Central Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley was the cradle of nomadic civilization — the political heart of the ancient Turkic and Mongol empires, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This journey takes in Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khan, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery at Erdene Zuu, camel riding among the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, and the Orkhon Waterfall.
Highlights
- Visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
- Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Camel riding among the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes (the "Mini Gobi")
- Visit the Karakorum Museum’s archaeological exhibits
- See the monastery’s 108 white stupas
- Visit Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)
- Scenic drives through Mongolia’s open steppe
- Visit a nomadic herder family
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar to Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi)
Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai to Karakorum & Erdene Zuu
Day 3: Karakorum to Orkhon Valley — nomadic family stay
Day 4: Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)
Day 5: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Trip details
Activities
Camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai, visiting Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery, a nomadic family visit, and an easy walk to Orkhon Waterfall.
Accommodation
Ger camps and nomadic family gers.
Transportation
Private 4WD or comfortable van, with pick-up and drop-off from Ulaanbaatar.
Meals
All meals included as per the itinerary.
What’s included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from Ulaanbaatar
- Private transportation (4WD or comfortable van)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in ger camps / nomadic family gers
- All meals as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites and national parks
- Nomadic family visits
- Bottled drinking water
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (horse or camel riding, if extended)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
Frequently asked questions
What historical sites will I visit?
The tour visits Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khan, and Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do I need camel-riding experience?
No prior experience is needed — camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai is included, and this tour is rated Easy difficulty.
Where will I sleep during the tour?
Accommodation is in ger camps and nomadic family gers.
Is transportation private or shared?
Transportation is by private 4WD or comfortable van, with pick-up and drop-off from Ulaanbaatar.
Will I get to meet a nomadic family?
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to a nomadic herder family in the Orkhon Valley, where you’ll learn about traditional livestock herding and dairy products, with optional horse riding.
What’s the best time of year for this trip?
July through October.
Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are included as per the itinerary.
A UNESCO World Heritage landscape and the cradle of nomadic civilization, in the heart of Central Mongolia.
