Skip to content
A landscape from Central Mongolia, the setting for the Central Mongolia · 6 days.

Central Mongolia · 6 days

Central Mongolia · 6 days

Six days adding horse riding through the Orkhon Valley and a final morning with the wild horses of Hustai National Park.

On this page

Overview.

This 6-day Central Mongolia tour adds a final morning at Hustai National Park to the standard Central core – the Bayan Gobi sand dunes with camel riding, a horse-riding day through the Orkhon Valley, the cliff-top Tovkhon Monastery, an evening at Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Karakorum with Erdene Zuu Monastery. Hustai is the home of the Takhi (Przewalski's horse), the world's only true wild horse, reintroduced after going extinct in the wild in the 1960s. The 6-day variant is the right choice for travelers who want the cultural loop plus a wildlife morning before the drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Travel is by Toyota Land Cruiser; group size is two to six guests.

Region
Central Mongolia
Duration
6 days
Best season
May – September
Group size
2–6 guests

Pricing is tailored to your dates and group size. Final quote in USD, sent within 24 hours.

Departures

Departures run on request through the season, tell us your dates and we hold a date for you.

Quick facts

Total distance
1,400–1,500 km
Driving days
5 of 6
Longest single drive
~6 hours
Maximum altitude
~2,300 m (Tovkhon Monastery)
Start / end
Ulaanbaatar
Group size
2–6 guests
Languages
English (Buya); driver speaks working English

Day by day.

Day 1: Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve & Bayan Gobi sand dunes

We will drive Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve, where mountains, forests, steppe, desert, and mineral springs meet. Explore the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, part of the Great Mongolian Sand Dunes, stretching about 80 km. Stay overnight in a nomadic family ger camp and experience traditional Mongolian life. The sand dunes are ideal for camel riding, and you will ride the gentle two-humped Bactrian camel.

Day 2: Orkhon Waterfall & Horse riding

Orkhon Waterfall, also known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mongolia. It is in the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall was formed by volcanic activity around 20,000 years ago and drops about 24 meters into a scenic gorge. Surrounded by forested mountains and open pastureland, the valley is home to yaks and other livestock. Stay overnight in a ger camp.

Day 3: Horse riding & trekking

Enjoy horse riding and trekking through the beautiful landscapes of the Orkhon Valley. Experience Mongolia’s traditional way of travel while exploring valleys, rivers, and open grasslands.

Day 4: Tovkhon Monastery & Tsenkher Hot Springs

In the morning, Tovkhon Monastery is located on a rocky mountain peak surrounded by dense forest, at an altitude of 2,312 meters above sea level. The monastery stands on a small flat area among steep cliffs. It was founded in 1651 when Zanabazar. Explore the monastery and meditation caves and enjoy panoramic views from the mountaintop. Afterward, travel to Tsenkher Hot Springs to relax in natural outdoor hot pools surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight at a ger camp.

Day 5: Karakorum museum & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Just outside Kharkhorin in central Mongolia, Erdene Zuu Monastery is a must-visit for history and culture lovers. Built in 1586 on the ruins of the ancient capital Kharkhorum, it’s Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery. Wander among 108 gleaming white stupas and soak in the peaceful atmosphere while discovering centuries of spiritual and cultural heritage. A short walk away, the Karakorum Museum (opened in 2011) brings the Mongol Empire to life. Explore fascinating archaeological finds from the Orkhon Valley and learn about the rise and fall of Kharkhorum, Mongolia’s legendary ancient capital. Together, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history.

Day 6: Hustai National Park & Back to Ulaanbaatar

Travel to Hustai National Park, famous for the reintroduction of the Takhi (Przewalski’s horse), the world’s only true wild horse. Enjoy short hikes through the park and observe wildlife such as wild horses, marmots, deer, and occasionally wolves. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. End of the tour.

Why this trip.

This 6-day Central Mongolia tour is the right itinerary for travelers who want the standard cultural core (Karakorum, Erdene Zuu, the Orkhon Valley, Tovkhon Monastery, Tsenkher Hot Springs) plus an extra day for horse riding through the valley and a final morning at Hustai National Park. The Hustai stop is what distinguishes this tour from the 5-day version. The Takhi (Przewalski's horse) was extinct in the wild by the 1960s, surviving only in zoos. Reintroduction to Hustai began in 1992, and today the wild herd numbers around 400. Early morning is the best time to see them at the watering points.

For travelers comparing options: the 5-day version is the same loop without the Hustai stop and with one less horse-riding day. The 7-day with Terelj adds two days at Terelj National Park near Ulaanbaatar; the 7-day with Terkh adds Terkh White Lake and Khorgo Volcano in the Khangai Mountains. The 9-day adds a four-day horseback trek to the Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur). The 6-day is the right balance when you want a full week with wildlife, but not a multi-day trek or remote-lake addition.

What's included.

Included

  • Private Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicle for all transfers
  • Experienced local driver and English-speaking guide (Buya)
  • All accommodation on tour: ger camps and one nomadic family overnight
  • All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All entrance fees: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, Tovkhon Monastery, Tsenkher Hot Springs, Hustai National Park
  • Bottled drinking water throughout
  • Camel ride at Bayan Gobi sand dunes and horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley

Not included

  • International flights to and from Ulaanbaatar
  • Pre and post-tour Ulaanbaatar hotel nights (we can recommend or arrange)
  • Mandatory travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
  • Optional activities not in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, laundry
  • Gratuities for guide and driver (appreciated but not required)
  • Museum camera fees where applicable

Travel insurance is required. We recommend SafetyWing or World Nomads, see the Before-you-go guide.

Where you stay.

Four of your five nights on this 6-day Central Mongolia tour are at established ger camps – traditional felt tents with private bedding, communal dining, and shared shower and toilet blocks. One night is with a nomadic family in their working ger camp – simpler, no shower, but the most authentic experience of the route. Bedding is provided; you do not bring a sleeping bag. The first and last nights of the trip are at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar (not included; we can recommend or arrange).

A traditional Mongolian ger camp, accommodation on the Central Mongolia · 6 days.

What to bring.

After booking, we send a detailed packing list customized to your dates and the season. The essentials: layered clothing for cool nights and warm days, sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF, brimmed hat, sunglasses), a rain shell for summer thunderstorms, sturdy walking shoes for the Tovkhon climb and Hustai trails, a small daypack, headlamp or torch (ger camps have limited lighting), a reusable water bottle, hand sanitiser, and any personal medications. For shoulder-season trips (May or September), add a warm fleece, gloves, and a hat for early-morning Hustai walks. Most ger camps have power outlets but a power bank is useful as backup.

See packing notes in our Before-you-go guide →

Common questions.

What is special about Hustai National Park?

Hustai is one of the only places in the world where you can see the Takhi (Przewalski's horse) in the wild – the genetic ancestor of the modern domestic horse. The species was extinct in the wild by the 1960s, surviving only in zoos. Reintroduction to Hustai began in 1992, and today the wild herd numbers around 400. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them at watering points; in the heat of midday they retreat to the higher slopes.

What is the best time of year for the 6-day Central Mongolia tour?

June through August is peak season for the 6-day Central Mongolia tour with Hustai – warm days, long daylight, the Takhi visible at watering points in early morning. May and September are good shoulder months with fewer travelers, cooler nights, the green still on the land in May and gold leaves in September. We do not run this tour from October through April: most ger camps along the route are closed.

How is this 6-day tour different from the 5-day version?

The 6-day Central Mongolia tour adds two things to the 5-day: an extra day for horse riding through the Orkhon Valley (Day 3), and a final morning at Hustai National Park before the drive back to Ulaanbaatar (Day 6). The 5-day skips both, returning directly to Ulaanbaatar from Karakorum. The 6-day is the right choice if you want time on horseback and a wildlife morning.

Do I need to be comfortable on horseback?

Horse riding is included on Day 2 (a 1 to 2 hour ride in the Orkhon Valley) and Day 3 (a longer trekking day through the valley). The horses are well-trained and used to beginners; helmets are available. The Day 3 trek is flexible – non-riders can hike, walk, or stay at the camp. Travelers wanting longer rides should consider our 9-day Eight Lakes itinerary, which includes four full days of riding.

How much driving is on this 6-day tour?

Total driving is roughly 1,400 to 1,500 kilometers across six days. The longest single days are Day 1 (Ulaanbaatar to Bayan Gobi, around 6 hours) and Day 5 to 6 (Karakorum and Hustai with a 2-hour transfer to Hustai, then a 2-hour drive back to Ulaanbaatar). Days 2 to 4 are shorter touring days. Most of the route to Karakorum is paved; side trips to Tovkhon, Tsenkher, and Hustai are on dirt tracks.

Where do you stay on the 6-day Central tour?

Most nights are in ger camps – traditional felt tents at established tourist camps with private bedding, communal dining, and shared showers. One night is with a nomadic family in their working ger camp; that night is simpler but the most authentic experience of the route. The first and last nights of the trip are at your Ulaanbaatar hotel.

Is the 6-day tour suitable for families with children?

Yes – Central Mongolia is the most family-suitable region we offer, and the 6-day with Hustai works particularly well for families with older children. The wild horses, the camel riding at Bayan Gobi, and the open country all engage younger travelers. We recommend a minimum age of around six. Specific family-policy details confirmed at booking.

What is included in the 6-day Central Mongolia tour?

Specific inclusions confirmed at booking; typically: private vehicle and English-speaking driver, all accommodation (ger camps and one family stay), all meals on tour, all entrance fees including Hustai National Park, bottled drinking water, camel ride at Bayan Gobi, and horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley. Excluded: international flights, Ulaanbaatar hotel nights, optional activities, gratuities, museum camera fees. Final inclusions are confirmed in writing before any payment.

Can I see wolves at Hustai?

Wolves do live in Hustai National Park – they are part of the predator-prey balance with the Takhi – but sightings are rare and unpredictable. Marmots, deer, and steppe birds are much more common. The visit is short (a morning) and focused on the horses; wolf sightings are a bonus, not the goal.

Can I extend this 6-day tour into the Gobi?

Yes. Our 8-day, 9-day, and 10-day Gobi variants combine the Gobi loop (Khongor Dunes, Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, Yoliin Am ice canyon) with the Central Mongolia core (Karakorum, Tovkhon, Tsenkher Hot Springs). The 10-day Gobi-and-Central tour is the most complete combined option. Tell us your dates and what you most want to see.

Book this trip.

Baska replies personally, in your language, within 24 hours. We can adjust dates, routing, and pacing.

Chat on WhatsApp Baska replies within 24 hours, Mon–Sat (UB time). Or email us

Not sure which tour fits your dates? See the planning guide.

Other journeys in Central

View all Central itineraries
Inquire about this trip

Compare tours