Karakorum, the Former Capital of the Mongols
In the Footsteps of Genghis Khan, from the Khustain Steppes to the Remains of the Ancient Mongolian Capital
Duration
4 days
From
€550/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
At twilight, near the watering hole of the Khustai reserve, Przewalski's horses gather in silence disturbed only by the breath of wind across the steppe. These wild horses, last witnesses of an ancestral Mongolia, open the path toward Karakorum, the ancient capital founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. The Erdene Zuu monastery deploys its 108 sacred stupas around the remains of this mythical city, a crossroads of the Silk Road where Chinese, Persian and European merchants crossed paths.
The journey continues toward the rock formations of Khogno Khan, this "mini Gobi" where semi-desert steppes border golden dunes over nearly 80 kilometers. On horseback, the trails lead to the monastery of Erdene Khambiin, built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in homage to his spiritual master, nestled in the mountain like a refuge outside of time.
This region of central Mongolia preserves the memory of the largest empire in history, when Genghis Khan's cavalry dominated territory stretching from China to Europe. Here still echoes the sound of conquests that shaped medieval Asia and exchanges between East and West.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discovery of Khustai Reserve and its wild horses.
You head towards the Khustai reserve, a protected territory where Przewalski's wild horses (takh) roam. Twilight offers the best conditions to observe them. A walk will take you near their watering point, a place they frequent regularly, where you can admire them in complete peace, without disturbing their natural behavior.
You spend your first night in Mongolia with a nomadic family settled at the edges of the national park. This stay immerses you in the heart of their daily life and offers you an authentic first contact with Mongolian pastoral life.
Historic Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery
Road to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongols. Founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan, this mythical city was one of the great stages of the Silk Road. From Karakorum, l
Visit of Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince. The complex, influenced by Chinese and Tibetan architecture, is surrounded by 108 sacred stupas.
You continue with a visit to the Karakorum museum, dedicated to the history of the ancient capital and its region.
Discovery of Khogno Khan and the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes
Departure to the Khogno Khan rock formations. You discover a park with contrasting landscapes: semi-desert steppes, taiga zones, granite massifs and a long sand fracture of nearly 80 km, which earned it the nickname "mini Gobi".
Horseback riding to the Erdene Khambiin monastery. Located in the mountains, this Monastery of the Monk Erdene, built in the 17th century by Zanabazar in tribute to his master, offers a peaceful discovery at the pace of your mount.
Visit to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, a surprising landscape where the steppe meets a long band of sand, creating a contrasting scenery in the heart of the "mini Gobi".
Return to Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulan Bator. Along the way, the last herds of wild horses and yurts glimpsed in the distance accompany your progress to the gates of the capital. Upon your arrival in the city center, you settle into your hotel and enjoy a moment of rest. The rest of the day is free.
Accompanied by your guide, you browse the shops in the city to make your last purchases and enjoy one last time the atmosphere of Ulan Bator.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transportation
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Ulan Bator
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Full board during the excursion
- 1 night in a 2-star hotel in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Mineral water
- 1 night in comfortable yurt camp with hot shower
- 2 nights with a local host, in a host family's yurt
- 4x4 or minibus transfers + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Assistant for groups > 8 participants
- Horse ride
- Local guides during trekking
- I need to see the text about park and museum entrance fees that you'd like me to translate. Please provide the content you want translated to English.
- Kitchen equipment (camping tables and chairs) and sleeping gear (sleeping bag)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Steppes
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
