Kharkhorin is a must-visit spot for anyone eager to dive into Mongolia’s ancient past and nomadic culture. It’s not just about riding camels or wandering around old ruins — it’s about experiencing a living history that dates back over a thousand years. Tours here often combine historic sites like Erdene Zuu Monastery with scenic sand dunes, horseback riding, and visits to nomadic families. We particularly appreciate excursions that blend culture with adventure, like those exploring the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes or riding through the Orkhon Valley. These experiences give you a real sense of Mongolia’s diversity — from ancient monasteries to desert landscapes — and they’re often offered at a good value.
In this list, you’ll find options for short trips that fit into a busy schedule, like a 2-day tour, as well as longer adventures spanning two weeks or more. Whether you want a quick taste of Gobi Desert highlights, a cultural deep dive, or a multi-day horseback trek, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. For example, the 2 Day / Visit Khar Kharom and Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune is perfect if you want a packed two days exploring Mongolia’s historic and natural wonders. Meanwhile, the 16-Day Mongolia Adventure offers a comprehensive journey through Gobi, Kharkhorin, and Khuvsgul Lake—ideal for serious explorers. Below, we detail each tour, highlighting what makes them special and helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule.
1. Terelj, Khar Khorum, Horse ride, Camel ride, Monastery
At number 1, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Mongolia’s highlights in a manageable trip, perfect if you’re short on time but want a broad experience. It includes visits to Terelj National Park, with iconic spots like Turtle Rock and Chinggis Khaan’s Statue, combined with horse riding and camel rides. You also explore Khar Khorin, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire, and visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace. Rated 5/5 by two travelers, this tour provides a balanced mix of nature, history, and local culture for $600 per person.
What makes this tour stand out? It’s tailored for those with limited time but who want to see Mongolia’s essence. The inclusion of a meditation monastery and traditional riding makes it engaging without overwhelming. The price is reasonable for such a comprehensive experience, especially with the emphasis on authentic sights. This is best suited for travelers wanting a diverse taste of Mongolia in a short duration. A potential drawback? The itinerary is quite full, so it’s not for those seeking a slow pace.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a snapshot of Mongolia’s iconic landscapes and history in under a day or two, with an emphasis on nature and cultural sites.
2. 2 Day / Visit Khar Kharom and Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune
This two-day tour is designed for travelers who want a more immersive experience without committing to a long trip. It combines a visit to Khar Khorum, Mongolia’s ancient capital, with a trip to Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes — often called Mini Gobi for its striking landscape. You’ll also get to enjoy a camel ride on the dunes and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery. Rated 5/5 with just one review, this tour offers value at $340 per person.
What sets this tour apart? It balances historical sightseeing with scenic desert landscapes. The camel ride is a highlight, giving you a taste of nomadic life, and the inclusion of hiking in Khugun Khaan National Park adds a bit of adventure. The guide’s insights help bring the Old Capital to life, making it ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike. It’s suited for those with limited time but wanting a deep dive into Mongolia’s past and natural beauty. The main limitation? It’s a fairly busy schedule, so expect a full two days.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a rich combination of history, landscapes, and camel rides over two days.
$340 per person
3. Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes 2 days tour
This two-day tour takes you into the stunning Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, which stretch for about 80 km and offer a dramatic mix of desert, mountains, and grasslands. You’ll enjoy camel rides with nomadic families, explore the 17th-century Khugnu Tarna Khiid monastery, and stay overnight in the charming town of Kharkhorin. Starting at $500 per person, it offers a great value considering the diverse experiences.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on nature and culture. The camel rides across the Mini Gobi are a real highlight, and visiting Khugnu Tarna Khiid adds a historical dimension. The guided explanations help you understand the landscape’s significance. It’s ideal for travelers looking for an active, scenic trip that combines history, adventure, and authentic nomadic encounters. One possible downside: it requires some physical activity, including hiking and camel riding.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a balanced mix of natural beauty and historical sites with some adventure.
$500.00 per person
4. 3 Day Best Experience in Mongolia
With a solid 4.7/5 rating from three reviews, this three-day tour offers a rundown of Mongolia’s most iconic sites. It includes Horse and camel rides, visits to Hugnu Khan National Park, Khar Khorin, and Erdene Zuu Monastery, plus stunning viewpoints like Zaisan Hill. The itinerary is flexible enough to suit travelers wanting a deeper culture without overextending their schedule, for $532 per person.
What makes it stand out? It combines adventure and history, with riding experiences at the core. The mix of scenic spots and cultural landmarks makes it a well-rounded option. The guide’s local knowledge adds depth, and the focus on meeting locals enriches the experience. It’s best suited for those who want a moderate, varied trip that touches on Mongolia’s highlights. The main limitation? It’s not as long as some multi-week tours, so it’s more of a highlight reel.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a solid, multi-faceted overview of Mongolia in just three days.
5. 16-Day Mongolia Adventure: Gobi, Central & Khuvsgul Lake
This extensive tour is perfect for those ready to immerse themselves fully. Covering Gobi Desert, Khongor Sand Dunes, Yol Valley, Ancient Kharkhorin, and Khuvsgul Lake, it’s a comprehensive exploration of Mongolia’s diverse landscapes. Priced at $7,999 per person, it’s a significant investment but includes camel rides, hiking, and cultural experiences every step of the way.
What makes this trip stand out? It’s designed for explorers who want to see the depth and breadth of Mongolia. The itinerary features the Chinggis Khaan Statue, Flaming Cliffs, and Reindeer Breeding Family. Traveling by 4-wheel drive with experienced guides ensures you get off the beaten path. It’s a luxurious, all-encompassing adventure suited for serious travelers with time and budget to spare. The main consideration? It requires a longer commitment and a willingness to move quickly between sites.
Bottom Line: For those with the time and budget, this tour delivers a full, immersive experience of Mongolia’s best.
$7,999 per person
6. Golden Eagle Festival 2025
This 14-day journey centers on Mongolia’s most iconic cultural event, the Golden Eagle Festival. Besides watching eagle hunters demonstrate their skills, you’ll explore Kharkhorin’s ruins, Ugii Lake, and the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park. The package costs $4,805 per person and combines festival excitement with scenic nature and cultural visits.
What makes this tour special? It’s the only festival-focused experience on the list, giving you a front-row seat to age-old hunting traditions. Staying in ger camps and hotels, you get an authentic taste of Mongolian nomad life. This is perfect if you want to combine cultural spectacle with scenic exploration. However, it’s primarily for festival enthusiasts and those eager to witness living traditions.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in cultural festivals and authentic nomadic customs.
$4,805 per person
7. Great Gobi to Khuvsgul Lake 16 Days Tour
Launching from the Gobi Desert, this 16-day journey takes you through the Khangai region to reach Khuvsgul Lake. Traveling by 4WD, it features visits to horse and camel riding, fossil sites, and reindeer families. The tour emphasizes scenery and cultural insights, wrapping up at the picturesque Khuvsgul.
What sets this apart? It offers a seamless route connecting Gobi with the north, making it ideal for travelers who want a big-picture view. The guided experience ensures you learn about Mongolia’s natural and archaeological richness. It’s suited for adventure travelers with a week or more to spend and an interest in diverse landscapes.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for adventurers eager to see both desert and forested regions in one trip.
$2,900 per person
8. Mini Gobi, Orkhon, Tuvkhun Monastery & Kharkhorin 4-Day Tour
This 4-day tour offers a compact but rich experience of Mongolia. It includes Mini Gobi dunes, Orkhon Valley waterfalls, the mountain monastery at Tuvkhun, and Kharkhorin ruins. Priced at $740, it’s a well-balanced option that emphasizes nature and history.
What makes it stand out? The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO site, features waterfalls and lush scenery, while Tuvkhun Monastery adds a spiritual dimension. The desert contrast with the green valleys makes for compelling scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick deep dive into Mongolia’s natural and spiritual sites without a long itinerary. Some may find the pace a bit tight if they want more leisure time.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a diverse, scenic, and historic experience in just four days.
$740 per person
9. Mongolia: 15-Day Guided Tour with Ger Accommodation
Rated 4.7/5, this two-week tour is ideal for history and culture enthusiasts. It includes Chinggis Khaan Statue, Turtle Rock, Ariyabal Meditation Temple, and ancient temple ruins. Accommodations are in traditional ger camps, for a full culture.
What elevates this trip? Its focus on Mongolian heritage and religious sites, coupled with local storytelling. The tour’s pace suits those who want a rundown without rushing, and the authentic ger stay adds to the experience. A downside? It may be less suited for travelers who prefer adventure over cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers who want a deep cultural tour with authentic accommodations.
$2,790 per person
10. Mongolia: Gobi Desert and Kharkhorin, Central Mongolia Tour
This 10-day journey hits Gobi Desert highlights and Kharkhorin’s ancient sites. Traveling by 4WD, it includes Flaming Cliffs, Kharkhorin ruins, and a visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery. It balances desert landscapes with cultural exploration.
What makes it stand out? It’s an accessible yet thorough introduction for travelers wanting a longer short trip. The dune sites and historic ruins are well integrated, and it’s suited for those who want a mix of adventure and history. The potential drawback? It’s a bit condensed for those wanting more leisure time.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded but not overly lengthy Mongolian experience.
$3,000 per person
11. Mongolia: Mini Gobi, Orkhon, and Kharkhorin 4 Day Tour
This tour closely mirrors the previous 4-day option but with slight variations. It includes Khustai National Park to see Przewalski’s wild horse, Mini Gobi dunes, and Orkhon Valley. Price is $650 per person.
What makes it notable? The emphasis on wildlife, especially the reintroduction of native wild horses, adds a different dimension. The combination of desert, waterfalls, and historical ruins keeps it engaging. It’s best for travelers wanting a mix of nature, animals, and history in a short trip.
Bottom Line: Suited for those interested in wildlife conservation and scenic landscape.
$650 per person
12. Mongolia: Winter Adventure Tour/Central Mongolia
This winter-specific tour offers a unique look at Mongolia’s cold season. You’ll explore frozen rivers, sand dunes, and Kharkhorin while possibly seeing Takhi horses in the snow. It costs $1,360 per person.
What’s special? The focus on winter landscapes and seasonal activities like horse riding and dog sledding. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a different perspective on Mongolia’s scenery, especially if they’re prepared for cold weather. The main consideration? Winter travel can be unpredictable and colder than most expect.
Bottom Line: Excellent for adventure travelers and winter enthusiasts wanting to see Mongolia in snow.
$1,360 per person
13. Nomadic Heart: A Journey Through Central Mongolia
This 7-day tour is designed to highlight Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle. You’ll visit Kharkhorin, explore Orkhon Waterfall, and meet local horseman families. The tour emphasizes cultural exchange and local traditions.
What makes it stand out? Its focus on interacting with nomads and learning traditional skills like making steamed dumplings. It’s ideal for travelers interested in culture and authentic experiences. It’s shorter than some trips, so it’s best for those with limited time but a desire to understand Mongolia’s way of life.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a personal, cultural connection with Mongolia’s nomads.
$1,100 per person
14. Ulaanbaatar: Orkhon Valley 8-Day Horse Trek & Cultural Tour
This 8-day horse trekking expedition offers a deep dive into Mongolia’s landscapes and culture. It covers Kharkhorin, Ugii Lake, Tuvkhun Monastery, and the Orkhon Valley, with a focus on horse riding.
What makes it special? It’s geared toward horseback enthusiasts, with multi-day rides through scenic areas and cultural stops along the way. The guided treks provide authentic riding experiences and close contact with nomadic life. It’s suitable for active travelers comfortable with riding for several days and seeking an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for horse-loving travelers seeking a multi-day adventure across Mongolia’s iconic landscapes.
$1,710 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Kharkhorin, consider your budget, time available, and areas of interest. If you’re pressed for time but want a broad taste of Mongolia’s history and scenery, Tours #1 or #3 are great. For a deeper cultural experience, Tours #9 and #14 focus more on traditional life and horse riding. Those interested in nature and wildlife might prefer Tours #7 or #11, which highlight national parks and reintroductions of wild horses. For festival lovers or those seeking a cultural spectacle, the Golden Eagle Festival (Tour #6) offers unmatched authenticity.
Keep in mind, booking early ensures you get the best dates and accommodations, especially for tours with fixed schedules like festivals or long safaris. Also, consider seasonality; winter tours provide a different vista but require warm gear, while summer trips tend to be more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Kharkhorin offers a range of tour options for every type of traveler — from quick cultural snapshots to multi-week explorations. If you’re interested in history and archaeology, Tours #9 and #7 are excellent choices. For adventure seekers, Tours #2, #4, or #14 deliver horse riding, hiking, and scenic landscapes. And if you want a special cultural experience, don’t miss the Golden Eagle Festival (Tour #6).
Remember, Mongolia’s vast landscapes and rich traditions reward those willing to venture beyond the usual. Booking your tour early will give you the best chance to enjoy these authentic experiences without rush. Whatever your style, Kharkhorin’s tours promise a journey into Mongolia’s heart—a land of history, nomads, and wild beauty.