Embark on a journey to the birthplace of Genghis Khan

Upon arrival at the airport, our team will welcome you and escort you to your centrally located hotel. Ulaanbaatar, a modern metropolis with over 1.5 million residents, awaits your exploration.

Depending on your arrival time, we will arrange a city tour, including the Genghis Khan Museum, Mongolia's largest, featuring over 8,300 artifacts spanning the country's history.

We'll also visit the Bogd Khan’s Winter and Summer Palace, a former royal residence now showcasing artifacts, costumes, and the king’s collection of stuffed animals.

Next, explore Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Mongolia’s largest, and admire the 82-foot golden statue of Migjid Janraisig.

The tour concludes with a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar from Zaisan Hill, lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours.

• Visit the Bogd Khan winter and summer palace
• Explore the Gandan monastery
• Discover the Genghis khan museum
• Hike up Zaisan hill

Today, we’ll be heading eastward across Mongolia, passing through the industrial town of Baganuur before continuing into the scenic Khentii Mountain Range. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Khar Zurkhnii Khökh Nuur.

Nestled in the Khar Zurkh Mountains at an elevation of 1,650 meters, Khukh Nuur is a pristine freshwater lake surrounded by pine forests. This historic site holds great significance—here in the year 1200, Temujin was proclaimed as "Genghis Khan," the supreme leader of Mongolia. The lake is also a vital stopover for migratory birds, offering excellent opportunities to observe various waders and shorebirds.

• Discover Khar Zurkhnii Khökh Nuur

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic hike around the beautiful Khukh Nuur Lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings for a couple of hours. Later in the day, we’ll depart for the Baldan Bereeven Monastery. The ruins of this historic monastery lie in a valley at the base of Bereeven Mountain. Built from granite stone in 1777, Baldan Bereeven was once home to over 8,000 monks and served as the spiritual center of Eastern Mongolia. To the southeast of the monastery, a large image of the deity Manzushir—measuring 3 meters high and 2 meters wide—was carved into the steep, reddish granite cliffs.

The monastery’s main temple, known as Utai Gumben, was constructed in 1813. It featured 32 columns and three stairways, although much of the structure was later damaged, with parts collapsing beside the remaining walls. In recent years, a restoration project funded by the United States has helped revive parts of the site. Due to its location near forested areas, the monastery’s buildings were primarily made of stone and wood. Baldan Bereeven continues to be a culturally and spiritually significant site for the Eastern Khalkh Mongols.

• Journey to the remote and sacred Baldan Bereeven Monastery

Today, we’ll take a short drive to visit the fascinating Oglogchiin Wall, located at the foot of Daichin Mountain, about 45 kilometers southwest of Batshireet soum. This ancient stone wall stretches for approximately 3 kilometers and is constructed entirely from stacked stones. In 2005, a joint Mongolian American expedition discovered around 60 tombs near the site, raising speculation that Oglogchiin Kherem could be a burial place for important Mongolian historical figures, such as Genghis Khan or Kublai Khan. Some archaeologists suggest that the wall might have been part of a larger fortification system or ceremonial structure, but much about its exact purpose remains unknown. The site has historical significance as it’s tied to the Mongol Empire, and it offers insights into the early stages of Mongolia's complex history. The discovery of the nearby tombs further contributes to its mystery, with ongoing archaeological work helping to shed light on the area’s importance.

• Discover the Oglogchiin wall

Today we’ll continue our journey with another scenic drive. We’ll pass through the village of Binder and follow the course of the Onon River, arriving in Dadal by evening—recognized as the birthplace of Genghis Khan. The Onon River originates in the Ikh Khentii Mountain Range and flows for 298 kilometers through Dornod Province, continuing for another 510 kilometers through Russia’s Inner Baikal region, where it eventually joins the Shilka River. The river’s basin spans 96.2 square kilometers and is fed by numerous tributaries including the Eg, Barkli, Khurkli, Shuus, Agats, and Khoyorkhon rivers. With its many sources and clear waters, the Onon River supports a rich aquatic ecosystem, home to around 30 species of fish.

The Onon River valley is not only ecologically important but also steeped in Mongolian history. Many key events from the time of Genghis Khan took place along its banks, making this area both culturally and historically significant.

• Explore the charming Binder village
• Journey along the legendary Onon river

Dadal is a picturesque region of rivers, dense forests, and traditional log cabins—very few residents here live in gers. With its tranquil, wooded landscape, it closely resembles neighbouring Siberia, which lies just 25 kilometres to the north. We'll spend the day exploring the legendary birthplace of Genghis Khan. Our visit includes the Genghis Khan Monument, erected to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Secret History of the Mongols, the oldest surviving chronicle of the Mongol Empire. We’ll also visit Khajuu Bulag, a small spring nestled in the forest near the Bayan River, from which Genghis Khan is said to have once drunk. Just east of the spring lies Deluun Boldog, believed by locals to be the actual birthplace of Temujin (Genghis Khan's childhood name). Atop the hill stands a stone monument, also dedicated in 1990 to mark the Secret History’s 750th anniversary. With its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, the Dadal area is also perfect for hiking and quiet reflection.

• Visit the scenic area of Dadal
• Uncover the legacy of Genghis Khan

Today, we’ll set out on a drive to Chinggis City, the capital of Khentii Province, located about 260 kilometers from Dadal. By evening, we’ll camp or stay overnight somewhere outside of Öndörkhaan, along the route toward Delgerkhaan.

• Discover Genghis Khan town

We’ll continue driving westward, passing Delgerkhaan and arriving at Khuduu Aral, a historically significant plain located along the Kherlen River. This is the site where The Secret History of the Mongols—the oldest surviving literary work in the Mongolian language—was written in 1240. To commemorate this momentous event, a monument was erected here in 1990. Archaeologists have also discovered the ruins of the ancient city of Airag near Khuduu Aral. The plain itself spans approximately 30 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers in width and includes a small mineral-rich lake known for its high content of carbonate, soda, and chlorine—traditionally used for therapeutic bathing.

• Discover Khodoo Aral

It’s time to depart and head back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Later, you’ll enjoy a mesmerizing cultural performance, featuring skilled contortionists, powerful throat singers, and vibrant traditional dances that capture the essence of Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage.

• Attend folklore show with throat singers
• Shop for souvenir or cashmere. Optional

Transfer to the airport.