Genghis Khan Tour of Mongolia

Your global travel trip is off and away as you travel to Ulaanbaatar. As your plane descends, look out your window to see Mongolia’s diverse landscape of mountains, deserts, and rivers. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a city hotel. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the city’s local markets, splash in the hotel pool, or take a nap after the long journey. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for traditional Mongolian cuisine. Take some time to get to know the people you will be spending time with over the next week of adventures. 

Today you will learn about one mighty political figure, Genghis Khan, ruler of Mongolia in the 13th century. You will visit the renowned Genghis Khan Statue Complex, which is home to the largest equestrian statue in the world. Climb to the very top to enjoy panoramic views of the countryside. A professional guide will educate you on Genghis Khan, who built a large army to destroy individual tribes in Northeast Asia. Under his regime in the 1200s, the tribes and country united. His reign was successful as the Mongol Empire was the most expansive empire to exist before the British Empire gained in stature. As you explore Mongolia in the next week, remind yourself of the influence that Genghis Khan has had on the people and culture of this country, and how his rule still echoes today.

Today, you will immerse yourself into the nomad life as your horseback ride in Terelj National Park. Mongolia has as many horses as it does people. Saddle up as you ride through the spectacular Mongolian nomadic landscape. Enjoy the magnificent mountains and endless blue skies that surround you. During your tour, you will visit Turtle Rock, Tull Rivier, and the homes of nomad families. They will welcome you with a traditional Mongolian meal for lunch. Following this, you’ll ride back to your coach bus for a drive into the city. 

Led by a native Ulaanbaatar expert, you will explore the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. Make sure to tell him what your greatest interests are (e.g., food, history, music, art) so he can customize your tour for you. Learn how Ulaanbaatar residents eat, play and live. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the most popular restaurants in the city, and throughout the day, you’ll visit the city’s top attractions, including Bogd Khan Palace, Genghis Khan Square, Gandantegchinlen Monastery, and the National Museum. 

The outskirt villages of Ulaanbaatar have their own unique character and way of life as you will discover today. You will travel far into the mountains to reach the ger district. Meet local villages of this less-populated area. The residents will welcome you into their lives by rehearsing with you the Buhddist prayer, providing lessons on how to cook authentic Mongolian cuisine, and showing you around their homes. You will be truly immersed in their culture as you explore narrow alleyways, hike through rolling hills, and stop at local shops and factories. 

You’re off to the Elsen Tasarkhai, otherwise known as massive sand dunes. As you enter the Semi Gobi Desert, take in the spectacular landscape views. You’ll hop on a camel for a ride through the endless orange sand. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as snakes, lizards, and cockroaches — yikes! You will finally reach a rare desert oasis to enjoy a picnic lunch. Cool off in the water before camel riding to a nearby nomad family home for a break from the hot sun. What’s the best part of the day? A professional photographer will journey alongside you, taking incredible pictures of your experiences. We bet you can’t wait to show your family and friends!

It has been a wonderful week in Mongolia, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.