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Orkhon Valley & Karakorum: Central Mongolia Heritage

5 days

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)

Morning departure from Ulaanbaatar, driving through open steppe and mountain landscapes. Arrival at the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes for a camel riding experience and a visit to a local nomadic camel-herding family.

Day 2: Elsen Tasarkhai to Karakorum & Erdene Zuu

Morning drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit the Karakorum Museum’s archaeological exhibits, then explore Erdene Zuu Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and walk around its 108 white stupas.

Day 3: Karakorum to Orkhon Valley — nomadic family stay

Drive into the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Visit ancient Turkic monuments (time permitting) and a nomadic herder family, learning about traditional livestock herding and dairy products, with optional horse riding.

Day 4: Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)

Visit Orkhon Waterfall with an easy walk to the viewpoint, a picnic lunch near the river, and time to explore the surrounding volcanic lava fields and canyon scenery.

Day 5: Return to Ulaanbaatar

Morning drive back to Ulaanbaatar, with scenic stops along the way. Arrival in the late afternoon or early evening.

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)
We don’t yet have genuine photography of Orkhon Valley and Karakorum in our library — a gallery for this tour will be added once we do.
Explore Orkhon Valley →

A UNESCO World Heritage landscape and the cradle of nomadic civilization, in the heart of Central Mongolia.

From

USD 1,200 per person

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