11 Days in Mongolia: Heartlands and Khuvsgul Lake
Nature, culture, and spirituality converge on this 11-day trip through the heartlands of Mongolia, where you’ll ride camels through the Gobi Desert and find serenity at Buddhist monasteries.
Mongolia
11 days / 10 nights
$2,950 /person
$2,950 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Summiting two dormant volcanoes for rewarding views of crater lakes and surrounding mountainsides
Trotting atop Mongolian ponies as you soak in the lakefront views of Khuvsgul National Park
Meeting nomadic reindeer herders and their reindeer within the remote and rugged taiga landscapes
Riding Bactrian camels amid sand dunes in the dramatic desert lands of the Mini Gobi
Sleeping in traditional yurts across Mongolia in tourist ger camps
Welcome to Mongolia!
Riding Camels Through the Gobi Desert Sand Dunes
Kharkhorin and the Long-Ago Capital of the Mongol Empire
Hiking to the Crater of Khorgo Volcano and the Terrain of Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
A Hot Spot for Hot Springs in the Heartlands
Show All 11 days
Glimmering, Glorious Khuvsgul Lake and Spirituality With a Shaman
Lands and Lakes: Visiting a Reindeer Farm, Riding a Pony, and Riding a Boat Through Enchanting Scenery
Descent Toward Mongolia's South and the Summit of a Dormant Volcano
A Grassland Road Trip, Erdenet's Russian Mining History, and the Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Return to Ulaanbaatar for an Evening of Folk Dances, Fiddles, and Festivities
Until the Next Time!
Kharkhorin and the Long-Ago Capital of the Mongol Empire
Overview
Say your final farewells to your nomad guest ger, and embark on the next stretch of your Mongolian road trip. Today, you’ll make your way to Kharkhorin town, which holds a unique place in the culture and history of Mongolia. Here, you’ll visit the Erdenezuu monastery alongside your expert local guide, and learn all about Tibetan Buddhism: a vital aspect of Mongolian culture. The monastery’s unique architecture, colorful décor, antique Buddhist art, and active temple attract visitors far and wide, so you’ll have ample time to soak in the experience. From there, you’ll head to the Karakorum Museum, which provides valuable and visual insight into Mongolia’s ancient empires. The museum pays particular attention to the 13th century Mongolian Empire, offering useful context you’ll keep with you throughout your tour. After your busy day of monasteries and museums, you’ll check in to another ger camp and enjoy a hearty dinner, best accompanied by a good night’s rest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Highlights
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Established in 1586, it's survived centuries of invasions and religious purges. In 1965, under Stalin's rule, the monastery closed but continued to operate as a museum. It wasn't until 1990 and the collapse of communism that the monastery became active again. In its heyday, Erdene Zuu had over 100 temples and 300 gers inside its walls. One ger was said to have 35 sides. Today, just three of its temples remain, which you'll see today during your guided tour of this complex landmark.
Karakorum Museum
Kharkhorin's Karakorum Museum is small but mighty. The collection highlights artifacts found in the area that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, including coins, sculpture, and documents. There are also prehistoric stone tools. Don't miss the model of ancient Karakorum, which depicts what the city may have looked like in the 1250s, largely based on the writings of the Flemish Franciscan monk William of Rubruck.
Accommodations
Tourist Ger camp
Traditional yet well equipped yurts sprawl out across the desert and rare patches of exposed earth in the Gobi. Furnished and comfortable with a variety of amenities and upgrades available. A central fireplace heats your circular cabin during the cold nights. Breakfast included.
Location:
Uvurkhangai
Transportation
You’ll drive for approximately an hour on a paved road.
Mini Gobi
Kharkhorin, Munkhtenger Tourist Ger Camp (or similar)
How it works
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
Not included in the final price
- International flights tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities