Central Mongolia 3-day tour: Kharkhorin, Elsen Tasarkhai, nomads

Three days crossing steppes, sand dunes and centuries of Mongol history

A 3-day guided tour of central Mongolia departing from Ulaanbaatar, visiting the ancient capital Kharkhorin, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and the semi-desert landscape of Elsen Tasarkhai. You'll ride camels and horses, hike among sand dunes, meet a nomadic family, and sleep in traditional gers. Hotel pickup is included. Guides speak English or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore ancient capital Kharkhorin

• Pickup from Ulaanbaatar hotel
• Drive 350 km to Karakorum
• Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
• See kings’ statues
• Dinner at ger guesthouse
• Stargazing under clear sky

Day 2: Semi Gobi camel and horse riding

• Breakfast at ger guesthouse
• Visit Karakorum Museum
• Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai dunes
• Hike and spot wildlife
• Camel or horse ride
• Traditional lunch outdoors
• Visit local nomadic family

Day 3: Return to Ulaanbaatar

• Breakfast at ger guesthouse
• Drive 240 km to Ulaanbaatar
• Transfer to city accommodation

The experience

The tour starts with a 350 km drive west from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin, the legendary ancient capital founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. You'll walk the grounds of Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, and see the monumental kings' statues honoring the great Mongol leaders. That first night you sleep in a traditional ger guesthouse, where the clear night sky is sharp enough for stargazing.

Day two takes you to Elsen Tasarkhai, also called the Semi-Gobi: an 80 km stretch of sand dunes that meets steppe and mountains across three provinces. After visiting the Karakorum Museum to see artifacts from the Silk Road era, you'll hike the dunes, spot local wildlife like deer and gazelles, then ride a camel or horse across the landscape. A nomadic family welcomes you into their home to show you daily routines and centuries-old customs. You eat a traditional Mongolian lunch in a scenic spot and sleep another night in a ger.

The return journey covers 240 km back to Ulaanbaatar on day three, with a direct transfer to your hotel upon arrival. The guides have over 20 years of expertise in the region and lead groups in English or French.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Ulaanbaatar.
• two nights in traditional Mongolian gers.
• breakfast on days two and three.
• dinner on nights one and two.
• visits to Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Karakorum Museum.
• camel or horse riding at Elsen Tasarkhai.
• a hike through the sand dunes.
• a visit to a local nomadic family.
• return transfer to your Ulaanbaatar hotel.
• English or French-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adiya's family Tours and Services

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Ulaanbaatar means you don't need a car or a driver of your own. The tour collects you and handles all transport across the three days, which is essential if you're arriving by air or staying in the city without a rental.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Erdene Zuu Monastery and why does the tour include it?

Erdene Zuu is Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, built at the site of the ancient capital Kharkhorin. The tour includes a walk through its temple grounds so you can see the traditional Buddhist architecture and learn about its centuries-old religious history.

Can I ride a camel or horse at Elsen Tasarkhai, or do I have to choose one?

You get to choose. The tour offers either a camel ride or a horse ride across the dunes, so you can pick whichever appeals to you on the day.

What does a night in a traditional Mongolian ger actually involve?

A ger is a circular felt tent where you sleep on a bed inside. It's heated and has basic furnishings. You'll stay in a ger guesthouse both nights, which gives you an authentic nomadic experience while maintaining comfort and safety.

Does the tour include meals, and what kind of food will I eat?

Breakfast is included on days two and three. Dinner is included on nights one and two. Meals are traditional Mongolian cuisine, including a lunch stop at a scenic location on day two.