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Central Mongolia From 1 nights 2 days From $ 360.0

KARAKORUM

Destination

Central Mongolia

Group size

Min 2 - Max 6

Activity level
(i)
Activities

Overview

This compact 1 night 2 days tour is perfect for travelers intrigued by Mongolian history especially the legacy of Chinggis Khaan and his 13th-century empire, which named Karakorum its capital. Begin at the Karakorum Museum, then visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery built atop the ancient city’s ruins. Walk through the open-air remnants of Karakorum and ascend to the Empire Wall Monument for sweeping views of the Orkhon River and Valley. This fertile region, part of Orkhon National Park, Mongolia’s third-largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long served as a cradle of civilization. For nomadic Mongolians, open valleys with rich pasture and water sources were vital, which is why Chinggis Khaan chose the Orkhon Valley to centralize his imperial city. Once a key artery of the Silk Road, the valley still echoes with history. Continue to Elsen Tasarkhai, an 80-kilometer sand dune belt uniquely surrounded by grassland, and forested mountains, all converging at the junction of three provinces. Visit a camel-breeding nomadic family and enjoy a peaceful ride along the dunes. Nearby, Khugnu Khaan rises, a sacred mountain and nature reserve home to rare wildlife including lynx, deer, and wild boar, adding a touch of wilderness to this rich cultural journey.

Highlights

  • Karakorum Museum
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery
  • Karakorum Ruins Walk
  • Empire Wall Monument Viewpoint
  • Orkhon National Park
  • Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
  • Camel-Breeding Nomadic Family Visit
  • Two humped Bactrian camel Ride
  • Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve site

Itinerary

Duration

1 nights 2 days

Tour Price

USD 450 per person based on 2 pax

USD 400 per person based on 4 pax

USD 360 per person based on 6 pax

KARAKORUM
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07:00 AM pickup and begin the 350 km drive to Karakorum (approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival, check in at a Ger camp where you’ll be staying overnight, and enjoy lunch at the camp’s restaurant. Afternoon visit the Karakorum Museum, walk through ancient city ruins, and explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, built atop Karakorum’s foundations after the 25th generation of Chinggis Khaan embraced Tibetan Buddhism. Drive to the Empire Wall Monument for panoramic views of the Orkhon Valley and River, historic heartland of Mongolia’s imperial past.



Accommodation: Ger camp in the area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Drive to Khugnu Khan Mountain Range Nature Reserve, stopping en route at the scenic Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes often called the “Mini Gobi.” This striking 80 km stretch of golden sand is framed by forested hills, rivers, and rocky mountains, blending desert, steppe, and alpine landscapes in one dramatic setting. Visit a local camel herding nomadic family, hire their camel, and enjoy a guided ride along the dunes, reaching the lower hilltops for sweeping views. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar to conclude the tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Price and departures

Starting Ending Status Prices from
2025/11/01 2026/12/31 Everyday available $ 360.0
2 pax

$ 450.0

/per person

Travel van

JOIN TOUR
4 pax

$ 400.0

/per person

Travel van

JOIN TOUR
6 pax

$ 360.0

/per person

Travel van

JOIN TOUR

Service included

  • Ger camps in the countryside (2-3 occupancy )
  • Tour guide (May choose your preferred language: English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese.)All transportation
  • All meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transportation
  • Road taxes and fees, NP & NR tickets
  • Entry tickets to the local museums, temples and statue
  • Travel drinking 1-2 L bottled water per day
  • Animal riding

Service excluded

  • International transportation
  • International travel insurance
  • Single occupancy supplement
  • Taxes/Fees for photography and video recording in museums, sites, and entertainment venues
  • Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and professional-grade coffee
  • Extra activities are not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities :Tipping your guide and driver is optional but appreciated for excellent service. Recommended: $10 USD per person, per day.

Know Before You Go

<p>At Ger camps, you&rsquo;ll stay in traditional felt-covered dwellings called Ger&mdash;meaning &ldquo;home&rdquo; in Mongolian. Each Ger is typically furnished with 2&ndash;4 single beds or a double bed, plus basic furniture. Most camps offer hot showers and flush toilets in shared facilities located a short walk from your Ger. Meals are served in on-site restaurants, featuring both Mongolian and Western cuisine.</p> <p>Some camps offer Ensuite Gers with private bathrooms. Electricity is supplied either by the state grid, or by generators, solar panels, or wind turbines, depending on location. In camps relying on alternative power sources, device charging is limited to shared areas&mdash;usually in the restaurant or common spaces&mdash;and available only during designated hours. Camps connected to the grid allow unlimited charging directly in your Ger.</p> <p>Wi-Fi is typically available in common areas, often powered by Starlink for strong connectivity. However, in remote regions with no mobile reception, internet access may be unavailable.</p>

<p>In cities and towns, guests can enjoy a wide range of familiar foods and drinks. At Ger camps, meals are prepared based on your booking and location&mdash;meats may include sheep, goat, camel, yak, horse, or cow, depending on the region. Mongolian livestock graze freely, making the meat naturally healthy and flavorful. Dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose intolerance etc.) must be submitted in writing during booking, as they cannot be arranged on arrival. Tea, water, and morning coffee (instant or brewed) are served; espresso drinks may cost extra. Camp bars offer alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, and canned sodas for purchase.</p>

<p>During our tours, overland travel is arranged using vehicles suited to group size and terrain. We use Japanese 4x4 off-road jeeps for up to 4 people total (including driver), larger jeeps for up to 5, travel vans for 6&ndash;7, and buses for up to 16. All vehicles are equipped with left-hand steering, in line with Mongolia&rsquo;s right-side driving regulations.</p> <p>Our drivers are responsible for maintaining daily cleanliness and tidiness of the vehicles, managing luggage loading, and ensuring water supplies are stocked. Any forgotten belongings are carefully returned to their owners by our team.</p>

<p>We recommend carrying Mongolian Tugrug (MNT) during your tour, as it is widely accepted at markets, shops, ger camp bars, and souvenir stalls. Debit and credit cards are generally usable in cities and towns and Ger camps but POS machines may be unreliable in remote areas. For convenience, it&rsquo;s best to carry both cash and cards. While prices are shown in foreign currency for reference, payments should be made in Tugrug, as foreign currencies are not commonly accepted.</p> <p>As a guide for the&nbsp;2026 season:<br /> - A handmade souvenir may cost around USD 7<br /> - A loaf of bread USD 1,5&nbsp;<br /> - A cashmere scarf USD 35<br /> - A 500 ml beer at a ger camp bar around USD 4</p>

<p>Our tours include optional riding experiences on horses, camels, or yaks, depending on the region and itinerary. When mounting, guests should approach the animal from the left side, place one foot in the stirrup and hold the reins securely, and sit balanced on the saddle or carpet. The reins are used to guide the animal&mdash;pulling left turns the head left, pulling right turns the head right,&nbsp; releasing allows free movement, and gently pulling inward signals the animal to stop.</p> <p>For safety and comfort, we kindly ask guests to avoid loud noises, waving scarves, or loose hats. Flip-flops and shorts are not recommended; closed shoes and long trousers are preferred. Please apply insect repellent and handle cameras or phones carefully, as sudden drops may startle the animal.</p>

<p>You&rsquo;ll find a comprehensive packing guide in our Mongolia Travel Guide section. For this off-road motorcycle tour, we&rsquo;ve provided a tailored list to support your preparation. This list is advisory, not mandatory. Experienced riders with established packing routines and gear preferences are welcome to follow their own setup.</p> <p>- Helmet : DOT/ECE certified, ideally dual-sport with visor and good ventilation&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Goggles or visor :&nbsp; Anti-fog, dust-proof, UV protection&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Armored riding jacket : CE-rated protection, breathable with removable rain liner&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Armored riding pants : Reinforced knees/hips, abrasion-resistant&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Gloves : One waterproof pair, one lightweight pair for dry days&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Off-road boots : High ankle support, waterproof, reinforced toe/heel&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Base layers : Moisture-wicking thermal top and bottom&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Neck gaiter or scarf : For dust, wind, and sun protection&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Hydration pack or water bottle : Easy access while riding&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Action camera : GoPro, Insta360, or similar (helmet or chest mount recommended)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Mounting accessories : Helmet mount, chest harness, handlebar clamp&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Extra batteries : At least 2&ndash;3 fully charged spares&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Memory cards : High-capacity (64GB+), fast write speed&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Protective case :&nbsp; Waterproof and shockproof storage for camera gear&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Power bank :&nbsp; Rugged, high-capacity (10,000mAh+)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Charging cables : USB-C or Micro-USB depending on devices&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Lens cloth or wipes : For dust and smudges&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Optional: Compact digital camera :&nbsp; For higher-quality landscape shots&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Sunscreen &amp; lip balm : High SPF, wind-resistant&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Bug repellent : Especially in forested or river areas&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Wet wipes or small towel : For quick refreshes&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Earplugs :&nbsp; For wind noise or sleeping in shared accommodations&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Sunglasses : Polarized, wraparound style&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>- Lightweight backpack or tank bag : For personal items during the ride</p>