Camelriding to Khamariin Khiid monastery

We will depart from Ulaanbaatar early in the morning, heading towards Terelj National Park, which lies 70 km from the capital. Our journey will take us through a valley surrounded by lush, forested hills and breathtaking granite cliffs. The valley is adorned with vibrant wildflowers and is home to herds of peacefully grazing yaks, horses, goats, and sheep. This picturesque park, featuring granite rocks, pine trees, and a flowing river, is an ideal spot for hiking, horseback riding or simply unwinding and soaking in the views. We will explore several sites in the area.

Our first stop will be the Genghis Khan Monument, an impressive aluminum statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, a small museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Great Mongol Empire's history, including the lineage of the great Khans and their conquests. We will also visit Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery, a serene meditation temple located at the mountain's base, where there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Ulaanbaatar to catch our 20:58 Trans-Mongolian train. Join locals on this iconic, once-in-a-lifetime rail journey.

• Explore the Genghis khan statue
• Discover the Aryapal monastery
• Check out Turtle rock
• Opportunity for horseback riding
• Trans-Mongolian train ride

You'll arrive in Sainshand, a town in the east Gobi, at 07:30 a.m. At the railway station, a transfer will be waiting for you. We will visit the grounds of the Khamariin Monastery (Sambala Khiid) today, where you will find petrified wood, dinosaur bones, the Sambala energy complex, and cave monasteries. We'll take a stroll through the stunning red sand dunes.

Khamariin Khiid was founded in 1822 by 17-year-old monk Danzanravjaa, one of Mongolia's most experienced and forward-thinking masters. The oasis at Khamriin Monastery housed about 500 monks at its peak.

Ravjaa, a poet, songsmith, dramatist, painter, and naturopathic doctor, added to Khamariin Khiid's spiritual activity by establishing Mongolia's first secular secondary and art schools, as well as a museum, library, and theater. Every summer, the latter put on elaborate operatic dramas with Buddhist themes. All of the costumes, sets, and props were made in the monastery's workshops, and the actors received training there.

The monastery was destroyed and looted almost all at in 1938. 64 crates of Danzanravjaa's books, possessions, and precious gifts were buried in the desert for more than 50 years thanks to the extraordinary foresight and bravery of a Mongolian man called Tudev.

A series of caves to the north of the monastery are where monks could retire and practice high-level meditation for 108 days (108 being a sacred number in Buddhism).

• Explore the Khamriin Khiid monastery

Today, we'll visit two humped camel breeding families and learn about their simple, modest, hard-working, but incredible way of life. The Gobi Desert is the world's coldest desert, with cold winds blowing almost the whole autumn, winter, and spring without any shelter uncovered in the plains, necessitating extreme survival methods of living. Gobi nomads are well-known in Mongolia for their dedication to hard work. We'll be treated to the friendly hospitality of Mongolian families. Dinner will consist of a traditional Mongolian barbeque cooked by nomads over a hot stone. If your travel dates are within the right season, you will have the opportunity to try fermented camel milk. Our guide will assist us in contacting the locals. Enjoy an unforgettable camel ride through the desert.

• Immerse yourself in the daily life of a camel breeding family
• Enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue
• Ride camels across the breathtaking landscape

Today, we'll journey to Zuunbayan to explore an abandoned ghost town. Once a bustling Russian military base, the town was deserted after the troops withdrew, leaving behind only empty buildings and silent streets. Experience the eerie contrast of a forgotten settlement set against the vastness of the Gobi Desert. At 7:15 PM, you'll board the evening train back to Ulaanbaatar.

• Explore Zuunbayan

We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar at 7:05 AM. Our team will be there to transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure — you may choose to explore more of the city, including a visit to Narantuul, the lively outdoor market. In the evening, you'll have the chance to enjoy a captivating cultural performance, showcasing Mongolia's talented contortionists, mesmerizing throat singers, and vibrant traditional dances.

• Explore more Ulaanbaatar city
• Attend a folklore show featuring throat singers
• Visit Narantuul, the bustling outside market
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional