Mongolia Family Adventure
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Steeped in the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is one of Asia’s most enigmatic and fascinating destinations. From the vastness of its rich grasslands to the parched deserts of the Gobi, it is a land of staggering contrasts. This wonderful 13-day family adventure takes you from its bustling capital and out into the heart of its vast wilderness. Staying in a variety of traditional ger camps, over the course of your journey you’ll have opportunities to ride horses amongst the forested ...
Steeped in the rich legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia is one of Asia’s most enigmatic and fascinating destinations. From the vastness of its rich grasslands to the parched deserts of the Gobi, it is a land of staggering contrasts. This wonderful 13-day family adventure takes you from its bustling capital and out into the heart of its vast wilderness. Staying in a variety of traditional ger camps, over the course of your journey you’ll have opportunities to ride horses amongst the forested mountains of the Terelj National Park, kayak through the stunning scenery of the Orkhon Valley and swim in the clear pools of the Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall – fun for all the family! In Hustai National Park you’ll find rare wild horses, whilst the dunes of Khogno Khan National Park provide the perfect backdrop for a camel ride. Departing Ulaanbaatar, you’ll travel deep into the heart of the vast steppe of Central Mongolia visiting a selection of national parks, UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and Buddhist temples as you discover the bounty of Mongolia’s natural and cultural history; a unique, energising and unforgettable adventure for all ages.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR
Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you'll transfer to your hotel for a chance to rest up before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. A visit to the Gandan Monastery affords you an opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. In the evening, watch a traditional folk show before dining in a local restaurant.
Day 2 ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, head east to the steppe and spend the day at the 13th Century Camp where an interactive tour around the camp involves being shown around various areas set up for visitors to experience life in 13th century Mongolia. Learn about ancient blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans and kings. Later, you’ll drive to Terelj National Park for your first overnight stay at a ger camp located within the park.
Day 3 TERELJ NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES
A full day in the park means plenty of time to explore its beautiful forests and mountains located some 1,6000 metres above sea level. After saddling up, ride through the cool alpine air in search of a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock just waiting to be found. Alternative activities for today include cycling or kayaking instead.
Day 4 TERELJ NATIONAL PARK - HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
Leaving the park this morning, you'll first head for the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River. Standing over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the giant statue so why not enjoy a friendly race to the top for sweeping views out across the Mongolian countryside. Continue on towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski’s horses, where an early evening drive through the park provides an opportunity to try and see them in their native habitat.
Day 5 HUSTAI NATIONAL PARK - KHARKHORIN
Enjoy breakfast and an early morning horse ride at your ger camp before continuing to Kharkhorin today, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century the remains of Kharkhorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country, and an educational visit to its museum presents the perfect introduction to the region's, and the iconic monastery’s, fascinating history.
Day 6 KHARKHORIN - ORKHON VALLEY
Head to the Erdene Zuu Monastery this morning for a chance to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting before commencing into the valleys of Central Mongolia. Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, once the seat of imperial power on the steppe.
Day 7 ORKHON VALLEY ACTIVITIES
Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country's most important cultural landscapes. With a packed picnic lunch in hand, today you will take to the waters in kayaks, paddling your way down a series of small canyons and tranquil stretches as scenes of countryside pass you by.
Day 8 ORKHON VALLEY ACTIVITIES
Drive to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall this morning. After heavy rains, especially around late July and August, this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country. A short walk downstream from the falls, is a 22-metre-deep gorge surrounded by peaceful country landscapes, perfect for a spot of horse riding. There are also enticing natural pools so don’t forget to bring your swimming costume. Head back to the camp in time for dinner.
Day 9 ORKHON VALLEY - KHOGNO KHAN
Heading to Tovkhon Khiid first thing this morning, you'll enjoy an hour's walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you'll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Here you’ll overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppe.
Day 10 KHOGNO KHAN ACTIVITIES
Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight within the desert steppe. Over the next couple of days you will be able to walk around the rocky hills and wild terrain; visit and meet local nomadic herders; and camel ride through the stretches of sand dunes.
Day 11 KHOGNO KHAN ACTIVITIES
Another full day to head out and explore the national park.
Day 12 KHOGNO KHAN - ULAANBAATAR
After a long morning’s drive back to the capital, the afternoon is then free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace and perhaps take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner.
Day 13 DEPARTURE TRANSFER
After checking out of your hotel, you will be taken back to the airport for your return flight home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Terelj Lodge Ger Camp, Terelj National Park
Set away from the main road and within sight of just two other camps, the Terelj lodge offers guests luxury accommodation, plenty of activities and a great restaurant. Guests are accommodated in 25 standard gers, seven deluxe gers and ten wooden cabins. Cabins have double beds and large windows on to terraces, standard gers are simple with beds set around the ger and deluxe gers have a double bed and an end suite shower room. All are decorated traditionally and very thoughtfully. The bathroom block is large, very clean and modern. There is a bar/cafe ger as well as a large restaurant and wooden verandas from which to enjoy the views. Activities on offer include hiking, horse riding and archery and there is also a small play area. The outdoor space comprises a seating area ideal for evening drinks, plus an outdoor basketball court for those more active guests.
Ursa Major Ger Camp, Orkhon Valley
With beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley, the Ursa Major Ger Camp is a delightful place to stay. An eco-camp priding itself on working with the environment and local communities; it doesn't have a toilet and shower block, toilets are made from wood and composting and instead of showers hot towels are bought to your ger in the evening and morning. Gers are beautifully decorated inside and out with traditionally painted furniture, doubles and twins and small touches such as a little sink behind a screen, they also have good quality ceramic stoves. There is no electricity in the gers but a torch and candles are provided. The bar and restaurant are stylish and provide great food and the service is top quality. With so many activities in the area this camp makes a great base.
Monkh Tenger Camp, Kharkhorin
A lovely camp on the edge of the city with 25 gers, Munkh Tenger Camp is beautifully furnished with traditionally painted day beds, plus extras such as wardrobes, tables, a sink and a sofa. Gers have double, twin or triple beds and are still spacious, with 14 Gers providing en suite facilities. A restaurant provides good food and there is a small toilet and shower block. The grassy areas between gers have plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the mountain views.
Sweet Gobi, Elsen Tasarkhai
Set right on the edge of Elsen Tasarkhai dunes in a stunning wilderness location, this eco-camp has stylishly appointed gers with double beds, comfy mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and traditional soft furnishings and design features. In keeping with their environmental credentials the toilets are compost facilities stylishly and cleanly maintained, plus there is a ‘bathroom’ ger where they provide a personal head massage and hair-washing service. Their large ornately carved dining ger provides delicious meals, a range of beers and wines and outstanding views of the surrounding plateau.
Hustai Ger Camp, Hustai National Park
Located right in the national park, here you will have a good opportunity to see the Prejewalski wild horses and learn about them in the information centre that has been built to aid their conservation. The camp is large, there is a large building housing the restaurant and offices and separate areas for the research centres. Gers are still traditional and nicely furnished, shower blocks are new and modern. There are plenty of walking and riding opportunities from the camp.
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
A great five-star option in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel offers 198 rooms. The modern amenities and stylish interiors are everything you would expect from a city chain hotel. The rooms categories range from Standard, Deluxe, Suite, Family Suite and Presidential Suite, with some offering fantastic city and mountain views. There are three dining options; Premier Lounge on the 25th floor combines panoramic views with relaxing lounge music; Prime Grille serves flam grilled delicious dishes from around the world; and Le Cabernet Coffee Lounge provides a casual atmosphere for a quick bite to eat. Before or after a long flight, take advantage of the Aroma Tera Beauty Spa and Sauna, as well as the fitness centre.
Hotel Rating
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on a family of four (children 12 years or younger), travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN MONGOLIA
Check out our group tours in Mongolia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Mongolia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Mongolia