Contact us for advice and quotes on local Mongolia toursEmail:info@nomadmongolia.com

The calm beauty of the wide expanses of Central Mongolia mixes with a variety of landscapes including dunes and rocky mountains.
The Orkhon Valley is a valley spreading along both banks of the Orkhon River in central Mongolia, about 360 km west of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Its cultural landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an illustration of the nomadic traditions cultivated over more than 2,000 years.
For centuries the Orkhon Valley has been regarded as the seat of the kings of the steppe. It appears in history through the "Orkhon inscriptions" set up in this valley by the Turkic Bilge Khagan in the 8th century. The mountains forming the valley were held sacred as the axis of the world in Tengri worship, and Mount Otuken in particular was regarded as special. The Orkhon Valley holds the Orkhon inscriptions, the Khar Balgas ruins, the ruins of Chinggis Khaan's capital Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery and more.
In this area, only Burd has sand dunes. The fine-grained dunes are drawn with beautiful wind ripples. Locally called Elsen Tasarkhai (a detached stretch of sand), the beautiful contrast of steppe and dunes is also a popular travel scene.
Mount Khugnu Khan has been a national special protected area since 1997. Mount Khugnu Khan in Gurvanbulag village, Bulgan Province, is 1,962 m above sea level. On Mount Khugnu Khan there are deer, wild boar, wolves, roe deer and other animals, and forests of birch and larch. This camp, 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar near Burd, lies in a very quiet environment with a dazzling blue sky and white clouds and nothing around except Mount Khugnu Khan rising behind. This is a real nomad homestay. Horse riding on the steppe is also possible. There are two Buddhist temples on Mount Khugnu Khan.
The Khoshoo Tsaidam Museum, one of the highlights of the World Heritage "Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape," lies about 40 km northeast of Kharkhorin on the east bank of the Orkhon River. Built midway between the mausoleums of Bilge Khan and Kul Tegin of the 8th century Second Turkic Khaganate, it displays materials centered on the original famous Bilge Khan inscription and Kul Tegin inscription, also called the Orkhon inscriptions. The museum was built on the basis of the joint Mongolian-Turkish excavation survey of 2000–2003. Inside the museum are displayed the originals of the Kul Tegin stele and the stele of his elder brother Bilge Khan.
About 2–3 hours by car west of Burd, in a quiet place, flows the Orkhon River, which feeds Lake Baikal. Among its sights, the "Orkhon Red Waterfall," 10 m wide and about 24 m high, looks small to Japanese eyes, but is a rare sight in this steppe land. The Orkhon Waterfall lies in the upper reaches of the Orkhon River, flowing from the Khangai Mountains of Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia.
The Orkhon Waterfall is called the red flow. It was formed by volcanic eruption about 20,000 years ago and is part of the World Heritage property. When the water volume is rich, beautiful scenery spreads out, including the force of the falls. When the water is low, the falls may disappear altogether. The natural waterfall can be called the form of the earth itself.
Tuvkhun Monastery stands on the summit of Mount Shireet, about 20 km northeast of Batulzii village in Arkhangai Province, Mongolia, and is a temple inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. 450 km west of Ulaanbaatar, you can see the horse rope, footprints and sunbathing seat used by Zanabazar himself, and a rocky mountain of unique natural form called Ekhiin Umai (womb), where you can even crawl through a gap in the rock. For Mongolians this place has meaning equal to the divine land of Gandhara, and they have respected and protected it. A suitable place for alpine plant observation and nature research; you ride a horse from the trailhead to the monastery.
The capital of Arkhangai Province, about 11 hours overland west of Ulaanbaatar. Further in are natural hot springs. Called the hidden bath of Ogedei Khan, an open-air bath in the steppe. It has been chosen as one of the world's 100 hot springs.
Its source is 86°C, a natural steppe hot spring flowing directly from a rich source. It is even chosen among the world's 100 hot springs. A must-see place in Central Mongolia for hot spring lovers.
It takes 8 hours by car from Ulaanbaatar. The accommodation is a cluster of tourist gers. It is an ideal place to relax in the hot springs while looking at Mongolia's beautiful wooded mountains and steppe.
Ugii Lake is a beautiful lake between steppe and mountains in central Mongolia, located west of Ulaanbaatar and northwest of Karakorum.
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (Great White Lake) is located in Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park in Arkhangai Province, 590 km west of Ulaanbaatar.
Khorgiin Togoo ("hidden cauldron") is an extinct volcano in central Mongolia. It lies near the village of Tariat in Arkhangai Province, north of the Suman River. Thousands of years ago the lava of this volcano flowed toward the lake, covered the lakeshore and flowed further into the lake, and still pokes its head above the lake surface. You can see a crater 200 m in diameter and 100 m deep, surrounded by a lava field. Khorgiin Togoo (altitude 2,240 m). This extinct volcano was designated a nature reserve in 1965. The area around the volcano, hardened by lava bubbles, has interesting scenery. Climbing the mountain there also gives magnificent views right before your eyes.
The name "Taikhar" comes from Mongolian mythology. In the myth, this rock is said not to have formed by itself. The rock stands 22 km west of the provincial capital Tsetserleg, along the main road, in the middle of an empty steppe. There is nothing like it around the rock, and it is visible right away from the main road. Inscriptions dating back to the Turkic era are written on Taikhar Rock.
Taikhar Rock is about 26 m high. Symbols and animals have been carved on it since around 6000. Scripts carved include Tibetan, Old Mongolian, Khitan, Uyghur, Manchu, Chinese and Runic, and historical figures from the Turkic era onward are mentioned.
Undurshiret is located 200 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, midway to Karakorum, and is a campsite boasting the best location on the banks of the Tuul River flowing across the steppe.
Its beauty is clear from having been chosen as a filming location for director Makoto Shiina's film "White Horse" and a Kubota commercial. This campsite has special permission from Undurshiret village, so there is no other campsite around. With no other facilities, town lights or power lines, it is also ideal for viewing a sky full of stars!
Hot air balloon flight: become the wind blowing across the Mongolian steppe and enjoy the moving 360-degree panorama. Horse riding experience is also possible.
The surroundings are steppe as far as the eye can see, very wide and quiet. Though close to the capital Ulaanbaatar, you do not feel it at all. This is south of Ulaanbaatar,
The stars in the night sky are more wonderful than anything you have experienced. With no light near the ger, the whole sky is covered in stars. You can hike through the strictly protected national park and explore the ruins of Manzushir Monastery.
MO-1028 Semi-Gobi, Burd on the steppe, horse and camel riding, 2 days with 1 night in a ger
▶ Book this tour
|
Burd Dunes Sightseeing, Horse Riding on the Steppe and Camel Trekking, 2 Days / 1 Night Course With guide |
||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 1 |
Hotel pickup early at 8 am. On the way, we stop to enjoy a snack and coffee or tea while looking at beautiful scenery.Semi-Gobi DesertAfter arriving at (the Burd dunes), visit the ger of a local nomad and be introduced to nomad culture. Enjoy sightseeing the dunes on a camel for 1 hour. Then a lunch of traditional Mongolian food is served. In the afternoon, horse riding experience on the steppe. Safe even for beginners (1–2 hours). Accommodation is as the traveler wishes. If you wish, you can enjoy the sunset or sunrise from the Burd dunes. At night, a sky full of stars! |
||
|
Day 2 |
Breakfast at the ger camp at 9 am. Relax until departure. At 10 am head toward Ulaanbaatar. On the way,Hustai National Reservesightseeing. We go to see the "takhi," said to be the world's last wild horses. |
|||
|
Meals |
Breakfast: ○ |
Lunch: yes. Dinner: yes |
Dinner: ○ |
|
|
Course code: MO-1028 |
1 person $555 |
2 people $470 |
3 people $405 |
|
|
* The above prices are for a nomad ger stay; for a tourist camp stay add $65. * Based on this itinerary, it is also possible to changefor an extra charge to adeluxe gerwith toilet and shower.. |
||||
MO-1017 World Heritage Karakorum sightseeing, Burd on the steppe, 2 days with 1 night in a ger
▶ Book this tour
|
Old Capital Karakorum Sightseeing and Camel Trekking on the Burd Steppe, 2 Days / 1 Night Course With guide |
||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 1 |
Depart your hotel in Ulaanbaatar at 8:00 am in the morning. By car toold capital Karakorum. On the way, enjoy ice cream at the Harumafuji Milk Farm. The road runs across a vast steppe as far as the eye can see. A steppe drive enjoying nature. Visit a nomad ger and enjoy meeting local people. After lunch, move to Karakorum city. After arrival, free time. Enjoy the natural celestial show (it may not be visible depending on the weather). "Stay at a ger camp" |
||
|
Day 2 |
Breakfast at the ger camp at 8 am. Relax until departure. Move to the Karakorum ruins, the old capital of the Mongol Empire built by the second emperor, Ogedei Khan. On the site of the capital that once became the center of the world, there still standsErdene Zuu Monasterysurrounded by 108 stupas. See also the granite Turtle Rock. After visiting the Karakorum Museum, return to Ulaanbaatar by private car. Camel riding experience on the way. After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, to your hotel. The tour ends. |
|||
|
Meals |
Breakfast: ○ |
Lunch: yes. Dinner: yes |
Dinner: ○ |
|
|
Course code: MO-1017 |
1 person $590 |
2 people $505 |
3 people $405 |
|
|
*The above itinerary and times may change locally depending on weather and traffic congestion on the day. In that case, please follow the instructions of the local staff. We appreciate your understanding. |
||||
|
Old Capital Karakorum Sightseeing and Horse Trekking in Burd National Park3 Days / 2 Nights Course, with guide |
||||
![]() |
Day 1 |
Depart a main hotel in Ulaanbaatar at 8:00 am in the morning. By car to the steppe,Burd, the gateway to the old capital Karakorum. On the way, enjoy ice cream at the Harumafuji Milk Farm. About 4 hours. Lunch time on the steppe on the way. The road runs across a vast steppe as far as the eye can see. A steppe drive enjoying nature. The tourist camp is a "ger tourist camp" with dunes spreading right before your eyes, called Elsen Tasarkhai (a detached stretch of sand), in splendid contrast to the steppe. After arrival, visit a nomad ger and enjoy meeting local people. After dinner, enjoy the natural celestial show (it may not be visible depending on the weather). |
||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 2 |
Breakfast at the ger camp at 8 am. Relax until departure. Hiking to the dunes is also possible. Move to theold capital Karakorum ruinsof the Mongol Empire built by the second emperor, Ogedei Khan, about 1 hour. On the site of the capital that once became the center of the world, there still stands Erdene Zuu Monastery surrounded by 108 stupas. See also the granite Turtle Rock. Then return to Burd on the steppe by private car. In the afternoon, receive a riding lesson (explanation) from a nomad (instructor) along with the horses. Then horse trekking starts from the tourist camp as a base. The guide and nomads accompany you. Then camel riding experience at the Burd dunes. "Stay at a ger camp" |
||
|
Day 3 |
After breakfast, head to Ulaanbaatar at 9 am. On the way,Hustai NationalReserve sightseeing. We go to see the "takhi," said to be the world's last wild horses. |
|||
|
Meals |
Breakfast: yes. Lunch: yes |
Lunch: yes. Dinner: yes |
Dinner: yes |
|
|
Course code: MO-1015 |
1 person $805 |
2 people $640 |
3 people $535 |
|
|
* As options, shooting at targets with a gun, ATV (buggy) andMotorbikerental (250cc) are available. Extra charges apply. |
||||
MO-1024: Nomad Homestay in the Vast Burd of Mongolia, 3 Days / 2 Nights in a Ger
▶ Book this tour
|
Nomad Homestay on the Mongolian Steppe, Unlimited Horse Riding, Open to Beginner Riders! |
||||
![]() ![]() |
Day 1 |
In the morning at 9:00, the English-speaking guide meets you at your local hotel. Move to the ger of a nomad living on the steppe,Burd. On the way, enjoy ice cream at the Harumafuji Milk Farm. Enjoy the car journey, about 4 hours. |
||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Day 2 |
After breakfast, to the old capital of the Mongol Empire built by the second emperor, Ogedei Khan,Karakorum Ruinsabout 1 hour. On the site of the capital that once became the center of the world, there still stands, surrounded by 108 stupas,Erdene Zuu Monastery. See also the granite Turtle Rock. Then return by private car to the nomad ger on the Burd steppe. |
||
|
Day 3 |
After breakfast, head to Ulaanbaatar at 9 am. On the way,Hustai National Reservesightseeing. We go to see the "takhi," said to be the world's last wild horses. |
|||
|
Meals |
Breakfast: yes. Lunch: yes |
Lunch: yes. Dinner: yes |
Dinner: yes |
|
|
Course code: MO-1024 |
1 person $740 |
2 people $605 |
3 people $535 |
|
|
* Shooting at targets with a gun is available as an option. An extra charge applies. |
||||
|
Stay at Tsenkher: Natural Hot Springs and Horse Trekking, 3 Days / 2 Nights Course |
||||
![]() |
Day 1 |
At 7 am, by private car to the steppe,Tsenkher Hot Springs, about 5–6 hours. Enjoy ice cream at the Harumafuji Milk Farm. On the way, move to the old capital of the Mongol Empire built by the second emperor, Ogedei Khan,old capital Karakorum ruins. On the site of the capital that once became the center of the world, there still stands, surrounded by 108 stupas,Erdene Zuu Monastery. See also the granite Turtle Rock. After visiting the Karakorum Museum, head to Tsenkher by private car. After arrival, free time. Enjoy the hot springs that well up on the steppe. |
||
|
|
Day 2 |
After breakfast, horse trekking on the steppe with the nomads from the camp as a base. On the way, visit a nomad's ger. Enjoy the nomads' handmade cheese and, depending on the season, airag (fermented mare's milk). |
||
|
Day 3 |
After breakfast, head to Ulaanbaatar at 9 am, about 5–6 hours. Camel riding experience on the way. After arriving at a main hotel in Ulaanbaatar, thank you for your hard work. |
|||
|
Meals |
Breakfast: yes. Lunch: yes |
Lunch: yes. Dinner: yes |
Dinner: yes |
|
|
Course code: MO-1026 |
1 person $870 |
2 people $670 |
3 people $605 |
|
|
*The above itinerary and times may change locally depending on weather and traffic congestion on the day. In that case, please follow the instructions of the local staff. We appreciate your understanding. |
||||
* Prices, times, number of services and opening hours shown are guidelines. They may change, so please ask us for the latest information.
| Location | Capital of Arkhangai Province. About 450 km west of Ulaanbaatar |
|---|---|
| Features | Spreads at the southern foot of Bulgan Mountain (a nature reserve). Dairy farming is thriving |
| Bus | Long-distance buses leave Ulaanbaatar several times a week. About 9 hours 45 minutes; fares are subject to change. |
Arkhangai Province lies north of the Khangai Mountains and has thriving dairy farming. "Beautiful Arkhangai in the north" is a saying, and it is known as one of the most beautiful places in the country. Old temples centered on the temple founded by the first Zaya Gegeen, a Khalkha reincarnate lama, still dot the area and show a calm atmosphere. For travelers it also serves as a relay point on the way west to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and south to Tsenkher hot springs.
The main street runs straight southeast from Bulgan Mountain. Banks, the post office, shops and restaurants are gathered along it. The town itself is compact and can be covered on foot. The long-distance bus terminal is a little away from the town center.
| Post office | 9:00–18:00, closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Internet can be used inside the post office (900 Tg/hour) |
|---|
A temple that once housed the high priest Zaya Gegeen. It was founded in 1684 by the first Zaya Gegeen, a Khalkha reincarnate lama, and is now a temple and museum housing relics and writings of successive Zaya Gegeens; the stupa in the grounds holds the mummy of the first. In the center of the courtyard stands the 245 cm high Bugut inscription. It was found in 1957 in the upper Tamir River basin and restored standing on a tortoise base. Inscriptions in Sogdian language and script are carved on the front and both sides. The back is in Brahmi script, and decipherment is progressing earnestly.
| Opening | Until 19:00. Opening hours change by season (it may close in winter) |
|---|---|
| Admission | 5,000 Tg, photography 15,000 Tg |
A mountain with a view over the whole town of Tsetserleg. It is a rocky mountain rising at the back of the Arkhangai Provincial Museum, once Zaya Gegeen's temple, on the north side of Tsetserleg town. The whole area is designated a nature reserve. The rock face on the south slope is exposed and is said to have 13 Buddhist paintings. Halfway up the southeast slope stands a large Buddha, as if watching over the town. From there you can see all of Tsetserleg. On the steps up to the halfway point, carved zodiac animals stand one by one.
A huge rock obo standing in the steppe. A huge rock about 22 km northwest of Tsetserleg, about 70 m around and about 25 m high. On the surface of the rock you can see ink writing, originally from ancient times, in Runic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Manchu, Tibetan and other scripts. Chinese ink writing was later found too. Cyrillic graffiti has now been newly added. There is an obo on top of the rock.
| How to get there | About 22 km northwest of Tsetserleg town. About 30 minutes by car |
|---|
A tourist camp with open-air baths, about 28 km southeast of Tsetserleg, 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Said to be Ogedei Khan's hidden bath, the hot spring has white steam rising from its source. The water temperature stays at 86.5°C. Soaking in an open-air hot spring surrounded by gentle steppe and Arkhangai forest relieves the fatigue of travel. Swimwear is basically worn when bathing. Bathing only costs roughly 30,000 Tg.
| How to get there | There is no bus service; charter a car from Tsetserleg. About 1 hour 30 minutes. Depending on weather (rising rivers), via Tsenkher it can be about 50 km and the time can double. Negotiate in front of the long-distance bus terminal or the zakh (market). About 90,000 Tg one way. |
|---|
| Location | Tariat District, Arkhangai Province |
|---|---|
| Type and size | Freshwater lake. About 16 km long, maximum depth about 20 m |
| Origin | Formed when a river was dammed by lava |
| Inflow and outflow | More than 10 rivers from the Khangai Mountains flow in, and the Suman River flows out of the lake |
| Protection | Designated a nature reserve together with nearby volcanoes |
| How to get there | There is no bus service; charter a car. From Tsetserleg about 3 hours, 100,000–120,000 Tg one way. It is common to join a tour and stay at a tourist camp around the lake. |
Gentle steppe spreads around it, where you can enjoy horse riding and camping. Famed as a scenic tourist spot, it draws many visitors from Mongolia and abroad. The birth of the lake has a story handed down locally.
Long ago there was no lake here, only a beautiful pasture. In the middle was a well, and an old couple lived drawing water from it every day. The rule was to always cover the well after drawing water, but one day the old woman forgot. That night water overflowed from the well, flooding and nearly swallowing the world. Then a strong man named Bukhmandal appeared on the summit of Mount Ulaanmandal, cut off the mountaintop and threw it onto the mouth of the well, blocking it perfectly. The water that had overflowed remained as the lake, the story goes.
The remains of a huge crater are impressive. A dormant volcano that erupted more than 9,000 years ago and has been inactive since. Altitude 2,240 m. The lava field formed by the eruption spreads over about 20 km, and the lava layer extends 40–50 m underground. The crater slope is about 50 degrees, about 100 m deep, with a crater diameter of 300–400 m. From the parking lot it takes 15–30 minutes to climb to a place where the crater is visible. About 20 km from here are also three dormant volcanoes. Diamonds have also been found near the Khorgo volcano.
| Location | About 180 km north of Tsetserleg |
|---|
A gorge created by the eruption of the Khorgo volcano. A deep gorge carved by the Chuluut River, extending about 100 km. The Chuluut River has its source at Mount Gurvan Angarkhai in the Khangai Mountains. The cliffs are 40–60 m high. It lies on the way from Tsetserleg to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
| Location | About 120 km northwest of Tsetserleg |
|---|
There are tourist camps around the lake. For example, Surtiin Tulga Camp is inside Terkhiin Tsagaan in Tariat District, with several grocery stores nearby, which is convenient.



