FROM ANCIENT CAPITAL TO WILD MONGOLIA
Overview
This journey moves at the rhythm of the steppe, tracking wildlife with local experts, sharing quiet days with herder families, and exploring landscapes shaped by both nature and history. From remote nature reserves and wild horse habitats to the heart of the ancient Mongol Empire, the trip blends wildlife, nomadic life, and cultural landmarks in a grounded, unhurried way. It’s a simple, immersive experience for travelers who want to understand Mongolia beyond the surface.
Drive to the Delgerkhaan Nature Reserve in Eastern Mongolia. En route, stop at the iconic Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, the largest of its kind. Enjoy the vast steppe landscapes before arriving at your rustic ger camp, run by a local herder cooperative. ccommodation in Delgerkhaan is a simple, family-run homestay (not a tourist ger camp), offering an authentic local experience. Overnight in a community-run-home-stay. (B, L, D) – Approx. 6-hour drive.
Explore Kherlen Toono and Delgerkhaan Nature Reserve with a local biologist and botanist. Track elusive wildlife such as manul (Pallas’s cat), ibex, argali, and deer. Participate in or observe traditional herder life. Optional horseback riding is available. Overnights in a rustic ger homestay run by a local herder cooperative. (B, L, D)
Early in the morning, we’ll drive to Hustai National Park. Observe the rare takhi (Przewalski’s horse) along with marmots, deer, and steppe birds while learning about ongoing conservation efforts. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, another optional early morning Takhi and wildlife spotting, we began drive to Kharkhorin, the thriving capital of the Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khaan’s son Ögedei in the 13th century. Once a major crossroads of cultures and trade along the Silk Road. En route, we’ll stop at sthe and dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, and optional camel riding is available. In the evening, enjoy a sweeping view of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D) Approx. 6-hour drive.
After breakfast, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, built in 1586 from stones of the ancient capital city, Kharkhorin, then continue driving back to Ulaanbaatar. (B, L) – Approx. 5-hour drive.
Trip Highlights
-
Track rare and elusive wildlife alongside local biologists, including Pallas’s cat, argali, and ibex
-
Stay in simple, community-run accommodations and experience everyday herder life firsthand
-
Learn how local cooperatives and conservationists protect Mongolia’s fragile ecosystems
-
Observe reintroduced Przewalski’s horses in their natural habitat
-
Travel through vast steppe, forest-steppe, and mountain landscapes with minimal crowds
Pricing
- Local transportation,
- Accommodations as described in the itinerary, based on twin occupancy;
- Airport transfer;
- Local biologist to accompany;
- National park entry fees;
- All meals indicated in the itinerary as (B, L, D),
- Daily bottled & boiled water supply
- International airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees; and any other item not mentioned as included.
