4 Days Experience in Central Mongolia

Zaisan Hill is located in the southern part of Ulaanbaatar and offers a panoramic view of the city center. It is a popular place for local residents to relax and one of the favorite destinations for tourists. At the top of Zaisan Hill stands the Soviet Soldiers’ Memorial Complex, built in honor of Soviet soldiers who bravely fought and lost their lives in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. Construction of the memorial began in 1969 under the leadership of architect A. Khishigt and was officially opened in 1971 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s Revolution. Visitors reach the memorial by climbing a staircase of over 600 steps, approximately 300 meters long. At the center of the circular memorial area is an eternal flame symbolizing everlasting remembrance of the fallen soldiers. The inner wall features mosaic artworks depicting the historical friendship between the Mongolian and Soviet peoples, while the outer wall is decorated with national patterns and honorary emblems.

The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, part of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, is a 40-metre-tall stainless steel statue of Genghis Khan on horseback and is the world’s tallest equestrian statue. You can view the statue from outside, and you can also go inside and reach the horse’s head viewing platform. It is located near the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km (33.5 miles) east of Ulaanbaatar, where, according to legend, Genghis Khan found a golden whip. The statue is symbolically pointed east toward his birthplace. The statue stands on top of a 10-metre-tall visitor center with 36 columns representing the 36 khans from Genghis Khan to Ligdan Khan. It was designed by sculptor D. Erdenebileg and architect J. Enkhjargal, and was erected and opened in 2008 to honor the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire.

Visit Gorkhi–Terelj National Park, one of the most beautiful natural destinations near Ulaanbaatar. The tour includes a stop at the famous Turtle Rock, a natural rock formation shaped like a turtle, perfect for photos and short walks. Continue to Arya-Bala Meditation Temple, located on a hilltop. Enjoy a light hike up to the temple and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while learning about Buddhist culture and meditation. In the afternoon, experience a horse ride in Terelj National Park, guided by local herders. This offers a great opportunity to enjoy the Mongolian steppe landscape in a traditional way.

Ugii lake is fed by the Orkhon River from the west, and the Khooloin River flows into the Orkhon River from the northwest. It is covered with ice from November to May. Researchers have determined that there are 14 species of fish in the Orkhon River basin, including red bream, pike, bream, perch, rudd, bream, silver bream, and pike, 27 species of floating plants, and 48 species of floating animals. This lake is home to about 150 species of waterfowl. Because of its rare birds such as the common goose and spoonbill, it has been registered in the International Network for the Conservation of Geese and Ducks of Northeast Asia. Since this lake is sacred, women are prohibited from entering it. In order to protect the wetland ecosystem, Lake Ogii was registered in the Ramsar Convention at an international meeting held in 1971.

Karkhorum was the capital of Great Mongolia Empire in thirteenth century. It is located on the right bank of Orkhon river, 360 km south-west of Ulaanbaatar which is the current capital of Mongolia. In 1380, Karakorum was destroyed. But approximately two centuries later, on the same site, there arose the yurt of Avtai Khan, founder of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Kharkorum city is full of sightseeing and historical.

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in 1585 on the ruins of the ancient capital Kharakhorum. Founded by Khalkha ruler Abtai Sain Khan after his visit to Tibet and meeting the 3rd Dalai Lama, the monastery remains an important spiritual and historical site. Explore the monastery complex surrounded by a square fortress wall with 108 white stupas, a sacred Buddhist number. Learn about its rich history, main temples, and its role as a major Buddhist center, which once housed hundreds of temples and monks. Enjoy time to walk around the grounds, visit the main temples, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site.

Visit the Kharakhorum Museum, located in Kharkhorin, which showcases important archaeological findings from the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. The museum displays over 3,000 artifacts discovered from excavations at the ruins of Kharakhorum, covering periods from the Hunnu and Rouran Khaganates to the Mongol Empire and Yuan Dynasty. Highlights include ancient coins, seals written in Phags-pa script, Buddhist sculptures, ceramics from the Song and Yuan dynasties, and a replica of Güyük Khan’s letter. Visitors can also see historical inscriptions related to temples and monuments of medieval Karakorum. This museum offers valuable insight into Mongolia’s nomadic civilization, imperial history, and cultural heritage.

Elsen-tasarkhai is a part of the Mongolian Sand Dunes, which extend westward from the Tuv, Uvurkhangai, and Bulgan aimags, and are part of the Khogn Khan Range. The sand dunes are 80 km long. They are located 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar and 80 km east of Kharkhorum. To the north is the rocky and wooded mountain “Khogn Khan”. The landscape consists of small mountains at an altitude of 1500-2000 m, small hills and plains between them. The mountain has been protected as a national park since 2003. There are many historical sites, including the Old Temple, Erdene Khamby Temple, granite mountains. Experience the lifestyle of a nomadic family in a traditional Mongolian home, and an hour ride a camel, walk, Hiking and enjoy the beautiful, tranquil nature through the Winter Mongolia.