7-day Central Mongolia Adventure Tour

Today the road trip takes you a further 80km to Karakorum city. Once the capital city of the Great Mongol Empire, Karakorum also served as the Northern Yuan dynasty's first city in the 14–15th centuries. On site you will find a museum dedicated to the history of this ancient metropolis, while Erdene Zuu Monastery, just a short distance away, is one of the few original Buddhist monasteries standing in Mongolia today, also now a museum. 

Start your day with a drive to Shankh Monastery, one of the most historically significant monasteries in Mongolia. It was founded by the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism at the time, Zanzabazar, and is one of only two monasteries that survived the 1937 purge in the region. Continue to the picturesque Tuvkhun Monastery nearby on the Shijvee mountain, nestled in the surrounding dense forest. There are several sanctuaries here, as well as a small meditation cave and the Mother Belly cave.

This is the day to explore the region of the eight lakes. Located within the Khangai mountain range as part of the Naiman nuur national park, the lakes formed after volcanic eruptions changed the shape of the land centuries ago. Though very difficult to access by car, you can drive to a local village and then go by hors. Ideal for hiking and nature photography, come to eight lakes to see the breathtaking views for yourself.

Today you will be exploring Ugii Lake and its fascinating water birds and fish. Renowned for its rare birds, the large fish population makes this lake ideal for the keen fisher. The water is warm enough to swim in during the summer, so make sure you bring your swimming gear to take full advantage. You can choose to stay overnight in one of the many traditional ger on the lake shore.

Your adventure continues in the Khustai Mountains, part of the national park, where you there is the chance to see wild Takhi horses, some of the last of their kind on the planet. Although you might not seem them during the day when they hide away up high on the ridges, the early evening encourages them to come back down into the valleys to the Tuul river. If you have the chance to stay in the park overnight this is an experience not to be missed.

Return to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy the last day of your tour in this vibrant and modern city. Scout the Naran Tuul Market, Mongolia Quilting Centre or the Seven Summits Outdoor Shop. Culture vultures can visit the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, Ongi Art Gallery or Steam Locomotive Museum. Ulaanbaatar has something for everyone.