately 75 km northeast from Ulan Bator. In the wild nature there is a possibility for hiking or renting a horse with payment on spot (appr. 15 eur per day). You can visit a nearby village and see the famous stone formations on the way.
MNG-4: Terelj National Park (2 days)
Day 1: Transport in the morning to Terelj National Park, which is situated approximately 75 km northeast from Ulan Bator. In the wild nature there is a possibility for hiking or renting a horse with payment on spot (about 5 USD for 1 hour). There is a village nearby which can be visited. Accommodation in ger-camp (gers are traditional Mongolian round tents, in each sleep up to 4 people).
MNG-5: Hustai National Park (14 h)
Excursion to Hustai National Park (approx. 90 km west from Ulan Bator, see www.hustai.mn), famous for the unique population of the original Mongolian wild horses – Takhi. During the tour you pass through the classic Mongolian landscape – the vast steppes. Together with the driver you will try to track down the horses, but there is no guarantee that you will see them.
MNG-6: Kharkorin and Hustai National Park (3 days)
The tour takes you appr. 360 km southwest from Ulan Bator to Kharkhorin town (former Karakorum), which was founded as a capital of Mongolia in 13th century by the son of Genghis Khan. During the day visit to the Buddhist Monastery Erdene Zuu from 1586 which is still active. On your way, you see Hustai National Park which is the home for about 160 of the original Mongolian wild horses Takhi (see MNG-5). During the tour (altogether appr. 720 km) you pass through the classic Mongolian landscape – the vast steppes.
MNG-7: Visit to nomad family (3 days)
On this tour you stay 2 nights in a ger (traditional Mongolian round tent) next to a real nomad family. You become part of the everyday life of the nomads (preparing of food, taking care of the livestock, etc) and the second day the camp can be moved to 10-15 km. The tour is divided in halves and gives you a real choice if you are willing to take pleasure experiencing the nomad everyday life from closer.
MNG-8: Short tour to Gobi Desert (5 days)
Excursion to the vast Gobi Desert to see the most famous places in the heath. Transport between Ulan Bator and Gobi with flight. Day 1: Transport from accommodation in Ulan Bator to the airport. Flight in the morning to Dalanzadgad (1.5 hrs). Excursion to Eagle Valley (about 50 km), where you can see wild goats and birds. Transport to Dalanzadgad and accommodation in ger-camp.
MNG-9: Gobi-safari including Kharkorin and Hustai National Park (7 days)
This tour is a version of MNG-6 but it takes you also southwards to the Gobi Desert. You will pass appr. 1490 km through extremely various landscapes – from lush green grass plains and canyon like rock formations to dry desert and steppe landscape. All overnights are in gers (traditional Mongolian round felt tents, in each sleep up to 4 people). Four of the nights are in the so-called ger camps, which are made for tourists and equipped with toilet, shower and dining facilities.
MNG-10: Roundtrip in Central Mongolia (“Green Route”) (7 days)
This tour is a version of MNG-6 but it takes you also in the central part of Mongolia, which is rich in grass-steppes areas, mountains and rivers. All overnights are in gers (traditional Mongolian round felt tents, in each sleep up to 4 people) in ger camps specially made for tourists. They are equipped with toilet, shower and dining facilities placed in a separate building. You will have the chance to feel the spirit of real Mongolia by visiting nomad families for lunch or dinner and spending some time with them.
MNG-11: Expedition to the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia (10 days)
This roundtrip combines MNG-9 and MNG-10. Day 1: From Ulan Bator drive appr. 280 km southwards to Ih Gazaryn Chuluu in Dungdov province. Overnight in a ger camp. Day 2: Drive to Dalanzadgad. Overnight with a local nomad family in the region of Eagle Valley. Day 3: Drive to Eagle Valley – the highlight of this tour. This is mountain region with a narrow gorge in the middle of the desert. Here you can see eagles and wild goats. Overnight with the nomad family. Day 4: Continue to Tsagaan Ovoo to visit the remains of the old Ongi Monastery.
MNG-12: Horse Riding in Terelj National Park (9 days)
The trail takes you around the National park Terelj and includes highlights such as Gunj Monastery, the Turtle Rock as well as the overwhelming beauty of the natural surroundings and the richness of its flora and fauna. Beyond a radius of 100 km from the capital, no asphalt roads can be found. Vultures, antelopes, foxes and wolves still live here undisturbed in the wild. Here and there you will find a few nomad families at their temporary ger camp. The daily ride is 5-8 hours (up to 30 km).
