Mongolia is home of nomadic culture. Almost half of the populations still remain to live nomadic lifestyle. A very special way to discover the lifestyle and traditions of the Mongolians is to stay a few days with nomadic families. Grazing the herds, riding horses and eating local cuisine are just a small part of the whole experience. You may stay with nomads in their Ger or separate tents for overnights and ask any questions you want to know about their interesting life. This trip gives you a great chance to visit real Mongolian nomad families and experience their everyday life, custom and tradition. Also in this trip, we included most attractive places of Mongolia such as Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery Complex, Ogii Lake and spa day at Tsenkher hot spring and many more. Ikh Tamir Village is located in Arkhangai province and beautiful Tamir river passes through the village, also province itself is, heart of Central Mongolia as well as Mongolian nomadism.
Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery
Tsenkher Hot Spring
Ogii Lake
camel riding
horse riding
nomadic home stay
real Mongolian barbecue-Khorkhog
In the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation and start our tour directly driving to Karakorum (nowadays Kharkorin town) via Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Before we leave the city we will pass some shops and then drive around 260 km through steppe to reach to the sand dunes. Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, located at the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, represents mini Gobi at the Khangai mountain range. Camel riding through the Golden sand dunes is fun and we will do that with support of camel man. After lunch, drive to Karakorum, which was capital of Mongolian Empire and an essential station of the Silk Road; and thus has much more to share than its current physical appearance. Mongolian largest and the historically most significant religious and cultural center – Erdenezuu monastery – is operating as a museum there. Different stone relics and other ancient artifacts are standing around the city to reveal the history and stories dated back to hundreds of years ago. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
Today we will drive to nomadic family, which you will spend full 3 days to experience and to learn about nomadic lifestyle just being like a nomad. On the way we will visit to famous Taikhar Rock – located 22 kilometres northeast from Tsertserleg town (provincial center of Arkhangai province), in the village of Ikh Tamir. It’s a big 20-metres high granite rock, covered with 150 writings in many different languages and dating back from many different periods (runic, Sogd, Uyghur, Mongolian, Nangiad, Tibetan writings). The oldest one is the runic writing, dating back from the Turkish period of the 6th and 7th centuries. Afternoon, we will reach to the nomads. Visit the nomad family, will welcome you with their unique traditional hospitality. Meet the family, have a lunch with them and basic introduction. After lunch, you will have Ger building program with family members. Before taking part of this extraordinary job you will have a brief instruction by your guide about main structure of the Ger, and job tasks of everybody who involving in it. The activity will prove us why nomad people prefer the Ger as the best accommodation for their life since thousands of years ago from generation to generation. In the evening, learn how to cook Mongolian authentic simple dishes with help of hostess. Stay overnight in separate Ger or in tent.
Early morning before breakfast, you will learn how to milk cows, sheep and mares. This task usually involves both man and women of the family. After breakfast, you can help the kids to herd cows and sheep to pasture. The rest of the day hostess of the family will show and teach you how to produce tasty and nutritious dairy products of “aaruul” and “byaslag”, a Mongolian cheese and blend traditional vodka called “Shimiin arkhi”. Turning Milk into Mongolian vodka – Shimiin arkhi is not produced commercially, but is sometimes offered to guests who visit a nomadic family in their Ger. Evening we will have a famous Mongolian barbecue Khorkhog. This is Mongolian traditional respected dish, made by cooking pieces of meat inside a container which also contains hot stones and water, and is often also heated from the outside. Stay overnight in separate Ger or in tent.
Today we will watch how Mongolian skillful cowboys catch horses by “uurga” – traditional wooden lasso and training an untamed horse that has never been ridden before. After lunch, you will have a half day horse riding with support of family man through the beautiful landscape and river. Coming back to the family, have dinner and free time. Stay overnight in separate Ger or in tent.
In the morning we say will goodbye to our nomadic family members and continue travel to Tsenkher Hot Spring. Along the way we will also visit the museum in Tsetserleg, located in the former Zayiin Khuree Monastery, and examine the fascinating displays of authentic historical and religious objects. After crossing through beautiful mountain scenery and fields of wildflowers, we'll arrive at the Tsenkher hot springs where the water flows out of the ground at a sizzling 89 C. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
After breakfast, drive to Ogii Lake – covers 27 sq.km areas, average depth is 6.64m and has length of 23.5m. The lake is abundant in various types of fish and birds, which create an incredible natural beauty. Ogii Lake is known as the one of the best lakes for fishing and delicate sand, whetstone coast and the soft waves makes very pleasant for boat adventure. Arrive at the camp and after lunch we will spend rest of the day hiking around the lake. Optional boat adventure is available on the request. Stay overnight in Ger camp.
Today, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar for 360 kms by paved road. Arrive at Ulaanbaatar, and you will be transferred to your accommodation. End of tour.
3 Nights in Ger camps
3 Nights with nomad family
4 WD Vehicle in the countryside
Airport transfers for arrival / departure
Meals as listed (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
Sightseeing and Entrance fees according to the itinerary
English speaking guide
Daily water supply
1 hour Camel and Half day Horse riding with
Support of local guide
Visa support invitation letter where applicable
Accommodations in Ulaanbaatar
International airfare / train tickets+tax
Travel insurance / Visa fees
Items for personal use
Sleeping bags
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities & Tips for staffs
Single supplements
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