THE BEST OF WESTERN MONGOLIA 12 DAYS TOUR

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your Steppe Elite Travel guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to relax and recover from your journey. After lunch, we will take a leisurely walk to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of Ulaanbaatar, located in front of the Government Palace. The square features impressive statues of Chinggis Khaan, Ögedei Khaan, Kublai Khaan, and Chinggis Khaan’s two famous generals. We will then visit the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, where you can discover Mongolia’s fascinating history and learn about the life and legacy of Chinggis Khaan.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: L, D

We will depart Ulaanbaatar early in the morning and drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located approximately 70 km from the capital. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of forested mountains, granite cliffs, wildflowers, and grazing herds of yaks, horses, goats, and sheep.

Visit the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Continue to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Guests will have opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

In the morning, we will travel to Kharkhorin, the modern settlement located near the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. Founded by Chinggis Khaan in 1220, Karakorum once stood at the heart of the Mongol Empire and played an important role in Mongolian history. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Karakorum Museum, where you can learn about the ancient capital and the history of the Mongol Empire. We will then explore Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery, one of the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery complexes in Mongolia. Founded in the 16th century, the monastery is surrounded by 108 stupas and represents an important part of Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage. Guests may have the opportunity to hear monks chanting Buddhist sutras and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D

At 8:00 AM, we will drive to Tsenkher Hot Springs. Our journey continues westward into the magnificent Khangai Mountains, which rise to approximately 2,500–3,000 meters above sea level and stretches 800km across central Mongolia.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Tsenkher Hot Springs resort, which features a spacious open-air thermal pool. The natural spring water emerges from underground at temperatures exceeding 80°C, while the resort’s system maintains a comfortable temperature for hot spring pool. Guests can relax for several hours in the warm mineral-rich water, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and unwind beneath the evening sky.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

We will arrive in Tsetserleg in the morning and explore the town and Zayain Gegeen Museum, a former Buddhist temple dating back to the early 19th century. The museum provides an insight into Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and traditions. After lunch in Tsetserleg, we will enjoy a short coffee break before continuing our journey to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful volcanic lakes. Formed by ancient lava flows, the lake is surrounded by volcanic craters, black lava formations, rolling hills, and scenic steppe landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spectacular views of this unique natural environment.

Accommodation: Khorgo Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will continue our journey north toward Khuvsgul Province. Upon arrival in Shine-Ider, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a traditional Khalkha Mongolian nomadic family. Immerse yourself in authentic nomadic life by riding horses, helping with daily household activities, and learning how traditional Mongolian dairy products are made.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue and spend the night in a tent near the nomadic family. This unique experience offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and discover the simplicity, warmth, and peaceful rhythm of traditional Mongolian life.

Accommodation: Tent Meals: B, L, D

Khuvsgul Province is home to deeply rooted Mongolian shamanic traditions. We will arrive in Murun, the provincial capital, around lunchtime and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to the peaceful southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake. Away from the busier tourist areas, this beautiful part of the lake offers a tranquil setting to relax and reconnect with nature.

In the evening, we will have the opportunity to meet a Mongolian shaman and learn about traditional spiritual beliefs and the relationship between people and the natural world. Guests will have time to ask questions, exchange thoughts, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique cultural tradition.

Accommodation: Alag Tsar Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a relaxed morning after breakfast as we hike along the southern shore of Khuvsgul Lake to visit a Tsaatan family. Along the way, take in breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake, blue skies, pine forests, and surrounding wildlife and plants. Visit the family and learn about their traditional way of life and close relationship with reindeer.

Guests will have the opportunity to taste fresh reindeer milk, meet the reindeer up close, and take memorable photographs. After returning to the tourist camp for lunch, enjoy some free time to relax by the lake and appreciate the peaceful surroundings before preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Alag Tsar Tourist Camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Urantogoo-Tulga Uul Nature Reserve, home to the impressive Urantogoo extinct volcano. We will hike to the volcanic crater and explore the surrounding landscape, where ancient lava formations and rolling grasslands create a striking contrast. From the mountain, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Mongolian steppe and take time to appreciate the peaceful natural setting. This is also a wonderful opportunity for photography and experiencing the untouched beauty of northern Mongolia. We will have lunch in Ikh uul town.

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

we will continue our journey to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries. Located in a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills, the monastery was built in the 18th century in honor of Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first Bogd Gegeen. We will explore the monastery complex, admire its traditional architecture, and learn about Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and history. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surrounding landscapes before continuing our journey. / We will eat lunch in Erdenet city/

Accommodation: Tourist camp Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, we will stop at the scenic Small Gobi, located near Burd soum in Övörkhangai Province. Here, you can enjoy beautiful sand dunes and the surrounding steppe landscape. We will have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Ulaanbaatar. In the late afternoon, upon arrival in the capital, we will attend a traditional Mongolian folklore performance featuring talented singers, musicians, dancers, and contortionists. The performance offers a wonderful introduction to Mongolia’s traditional performing arts, including the unique sound of Mongolian throat singing (khoomei). After the show, we will transfer to the hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: B, L, D

You will be free at leisure in your hotel or wander around on your own until being transferred to the Chinggis Khaan international airport for your departure flight to home. End of service.

Meal: Breakfast.