We will begin our journey at the New “Genghis” Khan International Airport of Ulaanbaatar (inaugurated on July 3, 2021, located 52 km / 32.3 miles away, about +2-3 hours’ drive), the capital of Mongolia, with a welcome by the Samar Magic Tours team. This is Mongolia’s most fascinating route, covering more than 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 legendary Golden Whip of the Great Khan. Tourists can take an elevator inside the statue, exiting at the level of Genghis Khan’s thigh, from where it is possible to walk to the horse’s head and enjoy a panoramic view of the steppe. We will also visit a small Bronze Age Museum located in the basement of the Great Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan. Departure toward Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located 1,600 meters above sea level, featuring high granite rock formations from the Mesozoic era, mountains, steppes, alpine forests, and striking rock formations such as the famous Turtle Rock or the Reading Monk. Situated at the foot of the Khentii Mountains, the region where Genghis Khan was born, the park was declared a National Park in 1993 and covers an area of 300,000 hectares.
Then we head south toward the Baga Gazarin Chuluu Rock Formations (meaning “Rocks” in Mongolian), a granite rock complex in the Middle Gobi at 1,768 meters in height, stretching 15 km long and 10 km wide. It is said that Genghis Khan once camped here during his expeditions. 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 Cliffs), located about 426 km (265 miles) from Ulaanbaatar, and 30 km east of the main Ulaanbaatar–Umnugobi road (South Gobi). This colorful limestone formation stands 30–60 meters (98–196 ft) high and stretches 400 meters (1,312 ft) long, once the seabed where visitors can still find marine fossils and shells. Its colors are particularly striking in the morning and evening. Tsagaan Suvarga takes its name because its shape resembles ancient Buddhist stupas or pagodas. There are trails leading up and down the cliffs, offering opportunities for photography at sunrise and sunset.
Then we continue south, heading to the fascinating Gobi Desert. We will explore the “Yolyn´´ Am Canyon (Vulture Gorge) in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park (meaning “Three Beauties” of the Eastern, Middle, and Western ranges). We will visit paleontological sites the legendary “Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag´´, where fossils of giant dinosaurs were discovered, and the majestic “Khongor´´ Singing Largest Sand Dunes. Visit to a nomadic family with Bactrian camel herds, followed by an excursion riding Bactrian camels through the dunes.
In Central Mongolia, we will visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, and 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 also explore the beautiful Lake Ugii, an important bird sanctuary for swans, geese, cranes, ducks, pigeons, storks, and other migratory species.
A large part of Mongolia’s population still lives a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place on horseback, by camel, or by yak, with their Gers and herds. The occasional encounter with one of these families and their traditional way of life is an unforgettable experience. To fully enjoy it, one must accept beforehand the conditions mentioned above, set aside preconceived notions of how things “should be,” and remain open to all that this country has to offer.