The historic town of Kharkhorin serves as an ideal base for exploring Central Mongolia’s treasures. Three-day guided tours from Ulaanbaatar ($300-400) provide the best value, combining ancient monasteries, nomadic encounters, and spectacular steppes. My favorite is the 2-day Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai Tour ($300) – it’s efficient, well-paced, and hits all the essential sights without rushing. For budget travelers, public buses offer a more economical but less structured alternative. Small group tours (starting at Kč 8,917) strike an excellent balance between comfort and culture. Longer 16-day expeditions showcase Mongolia’s full range, from the Gobi’s dunes to the Khangai peaks. Let’s explore the top tour options that make the most of your time and money.
Key Points
- Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia, offers guided tours to explore the Erdenezuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Museum, providing insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
- The 2-day Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai Tour is a popular option, allowing visitors to experience the Semi Gobi Desert and the scenic Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
- For a more comprehensive experience, the 16-day tour provides an in-depth exploration of Mongolia, including Kharkhorin and surrounding areas, at a price point of $2,900 per person.
- The Orkhon Valley Tour, an 8-day excursion, focuses on the beautiful lakes and offers opportunities for horseback riding to engage with the nomadic lifestyle.
- Travelers highly recommend the guided tours in Kharkhorin, with 4.8/5 star ratings, indicating exceptional customer satisfaction and value for money.
From Ulaanbaatar: Central Mongolia Guided 3-Day Tour
This 3-day guided tour from Ulaanbaatar provides an immersive exploration of Central Mongolia‘s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Priced from Kč 8,917 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) promises an authentic Mongolian experience led by English-speaking guides.
On day one, you’ll travel to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, visiting the Erdenezuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Museum. Overnight, you’ll stay in a comfortable yurt with shower and electric facilities.
Day two takes you to the Semi Gobi Desert for camel riding and a glimpse of nomadic life, though without electricity.
The final day features a visit to Khugnu Khan Mountain and horse riding in Khugnu Tarna National Park, as well as the Erdene Khamba Monastery.
Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy included meals, transportation, and activities like museum entries and park fees.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from past travelers, this tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable culture.
Read our full review: From Ulaanbaatar: Central Mongolia Guided 3-Day Tour Review
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3 Days Tour of Central Mongolia
Exploring the heart of Central Mongolia, the Days Tour of Central Mongolia offers travelers a comprehensive immersion into the region’s rich cultural heritage and captivating natural landscapes.
The tour spans 3 days and can be booked as a small group or private excursion with pickup available. Highly rated by past participants, this experience earns an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 120 reviews.
Priced at $399 per person, the tour showcases the best of Central Mongolia, from the historic Kharkhorin to the serene Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Adventurous visitors can also opt for the 2-day Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai Tour, priced at $300 per person, for a more focused exploration of these iconic destinations.
Whether seeking culture, natural wonder, or a blend of both, the Days Tour of Central Mongolia provides an enriching and memorable journey through the heart of this captivating region.
Read our full review: 3 Days Tour of Central Mongolia Review
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3 Day Central Mongolia Public Bus Tour
For travelers seeking an affordable and convenient way to explore the heart of Central Mongolia, the Day Central Mongolia Public Bus Tour provides an excellent option. This 2-day tour departs from Ulaanbaatar, allowing participants to experience the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of the region.
The tour includes pickup from your accommodation, transportation by public bus, and various stops along the way, including the historic Kharkhorin and the stunning Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
Travelers will have the opportunity to visit a local family in a traditional Mongolian ger camp, providing a unique culture experience.
With a starting price of Kč 6,266 per person, the Day Central Mongolia Public Bus Tour offers great value for money. The small group size ensures personalized attention from the guide, who’ll share insights into the region’s history and way of life.
Whether you’re interested in Mongolian culture, natural wonders, or simply seeking an affordable adventure, this tour is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: 3 Day Central Mongolia Public Bus Tour Review
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Kharkhorum, Mini Gobi & Ger Under the Stars: 3-Day Tour
Kharkhorum, Mini Gobi & Ger Under the Stars: 3-Day Tour offers travelers a captivating exploration of Central Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.
This 3-day small group tour, rated 4.3 out of 120 reviews, provides pickup from Ulaanbaatar and immerses visitors in the highlights of the region.
Travelers will visit the ancient capital of Kharkhorum, home to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most significant Buddhist sites.
They’ll also explore the “Mini Gobi” region, with its vast sand dunes and unique rock formations.
The tour culminates with a night spent in a traditional Mongolian ger, where guests can marvel at the stunning night sky.
Priced at Kč 9,616 per person, this tour offers excellent value for money, with a small group size and knowledgeable guides to ensure a personalized and enriching experience.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, this 3-day tour is an ideal way to discover the wonders of Central Mongolia.
Read our full review: Kharkhorum, Mini Gobi & Ger Under the Stars: 3-Day Tour Review
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Great Gobi to Khuvsgul Lake 16 Days Tour
This comprehensive 16-day tour from the Great Gobi to Khuvsgul Lake offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Central and Northern Mongolia.
Priced at $2,900 per person, the tour includes accommodations, transportation, meals, and guided experiences, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include visiting the granite mountain of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, the Flaming Cliffs of Bayan Zag, and the Orkhon Waterfalls.
Adventurous activities range from camel riding on the Khongor Sand Dunes to horse trekking and fishing at Terkh White Lake.
The tour culminates with an immersive experience at the stunning Khuvsgul Lake, known as the “Dark Blue Pearl.”
Accommodations are provided, and the tour is available in English, Korean, and Japanese.
While not suitable for children under 2, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Mongolia’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an in-depth adventure.
Read our full review: Great Gobi to Khuvsgul Lake 16 Days Tour Review
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Golden Eagle Festival and Greate Gobi Desert Tour
Set out on a captivating 16-day journey to witness the renowned Golden Eagle Festival and explore the enchanting Gobi Desert. This small-group tour, limited to just 14 participants, provides an exclusive opportunity to learn about Mongolia’s nomadic culture and stunning natural landscapes.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll have the chance to interact with local eagle hunters, ride camels and horses across the desert and steppes, and visit the historic capital of Kharkhorin and the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Capture breathtaking photos of Bactrian camels herding through the Khongor sand dunes, and experience the Kazakh culture and eagle falconry in the Altai Mountain Range.
With accommodation in hotels and traditional Ger camps, daily bottled water, and all meals included, this tour offers an all-inclusive and seamless experience.
Priced from SEK 53,304 per person, with the option to reserve your spot without upfront payment and free cancellation, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Read our full review: Golden Eagle Festival and Greate Gobi Desert Tour Review
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Horse Trekking Tour in Orkhon Valley , 8 Lake Area
Venturing beyond the captivating Golden Eagle Festival and Gobi Desert, the Horse Trekking Tour in Orkhon Valley and the 8 Lake Area offers a chance to take in Mongolia’s stunning natural landscapes and rich nomadic heritage.
Spanning 3 days, this small group tour departs from Ulaanbaatar, providing a comprehensive exploration of the region’s highlights.
Participants will have the opportunity to embark on guided horseback riding through the scenic Orkhon Valley, encountering traditional nomadic families and learning about their way of life.
The tour also includes a visit to the 8 Lake Area, showcasing the area’s serene, glacier-fed lakes and impressive mountain vistas.
Additional activities range from hiking and cultural visits to experiencing Mongolian cuisine and a stay in a ger camp.
Priced at $600 per person, the tour provides a well-rounded and immersive experience, allowing travelers to delve deeper into Mongolia’s vast wilderness and nomadic traditions.
With a 5-star customer rating, this tour is a top pick for those seeking an authentic adventure in Central Mongolia.
Read our full review: Horse Trekking Tour in Orkhon Valley , 8 Lake Area Review
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Great Gobi and Khangai Region Tour
What makes the Great Gobi and Khangai Region Tour a standout experience for travelers exploring the heart of Mongolia? This 16-day private group tour offers a comprehensive journey through the vast and diverse landscapes of the Gobi and Khangai regions.
With pickup available from Ulaanbaatar, the tour begins with an exploration of the Gobi Desert, known for its towering sand dunes, unique rock formations, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife like the Bactrian camel.
The itinerary then takes travelers to the Khangai Mountains, offering stunning alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and interactions with nomadic herders.
Priced at Kč 69,887 per person, the tour includes ger camp accommodations and a rating of 4.5, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
Whether seeking to immerse in the rugged beauty of the Gobi or experience the cultural richness of the Khangai, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking an in-depth Mongolian adventure.
Read our full review: Great Gobi and Khangai Region Tour Review
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8 Day Orkhon Valley 8 Lake Horse Ride Tour 2 Way Local Bus
This 8-day tour of the Orkhon Valley and its surrounding lakes offers travellers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of central Mongolia.
The tour begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar, with transport provided by a local bus. In the Orkhon Valley, guests will have the opportunity to explore 8 picturesque lakes while riding on horseback, providing a truly unique and authentic experience.
The tour is priced at Kč 32,534 per person for a private group. While the group size isn’t specified, this tour is likely best suited for small groups or private parties.
With a 5-star rating based on one review, this tour seems to provide an exceptional and memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of central Mongolia.
Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, culture, or an adventurous equestrian experience, this 8-day tour of the Orkhon Valley and its lakes is sure to deliver.
Read our full review: 8 Day Orkhon Valley 8 Lake Horse Ride Tour 2 Way Local Bus Review
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Recap
Kharkhorin offers a variety of guided tours ranging from 3-day excursions to 16-day adventures. Visitors can explore Central Mongolia, the Great Gobi Desert, and the Orkhon Valley on foot, by bus, or by horseback. These tours provide opportunities to take in the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional nomadic lifestyle. Whether seeking a short getaway or an extended journey, Kharkhorin presents compelling tour options to suit diverse interests and travel preferences.