7 Days Best Mongolia Tour: Popular Route in One Week

On this day, you will take your scheduled flight to Mongolia, landing at the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (also known as Chinggis Khaan International Airport). After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, our local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Ulaanbaatar city at your own pace.

Later in the evening, at 7 pm, we’ll gather in the downtown area for a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. During this gathering, your guide will provide a comprehensive tour briefing, ensuring you are fully prepared and informed for the exciting adventures ahead.

Arrival Options for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: International flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from major cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, Singapore, Istanbul, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

Useful Travel Tips:

1. The best time to come to Mongolia is the summer season, during June-August. The temperature will be 20°C ~ 30°Cfor the period. You will have great fun for grassland tour, Naadam Festival. We strongly recommend booking your tickets 1-2 months in advance.
2. The airport is located 18 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar city center, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by car.
3. Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in may be available upon request for an additional fee.

After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar. You will head west toward Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan's empire. The 380 km (6-hour) drive west reveals Mongolia's stunning landscapes, blending rolling steppe with rugged mountains.

En route, your highlight is Elsen Tasarkhai, the "Mini Gobi," where 80 km of golden sand dunes collide with grasslands and peaks. Walk on the warm sands, photograph the surreal contrast, and feel the desert's vastness.

After lunch, explore two hidden gems:

• Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve: Hike the dunes for panoramic views of rocky outcrops.
• Erdene Khamba Ruins: Touch the 17th-century monastery walls and stupas, and hear tales of Mongolia's Buddhist heritage.

Then, ride a camel for about 1 hour! Experience the wild fun of the desert, swaying across dunes like Silk Road traders centuries ago and view local nomadic life.

As sunset nears, arrive in Karakorum (Kharkhorin), located in central Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley. Established in 1220 by Genghis Khan, the city served as the capital of the Mongol Empire and reached its peak during the reign of his successor, Ögedei Khan. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the chance to retrace the legacy of the Mongol Empire.

Check into your hotel in Karakorum and spend the night there (Urgoo Ger Camp or a similar standard ger), dreaming of conquests under starry skies.

On this day, you will spend a full day exploring the highlights of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

Begin your morning with a visit to the legendary Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia, founded in 1586. Nearby, you can also explore fascinating landmarks such as Turtle Rock and the symbolic Phallic Stone, each with its own unique stories.

Erdene Zuu Monastery is the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and treasure of Tibetan Buddhism’s Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. As part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Mongol Empire. Much of the monastery’s construction material came from the ruins of ancient Karakorum, blending Mongolia’s imperial history with its religious heritage. The architecture reflects a unique fusion of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese styles.

As you approach, the 108 white stupas, forming a rectangular wall, will immediately catch your eye. These stupas, symbolizing enlightenment and protection, create a stunning visual experience. Step inside the monastery to see surviving temples adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant thangka paintings, and ornate roofs. Observe monks chanting and performing Buddhist rituals, and take a moment to spin the prayer wheels, making your own wishes.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Karakorum Museum, an essential stop for understanding Central Mongolia’s history and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon Valley. It brings the ancient capital, Karakorum, to life. One of the highlights is the reconstructed model of Karakorum, which offers a vivid depiction of the city’s layout during its peak in the 13th century. You’ll gain insights into the royal palace, religious buildings, workshops, and residential areas, experiencing how the city thrived as the political and trade center of the Mongol Empire. As you explore the relics and daily artifacts, you’ll uncover how people lived, worked, and traded in that era. The display of military artifacts, including weapons, armor, and horse equipment, reveals the sheer strength and power of Genghis Khan’s army, helping you imagine the dominance of the Mongolian cavalry.

Later, visit the Statue of the Tortoise on the hill, as well as the Kings’ Monument Hill, with some short hiking to enjoy the scenic views of the Orkhon Valley. We will also stop by a local bazaar before returning to the ger camp.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the ger camp.

After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Ulaanbaatar, driving through Mongolia’s raw and untouched landscapes. The drive takes about 4 hours, during which you can enjoy the serene beauty of the steppe. Upon arrival at your camp, settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to visit one of Mongolia’s most renowned destinations, Hustai National Park. Once there, have a trek through the park's stunning landscapes as you search for the endangered Przewalski’s wild horses, known locally as takhi. These are the last remaining species of wild horse in the world and were successfully reintroduced into the wild here after becoming extinct in their natural habitat during the 1960s. Today, Hustai is home to over 400 takhi, which roam freely across the steppe. As you explore, you may also encounter other wildlife, such as red deer, Mongolian gazelles, wild boars, grey wolves, lynx, and foxes.

Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking scenery - vast open steppe, rolling green hills, and forested mountains with the Tuul River winding peacefully through the landscape. For a truly immersive experience, enjoy horseback riding (about 1 hour) through the hills of the Mongolian steppe, connecting with the land in the most authentic way.

In the evening, return to your camp and embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Interact with local herder families to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and daily lives. This night will be a chance to fully experience the warmth and simplicity of Mongolia’s timeless culture.

After breakfast, drive from Hustai National Park to Terelj National Park (2.5-3 hours).

Along the way, stop at the Giant Chinggis Statue Complex in Tsonjin Boldog, home to the world’s tallest equestrian statue. Upon arrival, explore the statue complex, including its museum and viewing platform. Climb up to the platform in the horse’s head, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Continue your journey to Terelj National Park, a stunning natural reserve known for its unique rock formations and serene beauty. Visit the Meditation Temple (1-2 hours of hiking) and the iconic Turtle Rock. The Aryabal Temple of Meditation, perched atop a hill, offers a peaceful setting and panoramic views of the park.

End the day with a delicious dinner at the ger camp, and spend the night in a cozy Mongolian yurt, fully embracing the tranquility of the countryside.

After breakfast, check out from the camp and embark on 2-3-hour drive back to Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival, begin your city tour with a visit to the Zaisan Memorial, located on a scenic hill south of the city, offering a panoramic view of the nomadic capital.

Enjoy lunch at a Mongolian restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, which features fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing, weaponry, and exhibits charting the rise of Chinggis Khan's empire.

Next, visit Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chinggis Khaan Square). This iconic square is surrounded by Soviet-era historical buildings alongside modern skyscrapers. Originally named after D. Sükhbaatar, the hero of Mongolia's 1921 revolution, the square is steeped in history. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the impressive Damdin Sükhbaatar Statue, the State Palace, the Chinggis Khaan Monument, and the vibrant surroundings that make this square the city’s activity hub.

If time allows, enjoy optional shopping for souvenirs. End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, or to the train station for your onward journey to explore other parts of Mongolia. If your flight is in the afternoon today, you will have some free time to explore Ulaanbaatar at your own pace.

It is time to end your 7 Days Best Central Mongolia Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Mongolia Tour. We hope to see you again on your next journey!