Horseback Riding Adventure in the Eight Lakes

After breakfast, travel to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley. Once the center of the Mongol Empire, it is also home to Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery. Upon arrival, check in at a ger camp and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum in the afternoon.

On the way to Orkhon Waterfall (also called Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall), one of central Mongolia’s most beautiful natural sites formed thousands of years ago. Located in the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area, the waterfall drops about 22 meters into a scenic gorge.

Enjoy a relaxed exploration of the Orkhon Valley with trekking through forests and scenic landscapes. After breakfast, ride about 18 km toward Naiman Nuur (“Eight Lakes”), a volcanic lake region at around 2,400 m above sea level and protected as a national park.

On the way to Tövkhön Monastery , one of Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monasteries, is located in Övörkhangai Province, Mongolia, about 47 km (29 mi) southwest of Kharkhorin. The monastery was first established in 1648, by the then-14-year-old Zanabazar, the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu and spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha in Outer Mongolia.

Arrival at Tsenkher Hot Springs in the afternoon. Located in the volcanic region of Arkhangai Province, these natural hot springs flow year-round at about 85.5°C and an altitude of 1,860 meters. Travelers can relax in comfortable bath facilities at nearby ger camps set in a peaceful green valley.

Continuing the journey, you will reach Lake Ogii, a freshwater lake and Ramsar-protected site known for birdwatching and fishing. You may observe scenes of nomadic life along the way and see various migratory birds such as cranes and ducks around the lake.

After breakfast, drive to Elsen Tasarkhai, known as the “Mini Gobi,” where sand dunes stretch for about 80 km. Enjoy camel riding and explore the dunes. Visit Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve and Ovgon Temple. Experience nomadic life and watch a beautiful sunset over the sand dunes.

hustai National Park is unique in that it is the only national park managed by NGOs and funded by its own revenue, receiving no government subsidies. Within the park, 55 mammals, 223 birds, 2 amphibians, 4 reptiles, 15 fish, and over 500 insect species have been recorded. Many of these are listed as endangered.

After breakfast, return to Ulaanbaatar and check in at your hotel. Enjoy free time for shopping at the State Department Store. In the evening, attend a traditional Mongolian cultural show featuring folk music, Morin Khuur, throat singing, and contortion.

This day we will transfer to the airport for departure.