Journey Among the World’s Last Nomads

Heart of Mongolia

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Suggested Reading List Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

Our journey across the boundless wilderness of central Mongolia brings us into a remarkable ancient culture—and one of the last pristine ecosystems in Asia. We meet nomadic people who still live by the seasons with their herds, take a horseback ride in the wildflower-carpeted Bulgan Mountains, soak in the soothing waters of a thermal spring, and hike in the Orkhon Valley, cradle of Mongolian civilization, with its ancient shamanistic shrines and thriving Erdenezuu Monastery. Taking in the full sweep of Mongolian landscapes, from mountains to deserts to rolling steppes, we discover a beautiful, welcoming land where the rest of the world seems a million miles away. Our accommodation in special nomad-style ger tents gives us a chance to sample life as a nomad under Mongolia’s wide blue skies.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Ulaanbaatar / Hogno Han Mountains

From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, we head into the foothills of the Hogno Han Mountains, a striking environment at the confluence of steppe, desert, and forests. Mongolia is one of the last horse-based cultures on earth, and we visit with a nomadic horse-breeding family and enjoy hikes in this mountain environment, with overnights in special gers, similar to the moveable, felt-covered yurts that have been used by Mongolian nomads for centuries.

Days 4-6
Tsenheriin Hot Spring / Tsetserleg

The terrain changes from rolling steppes to green forests and meadows brightened by carpets of wildflowers as we journey to Tsenheriin Hot Springs, hidden in the hills, with a chance to soak in a thermal spring. The next day, we ride horses in the Bulgan Mountains and camp in tents along the South Tamir River near the picturesque town of Tsetserleg (5,600'), with its ancient Buddhist monastery.

Days 7-9
Taikhar Rock / Kharakhorum

A day’s hike brings us to our ger camp at Taikhar Rock, a huge granite pinnacle rising from the Tamir River. Along the way, we pass ovoos (rock shrines) built to honor local shamanistic deities and dating to Mongolia’s pre-Buddhist times. Mongolians walk in a clockwise direction three times around these shrines and make an offering of three stones to bring good luck. The next day, we head to Kharakhorum, site of the 13th century capital of Genghis Khan. Destroyed a century later, its stones were used in 1586 to build Erdenezuu Monastery within the old city walls.

Days 10-13
Hustain Nuruu / Ulaanbaatar

En route back to Ulaanbaatar, we visit Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi, known as Przewalski’s horse. We head to Ulaanbaatar on Day 11 to visit its famous museums and enjoy a performance of traditional hoomi throat singing. Depart on Day 13.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $4295 (13-15 members) $4495 (10-12 members) $4695 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $495 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40