From Ulaanbaatar: 2-Day Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai Tour

Traveling through Mongolia often means stepping into a land where history and nature collide in spectacular fashion. This particular 2-day tour from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin and Elsen Tasarkhai promises a mix of ancient relics, traditional culture, and scenic landscapes. While it’s not perfect, it offers a genuine glimpse into Mongolia’s storied past and rugged beauty.

What we love about this tour is the chance to visit Kharkhorin, the heart of the Great Mongolian Empire, see the ancient Erdenezuu Monastery, and ride a camel across the mini sand dunes of Elsentasarkhai. The cultural concert at the ger camp adds a warm, authentic touch, and the scenic drive through the Mongolian steppe brings its own kind of magic.

A potential drawback to consider is the guide’s quality—based on reviews, some travelers found the guide somewhat lacking in knowledge or professionalism. It’s worth knowing that the experience relies heavily on the guide, so clarity on this point can affect your overall enjoyment.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, culture seekers, and adventure lovers who want a balanced experience with both educational and scenic highlights but are okay with rustic accommodation and a few unpredictable moments. If you’re looking for a well-organized, culturally rich escape into Mongolia’s heartland, this could be quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Historical significance: Visit Kharkhorin, the ancient Mongolian capital, and explore Erdenezuu Monastery.
• Cultural immersion: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian concert in a ger camp setting.
• Scenic landscapes: Ride camels through the Elsentasarkhai mini sand dunes and witness stunning steppe views.
• Value for money: At $350 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience including accommodation, meals, and activities.
• Potential guide issue: Be prepared for varying guide quality based on recent reviews.
• Authentic experience: Spend a night in a traditional ger, experiencing Mongolia’s nomadic way of life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Journey to Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu Monastery

Starting with a hotel pick-up in Ulaanbaatar, the journey immediately feels promising. The drive takes you through Mongolia’s iconic open landscapes—vast, rolling steppes that seem to stretch forever. We loved the way the scenery shifts from urban to expansive wilderness, making the long drive feel like a window into Mongolia’s soul.

Arriving at Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongolian Empire, you step into a place where history whispers from every stone. The Erdenezuu Monastery is a highlight, with its ornate temples and peaceful courtyards. Here, the blending of Buddhist traditions and Mongolian culture is palpable, and you’ll appreciate the chance to walk among ancient relics that have survived centuries of change.

Next, a visit to the Kharkhorin Museum offers context—exhibits tell stories of Genghis Khan, the empire, and the city’s significance. The museum’s displays are engaging, making the history come alive for those curious about Mongolia’s past. It’s a good way to contextualize the ruins and spiritual sites, providing a fuller picture of what once was.

As evening approaches, the tour transitions to the ger camp, a cozy cluster of traditional circular yurts. Staying here is a different experience from typical hotels—imagine sleeping under a star-lit sky, with the warmth of a campfire nearby. The camp’s highlight is the traditional concert featuring local musicians, which adds a layer of cultural depth. Expect heartfelt performances, often accompanied by dancing or singing, that showcase Mongolia’s musical heritage.

Day 2: Exploring the Dunes and Returning to Ulaanbaatar

Waking up in the ger, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast—think fresh bread, local cheeses, and maybe some tea—fuel for the day ahead. The drive back takes a scenic route that includes a stop at the Elsentasarkhai mini sand dunes. Here, the landscape feels almost surreal—golden sands that seem to shimmer against the backdrop of the Mongolian steppe.

The dunes are perfect for a bit of fun and photo ops. If you’re feeling adventurous, a camel ride is available. As one review perfectly puts it, “Feel a connection to the ancient trade routes as you ride atop these majestic creatures, gliding gracefully over the dunes—a truly unforgettable experience.” It’s a short ride, but enough to give you a taste of traditional nomadic travel.

After the dunes, it’s time to head back to Ulaanbaatar. The return journey offers more chances to reflect on the landscapes, the history, and the culture you’ve encountered. While the tour lasts just two days, it packs a solid punch of Mongolian authenticity.

The Experience: What You’ll Really Get

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Transportation and Group Size

You’ll be traveling in a comfortable vehicle, with transportation included from and back to your hotel. The route is well-planned, though the quality of the guide can make or break the experience. One review mentions “Alimaa,” a guide who was friendly but lacked detailed knowledge or language skills, leading to some frustration. Keep in mind that the tour’s success depends heavily on your guide’s expertise and attitude.

Accommodation and Meals

Staying overnight in a traditional ger is a highlight for many travelers. It’s not plush hotel luxury but offers an authentic experience—sleeping in a circular yurt, often with shared facilities and limited amenities. The camp’s setting under the open sky is peaceful, especially if you enjoy rustic travel.

Meals are included, with 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. The food is typically filling and Mongolian—think meat, bread, and local vegetables, designed to keep you energized for the day’s adventures.

Activities and Highlights

• Erdenezuu Monastery: Expect to walk among ancient temples, appreciating their architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
• Kharkhorin Museum: Offers valuable historical insights, making the ruins more meaningful.
• Cultural concert: Provides a taste of local music, often considered a memorable part of the trip.
• Camel riding at Elsentasarkhai: A short but authentic activity that connects you with Mongolia’s nomadic traditions.
• Scenic drive: The drive itself is part of the experience, with vast landscapes and photo-worthy vistas.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern voiced by a recent traveler was the guide’s performance. According to a review, “Alimaa is a nice old lady but doesn’t know anything about her country, its culture, nature or history,” which could be disappointing if you’re hoping for educational insight. Another mention indicated she left the tour midway for another group, raising questions about professionalism.

Given this, if guide quality is a priority for you, it’s worth considering that this aspect may vary. The scenery, activities, and authenticity still make it worthwhile, but managing expectations about guide expertise could help.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $350 per person, this tour offers a quite comprehensive package. It includes transport, accommodation, meals, and activities—making it good value for those eager to explore both history and landscapes without the hassle of self-organizing.

The experience strikes a balance: you’ll see impressive ruins and monuments, enjoy genuine cultural entertainment, and get a taste of Mongolia’s nomadic life. However, it’s best suited for travelers who are flexible, open-minded, and perhaps a bit adventurous—especially given the rustic accommodation and variable guide quality.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, in-depth guide or luxurious lodging, this might not be the best choice. But for those wanting authentic encounters, stunning vistas, and a glimpse of Mongolia’s ancient empire, it can be quite rewarding.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day adventure is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Mongolia’s history and landscape without spending a fortune. The combination of cultural sites, scenic drives, and traditional activities provides a well-rounded visit.

It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with basic accommodations and don’t mind the possibility of guide variability. The experience offers good value, especially if your focus is on experiencing Mongolia’s heritage firsthand and enjoying its natural scenery.

However, if you highly value expert guides or hotel-level comfort, consider other options or do some additional research beforehand. This tour is more about authentic, straightforward travel—perfect for those who want a taste of Mongolia’s ancient and natural treasures in a manageable, two-day format.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation by car and driver is included for both the outbound and return journeys from Ulaanbaatar.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger, which are cozy, circular yurts. They provide an authentic experience, though amenities are basic compared to hotels.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner, featuring simple, hearty Mongolian dishes suitable for active days.

Can I ride a camel during the tour?
Yes, camel rides are available at the Elsentasarkhai sand dunes. It’s an optional activity, and the ride is short but memorable.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, water, and possibly a jacket for cooler evenings are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, but check with the provider regarding age restrictions, especially for activities like camel riding.

How long is the drive from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin?
The drive is approximately 6-7 hours each way, taking you through scenic steppe landscapes.

What can I expect at the Erdenezuu Monastery?
Expect to see ancient temples, stone stupas, and a peaceful atmosphere reflective of Mongolia’s spiritual past.

Is the guide’s quality reliable?
Recent reviews suggest variability—some travelers found guides knowledgeable and friendly, while others experienced guides with limited language skills or professionalism.

Overall, this tour offers a fascinating look into Mongolia’s imperial history combined with the rugged beauty of its landscapes. While it has some room for improvement, especially in guiding, it remains a solid choice for those wanting an authentic, affordable Mongolian experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: