Steeped in the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is one of Asia’s most enigmatic and fascinating destinations.
From the vastness of its rich grasslands, to the parched deserts of the Gobi, it is a land of staggering contrasts. This stunning 13-day adventure takes you from its bustling capital and out into the heart of its vast wilderness.
Staying in a variety of traditional ger camps, over the course of your journey you’ll have opportunities to ride horses amongst the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, kayak through the stunning scenery of the Orkhon Valley and swim in the clear pools of the Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. In the Hustai National Park you’ll find rare wild horses, whilst the dunes of Khogno Khan National Park provide the perfect backdrop for a camel ride.
Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll travel deep into the heart of the vast steppes of central Mongolia, visiting an array of national parks, World Heritage landscapes and Buddhist temples, as you discover the rich variety of Mongolia’s natural and cultural wonders.
Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you’ll transfer to your hotel for a rest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. A visit to the Gandan Monastery affords you the opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening you’ll watch a traditional folk show, before dinner in a local restaurant. (L,D)
Overnight Bayangol Hotel or similar
Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you’ll head east to the steppe and spend the day at the 13th Century Camp, tour around the camp stopping at each area to experience life in 13th Century Mongolia, learn about the blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans and kings amongst others before driving to Terelj National Park and overnighting at a ger camp within the park. (B,L,D)
2 nights Ger Camp
Another full day in the park offers a chance for a horse ride through the beautiful forested mountains. The park’s location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular and you’ll find a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock. For those who would prefer not to ride, there are options for cycling and kayaking too. (B,L,D)
Leaving the park this morning, you’ll head first for the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River. Over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the countryside. Continue on towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native habitat. (B,L,D)
Overnight local hotel or ger camp
After an early morning horse ride, you’ll continue onto Kharkhorin today, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century the remains of Kharkhorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. A visit to the excellent museum will provide a valuable insight into the region’s fascinating history. (B,L,D)
Overnight local hotel or similar
A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting, before you continue into the valleys of central Mongolia. Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, once the seat of imperial power on the steppes. (B,L,D)
3 nights Ger Camp
Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country’s most important cultural landscapes. Armed with a picnic lunch today you will take to the waters of the river in kayaks, to paddle your way down a series of small canyons and through the tranquility of the serene countryside. (B,L,D)
A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22 metre deep gorge and the surrounding countryside is a perfect spot for horse riding. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you’ll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner. (B,L,D)
Heading to Tovkhon Khiid first thing this morning, you’ll enjoy an hour’s walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you’ll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppe. (B,L,D)
3 nights Ger Camp
Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna, with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight amongst the desert steppes. Over the next couple of two days you’ll have opportunities to enjoy a walk in the rocky hills, take in the vast stretches of sand dunes, visit local nomadic herders and even experience a camel ride through the dunes. (B,L,D)
Another day exploring the national park. (B,L,D)
The drive back to the capital will take most of the morning, but the afternoon is free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight Bayangol Hotel or similar
The morning is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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