Winter National Parks
(4 days)

short description

FIRST DAY
Khustain Nuruu National Park

DAY 2
Genghis Khan Statue / Gorkhi - Terelj National Park

DAY 3
Dog Sledding / Horseback Riding

DAY 4
Zuunmod/Manzushir Monastery and back to Ulaanbaatar

Detailed description

Khustain Nuruu National Park

Today we will drive to the Khustain Nuruu National Park, 130 kilometers outside of Ulaanbaatar.

The Przewalski’s Horse is a rare and endangered subspecies of wild horse found in Central Asia’s steppes, also known as the Takhi horse. It has been reintroduced to its natural habitat in Mongolia, where it was once extinct in the wild. In 1993, Khustain Nuruu National Park was designated as a reserve, but in 1998, it was upgraded to a national park. In the park today, there are approximately 350 Takhi horses. There are 459 vascular plant species and 217 bird species in the park.

We will meet the park staff and be introduced to the project after arriving at the Khustain Nuruu National Park camp. In the afternoon, we’ll discover the park’s natural wonders by jeep, foot, or horseback.

(Ger camp B, L, D)

Gorkhi – Terelj National Park

We’ll leave in the morning to the direction of Terelj National park, located 70 km from the capital and travel through a valley surrounded on all sides by forested hillsides and stunning granite cliffs. The park with its granite rocks, pine trees and river is a picturesque area that is perfect for hiking, horse riding or just sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the view. We will visit several sightseeing places in the area. The Genghis Khan Monument will be our first stop. The latter is a massive aluminium statue of Genghis Khan mounted on his horse. It is possible to ascend to the top of the monument, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. A small museum provides a thorough overview of the history of the Great Mongol Empire, including the succession lines of the great Khans and their invasions. We will visit Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery, a small meditation monastery at the foot of the mountain. There are good possibilities for hiking, climbing and horseback riding.

(Ger camp B, L, D)

Dog Sledding

After breakfast we will go on an epic adventure. You will speed on a glimmering frozen river, sitting on a sled that is being pulled by some of the most powerful creatures. Although later introduced to Mongolia now it is a national obsession and weekend favourite activity for citizens of the capital. It became the most popular winter attraction. This trip offers a real winter experience most people only dream of: the exhilarating dog sledding ride, sweeping beautiful, magical, spectacular winter landscapes and first-hand stories and experiences from guides and locals. Before starting there will be time to socialize and take pictures with dogs. Tour is led by a guide who steers the sled. You will slide for approximately 2 hours through frozen, snowy landscape. Halfway through your journey we will make a short stop so that you can enjoy nature, take some great photos and give the dogs good belly rubs. In the afternoon we will explore more of the winter beauty on a horseback riding tour.

(Ger camp B, L, D)

Zuunmod/ Manzushir Monastery to Ulaanbaatar

Zuunmod, the capital of Tov province, will be our first stop. We will arrive in the center of this small administrative town after an hour of driving.

We’ll carry on to Manzushir Monastery from here. The monastery is situated on Bogd Khan Mountain, 8 kilometers from Zuunmod. The scenery is lovely and quiet, with rolling hills covered in pine and cedar trees. Granite formations surround the landscape, giving it a magical feel.

In 1733, Manzushir Monastery was established, with more than 20 temples and 350 monks. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the 1937 Stalinist purges. The main temple has been rebuilt and turned into a museum, but the area’s other structures are still in ruins.

We’ll spend the afternoon hiking around the ruins and through the Bogd Khan Mountain after learning about the monastery and its secrets. The courageous will climb the hill behind the main monastery to take in the magnificent view of the valley. The monastery looks out over a lovely valley oak, birch, and cedar trees, and granite boulders strewn around.

We’ll return to Ulaanbaatar at the end of the day.

(B, L)