Homestay with a Nomad Family
13-Days Tour

 

We will pick you up at the airport or train station and private transfer to a hotel in the city center. After checking-in a hotel, you will have some rest /it depends on your flight and it can be changed a little bit/ . For lunch, we will have a Mongolian traditional meal in a local restaurant. City exploring begins with The National Museum of Mongolia- presents the Neolithic era right to the present day. Then, we will head to the Gandan monastery- Buddhist center in Mongolia. One of the last stops is folk art concert- traditional throat singing, folk song, contortion etc.  This is the end of the day after dinner. Dinner will be served at your hotel.

Overnight in the hotel

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Today you will head to the true cradle of Mongolian nomad people by domestic transportation /bus/ with your tour guide. Once you guys arrive at Bat-Ulzii town, the host family will pick you guys up. Orkhon Valley, often called the cradle of Mongolian civilization, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site featuring fertile grasslands, rolling hills, and the winding Orkhon River. This historic region showcases ancient nomadic culture with archaeological sites like the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient Mongol capital, and numerous monuments reflecting Mongolia’s rich history. We will stay here for five nights. These days allow you to ride horses and herd yaks or sheep and goats and participate in the daily activities of nomads, to escape from crowded cities. This beautiful place is perfect for hiking around mountains and forests. Also, we will visit Orkhon Waterfall made by volcanic eruptions in the 4th era(20,000 years ago).  Imagine, we will sing a song, dance and taste Mongolian traditional barbeque just near the river with a bonfire in the evening. 

Overnight in the yurt/Ger of nomad family- dinner with the nomad family (470km/ 5h by domestic bus) B,L and D with hosting family

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Continue to Kharkhorin along the coast of Orkhon river. Kharkhorin was the first capital city of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. In the 13th century, Kharkhorin was a major international cultural bridge; trading, hand-making and international economic center. Current Kharkhorin is just a simple small soum(town) not that big and elegant like ancient Kharkhorin. First of all, we will visit the Kharkhorin museum- presents sites of ancient capital, detailed history and sites of ancient tombs. Then, we will discover Erdene Zuu monastery- Mongolian first buddhist center built by stones came from the ruins of ancient Kharkhorin city in 1580. 108 stupas surrounded the monastery and there were 1000 monks, 62 temples inside the fence. Lunch will be in Kharkhorin. 

Overnight in the guest house- dinner and breakfast at the restaurant (110km/ 3-4h) 

 

​It is time to head to Elsen Tasarkhai/Semi Gobi Desert where your next host family is waiting for you- has typical landscapes such as sand dune, Gobi’s trees, granite Khogno Khan mountain, which is one of four Khan titled mountains in Mongolia, hidden mountain temples etc. We will stay here for four nights. These days allow you to explore the ruins of the monastery, hiking near Khogno Khan mountain and  you can take a walk on the sand, discover Mongolian’s vast steppe, culture, tradition and nomadic lifestyle. Also, you can herd stock animals and participate in the daily activities of the nomad family. “Hunt two rabbits by one bullet” is Mongolian proverb. Elsen Tasarkhai/Semi Gobi Desert is the best destination to visit if you are not going to the Great Gobi desert.

Overnight in the yurt/Ger of nomad family- dinner with the nomad family (80km/ 1h)

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Enjoy some last minutes walking and breathtaking in Mongolian vast Gobi Desert. It is time to say goodbye to the nomad family. Head back to Ulaanbaatar after breakfast. You can pause and take a photo or just feel the moment when you see picturesque places. Lunch on the way in a local restaurant. We will arrive at Ulaanbaatar after lunch and if time allows us and if you want, we will visit the cashmere factory store for shopping. It will be the last dinner we have together. A warm hug and beer to celebrate the awesome experience you had! Private transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening at leisure - walk along the streets and explore the city night, with many shops, bars and cafes.

Overnight in the hotel (285km/ 3-4h)

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Meet your tour guide and driver in the hotel lobby and private transfer to the airport for your return flight. See you again soon in Mongolia! Bayrlalaa… Bayartai (you will learn these words during your adventure)