Central Mongolia
Highlights
Central Mongolia
A bit of everything
Central Mongolia has a bit of everything the country has to offer. The modern capital city as well as vast empty countryside. Mountains and hills as well as grassy steppe and rocky plains. Green meadows and forests as well as sandy dunes. Riders on modern motorbikes pass riders on horses. Modern buidlings sit next to Mongolian Gers.
Its proximity to Ulaanbaatar makes this area ideal as a starting point for month-long expeditions as well as for short excursions into the country.
Inhabited for thousands of years, this area has something to offer to both the nightlife enthusiast and the history buff.
Elsen Tasarkhai - Sand String
A few hours west of Ulaanbaatar, this sand string features much of the same ecosystem as the desert to the south. The dunes are not very high and invite for a hike as well as for a leasurely ride on camels. Also, the Khugnu mountain range is right next door to explore and overlook the area during sunset.
Kharkhorin - Ancient Karakorum
Once the proud capital city of the Mongol Empire, the use of the site has changed, but the location has not. Today, one of the earliest buddhist temples of Mongolia most likely sits atop the location of the palace of the Khan. After visiting the temple to Erdene-Zuu, there is time to visit the small but excellently equipped Karakorum museum, full of artefacts that bring the Mongol Empire back to life.
Orkhon Valley
The UNESCO world heritage area of Orkhon Valley is a wide flat valley flanked by rolling hills. The Orkhon river, one of the longest in Mongolia, flows gently through its middle, at points carving his flow several meters deep into the landscape. After hiking along the river for a while, you reach the base of Orkhon waterfall, which in winter sometimes freezes completely, sometimes just falls dry.
Tuvkhun Monastery
Hidden atop a rock that sits on top of a mountain, the Tuvkhun monastery is among the hidden gems in the area. Hard to reach after heavy rainfall, it takes about an hour of hiking to reach the monastery, unless of course you approach on a horse. Reaching the monastery itself requires a bit of climbing, which is rewarded by marvellous views over the Orkhon valley.
Ugii Lake
Known colloquially as a "big lake in the middle of nowhere", Ugii lake is a popular resting spot for migratory birds and weary travellers. Spend your time hiking around the lake, watching the birds, exploring the surrounding area and just enjoying the vastness of Mongolia.
Terelj National Park
Just about an hour or two outside of UB, Terelj national park is a popular weekend spot for foreigners and locals alike to ride horses, hike, or just to enjoy time off. There is a large buddhist temple area in Terelj, displaying all of the recommendations of for a good life in sometimes interestingly translated english.
Tsonjin Boldog
Tsonjin Boldog, just an hour or so from Terelj, is the site of the largest horseman statue in the world. Visible from afar, this silver statue of Chingis Khan is an impressive sight. It is possible to enter the statue and catch the view from his horses head. Furthermore, there are small museums inside the base of the statue, as well as the world's largest boot.
Ulaanbaatar
For many guests, "UB" is just an inconvenience in their quest to get closer to nature. However, there is much to discover, and modern Mongolia lives mostly in this one city. A number of museums, a mix of old buddhist, soviet and modern architecture and a very young population make this city something special. Walkable, with plenty of taxis and increasingly english-speaking staff at local restaurants and bars, UB is something you really shouldn't miss.
Activities
Camel Riding
Available in many places, but most fun on sand. If you have never been between the comfy, furry humps of a camel, it should be on your bucket list.
Horse Riding
Mongolian horses are smaller than their western relatives, but easier to ride, stronger and have more stamina. Ride for an hour along the tour or insert a multi-day horse ride in your itinerary.
Hiking
Therer's always a little hiking. Depending on your fitness, you can do more or less of it along the way. However, let us know if you want to spend a full day or two on foot.
Visiting Nomads
Nomads still move 4 times per year, a whole family in a single Ger. Modern technology helps, but it's basically stil lthe same lifestyle as over the past centuries.
