• Perfect for History & Nature Buffs
  • Efficient Two-Day Loop
  • Authentic Ger Camp Stay

Tour Description

Journey back in time to the heart of the Mongol Empire on this immersive two-day tour. Explore the historic ruins and spiritual center of ancient Karakorum, including the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery. Then, contrast history with nature at the stunning Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, where you'll enjoy a camel ride through this unique "mini Gobi" landscape. With comfortable overnight accommodation in a traditional ger camp and all meals included, this tour perfectly blends Mongolian history, culture, and natural wonder.

  • Transportation
    Transportation

    Sedan / Minivan

  • Age range
    Age range

    All ages

  • Group size
    Group size

    1-60

  • Language
    Language

    English-speaking

  • Meals
    Meals

    All meals as per itinerary

  • Season
    Season

    MAY-OCT / NOV-APR*

Highlights

  • Ancient Karakorum Capital - Museum
    Walk through the historic site of the 13th-century Mongol Empire capital and feel its enduring legacy.

  • Erdene Zuu Monastery
    Visit Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, surrounded by its iconic 108 stupas and rich religious history.

  • Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
    Experience a unique semi-desert landscape where lush greenery meets towering golden sand dunes.

  • Camel Riding Adventure
    Enjoy a one-hour camel trek across the picturesque sand dunes of the "Mini Gobi" landscape.

  • Mongolian Ger Camp Stay
    Spend a night under a billion stars in a traditional tourist ger camp on the Mongolian steppe.

Itenerary

Expand All +
  • Karakorum

    07:00 – Hotel Pick-up & Departure

    • Activity: Meet your guide and begin the scenic drive west to Karakorum.
    • Transportation: Private 4x4 vehicle or minivan.

    13:00 – Lunch at Tourist Camp

    • Activity: Arrive in Karakorum and enjoy your first traditional Mongolian lunch.
    • Meals: Lunch (L)

    14:00 – Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery

    • Activity: Explore the temple grounds, museums, and the legendary wall of 108 stupas at Mongolia's oldest monastery.

    16:00 – Karakorum Museum

    • Activity: Discover artifacts and exhibits detailing the rise and legacy of the Great Mongol Empire.

    18:30 – Dinner at Camp

    • Activity: Enjoy a hearty dinner at your ger camp.
    • Meals: Dinner (D)

    20:00 – Overnight & Stargazing

    • Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp.
    • Activity: Experience the profound silence and incredible night sky of the Mongolian countryside.
    • Transport:

      Private vehicle

    • Activities:

      Explore the museums, visit Mongolia's oldest monastery

    • Meals:

      Dinner (D)

    • Accomodation:

      Tourist Ger Camp

  • Elsen tasarkhai - Hugnu Tarna

    08:30 – Breakfast at Camp

    • Activity: Morning meal at the camp.
    • Meals: Breakfast (B)

    09:30 – Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai

    • Transportation: Private vehicle.
    • Activity: Travel to the stunning hybrid landscape of sand dunes and pasture.

    11:30 – Camel Riding

    • Activity: A one-hour camel ride through the beautiful dunes of the Elsen Tasarkhai area.

    13:00 – Lunch at Tourist Station "Mars"

    • Activity: Final lunch before the return journey.
    • Meals: Lunch (L)

    14:30 – Return Drive to Ulaanbaatar

    • Transportation: Private vehicle.

    19:00 (approx.) – Hotel Drop-off

    • Activity: End of your two-day historical and desert adventure.
    • Transport:

      Private vehicle

    • Activities:

      Camel riding, Visiting nomadic family

    • Meals:

      Lunch

    • Accomodation:

      N/A

Route

Included and Excluded

Include Features
  • 1-night accommodation in a tourist ger camp (shared facilities)

  • All meals as per itinerary (2x Lunch, 1x Dinner, 1x Breakfast)

  • Professional English-speaking guide

  • All transportation (hotel pick-up/drop-off)

  • 1-hour camel riding activity

  • All entrance fees (monastery, museum)

  • 1L bottled water per person

Exclude Features
  • Personal travel equipment

  • Costs for extra activities (e.g., horseback riding)

  • Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee

  • International travel insurance

  • Photography/video fees at sites

  • Tips for guide & driver (optional)

Additional Info

  • This tour involves several hours of driving through the beautiful Mongolian countryside; the journey is part of the adventure.

    Seasonal Note: This tour operates best from May to October when roads are clear and ger camps are fully operational. Outside these months, the tour is subject to service availability and seasonal conditions such as road closures and camp closures. Please inquire for winter arrangements.

Off season
Starting From
$ 349.0 $ 294.0 /per person
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  • Karakorum & Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes Tour
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