Depart for Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, a sacred granite mountain nestled within a stunning landscape that features secluded valleys, freshwater springs, open steppe, and the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. This area is so ecologically significant that it has been designateded as the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, protected in part because of the unique taiga and steppe plants found here. The small yet crucial Tarna River also flows through the reserve, serving as a vital water source for local herders.

Since today is a travel day, we keep the plan flexible upon arrival, adapting to your arrival time. You'll stop for a picnic lunch (weather dependent!) on the way so you can start to gain a sense of the immensity of the landscapes you're passing through. On arrival, your EL team will guide you to your accommodation, help you settle in, and then focus on preparing dinner. In the meantime, we encourage you to make the most of your surroundings—whether by unwinding after the journey, taking in the sweeping landscapes, or going for a leisurely stroll to explore the area. The choice is yours, and you’re welcome to discuss options with your trip assistant. 

For other ideas at Khogno Khan  - as well as your two days of camel trekking - see below.

  - Walking Along the Sand Dunes: The location of your ger accommodation provides easy independent access to the dunes, making it a perfect spot for a scenic walk. We particularly recommend exploring them at sunset when the shifting light enhances the landscape’s beauty. Just let your team know before you set out, and be mindful of landmarks to help with navigation. Please note that crossing the stream may leave you with wet feet, so plan accordingly.

  - Exploring the sacred granite mountain including Erdene Khambiin Khid: This small temple, nestled within the Khögno Khan mountains, was originally built in the 17th century as a meditation retreat for Zanabazar, the first spiritual leader of Mongolia. Destroyed during the 1930s purges, the monastery has since been partially restored and remains a place of pilgrimage and quiet reflection.

The Övgön Khiid Walk

There is a scenic, birch-bordered walk from Erdene Khambiin Khiid to the 17th-century ruins of Övgön Khiid, nestled higher in the mountains of Khögno Khan. This 2-kilometer trek (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour) follows a stony, uneven path that winds through a dramatic mountain landscape. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper, requiring careful footing over loose rocks and rugged terrain. Your reward is a beautiful panorama of the ruined temple surrounded by the silenece of the mountain.

You can choose to return the same way (another 45-minute walk) or, for those comfortable with a more challenging hike, continue up a steep 300–400-meter climb to a small pass. From there, the descent follows a sandy animal track, sometimes at an angle. This extended route takes around an hour and is only recommended for those confident in their footing and experienced with varied terrain. Speak with your EL trip assistant to determine the best option for you.

Mongolian Cookery Experience: Spend time with your hosts in their home and take part in an informal cookery lesson, gaining insight into traditional Mongolian cuisine. If this interests you, speak with your trip assistant to arrange the experience.

LOGISTICS

* Accommodation: Simple private ger at small family-operated ger camp (3-4 guest gers, you will share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group.). Outside short drop toilet. No showers

Staying At The Davaasuren Family Get Camp

- At Khogno Khan, we have a long-standing partnership with the Davaasuren family, who have lived in this region for generations. Although they do not migrate, they remain here year-round, quietly tending to a small number of livestock, including horses and camels. This welcoming couple offers a unique opportunity to experience the rhythm of local life in this beautiful area.

- By staying in one of the guest gers that Davaasuren and his family provide, you have the chance to immerse yourself in their daily life. However, please note that their lifestyle is simple, and the facilities reflect that—there are no showers, and the toilet is located outside. This simplicity is a genuine part of their way of life.

- It’s important to understand that this is a small ger camp, not a traditional homestay. The family offers 4-6 guest gers alongside their own, so other visitors may also be staying here. Nevertheless, the income they earn helps them remain in the region, and the location, at the base of the stunning Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, is truly unbeatable.

* Meals: B/L/D

* Travel: Roughly 285km on dirt and asphalt road (approx 6-7 hours driving time not including stops).

Averages of between 30 and 65 km/hr are usual depending on road/weather conditions. Where it mentions dirt road this can be anything from smooth gravel, corrugated surfaces, rocks, tree roots and mud depending on the location. It can be physically tiring travelling on such roads but this is part of travelling in Mongolia.

The herders in this region own camels well-suited to the area, and the next two days are dedicated to one-day camel treks, exploring the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes and delving into the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve.

You will travel on Bactrian (two-hump) camels, equipped with traditional woolen carpet saddles. Their thick winter wool coats provide excellent insulation, ensuring a comfortable journey. This slow and steady pace of travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, from sweeping sand dunes and sacred granite mountains to rolling hills and the expansive open steppe.

The length of each day's camel trek will depend on the weather, offering flexibility with vehicle support. Unlike the typical one-hour camel ride most Westerners experience, our trek promises a truly authentic and memorable adventure, exploring the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.

The trek will be vehicle-supported for added convenience and safety. This means that if you need a break from riding a camel, you can easily switch from four legs to four wheels! Depending on the weather, lunch will either be back at the Davaasuren family base or enjoyed as a picnic out on the steppe.

LOGISTICS

* Accommodation: Simple private ger at small family-operated ger camp (3-4 guest gers, you will share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group.). Outside short drop toilet. No showers

* Meals: B/L/D

Travel to the Orkhon Waterfall, locally known as Ulaan Tsutgalan. This stunning area was shaped by volcanic activity, with surfaces dotted with various igneous rocks like basalt and pumice, which solidified from molten magma. Be prepared for a bumpy ride due to the volcanic terrain!

The waterfall, plunging from a height of 20 meters, is fed by small streams and rivers, including the Ulaan Gol. It is conveniently located just a short walk from your ger accommodation. You can visit independently or ask your trip assistant for help in getting there.

You will stay at a small tourist ger camp operated by Tomorbat and his family, who have resided in this region for generations. They continue their traditional lifestyle, milking their small herd of yaks daily.

This region is renowned in Mongolia for its handcrafted and traditionally decorated gers. While Tomorbat and his family do not speak English and are somewhat reserved, they are exceptionally welcoming hosts. During your stay, make sure to request a visit to their home ger, which Tomorbat himself has intricately carved, decorated, and painted.

MAY 2

Due to the rugged terrain of the Orkhon Valley, most herders continue to rely on horses (along with motorbikes) to tend to their animals. Our one-day horse trek offers you the chance to explore these landscapes in a similar way. There are no must-see spots, highlights to tick off, or competitive rides. Instead, we take a slower, more mindful approach, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region your herder host calls home. 

As you ride through the natural habitat – rolling slopes, river valleys, and woodland pastures – you'll be surrounded by a stunning backdrop. There’s time to pause for tea at a friend’s ger, unwind by the river, or capture photos of the early wildflowers. It’s a chance to experience the Orkhon Valley at the herder’s pace, appreciating the beauty of everyday life. 

If you prefer not to ride, we can arrange a similar, shorter experience on foot. Alternatively, take the day to explore the Orkhon Valley independently. The waterfall is an ideal spot to relax with a book and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Just speak with your trip assistant about what you would prefer to do. 

Logistics

• Accommodation: Simple shared guest ger at herding family operated ger camp ( 3-5 guest gers, you will share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group.). Outside long drop toilet. Warm shower at local town shower house on way to Orkhon Waterfall
• Meals: B/L/D
• Travel: May 1 - Roughly 180km on dirt and asphalt road (approx 6-7 hours driving time not including stops).
• Averages of between 30 and 65 km/hr are usual depending on road/weather conditions. Where it mentions dirt road this can be anything from smooth gravel, corrugated surfaces, rocks, tree roots and mud depending on the location. It can be physically tiring travelling on such roads but this is part of travelling in Mongolia.

MAY 3

Continue your journey driving to the home of Tumee and Jargaa - a herding family we work with as part of one of our long-term local community partnerships. They are modern-day herders, a strong part of the local community, and move up to six times a year - always located close to the Orkhon River. The plan for the rest of the day depends on your arrival time.

The Orkhon River Valley is one of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a cultural WHS and represents the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions in Mongolia - this region is considered the cradle of Mongolian civilisation and an area rich in nomadic life as the Orkhon River provides an essential lifeline for nomads and their livestock.

Your activities today will depend on the duration of your road transfer. All available options for your time in Kharkhorin and the Orkhon River Valley are outlined below.. Feel free to discuss with your trip assistant and fellow group members to plan the rest of the day according to your interests and energy levels.

MAY 4

 This is what we call a flexi-day with any of the following options typically available. Of course, you’re always welcome to simply relax and take in the panoramic views with maybe a stroll down to the river, from the family ger. Speak to your trip assistant and other group members about what you would like to do.

Visit Kharkhorin:  The ancient capital of Ogodei Khan and the Mongol Empire during the 13th century, Kharkhorin holds a significant place in Mongolian history. In addition to the sites mentioned below, you can visit the local market for a glimpse into everyday life and explore the Map Monument, which offers panoramic views over the historically rich Orkhon Valley.

Explore Erdene Zuu Khiid: Mongolia’s oldest monastery, Erdene Zuu is not just a spiritual center but also an architectural and historical gem. Even if Buddhism isn’t your main interest, the monastery’s beautifully designed complex—spread over a vast area within a protective wall—offers serene spaces perfect for quiet reflection.

Visit the Kharkhorin Museum: This excellent museum provides clear and well-curated exhibits that enrich your understanding of the Orkhon River Valley’s historical significance and the legacies of the Turkic and Mongol Empires. Even if history isn’t your primary focus, the museum brings the region’s past to life in a vivid and engaging way.

Experience Erdenesiinn Khuree:A non-profit centre dedicated to Mongolian art and calligraphy (seasonal). Here, we can arrange a hands-on calligraphy lesson, offering a unique and meaningful way to connect with Mongolian culture while supporting local artists.

Spend the day with Tumee and Jargaa: Immerse yourself in the daily life of this local family, experiencing their routines and traditions firsthand. Alternatively, you’re free to explore the rolling hills surrounding Tumee's pasture, where you can take in sweeping views and the vast open landscapes at your own pace. There are no designated trails or marked walking routes, so the best approach is to choose a nearby hill, hike to the top, and enjoy the panoramic scenery. If you’d like to do this, let your trip assistant know whether you’d like them to accompany you or if you’d like to take any food with you.

LOGISTICS

* Accommodation:  Simple guest ger next to family ger. You will share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group. Basic long drop outside toilet and hot shower available at the local town shower house - your own private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life

Staying With The Tumee Family

As part of our commitment to fostering long-term local community partnerships, we collaborate closely with Tumee and Jargal, who are deeply rooted in this region. Both were educated locally and maintain strong ties to their homeland. One of their adult sons is an active member of the Genghis Khan Polo Club, reflecting the family’s involvement in local cultural traditions. Tumee and Jargal are well-respected and integral members of their community. While they acknowledge the challenges of their lifestyle, they deeply value the profound sense of freedom it offers.

This partnership is a testament to our dedication to supporting local families and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared within the community, contributing to sustainable development. While they occasionally host other visitors through additional partnerships, our relationship with them is genuine—and so will be the warm welcome you receive.

* Meals: B/L/D

* Travel: May 3- Roughly 130km on dirt & asphalt road. Approx 4 hours driving time not including stops.

Averages of between 30 and 65 km/hr are usual depending on road/weather conditions. Where it mentions dirt roads this can be anything from smooth gravel, corrugated surfaces, rocks, tree roots, and mud depending on the location/weather. It can be physically tiring travelling on such roads but this is part of travelling in Mongolia.

Embark on a full-day journey back to Ulaanbaatar. While it's bound to be a long and tiring day - especially dealing with the traffic on the way back into Ulaanbaatar - take a moment to relax and savour the landscapes that have graced your adventure. 

The stark contrast between the expansive landscapes you've been immersed in and the congestion of Ulaanbaatar can be quite jarring and mentally exhausting. To ease the transition back to urban life, we have kept the remainder of the day free. This flexibility allows you to relax or explore at your own pace. Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we will handle your transfer to your city accommodation, marking the conclusion of your trip. 

We remain available to provide any necessary support even after your journey has come to an end and remember, you could use our informal guidebook to UB to help you to explore the urban side of Mongolian life in downtown Ulaanbaatar.

Rest assured, we've got your departure covered with a complimentary transfer.

LOGISTICS

Accommodation: Of your own choice

Meals: B/L

Travel:  Roughly 370km on dirt & asphalt road. Approximately 7-8 hours driving time depending on city traffic

Averages of betweenn 30 and 65 km/hr are usual depending on road/weather conditions. Where it mentions dirt roads this can be anything from smooth gravel, corrugated surfaces, rocks, tree roots, and mud depending on the location/weather. It can be physically tiring travelling on such roads but this is part of travelling in Mongolia.