In the Land of Genghis Khan

On this fascinating journey deep into Mongolia’s cultural heartland, we visit nomad families in their traditional gers (yurts), explore remote, ancient capitals and restored monasteries, and link spectacular regions of a realm known for its wild landscapes and natural beauty. The haunting ruins of Kharakorum, the wild horses of Hustain Nuruu National Park, impossibly beautiful Lake Hovsgol—they’re all on this cultural adventure in a far away land where thousands of square miles remain unfenced and age-old traditions of nomadism are cherished. Our July departure witnesses the Naadam Festival, with its spirited archery, Mongolian-style wrestling, and thundering horse races.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Ulaanbaatar

In Ulaanbaatar, our explorations include the Natural History Museum, with its impressive dinosaur skeletons, and Gandan Monastery, the capital’s spiritual heart, where lamas in saffron and crimson robes chant in immense prayer halls.

Days 3-5
Hustain Nuruu / Erdene Zuu Monastery / Kharakhorum

Heading into the vast grasslands, we reach Hustain Nuruu National Park, home of the takhi, the world’s last genuine wild horse, where we search for them at sunset. We continue to the Orkhon Valley, the cradle of Mongolian civilization, to explore Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s largest monastery, built on the ruins of Kharakorum, Genghis Khan’s base and 13th century capital of one of the largest empires the world has known. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist worship for more than 500 years. From our comfortable ger camp nestled between a peaceful river and a birch forest, we hike above Erdene Zuu for a bird’s-eye view, perhaps conjuring a vision of the great warrior-horseman Genghis Khan galloping across the steppes.

Days 6-9
Tsetserleg / Great White Lake

Our journey brings us to Tsetserleg in the forested Khangay Mountains, where we stroll the market, stretch our legs on a hike, and visit Zayayn Gegeenii Sum monastery, built in 1586. We continue across the magnificent landscape of Arkhangai Aimag, where grazing yaks dot the grasslands. At crystal-clear Terkhiin Tsagaan (“Great White Lake”), a finger-shaped lake that fills a volcanic crater 10 miles long, we meet yak-raising families who share a pastoral way of life little changed in a thousand years. Heading further into the remote heartland, we cross several rolling passes, including Tariat Pass (8,500'), Mongolia’s highest, and pass the settlement of Jagarlant as we make our way to our ger camp on the edge of Zuun Nuur, a small mountain-ringed lake surrounded by pristine steppes. Here, by the lakeside, we meet families shepherding their flocks. Our ger camps give us wonderful access to Mongolia’s remotest reaches.

Days 10-16
Lake Hovsgol

For a grand finale, we hike, kayak, and meet nomads at our ger camp on the shores of stunning Lake Hovsgol (5,000'), a vast oasis of translucent waters. Our July departure has the added bonus of witnessing the Naadam Festival at the remote village of Hatgal, complete with archery, Mongolian wrestling, and wild horseback races. Naadam is a thrilling, utterly Mongolian event! Fly to the capital on Day 14 and depart on Day 16 or join our Gobi Desert Extension.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 3, Moderate. Although there is only minimal hiking, this trip involves rugged travel conditions in remote locations, simple accommodations in gers (yurts), and rough roads. Roads outside Ulaanbaatar are unpaved and often bumpy and dusty. In most cases, travel on these roads will be done in Russian four-wheel drive vans, which are not up to western SUV standards but are reasonably comfortable. In Ulaanbaatar, our overnights are in a well-located hotel with modern amenities. Our ger camps are simple two-person yurt-style tents with beds, sheets and blankets, and small stoves for heat. Toilet and shower facilities are separate from the gers and shared by all participants. The weather can be unpredictable. We’ll have many beautifully clear and sunny days with bright blue skies, but come prepared for at least some rain, wind, and some very cold nights and mornings. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 30F! A dusting of snow is not uncommon here at this northern latitude, even in the summer.

Explanation of Trip Levels