We will begin the route at the New “Genghis” Khan Airport of Ulaanbaatar (inaugurated on July 3, 2021, located 52 km / 32.3 miles, 2 hours’ drive), the capital of Mongolia, with reception by the Samar Magic Tours team. This is the most interesting major route in Mongolia, covering over 2,500 km / 1,553.4 miles.
Next, depart northeast to visit the Great Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan. At the base of the statue, visitors can see a replica of the Great Khan’s legendary golden whip. Tourists can take an elevator inside the statue; the exit is at the height of Genghis Khan’s thigh, from where it is possible to walk up to the horse’s head and enjoy a panoramic view of the steppe. We will visit a small Bronze Age Museum located in the basement of the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue. Departure toward Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located 1,600 m above sea level, featuring high Mesozoic granite rocks, mountains, steppes, alpine forests, and large rock formations of curious Mesozoic shapes such as Turtle Rock. It lies at the foot of the Khentii Mountains, the region where Genghis Khan was born. It was declared a National Park in 1993 and covers an area of 300,000 hectares.
Next, we continue south to the rock formations of Baga Gazarin Chuluu (which means “rocks” in Mongolian), a cluster of granite formations in the Middle Gobi, rising 1,768 m high, stretching 15 km long and 10 km wide. It is said that “Genghis Khan” once camped here during one of his journeys. Arrival and accommodation. After some rest, an excursion to the ruins of Sum Khunkh Burd Temple, built in the 10th century. In Central Gobi, we will explore Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupas or White Pagodas), located approximately 426 km (265 miles) from Ulaanbaatar and 30 km east of the main Ulaanbaatar–Umnugobi (South Gobi) road. This colorful limestone formation, 30–60 m (98–197 ft) high and 400 m (1,312 ft) long, was once the bottom of an ancient sea, where visitors can find marine fossils and shells. Its colors stand out at sunrise and sunset. Tsagaan Suvarga was named because its shape resembles Buddhist stupas or pagodas. There are several trails to walk down and up through the cliffs, offering opportunities to photograph its hues in the morning and evening.
We continue south toward the fascinating Gobi Desert. We will explore the “Yolyn” Canyon or Vulture Gorge in the “Gobi Gurvan Saikhan” National Park (Three Beauties of the eastern, central, and western mountain ranges), the legendary “Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag´´- the fossil sites of the giant dinosaurs, and the huge singing sand dunes known as “Khongor”. Visit a local family breeding Bactrian camel. Excursion on camelback through the largest sand dunes “Khongor”.
In Central Mongolia, we will visit Karakorum—the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan—where we will explore the Orkhon Valley (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for representing the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions for over two millennia). We will explore the beautiful Lake Ugii—a suitable spot for birdwatching, where swans, geese, cranes, ducks, pigeons, storks, and other migratory species can be seen in this area.
Much of Mongolia’s population remains nomadic, moving from place to place on horseback, by camel, or by yak, with their Gers and herds. An occasional encounter with one of these families and their way of life is an unforgettable experience. We emphasize that to enjoy this journey, travellers must accept the above conditions in advance, set aside preconceived notions about how things should be, and remain open to what this country has to offer.
