Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery Tour – Explore Mongolia’s Ancient Capital

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Get up to 50% groups!
From$3,999
Get up to 50% groups!
From$3,999
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  • Exclusive packageMax people per booking 3

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8 days 7 nights
Availability : May 1st, 2025 - September 30th, 2025
Min Age : 5+
Tour Details

Step into the heart of Mongolian history with a journey to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Once the seat of power for Genghis Khan’s successors, Karakorum now stands as a powerful reminder of Mongolia’s imperial past. More than just a city of ruins, it tells the story of nomadic tribes who chose to settle and build a capital—laying the foundation for a rich cultural legacy.

Wandering through Karakorum’s archaeological remains, you’re not just a visitor—you’re an explorer uncovering the evolution of Mongolian civilization. Each weathered stone and crumbling path reveals how nomads transformed into empire builders, creating a lasting urban imprint.

Your journey continues at the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist site, founded in 1585. Built from the remnants of Karakorum, this monastery is a living symbol of spiritual endurance. Surrounded by 108 white stupas, Erdene Zuu blends Tibetan, Chinese, and Mongolian influences in its temples, filled with colorful thangka paintings, sacred relics, and ancient statues.

Listen to the soft chants of monks, inhale the scent of incense, and feel the peaceful energy flowing through the monastery’s prayer halls and courtyards. Despite surviving political upheaval and religious suppression—especially during the communist purges of the 1930s—Erdene Zuu remains a vibrant place of worship and a national treasure.

This immersive tour offers both a spiritual and historical experience. Discover how the Mongol Empire’s capital rose and fell, and how Buddhism took root and flourished in the heart of Mongolia.

Price Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop off service
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
  • In the countryside, all lodging will be in ger camps
  • Ground transportation: in the countryside by a chauffeured 4x4 vehicle
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English-speaking guide at all times
  • All meals are provided as stated in the itinerary
  • Purified bottles of water are provided
  • Park entrance fees

Exclusive package upgrade includes

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  • Premium SUV (Toyota Land Cruiser (300/200 Series) with an experienced driver)
  • Luxury local ger or camp
  • Best local fine dining

Price Excludes

  • International airfare or train tickets, airport taxes, excess baggage charges
  • Travel insurance, medical insurance
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar city
  • Alcoholic beverages
Tour Highlights
  • Karakorum
  • Tsenkher hot spring
  • Lake Ugii and Uran togoo extinct volcano
Itinerary

Day 1Arrival

Drive to Ulaanbaatar
Activity: Arrive at Chinggis Khan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar. If time allows, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and tour guide.
Meal: Dinner

Day 2Karakorum (380 km)

Drive from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum
Activity: Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest and largest monastery, featuring 17th-century Buddhist thangka paintings and statues.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3TSENKHER HOT SPRING – 140KM

Drive from Karakorum to Tsenkher Hot Springs
Activity: Unwind in the natural hot springs and take a peaceful walk through the nearby forest. Optional massage and spa services are available at the camp. After dinner, enjoy another relaxing soak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4ORKHON WATERFALL – 160KM

Drive from Tsenkher Hot Springs to Orkhon Waterfall
Activity: Discover the scenic beauty of Orkhon Waterfall and its picturesque surroundings, including several smaller cascades around 4–5 meters high. Visit Ulaan Tsutgalan, the tallest waterfall in Mongolia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5KHUSHUU TSAIDAM / UGII LAKE – 130KM

Drive from Orkhon Waterfall to Khushuu Tsaidam and Ugii Lake
Activity: Visit the ancient Khushuu Tsaidam monuments honoring Prince Kul-Tegin—some of the most significant relics from the Turkic era. Then continue to Ugii Lake, where optional activities like horseback riding, boating, and fishing may be available.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6SMALL SAND DUNE (230 km)

Drive from Khushuu Tsaidam/Ugii Lake to the Small Sand Dunes
Activity: Travel to Elsen Tasarkhai, a scenic stretch of sand dunes often called the “mini Gobi.” Upon arrival, enjoy a short camel ride hosted by a local camel herder at their traditional ger. Visit the historic Ovgon Temple and journey through the dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7ULAANBAATAR CITY (280 km)

Drive from Small Sand Dunes to Ulaanbaatar
Activity: Return to Ulaanbaatar and check in at your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your guide and driver.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8DEPARTURE

Departure from Hotel to Airport
Activity: Transfer to the airport or train station for your international departure. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead!

Photos
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