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5 Days Central Mongolia Tour: National Parks, Gobi Desert, History & Culture

Inner Mongolia · 5 days · from $3000 USD

Heritage · History · Culture · Nature

Enjoy Your Ulaanbaatar City Tour! Explore Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital, with visits to squares, historical landmarks, and museums, while experiencing the city’s history, art, and culture.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Ulaanbaatar - Terelj National Park — Giant Chinggis Statue (D) On this day, you will take your scheduled flight to Mongolia and land at the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (also known as Chinggis Khaan International Airport). After completing customs formalities, you will meet our guide and driver at the airport. From there, transfer to the Giant Chinggis Statue Complex in Tsonjin Boldog , home to the world’s tallest equestrian statue . Upon arrival, explore the statue complex, including its museum and viewing platform . Climb up to the platform in the horse’s head, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Next, travel to Terelj National Park , a stunning natural reserve known for its unique rock formations and serene beauty. Optional horse riding is available in the area. Visit the Aryabal Temple of Meditation , perched atop a hill, offering a peaceful setting and panoramic views of the park. End the day with delicious dinner at ger camp , and spend the night in cozy Mongolian yurt, fully embracing the tranquility of the countryside. Arrival Options for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: International flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from major cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, Singapore, Istanbul, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Useful Travel Tips: The best time to come to Mongolia is the summer season, during June-August. The temperature will be 20°C ~ 30°Cfor the period. You will have great fun for grassland tour, Naadam Festival. We strongly recommend booking your tickets 1-2 months in advance. The airport is located 18 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar city center, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by car. Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in may be available upon request for an additional fee.
  • Day 2: Terelj National Park - Hustai National Park — Takhi Wild Horses, Family Visit, Horse Riding, Archery (B+L+D) This morning, you will leave Terelj National Park for 4-hour drive to Hustai National Park , renowned for its successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse (Takhi) – the last remaining wild horse species in the world. Upon arrival, we will observe the magnificent Takhi wild horses and other wildlife (such as red deer , Mongolian gazelles , wild boars , grey wolves , lynx , and foxes ) in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a nomadic show and experience the daily life of a traditional Mongolian family. Learn how dairy products are made and taste some of their creations. Watch demonstrations of milking yaks and mares, as well as fastening and milking sheep and goats. You’ll also see the process of felt tanning firsthand. We will then try horseback riding (1 hour) and shoot Mongolian archery (equipment provided, but no instructor). In the evening, return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by nature.
  • Day 3: Hustai National Park - Karakorum — Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, Erdene Zuu Monastery (B, L, D) Today, we continue our journey westward into the Orkhon Valley , a region rich in history and natural beauty. The scenic drive will take 4-5 hours, leading us through the picturesque central Mongolian before arriving at this historical valley. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the dunes. After lunch, we will visit Khugnu Tarna Sands (part of the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes) and enjoy 1-hour camel ride, immersing ourselves in the serene desert landscape. Afterward, we’ll continue with short drive to Karakorum , the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the legendary Erdene Zuu Monastery , founded in 1586 as the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia. Nearby, you can explore fascinating landmarks such as Turtle Rock and the symbolic Phallic Stone, each with its own unique stories and cultural significance. The Erdene Zuu Monastery holds the title of the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and is a true treasure of Tibetan Buddhism’s Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. As part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO site, its history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Mongol Empire. Notably, much of the monastery’s construction material came from the ruins of ancient Karakorum, beautifully blending Mongolia’s imperial past with its profound religious heritage. Its architecture reflects a unique fusion of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese styles. As you approach, the 108 white stupas , forming a rectangular wall, will immediately catch your eye. These stupas, symbolic of enlightenment and protection, create a stunning visual experience. Step inside the monastery to discover surviving temples adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant thangka paintings, and ornate roofs. Take a moment to observe monks chanting and performing Buddhist rituals, and feel free to spin the prayer wheels, making your own wishes. Upon arrival at our ger camp, we’ll check in and settle down for dinner. The evening will conclude with comfortable overnight stay.
  • Day 4: Karakorum - Ulaanbaatar — Sukhbaatar Square, Morin Khuur Museum, Throat Singing Lesson (B, L, D) After breakfast, we will travel back to Ulaanbaatar (5-6-hour drive), including a lunch break along the way. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in and refreshment. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short city tour , beginning with Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chinggis Khaan Square ). This iconic square is surrounded by Soviet-era historical buildings alongside modern skyscrapers. Originally named after D. Sükhbaatar, the hero of Mongolia’s 1921 revolution, the square is steeped in history. Take a leisurely stroll here and admire the impressive Damdin Sükhbaatar Statue, the State Palace, the Chinggis Khaan Monument, and the vibrant surroundings that make this square the city’s activity hub. Later in the afternoon, we will visit Morin Khuur Museum , where you can learn about the origin and legends of the Morin Khuur (the horsehead fiddle) and its significance in the life of Mongolia’s nomadic people. Explore the materials (such as wood and horsehair) and tools used to craft this traditional instrument. Additionally, we’ll have 1-hour introductory lesson on Throat Singing , a fascinating traditional Mongolian vocal art form. Optional shopping for souvenirs will be available if time permits. End the day with dinner at a local restaurant .
  • Day 5: Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (B) After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, or to the train station for your onward journey to explore other parts of Mongolia. If your flight is in the afternoon today, you will have some free time to explore Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. It is time to end your 5 Days Mongolia essential tour. Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your China Tour , and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia . Safe journey! Extension Ideas: 1.You can extend your Hohhot Tour to other cities in Inner Mongolia, such as Baotou, Ordos, Ejin Banner, Badain Jaran Desert, and Hulunbuir. Please feel free to let us know, we can help you with the arrangements. 2.You can extend your Inner Mongolia Tour to other cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanxi (Datong/Pingyao/Wutaishan/Taiyuan), Gansu (Zhangye/Lanzhou/Dunhuang/Jiayuguan), Ningxia, Xian, Luoyang, Chengdu (Sichuan), and Shanghai, etc. We can customize your itinerary.

What's included

  • Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
  • Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
  • Accident insurance
  • Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
  • Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
  • Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip