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CENTRAL MONGOLIA

and ORIENTAL PEARL

Tour Highlights:

  • Experience epic landscapes, nomadic culture and diverse wildlife on this 12-day holiday showcasing the highlights of Mongolia.
  • Discover one of the world’s last truly nomadic cultures. For millennia, pastoral herders have lived on almost every corner of Mongolian, moving with their livestock according to the seasons.
  • From rolling steppes to forested mountain hills in the northern highlands, you will discover a great variety of landscape.
  • You will also have the opportunity to go horseback riding and to meet local inhabitants and nomads, including an reindeer herder people.

Tour Information

  • Tour Code: CM-OP 01
  • Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
  • Availability: 10 June – 15 Sep
  • Trip from: Ulaanbaatar
  • Price: US$ 2,185 p/p
  • Age Requirement 0-95 yrs
  • Max Group Size 12

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01:  Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Day 02:  Ulaanbaatar city tour
Day 03:  Khustai National Park
Day 04:  Explore the ancient capital city Kharkhorin
Day 05:  Exploring Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan lake National Park
Day 06:  Khorgo extinct volcano – Taikhar Chuluu                                              Day 07:  Jargalant village & Jargal Hot Springs
Day 08:  Full day at Khuvsgul Lake
Day 09: The Khuvsgul Lake National Park, Northern Mongolia
Day 10:  Erdenet town – The Uran Togoo Mt. Natural Reserve
Day 11:  Amarbaysgalant Buddhist Monastery
Day 12:  Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tsogoo Travel Mongolia’s driver in the arrivals hall at the international airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, be free at leisure and have a good rest to recover from the jet lag. If you feel like going for a walk and checking out places nearby, feel free to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: D

Day 02

Ulaanbaatar city tour

In the morning at 9 am, visit Gandan which is the largest functioning Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. The main highlight of this monastery is the 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig.
After lunch, Sukhbaatar square which lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as the government palace, banks and theaters, and post office. There is an equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar and a massive Bronze statue of Genghis Khan/Chinggis khaan/ with his four warriors in front of Parliament House.
Continue to visit the Museum of Mongolian National History – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day.
Next, visit Bogd Khan Palace Museum – the complex was a residence of 8th Bogd Javzandamba in the 19th century, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace.
Our next highlight in the city is a famous cultural show the city, which is featuring traditional performances by singers, dancers, and contortionists. It’s a great chance to hear Khöömii (throat singing) and see some fabulous costumes.
After dinner, transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 03

Khustai National Park

Visit Khustai NP where the re-introduction of the wild Przewalski horses has taken place since 1993. On arrival, you will have lunch at the camp. There is an interesting information center where you will be supplied with all the necessary facts and data. The afternoon will be spent at leisure hiking in the surrounding mountains with an evening visit to the wild horses while they come to drink in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 04

Explore ancient capital city Kharkhorin

Arrive in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital city founded in 1220 in the legendary Orkhon River Valley. It was from there that Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan, the grandson of Chinggis Khaan, moved the city to Beijing. On the ruins of Kharkhorin, in 1586, was built Erdene Zuu Monastery which is surrounded by monumental walls with 108 stupas. The monastery is kept till nowadays and it is considered one of the leading religious centers in Mongolia. Visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, and the local market of art crafts, and antique items.                                             

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 05

Exploring Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. It has fresh water and the volcanic area around it is certainly the natural highlight and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above sea level. Explore the lake and its vicinity areas. Hike Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. The lake, birdlife, and mountains are protected within the 73000-hectare Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and walking activities. Overnight in a tent.                                           

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 06

Khorgo extinct volcano – Taikhar Chuluu

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. It has fresh water and the volcanic area around it is certainly the natural highlight and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mongolia. Surrounded by extinct volcanoes at an altitude of 2.060 meters above sea level. Explore the lake and its vicinity areas. Hike Khorgo Uul volcano (2.965m) from the northeast shore of the lake. Visit caves on the way. The lake, birdlife, and mountains are protected within the 73000-hectare Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and walking activities. Overnight in a tent.                                           

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 07

Jargalant village & Jargal Hot Springs

 

Drive to Jargalant village and arrive at Jargalant natural hot spring.

 

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 08

Full day at Khovsgol Lake

 

Lake Khovsgol National Park preserves a place of outstanding and pristine beauty where the Central Asian Steppe meets the Siberian Taiga. It has long been regarded as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”. Lake Khovsgol is one of the 17 ancient lakes worldwide and is variously estimated at between 2 and 5 million years old. This exceptionally pristine lake is 136 km long, 20-40 km wide, and up to 260 m deep; it contains nearly 70% of all fresh water in Mongolia. The only outlet river Eg flows to the Selenge River, which connects Lake Baikal with Lake Khovsgol. They are sister lakes.

Accommodation: Ger camp.Meals: B, L, D

Day 09

Khovsgol Lake National Park, Northern Mongolia

Great adventure destination Northern Mongolia is so unique place to visit when you come to Mongolia for a lifetime memory, you will never forget.

Northern Mongolia is the taiga region that is the southern end of the Siberian Great Taiga Wilderness.
Home of snow-capped mountains, rich wildlife, many freshwater lakes, that includes beautiful Khuvsgul Lake National Park and many big rivers and lakes – a true heaven for fishing anglers, the Reindeer herder-Darkhad Ethnic Tribe, many historical sites and burial monuments, breathtaking scenery of wild nature, it’s too good reason to pack up and get on board.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 10

Erdenet town – The Uran Togoo Mt. Natural Reserve

Uran is an extinct volcano on the western side of Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Natural Monument in Bulgan province, 80 km west of Bulgan town. Uran means “Artistic”,  Mongols named it so because its ridge of the crater is one of many examples of circles that arise in nature resembling a nice creature of a craftsman.

The area is situated in the Khutag-Öndör district of Bulgan Province. A smaller area was initially protected in 1965 Again in 1995, it was designated as a Natural Monument with an area of 5,800 hectares. The peak over 1686 m forms a circle-shaped ridge about 500 m across that contains a crater lake about 20 m wide and 1.5 m deep. The Uran and surrounding others are considered to be the remnant of an extinct stratovolcano that formed between about 20-25 thousand years ago. 

Accommodation: Ger camp.Meals: B, L, D

Day 11

Amarbaysgalant Buddhist Monastery

This morning drive to the famous Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Excursion through the monastery, located at the foot of Burenkhaan mountain, Amarbayasgalant or “Monastery of Tranquil Felicity”, is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Mongolia. Built between 1727 and 1736 with more than 40 temples in honor of Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegeen (Spiritual leader of Mongolian Buddhism), it is one of the very few monasteries to have partly escaped the destruction of 1937, after which only the buildings of the central section remained. The entire contents: the Tankas, statues, and manuscripts were looted by the Communists or hidden until more fortunate times. Restoration work began in 1988 and now Amarbayasgalant monastery shows great stylistic unity.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 12

Departure

 

Transfer to international train or flight. 

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B

 

PRICES & INCLUSIONS 

1 – 2 pax – US$ 2.485 per  person

3 – 5 pax – US$ 2.385 per  person

6 – 12 pax – US$ 2.185 per  person

* A tour price is based on a group of 2 adults sharing one room.

* If there are more people in your group of family or friends there will be more discounts.

* This tour package can be fully customizable to fit your travel plan between 15 Jun to 15 Sep 2024/2025!

What’s included in the Price?

Accommodation: Hotel****, Ger camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals

Transport: 4×4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Festival taxes

What’s NOT included in the Price?

International airfare
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement
Alcoholic drinks
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

FAQ & HELP

Travel FAQ's MONGOLIA

Here are the most common questions asked by our travelers. Please follow the links to get the answers. If you cannot find your answers, please send us your questions via email or on our Tsogoo Travel Mongolia Facebook page. We will email you back with your answer, and update it on our website for other travelers.

Accommodation: Hotel

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?
According to the Mongolian rating system, 2-5-star hotels are approved to receive foreign guests.
Our accommodations are carefully chosen, based on our research, our experience, and feedback from clients, to provide the best combination of high-quality accommodations, affordability, and convenient location.
We give clients the opportunity to stay in a wide range of accommodations, depending on tour from 3* to 5* hotels in cities and the best tourist Ger camps in countryside trips.

Does the hotel staff speak English?
Most staff working face-to-face with customers in 5-star hotels can speak English well. As for those working in 4-star and 3-star ones that contracted with Tsogoo Travel Mongolia, English is not a barrier to simple conversation. It’s suggested to ask the clerk at the front desk for help if anything is needed. They will be happy to help you.

What time can I check in and check out of the hotel?
Generally, the earliest check-in time of the hotel is 14:00 p.m., and the latest check-out time is 12:00 a.m. at noon. When you need to check in early, please let us know in advance because the earliest check-in time is dependent on whether the room is vacant or not on the day when you arrive, and the late check-out time may cost extra money.

We are a family of 4 with two young kids. What type of room we will get for our Mongolia tour?
Hotels in Mongolia can accommodate a maximum of 3 in one room due to local fire codes. We will get two separate rooms for your family based on two double occupancy rooms. We will request adjoining rooms, which have limited availability in Mongolian hotels, or rooms next to each other.

What facilities and services do our hotels normally provide?
All hotels on your Mongolia trip have a Foreign Currency Exchange Service, a business center with access to the Internet and fax, a postal service, a gym, a sauna, and massage service, and an International Direct Dialing telephone in your room. You may also find a hair dryer, iron, converter, and adaptor (subject to limited supplies) with housekeeping. Some 4 and 5-star hotels have swimming pools.

Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel if we are returning there later?
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you free of charge.

Do I need to bring a power plug adapter when I come to Mongolia?
Keep in mind that Mongolia uses 220V of electricity, which is higher than that Western countries use. A power plug adapter will do you a great favor if you want your electronic products to run properly during your Mongolia stay. What to do if forgot to pack it in your bag? Don’t worry. An adapter or converter is easy to get everywhere in Mongolia just by turning to your tour guide or the hotel staff.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Mongolia?

What is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the Mongolian summer, from the mid of June till the last week of August.  This is the safest time of the year to travel to Mongolia in terms of weather, sunny days throughout Mongolia, and sufficient rainfall to make the steppes lush and green.
June and September are both very pleasant times to visit Mongolia. September, autumn is enjoyable, colorful, not hot, and not cold. Nomads have plenty of dairy products and are busy processing milk and preparing for winter. The beautiful countryside of Mongolia is even more beautiful and picturesque with the autumn colors.

Months to Best:

  • July is the best time to see the Mongolia Naadam Festival.
  • The best season for Gobi Desert tour: is from June to September and October is shoulder season.
  • July to August is the best season to travel to Northern Mongolia and Khuvsgul Lake tour and September is shoulder season.
  • The first of October is a chance to see Golden Eagle Festival in Altai, Western Mongolia.
  • February is the best time to experience Mongolia’s winter season.

What months in Mongolia are considered green Peak Season (High Season), Shoulder Season, and Low Season?
Generally and traditionally, the Peak Season refers to July and August; the Shoulder Season refers to May, June, September, and October; the Low Season refers to January, February, March, April, November, and December.

How to Pack for Mongolia trip

What gift would you recommend we bring to Mongolia?
Our tours are designed to enhance your learning, discovery, and people-to-people experience. For instance, all of our tours include a home visit to nomadic families and exploring their daily lifestyles. If you would like to bring some gifts to them, suggested items include Swiss pocket knives, a flashlight for men, some candies, small toys, crayons/colored pencils for housewives and kids are just as fine. Whatever gift you choose to present, the recipient will be most grateful.

Can I bring my laptop, iPad, or iPhone when traveling to Mongolia?
Internet access is available at almost all hotels on your Tsogoo Travel Mongolia itinerary. In most hotels, you can access free Wi-Fi internet. Outside of the city, some tourist Ger camps offer little charged or free internet access. So you may want to bring your own laptop.
We recommend you bring a converter to Mongolia. As throughout Mongolia, the AC power standard is 220V/50Hz. So you may use the converter for a 110-volt electrical appliance. Usually, the four and five-star hotels provide adapters, but we still suggest you bring a converter.

What are the appropriate clothes for travel in Mongolia?
Mongolia is a vast country with various climates and four distinct seasons. Thus travelers may need to pack different clothes at different seasons. But weather patterns at any time can change rapidly. One minute you’re walking around in a T-shirt and sandals, you need an overcoat and boots, then it’s back to T-shirts. This is especially the case during autumn and spring.
Suggest you check the climate of your travel season, and month and then choose the appropriate clothes. In most cases, you will not need to bring towels as you will be provided in the hotels and tourist Ger camps. In general, you should take easily dry clothes and prepare an umbrella for a rainy day. In addition, we suggest you also bring along a first aid kit with the commonly used medicines.

What is Mongolian Currency?

The official currency is the Tugrug (MNT=₮). Denominations come in 20.000₮, 10.000₮, 5.000₮, 1.000₮, 500₮, 100₮, 50₮, 20₮ and 10₮. The official exchange rate at this time (July 2022) is 3.150₮ to 1 U.S dollar. Visitors are advised to carry credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Union Pay– and traveler’s checks that can be accepted by most hotels and major stores and can be exchanged for cash of MNT.

Accommodation; What's Tourist Ger camp

Tourist Ger camp is a traditional style accommodation with full-service facilities, most commonly used outside of the city. The Ger is a round structure of walls, poles, and a peaked roof covered with canvas and felt, and tightened with ropes.
Tourist Ger camp – consists of 20-30 Gers (Mongolian traditional dwelling), a restaurant, some entertainment facilities, western style toilet, and hot water showers. Each Ger has 2 to 4 beds and is furnished with a table, chairs, and wood stove. Most visitors prefer to stay in Ger, which provides an authentic taste of Mongolian culture and adventure, their most enjoyable experience in Mongolia.

What meal is included? What is the restaurant like?

We select restaurants based on our experiences, client satisfaction, location, and cuisine. Normally we include three meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) each day during the whole trip.
In Ulaanbaatar, you can expect a good variety of quality restaurants with international foods. Breakfasts usually are served in western style at the hotel where you stay in Ulaanbaatar.
We mostly use the following restaurants for lunch & dinner on the city trip: “Modern Nomads”, “bd’s Mongolia Barbeque”, “City Nomads”,  “Khaan Ger” and hotel restaurants for dinner where you stay. Lunch & dinners are m& served in Western food, and sometimes Mongolian food, or a combination.
Outside of the we generally eat breakfast and dinner in tourist Ger camp and some days of longer trips take a packed lunch. Your packed lunch will be carried in appropriate containers to prevent spillage or spoiling. Ger camps serve both Mongolian and international foods, and there will usually be a choice of the main dish.

Any problem for a Western tourist in Mongolia?
About it. Mongolian and Western cuisines are both available throughout Mongolia. If you require special meals due to religious or medical limitations, please inform us so that arrangements can be made in advance.

Will you provide vegetarian (including no chicken/seafood) meals for me?
Make the arrangement according to your requirements. So if you have any special requirements for your food, please let us know so that we can inform the restaurants beforehand to meet your needs.

What's Camping Tent?

We use camping tent for some of our remotest trips, places with no tourist Ger camps or local hotels.
Mongolia offers fantastic camping possibilities in beautiful landscapes.
On all of our camping trips, we provide our guests with high-quality 2-3 people tents, mattresses, and other necessary camping equipment. No formal toilet or shower facilities will be available. You will use a sheltered hole for the toilet and a sheltered shower. Also, we will provide you with water for washing up.
camping days, we usually send vehicle support with an expedition cook for a group tour.
e group is less than 7 travelers may not be accompanied by a cook. In this case, the guides and drivers will be cooking for you. All our guides have had basic cooks training, but not all of them are great chefs, so if you feel like it, they will be happy to let you assist them. On expeditions where there is no vehicle support, there will be dried and canned foods available, but fresh fruits and vegetables often cannot be transported beyond the first couple of days. For groups of more than 6 travelers, we usually send a cook, which in this case you shouldn’t worry – the food will be just great! Please let us know if you have any food preferences or restrictions, or if you are following a special diet.

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