Our “Classic Mongolian Circuit” tour will open for you true Mongolia with her untouched natural beauty, rich cultures, amazing landscapes and undoubtedly unique Nomadic hospitality. It's perfectly blended with Mongolian must see travel destinations, so you will not miss any natural & cultural wonders of Mongolia and there are endless photo opportunities as well as some private times. Experiencing the authentic way of nomadic life is an inseparable part of this tour. Within 14 days you could experience the vast-open Gobi Desert, beauty and historical artifacts of Central Mongolian rolled hills, crystal clear water rivers, lakes and national parks of forested Northern Mongolia- Khuvsgul Lake all in one awesome adventure. If you are ready to spend your lifetime experience in our beautiful country this tour is for you.
Khongor sand dunes
Bayanzag - Flaming cliffs
Karakorum
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Tsenkher hot spring
Khorgo - Terkh National Park
Khuvsgul Lake
camel and horse riding
nomadic and reindeer herding family visit
see complex of deer stones
real Mongolian barbecue Khorkhog
In the morning, our guide & driver will pick you up from your hotel and start our tour directly driving to Baga Gazriin Chuluu or known as Earth stone. Before we leave the city we will pass some shops and then drive through steppe by overview of land-sea and grandiose formation of rocks and basalts of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a 15km long and 10 km wide stone massif, and this stone massif is also part of the Mongolian granite stone zone. Wild sheep, ibex and marmot inhabit here, Surtiin am is one of the many beautiful places in Baga Gazriin stone massif. This is a narrow canyon with asp, birch, white wicker and elm trees, as well the ruin of a stone temple and the site of 2 Gers where monks lived and meditated since the seventieth century. There is a 20 m long cave near to the Surtiin Am. Crystals can be found around the cave. Also, there is a spring water which comes from under source is good for eye illness. You will arrive at Baga Gazriin Chuluu in the afternoon, and rest of the day you will spend hiking & exploring the area. Overnight in Ger camp
After breakfast time, we will continue our way driving to Bayanzag. Known as Flaming cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews found cemetery of dinosaurs and the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered in the world. We will have some hiking through the cliffs and see the Gobi tree grove named “Bayanzag”. Bayanzag, literally means “rich in saxual trees”. This tree only grows in central Asian Gobi. See the short documentary about 1920-s American excavation. After dinner return to the Bayanzag to see the sunset, find out why area is called Flaming Cliffs. Overnight in Ger camp
Continue tour to the Gobi Desert. Gobi desert gives you an exotic view of the desert with boundless view of horizons, rare species of mammals and plants. On the way, we will pass a small Gobi stone market and you can buy some precious stones even a small sized petrified tree. Known as Singing dunes, the Khongor sand dune has an extraordinary length of 180 kilometers and 15 – 20 meters wide and lies on the Northern part of the Mountains of Sevrei and Zuulen. There is an Oasis near Khongor sand dune at the Northern edge of the sand dune. After some relaxation at the camp, our camel man will take you to the sand dunes and the two humped camels are very comfortable to ride, as the walk slowly and gently you will be supported by the humps, sitting comfortably between them. We will hike through the Golden sand dunes, explore the surrounding nature and if you wish you can climb up to the highest point of the sand dunes which will reach about 200 meters. Overnight in Ger camp.
Today we will drive to Ongi Monastery ruins and our driving takes us through the great steppe which is called Ongi steppe, continues extraordinary 100 km long. Ongi monastery was one of the Mongolian biggest 7 monasteries. There are 2 temple ruins which were built up in 1780s. During repression in 1930s’ these two temples destroyed and many lamas were executed and imprisoned. On the way to Ongi temple ruins we will visit to nomad family and introduced to nomadic life in the Gobi. Overnight in Ger camp.
Today we will drive towards to Kharkhorin, and our tour takes place on the transition zone from the Gobi desert to mountain steppes. Kharkhorin, formerly known as Karakorum, once was a capital of Chinggis Khaan's Great Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Chinggis Khaan founded Karakorum in 1220. After his exploits on the Eurasian steppes, the city became the center of a substantial and growing empire. But after Khublai Khaan moved the Mongolian capital to Beijing, and the fall of the empire, Karakorum was abandoned and then destroyed by Chinese soldiers in 1388. After arriving at Kharkhorin, first we will visit to Kharkhorin museum, which displays artifacts mostly of Great Mongolian Empire time and followed by visiting to Mongolian oldest and largest monastery Erdene Zuu. Erdene Zuu is a Buddhist Tibetan monastery which dates back to 1585. Built from the ruins of Chinggis Khaan’s capital, Erdene Zuu is the oldest surviving monastery in Mongolia today. A soviet government partially destroyed Erdene Zuu in the 1930s, but the monastery has since reopened as a museum. Overnight in Ger camp.
After breakfast, drive to Tsenkher hot spring, located in Arkhangai province. On the way we will visit to nomads who are living in Khangai, steppe and mountain area. You will be invited to their Gers and offered to taste traditional dairy products including famous airag (mare’s milk) and see some differences among life in the Gobi and Khangai area. The Arkhangai provinces have many old volcanos, which explain the presence of this hot water source that flows all year long at 1860 meters (1, 16 mile) above the sea level in the sub province of Tsenkher. The water is at 85,5°C (185,9°F). In a pleasant verdant wooded area, some Ger camps with equipment and baths with a less hot temperature have been set up for the travelers. In the evening have a spa bath and relax. Overnight in Ger camp.
Drive to Khorgo - Terkh National Park. On the way we will pass the Tsertserleg town, which is provincial center of Arkhangai province. Just before we reach the Khorgo - Terkh National Park we will see Chuluut river great canyon which huge creation of volcanic earthquake. After arriving at Khorgo - Terkh National Park, climb up to the top of extinct volcano Khorgo, the top view is amazing. The Khorgo crater, situated at an altitude of 2.210 meters with a diameter of 20 meters and depth of 70 to 80 meters, approximately 8000 years ago volcanic lava flooded the valleys nearby which are covered today with small forests of Siberian larch and a great variety of berries and flowers. Terkh White Lake is an astonishingly beautiful lake with crystal clear fresh water and surrounded by spectacular scenery of plants, forests, mountains, and fauna. Area offers fun activities such as hiking, horse riding, and swimming. Overnight in Ger camp.
In the morning after breakfast, meet with your horse guide and basic introduction. Full day horse riding through Khangai Mountains and shore of Terkh White lake. Picnic lunch. Come back in the evening, dinner and free time. Overnight in Ger camp.
We will have an overnight stop close to the Shine ider village. Zuun Nuur is a small, beautiful salt water lake which is a heaven for birds. After the lake, we will continue to drive about 10 kms and arrive at the camp, hike through the forest or just relax in the nature. Evening we will have a real Mongolian barbecue Khorkhog for dinner. Overnight in Ger camp.
Today we will drive to Khuvsgul Lake, which is known as the second clearest lake in Central Asia. On the way we will visit to see Deer stones. The deer stones spread widely in Central Asia. 600 deer stones were found in Central Asia. 500 of them were found in the territory of Mongolia. Deer stone is the first monuments of human. The earliest of them belong to XIII-IX century BC while most of them belong to the Bronze Age. Continue travel to Lake Khuvsgul, as a dubbed as Mongolia Switzerland and a lake surrounded with green forest mountains and water is crystal clear that one can easily catch sight of ground. Arrive at the Khuvsgul Lake National Park, after some relaxations explore the surroundings and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Overnight in Ger camp.
After breakfast, we will drive to the Reindeer Herders / Tsaatan people, who live in the depths of the taiga forest. Few reindeer are the main resource of their livelihood. In summer months, mostly in July and August, few reindeer families move down from mountain close to the lake to increase their livelihood. This small journey offers brief introduction of Tsaatan people’s lifestyle and great photo opportunity. After lunch, you will have a hiking activity accompany with your guide. Hiking and climbing up to the top of the back mountain of the lake is unforgettable. From the top of mountain magnificent Khuvsgul Lake looks turquoise. Walking by the edge of the lake you will see the crystal-clear part of the lake famous for its name ‘’Dark blue pearl’’. Overnight in Ger camp.
Drive to Uran Mountain via Moron town, which is provincial center of Khuvsgul province. Today we will drive mostly by paved road. Arrive in Uran, transfer to the Ger camp. In the evening we will go to the Uran mountain, an extinct volcano with a crater of 600 m wide and 50 m deep and one of the most stunning parts of the Northern Mongolia. It is beautiful, utterly wild and unspoilt. Overnight in Ger camp.
Amarbayasgalant is the most beautiful and well preserved old monastery in Northern Mongolia, which was established in 1726-1736 by order of Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The beauty, decorations and construction of the monastery have made it one of the most magnificent architectural monuments not only in Mongolia, but in the whole Asia. Amarbayasgalant Monastery was not totally destroyed during the purges of 1937-38. However, all its senior monks were brutally executed. Today this spectacular monastery has some 60 novices and ordained monks who practice dharma in residence. Arrive at the camp in the afternoon, visit to the Monastery and enjoy hiking around. Overnight in Ger camp.
Today we will drive to Ulaanbaatar by paved road. On the way we will pass through the Darkhan city, which is Mongolia’s second largest city. In 1961 the Darkhan was built with extensive economic assistance from the Soviet Union, and the city was originally conceived to be a manufacturing site for Mongolia's northern territory. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, and you will be transferred to your accommodation. End of the tour.
13 Nights in Tourist Ger camps (twin share)
4 WD Vehicle in the countryside
Airport transfers for arrival / departure
Meals as listed (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Sightseeing and Entrance fees according to the itinerary
English speaking guide
Daily water supply
Camel and Horse riding fees
Visa support invitation letter where applicable
Accommodations in Ulaanbaatar
International airfare / train tickets+ tax
Travel insurance / Visa fees
Items for personal use
Alcoholic drinks
Tips for staffs
Single supplements
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