karakorum

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Overview

  • Duration:3 days 2 nights
  • Travelers:20 guests
  • Tour Type:Package tour
  • Language:English
The Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery Tour takes you to the heart of Mongolia’s ancient history. Karakorum was the capital of the Great Mongol Empire in the 13th century under Chinggis Khan, while Erdene Zuu Monastery is Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in the Orkhon Valley, this tour combines history, culture, architecture, and vast steppe landscapes, making it one of the most meaningful day trips or overnight tours from Ulaanbaatar.
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Highlights

  • Visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
  • Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Learn about Chinggis Khan and Mongol Empire history
  • Visit the Karakorum Museum with archaeological exhibits
  • See traditional Buddhist temples, stupas, and monastery walls
  • Scenic drive through Mongolia’s open steppe
  • Optional visit to a nomadic family

Includes/Excludes

  • Transport in air-conditioned, 16–seat mini coach
  • Driver/guide
  • Included
  • Pick-up and drop-off from Ulaanbaatar
  • Private or small-group transportation (4WD or van)
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Karakorum Museum entrance fee
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery entrance fee
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch (traditional Mongolian meal)
  • ❌ Excluded
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities (horse riding, nomadic family stay)
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

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Ulaanbaatar

Karakorum, Erdene Zuu, Orkhon Valley & Elsen Tasarkhai (3–5 Days)

DAY 1: Ulaanbaatar → Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi)

  • Driving: ~280 km | 5–6 hours
  • Morning departure from Ulaanbaatar
  • Scenic drive through open steppe and mountain landscapes
  • Arrival at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes (Mini Gobi)
  • Camel riding experience along the dunes
  • Visit a local nomadic family raising camels
  • Short walk among sand dunes and rocky hills
  • Overnight: Ger camp near Elsen Tasarkhai
    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Elsen Tasarkhai → Karakorum → Erdene Zuu

Driving: ~120 km | 2–3 hours

  • Morning drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
  • Visit Karakorum Museum (archaeological artifacts & history)
  • Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Walk around the monastery’s 108 white stupas
  • Free time for photography and exploration
  • Overnight: Ger camp near Karakorum
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Karakorum → Orkhon Valley → Nomadic Family Stay

Driving: ~120 km | 3–4 hours

  • Drive into the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape
  • Visit ancient Turkic monuments (time permitting)
  • Scenic stops along the Orkhon River
  • Visit a nomadic herder family
  • Learn about traditional livestock herding and dairy products
  • Optional horse riding near the valley
  • Overnight: Nomadic family ger or eco ger camp
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)

Driving: ~80 km | 2–3 hours

  • Visit Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)
  • Easy walk to the waterfall viewpoint
  • Picnic lunch near the river
  • Explore volcanic lava fields and canyon scenery
  • Relax in nature, photography time
  • Overnight: Ger camp near Orkhon Waterfall
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Orkhon Valley → Ulaanbaatar

Driving: ~360 km | 6–7 hours

  • Morning drive back to Ulaanbaatar
  • Scenic stops and lunch en route
  • Arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon or early evening
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Extra Services

Airport transfers

Airport transfers

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available

$30.00/person
Photography

Photography

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available

$22.00/package

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