7 Days Central Mongolia: National Parks

We depart early from Ulaanbaatar and drive south to Hustai National Park. We spend the whole day in the over 50.000 ha large park. In addition to the Mongolian wild horse it is also possible to spot Altai wapiti, wild sheep, ibex, cosac fox, Mongolian marmot and many many more animals. 

For those interested, the vegetation in the park is also very rich and many unusual species can be seen. In the information center we get the chance to learn more about the park, with its flora and fauna, as well as the ongoing work with environmental protection. We stay overnight in a ger/yurt.

After breakfast we drive to Khogno Khan Natural Reserver. The reserve covers 46,990 hectares and here you´ll find taiga forrest, magnificent mountains, steppes, Gobi-type desert and rich mineral water sources. All in one location. 

The animal life is very rich. It is not uncommon to spot foxes, many different types of deer as well as wolves. The snow leopard is by nature very shy. But if you are very careful and lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them. 

We will also visit the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarhai. They are part of the great Mongolian sand dunes, and extends about 80 kilometer. The curious get the chance to try camel riding. We spend the night in a ger/yurt.

We continue the tour to the Orkhon waterfall on Orkhon river, is the longest river 1124 km in Mongolia. Also it is known as "Ulaan Tsutgalan". 

The waterfall was formed by a combination of volcanic eruption and earthquake 20.000 years ago.It is the most impressive after heavy rain and disappears in dry season. The night is spent in ger/yurt.

We visit one of Mongolian oldest buddhist monasteries. Located on the Shireet Ulaan Uul mountain 2600 meters above sea level. Trekking on the Khangai mountain range we will see two original temples and stupas from the 17th century still standing. 

Also there is a cave named "Mothers womb" where one has to slide in to get through. Once inside the cave, man must turn to right side and woman must turn to left side and then crawl back to the other end. 

By doing this, you are purified and cleansed of your sin. Besides this, the monastery is surrounded by other sightseeings such as a stone seat and eye spa. Stay overnight in a ger or tent.

A stop at the natural hot springs in Tsenher is a great way to relax.Here you can bathe in the alkaline rich water. Known by locals as a good treatment for problematic skin, nerves, joints and muscles. 

The hot water is pumped into pools at ger camps that is settled around the spring. Here you can unwind with a beautiful view for wild nature. Hot spring is geological spectacle emerges from the ground at 860C(185.90F). We will have a hot shower, sit in a spa pool and relax in a comfortable ger.

After breakfast we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. Karakorum was established in the Valley of Orkhon River in 1220. 

It was one of the stops along the legendary Silk Road for 140 years. In the Karakorum museum (built 2010) we get the chance to learn more about Genghis Khan and the history of Mongolia. 

We also visit the buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu. Founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, on the ruins of Karakorum in 1585. We stay overnight in a ger/yurt guesthouse.

We drive back to Ulaanbaatar. We drop you off at your guesthouse/hotell.