Essence of Mongolia - 4 Days

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tourhub | Tour Mongolia | Essence of Mongolia - 4 Days | THTB/1902 | Map

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~~$960~~

$912

Essence of Mongolia - 4 Days

4 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag, Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Hustain Nuruu - Biosphere Reserve - Hustai National Park, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

Tour operator:

Tour Mongolia

Tour code:

THTB/1902

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 4

Physical rating:

Low, Relaxing

Age range:

5-85

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English , German

Private Available:

From:

$960

$912 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$48

Tour Overview

The Essence of Mongolia is an activity-packed tour into central Mongolia. Visit the Khogno Khan Reserve, and the dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai before venturing to the Hustai National Park to see the wild 'Takhi' horses and plenty of other wildlife. This condensed trip lets you experience as much of Mongolia as possible in four days. Overnight, stay at authentic guest gers next to local nomadic families and in a comfortable ger camp for one night. Learn about your hosts’ culture and traditions, socialize with them, ride horses and Bactrian camels, hike, and visit hilltop temples. This all-encompassing trip contains most of what Mongolia offers, including must-dos and must-sees, and is perfect for those with limited time in the country.

Highlights

Gandan Monastery - The Buddist center in Mongolia. Visit in a temple which contains huge standing Golden Buddha statue.
Stay overnight in guest ger of horse and goat sheep herding Nomadic family located in steppe.
Khogno Khan Mountain - Sand Dunes - Diverse of Landscapes - Bactrian camel ride
Wild life tracking - Wild 'Takhi' Horses in the Hustai National Park.
Visit in giant equestrian statue in the world.

Places You'll See

Gandan Monastery

Gurvanbulag - Diverse Of Landscapes

Takhi

Khogno Khaan Nature Reserve

Erdenekhamba Monastery

Nomad

Itinerary

tourhub | Tour Mongolia | Essence of Mongolia - 4 Days | THTB/1902 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Gandan Monastery - Gurvanbulag - Nomad Family

Location: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag, Gurvanbulag Community Travel

Accommodation: Homestay, - Guest ger alongside the nomad family

Accommodation Name: Ger (Yurt)

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After meeting your guide at 08:30 am in your hotel or another Ulaanbaatar location of your choice board the vehicle for a morning visit at the Gandan Monastery in the western part of the city. Take a guided tour of the temples and see the monks chanting. Then head west to the northern part of the Gobi onto Gurvanbulag, where you will be staying at a guest ger alongside a nomadic family. The drive is mostly on a paved road and should take 4 hours (280km). On arrival, enter the family ger and experience nomadic hospitality — sample milk tea, homemade yoghurts, and curds, learning about the nomadic way of life and your hosts’ traditions. In the afternoon, if you are up for it, ride a horse to the nearby sand dunes — or you can walk if you prefer. The distance is not long, just 3km each way. In the evening enjoy a traditional nomadic meal of Buuz (steamed dumplings) or khorkhog (mutton seared with hot stones) — you can also help with cooking if you want.

Day 2 : Khogno Khan — Uvgun Temple — Elsen Tasarkhai Dunes — Camel Riding

Location: Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi)

Accommodation: Homestay, - Guest ger alongside the nomad family

Accommodation Name: Ger (Yurt)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a home-cooked breakfast say goodbye to your hosts and drive for 1.5 hours (55km) to Khogno Khan nature reserve — the site of the Uvgun temple complex. Khogno Khan is an area where taiga meets rolling steppes and north Gobi’s sand dunes. Hike a short distance to the Uvgun temples which were built in the 17th century by Zanabazar but destroyed in the 1930s during communist purges. After coming down to the vehicle drive 25km to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, where you will stay next to a family of camel herders. Settle into your ger and once your camels are ready, mount up for a 1-hour Bactrian ride into the dunes, taking time for photographs from the camelback. In the evening return to your hosts and enjoy a home-cooked dinner, socializing in the evening over fermented mare’s milk with the family.

Day 3 : Hustai National Park — Wild Takhi Horses — Hiking

Location: Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi), Hustain Nuruu - Biosphere Reserve - Hustai National Park

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Ger camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, board the vehicle for the journey back east to Hustai. The drive will take 3 hours (240km) and on arrival visit first the park’s information centre where you will learn about the plethora of wildlife roaming the National Park. Have lunch in the ger camp where you will be staying tonight, located right at the park’s entrance, then venture into the park to see the wild Takhi horses. Your guide will be in contact with the park rangers who will relay the animals’ location, and you have a high chance of seeing them close. You can also venture deeper into the park on foot if you wish, perhaps to track wild deer or foxes — Hustai offers wonderful wilderness hiking opportunities. In the late afternoon return by vehicle to the camp, take a hot shower and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Day 4 : Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex — Ulaanbaatar

Location: Hustain Nuruu - Biosphere Reserve - Hustai National Park, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: NONE

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast set off for the remarkable Chinggis Khaan Statue complex. Once you arrive, climb up inside until you reach the exterior staircase which runs up the mane of the horse to a viewpoint overlooking the Tuul River, Terelj & the hills of the Khan Khentii. Then have lunch in the complex's restaurant. After lunch, come back down to the vehicle and return to Ulaanbaatar.

What's Included

1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

1.5L mineral water
Accommodation

During your journey, you will stay at authentic guest gers alongside nomadic families and in a ger camp in Hustai. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, stove, table and chairs and have electric lighting. Loos and showers are only available at the ger camp, with homestay facilities being more basic.
Entrance Fees

All protected areas and Museums
Fully Guided

At Tour Mongolia, we believe that a good guide is essential to the enjoyment of any trip. Knowledge, enthusiasm, good humour, proactivity, language and communication skills need to combine with responsibility and sensitivity to guests' needs. Your guide will be English-speaking by default, but we also can provide French, German, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Spanish-speaking guides - please let us know your preference. Your guide will be hand-picked by us to suit your itinerary and requirements. Each guide is personally briefed on all elements of the trip. You will be sent guide details in the confirmation document prior to your tour.
Mongolian Barbecue -Khorkhog

enjoy a traditional feast of khorkhog - mutton and vegetables seared and steamed with red hot stones from the fire - at the Nomad family.
Meals – Full Board

Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking. At ger homestays, meals will be traditional Mongolian home-cooking such as Mongolian rice porridge for breakfast and Tsuivan (stir-fry with homemade noodles), or Buuz (steamed dumplings) for lunch and dinner. During your time at the ger camp in Hustai meals will be a mix of western and Mongolian cuisine, and breakfast is a continental buffet style along with cooked options. Dinner is often a three-course set menu of traditional dishes with a western twist.
Local Taxes

All road taxes
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

On the dust of the desert and mud of the steppe, the Japanese off-road MPV such as Mitsubishi Delica provides comfort and safety for your trip. These 4x4 vehicles are specifically tuned for the rough off-roading that's inevitable when travelling in the wilds of Mongolia. They provide ample space, and air conditioning and are well maintained while offering good luggage space, seat belts and speed.

What's Not Included

Airport Transfers at Destination
Country Entry Visas
Tipping and Gratuities

Mode of Transport

On the dust of the desert and mud of the steppe, the Japanese off-road MPV such as Mitsubishi Delica provides comfort and safety for your trip. These 4x4 vehicles are specifically tuned for the rough off-roading that's inevitable when travelling in the wilds of Mongolia. They provide ample space, and air conditioning and are well maintained while offering good luggage space, seat belts and speed.

Accommodation

During your journey, you will be staying at authentic guest gers alongside nomadic families, and depending on the season in a guesthouse or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being naturally basic.

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Airport transfers aren't included in this tour. However, private arrival and departure are available on request.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Guests will homestay at ger alongside the Nomad family in the rural areas. There is no available Wi-fi in remote areas.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Each person can bring a back sack of 3-5kg and a suitcase of 20kg on that tour.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

Visa entries are not included in the price of the tour. Visa is required for all, except citizens of the following countries. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one-month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US.
What currencies are required for this tour?

You can keep Mongolian Tugrug(MNT) during that your tour. It is necessary to buy something from locals and for souvenirs.

Are vaccinations required for this tour?

A vaccination certificate is required if you are vaccinated with all types of vaccines.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Local tour guides speak English.
What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group with 6 people.
How to get relevant entry visas easily?

Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport or train station, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance. Please check the following website for your nationalities requirements. www.consul.mn
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price such as national park and museum.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Mainly, we provide 4WD Russian minivans (UAZ 452 type) and Japanese minivans (Mitsubishi Delica) in our tours travelling in the remote countryside. Only Japanese vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

We will arrange your pre-and post-tour accommodations upon on your request.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

– EASY: A basic level of fitness is required, the tour is generally easy-paced.
Do you require a visa for this tour?

All travellers must obtain a visa before travelling to Mongolia. Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

kids can be part of the family trip or attend other tour groups with their care-taker.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

If you are not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. During your trip you should follow all recommendations and requirements at your destinations including wearing well-fitted mask and staying 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will be sent tour
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Tour Mongolia has been trading their products such as cultural, active and adventure trip since they have established in 2001.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If you noticed to your companions in 2 months prior your departure it is available to postponed till your alternative dates or cancel it according to policy.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All accommodations such as hotel, lodge, Ger camp and Ger of local communities are meet with local health and safety regulations.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Tour Mongolia's handpicked and experienced team will be companied with you during on your trip.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

janetf980

Great Experience with the Essence of Mongolia Tour

15-Jul-2019

Our guide, Bogi, met our early train arrival at the station and then we set out on our Mongolian adventure after a quick breakfast. The restaurant wasn't open yet, but Bogi was able to talk the restaurant into making something for us. We stayed two nights with two different nomadic families and learned a lot about the local life. The families were really lovely and accommodating even thought we didn't speak the same language. Bogi was able to explain customs to us and translate conversations quickly. Our driver, Bold, was amazing at driving safely across the dirt roads to get to our destinations. Our guides took great care of us and provided things to help make our trip more comfortable. We had so much fun on this 3 day, 2 night trip. This tour was really well organized and a really unique experience. Bogi and Bold are amazing people and not only would I consider them friends now, but I am looking forward to going back to Mongolia to experience the country with them again!

gillesvandervorst

Amazing trip in Mongolia

05-Aug-2019

We spent more than 2 weeks in Mongolia. We visited the south (Gobi) and Central Mongolia. It was a wonderful experience. Many thanks to Tour Mongolia. We had a super guide and a very nice driver. Thanks to our guide this trip was not only a holiday. We had the occasion to learn a lot about Buddhism, shamanism and met a lot of local nomadic people. I was touched by the wisdom of the persons. We call Mongolia a country in development. By meeting local nomadic I was wondering who is in development? I learnt a lot from these wonderful people.

lanak495

Authentic and interesting!

10-Jul-2019

We spent two nights in the Mongolian steppe with two different local families. The families were so generous and kind. Our guide - Bogi - was amazing. Before we went out to the steppe, we spent some time in the capital, Ulaanbataar, where Bogi explained many different aspects of Mongolian culture. Our driver - Bold - was also incredible; he had to drive over all kinds of terrain and always took the safest routes. Both tried their best to make the trip comfortable and interesting; they knew what to bring along to keep the experience authentic, but also a little bit more comfortable for foreigners (e.g. bringing folding chairs for us to sit on outside the gers). Mongolia is a beautiful country - and we really got to see the best of it - amazing landscapes, many many animals (including the famous Takhi horses) - and birds - and we also experienced homemade food and very authentic nomadic living experiences in the gers (yurts), including an outhouse, no showers, and a stove heated by animal dung. I enjoyed playing ankle bone with the grandson of a highly decorated horse trainer; drinking homemade vodka; running on the steppe; riding both a horse AND a camel; drinking milk salt tea; and learning about Mongolia and the nomadic life. These experiences would not have been possible or at least not easy to plan without this tour!

50Stater

Outstanding itinerary with an excellent guide

08-Oct-2019

We spent 8 nights in Mongolia in Aug. 2019 as part of a 16 person tour group. Our guide was Tebo and he is one of the best that we have seen anywhere in the world. The itinerary let us experience the museums, shrines, entertainment, restaurants and more in Ulaan Bataar as well as many of the wonders in the Gobi Desert and Terelj National Park. Tebo was focused on his guest, their experiences and their safety. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and that showed in his enthusiasm. Highly recommended.

VeronaB

Great experience

18-May-2019

We did the Essence of Mongolia tour with a private guide and driver. All arrangements before hand were handled very professionally with quick responses to emails. On our arrival in Ulaanbatar our driver and guide met us at our train. Mongolia is a beautiful country but it requires travelling vast distances to really experience it. Our guide provided interesting commentary and although the driver spoke limited English he was always friendly, helpful and on time. The accommodation we stayed in included 2 nights with nomad families. Very interesting experience - although I felt the guide could have provided more information. There were for example no introductions to the family which I found odd. The one night we stayed in a hotel in Kharkorum was very disapointing. The hotel was in a dismal state with no blankets or heating provided despite the temperatures dropping to below zero at night. We were finally provided with a small heater after multiple complaints. The vehicle was well maintained and the driver was clearly very experienced managing the roads (or lack thereof) very well. On the final evening of the trip we were provided with evaluation forms which we were expected to complete with the guide sitting with us. I think this could very easily impair the feedback they are getting as people may feel obliged to assess them more positively. In general the trip was well planned and executed and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Mongolia.

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~~$960~~ $912 (USD)