A Day Authentic Mongolian Trip near Ulaanbaatar all-inclusive

Traveling to Mongolia and craving more than just city sights? This all-inclusive 2-day trip offers a genuine taste of nomadic life, just 36 km from Ulaanbaatar. While the journey is compact, it packs a surprising amount of culture, adventure, and relaxation into a short window — perfect for travelers looking to escape the urban bustle without sacrificing comfort.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to stay with a nomadic family in a separate ger offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Mongolian living. Second, the horse riding (whether experienced or beginner) through scenic hills and meadows is both exhilarating and peaceful. Third, the opportunity to learn about local customs and participate in daily chores like milking cows or yogurt making provides an immersive cultural experience.

However, keep in mind that the price of $256 might seem steep for a two-day trip, but it covers many activities, comfortable transportation, and meals, making it quite good value for those seeking authenticity without roughing it. This tour suits those who are curious about Mongolia’s nomadic traditions, love outdoor adventure, and appreciate cozy, country-style stays. If you’re after a fast-paced, luxury experience, this might not be the best fit — but for genuine immersion, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Nomadic Living: Stay overnight in a separate ger with a local family, experiencing true Mongolian hospitality.
• Horseback Adventures: Enjoy guided horse riding through rolling hills and forests, with options for beginners.
• Cultural Activities: Participate in traditional chores like milking cows, yogurt making, and learn about local customs.
• Stargazing: End the day with breathtaking night sky views if weather permits.
• Delicious Local Cuisine: Feast on Mongolian specialties such as buuz and khorkhog, prepared by your hosts.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes private transportation, pickup/drop-off from Ulaanbaatar, and all meals.

Exploring the Details: What This 2-Day Mongolian Experience Offers

Getting Started: From Ulaanbaatar to Gachuurt

Your adventure begins with a pickup from the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar around 11:00 AM. This central spot is convenient, and the trip to the resort in Gachuurt takes about 20 minutes — 20 km on tar road, followed by 14 km of dusty rural pathways. The drive itself offers a glimpse of the transition from urban to countryside, with lush greenery and open skies setting the stage for the days ahead.

Arrival and First Impressions

At the nomadic family’s place, you’ll check into your separate ger, which provides space and comfort away from the main family quarters. It’s a perfect setup for travelers who want an authentic experience without sacrificing basic amenities. The hosts are known for their warm hospitality, making you feel welcome almost instantly.

Traditional Mongolian Lunch

Around 1:00 PM, a hearty meal awaits, featuring buuz (steamed dumplings), tsuivan (noodle stew), and aaruul (dried curds). These dishes are staple Mongolian fare, flavorful and filling, giving you energy for the afternoon activities. Guests have raved about the food, with one reviewer mentioning the opportunity to try many local dishes and feeling very happy with the variety and quality.

Horse Riding: A Highlight for All

From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, you’ll saddle up for a horse riding adventure through the lush countryside. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a complete novice, guides are happy to provide instruction. One reviewer highlighted the joy of riding through the forest, calling it a “fantastic opportunity to connect with nature.” The scenery features rolling hills, meadows, and forested patches, perfect for capturing stunning photos and really feeling the tranquility of rural Mongolia.

Learning and Participating in Local Life

Later in the afternoon, you can visit a local horse breeder to see the significance of horses in Mongolian culture. You may also get the chance to milk cows or mares and participate in yogurt making — hands-on experiences that deepen your understanding of the nomadic lifestyle. Travelers have appreciated these interactions, noting how they add a special authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Evening: Mongolian Dinner & Stargazing

Dinner is prepared by the husband of the family, featuring khorkhog (meat cooked with hot stones) and other traditional dishes. Guests have described the meal as delicious, emphasizing the chance to enjoy a genuine home-cooked experience. After dinner, if the weather cooperates, you’ll head outside for sky gazing — Mongolia’s night sky is famously clear, offering starry vistas that are both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Day Two: Nature, Hiking, and Return

The next morning begins with a scenic hike from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. The guide will take you to viewpoints where you can admire panoramic vistas of the rolling landscape, feeling the fresh mountain air. Breakfast features traditional dairy products, bread, and salads — simple but satisfying, and a good way to fuel up for more exploring.

A traditional lunch around 1:00 PM allows you to savor Mongolian flavors again before heading back to Ulaanbaatar around 2:00 PM. The return trip is smooth, with a drop-off at the start point, wrapping up your brief but immersive experience.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the authenticity of the experience. One reviewer called it “the best stay in Mongolia,” appreciating the beautiful views, friendly staff, and tasty local food. Another highlighted the chance to disconnect from the “chaos, hectiness, and traffic” of the city, describing the trip as both relaxing and culturally enriching. The guides are noted for their warmth and responsiveness, making even first-time riders feel comfortable.

The Value for Money

At $256, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that covers transportation, multiple meals, horseback riding, cultural activities, and overnight accommodation. Compared to standalone day trips or hotel stays, this package provides a genuine connection with local life, which is difficult to replicate in more commercialized tours. Guests often mention how the inclusion of activities like yogurt making and milking cows add a level of authenticity that justifies the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who are seeking a genuine taste of Mongolian nomadic culture without sacrificing comfort. It’s perfect for those interested in outdoor adventures like horse riding, and for anyone curious about traditional customs and daily rural life. If you’re after luxury or high-end amenities, this might not be your best choice, but for authentic, hands-on experiences, it’s hard to beat.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and a jacket for cooler evenings.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, note the dusty roads — though the drive isn’t long.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility issues should check with the provider.
• Nights under the stars are a highlight, so consider bringing a blanket or warm clothing.
• The trip is capped at a maximum of four travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

FAQs

Is transportation provided? Yes, private transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off from Ulaanbaatar’s State Department Store or your hotel.

Can beginners participate in horse riding? Absolutely. Guides are happy to give instructions, making it accessible for all levels.

What meals are included? The package covers breakfast, lunch (2), and dinner, with traditional Mongolian dishes served each time.

Is the overnight stay comfortable? You’ll sleep in a separate ger from the family, which offers a cozy, authentic experience with basic amenities.

Are activities customizable? While the itinerary is fixed, guides are flexible and happy to accommodate requests like visiting a local horse breeder or participating in chores.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This two-day Mongolian countryside tour offers a rare chance to step outside Ulaanbaatar’s busy streets and into a life rooted in tradition and natural beauty. It’s well-suited for curious travelers eager to experience horseback riding, local cuisine, and night sky gazing in a setting where you can truly feel part of the landscape.

The experience combines authenticity with comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who want to see Mongolia’s rural side without roughing it. The stories from past travelers, praising the guides’ knowledge and the delicious food, underline how much this trip delivers on its promise of genuine culture. If you’re looking for a meaningful, manageable escape into Mongolia’s heartland, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple after a romantic countryside retreat, or a small group seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour offers a memorable slice of Mongolia’s nomadic life—one that stays with you long after you leave.