Central Mongolia Tours
Central Mongolia is the heart of the country, known for its lush grasslands, ancient monasteries, volcanic landscapes, and nomadic traditions. This region offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and history, making it one of Mongolia’s most popular travel destinations.
Home to the former capital Karakorum, the stunning Orkhon Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the beautiful Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, and the dramatic Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, Central Mongolia is an ideal place to experience authentic Mongolian life, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
🌄 Most Famous Destinations in Central Mongolia
🏯 Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, home to historic ruins and Mongolian heritage.
🛕 Erdene Zuu Monastery
Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery, surrounded by 108 stupas a major spiritual landmark.
🏜️ Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
Beautiful mini-Gobi dunes set between mountains and grasslands; perfect for photography and camel riding.
🌊 Orkhon Valley (UNESCO)
A historic valley full of ancient monuments, waterfalls, and nomadic culture.
💦 Orkhon Waterfall
A dramatic 20-meter cascade in volcanic basalt cliffs one of Mongolia’s most scenic waterfalls.
🌋 Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
A stunning volcanic crater and a crystal-blue lake surrounded by lava fields and forested hills.
🐎 Hustai National Park
Home of the reintroduced wild Przewalski’s horse (Takhi); great for wildlife viewing and nature walks.
🌿 Ugii Lake
A peaceful freshwater lake known for birdwatching, boating, and summer relaxation.
🛖 Nomadic Family Experiences
Meet local herders, learn traditional lifestyles, and enjoy true Mongolian hospitality.
Top Central Mongolia tour packages
⭐ Most Famous Activities in Central Mongolia
🐎 Horseback riding in valleys and open steppe
🏜️ Camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
🛕 Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery & Karakorum
💦 Hiking to Orkhon Waterfall
🌋 Exploring Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
🐎 Meeting nomadic families and staying in gers
🦌 Wildlife watching in Hustai National Park
⭐ Most Famous Activities in Central Mongolia
🐎 Horseback riding in valleys and open steppe
🏜️ Camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
🛕 Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery & Karakorum
💦 Hiking to Orkhon Waterfall
🌋 Exploring Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
🐎 Meeting nomadic families and staying in gers
🦌 Wildlife watching in Hustai National Park
🚶♂️Tour Pace
Moderate to Active
🚗 Daily drives of 3–7 hours
🥾 Light walking and cultural engagement
🎭 Festival attendance, wildlife watching, and nature exploration
Ideal for active travelers who enjoy off the beaten path discovery with downtime in nature.
🛖Accommodation
We provide the highest range of ger camps, equivalent to 4-star accommodation, ensuring you experience traditional Mongolian hospitality with exceptional comfort. These premium ger camps offer private beds, modern sanitation, and hot meals all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
✨Customize your Mongolia tour
Every traveler is different and your tour should reflect that. We tailor each itinerary to your interests, whether it’s history, trekking, wildlife, or nomadic culture.
Contact us today to start designing your personalized Mongolian adventure. We’re excited to craft an unforgettable experience just for you!
❓ FAQs About Central Mongolia
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Where is Central Mongolia? | In the heart of the country, including Karakorum, Orkhon Valley, Elsen Tasarkhai, Khorgo Volcano, and Ugii Lake. |
Why is Central Mongolia famous? | For its ancient history, Buddhist monasteries, green valleys, waterfalls, volcanoes, and nomadic culture. |
What is the best time to visit? | May–September for warm weather; June–August is peak season. |
How far is it from Ulaanbaatar? | 3–6 hours by car depending on the destination. |
What activities can I do? | Horse riding, camel riding, hiking, visiting monasteries, cultural experiences, wildlife watching, and ger stays. |
Is it family-friendly? | Yes, easy travel, many activities for children, and safe cultural experiences. |
What is the weather like? | Summer: +20°C to +28°C; nights cooler. Spring and autumn are mild; winters are cold. |
Are roads good? | Main roads are paved; some areas have off-road tracks. 4×4 vehicles recommended. |
What kind of accommodation is available? | Ger camps, lodges, nomadic family gers, and simple guesthouses. |
Do I need any permits? | No special permits for main destinations in Central Mongolia. |
Can I visit nomadic families? | Yes, many tours include authentic family visits and cultural interactions. |
Is Central Mongolia good for photography? | Excellent diverse landscapes, monasteries, nomadic lifestyle, and golden hour scenery. |
🌦 General Weather Central Mongolia around
Central Mongolia has a continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters, big temperature changes between day and night, and plenty of sunshine.
🌸 Spring (April–May)
Cool and windy
Occasional snow
Best for sightseeing, fewer tourists
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Warm, green, and sunny
+20°C to +28°C daytime
Occasional rain showers
Best time for horse riding, hiking, and cultural tours
🍂 Autumn (September–October)
Clear skies, golden landscapes
Cool days, cold nights
One of the most beautiful seasons in Central Mongolia
❄️ Winter (November–March)
Very cold: –15°C to –30°C
Snowy steppes and frozen rivers
Only recommended for winter-special tours
📅 Monthly Weather Averages – Central Mongolia
Month | Day Avg (°C) | Night Avg (°C) | Weather Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
January | –15 to –20 | –25 to –30 | Very cold, dry, snowy valleys |
February | –12 to –18 | –22 to –28 | Clear skies, bitter cold |
March | –2 to +5 | –10 to –15 | Windy, beginning of melt |
April | +8 to +15 | –2 to +3 | Cool, windy, occasional snow |
May | +15 to +20 | +5 to +8 | Pleasant, green begins |
June | +20 to +28 | +10 to +14 | Warm, some rain |
July | +22 to +28 | +10 to +15 | Peak summer, sunny & green |
August | +18 to +25 | +8 to +12 | Mild, scattered showers |
September | +12 to +18 | +2 to +6 | Cool, golden autumn colors |
October | +5 to +10 | –3 to –8 | Frosty nights, first snow |
November | –5 to –10 | –12 to –18 | Cold and dry |
December | –12 to –18 | –22 to –28 | Harsh winter, low temperatures |
Gobi Desert (South)
Day: +25°C to +38°C
Night: +15°C to +20°C
Hot, dry, and sunny.
Central Mongolia / Orkhon Valley
Day: +20°C to +27°C
Night: +10°C to +14°C
Northern Mongolia / Khuvsgul Lake
Day: +15°C to +22°C
Night: +5°C to +10°C
Cooler near the water.
Western Mongolia / Altai Mountains
Day: +12°C to +20°C
Night: +2°C to +8°C
Cold at night; snow possible in high areas.
Video of Central Mongolia tour
🎒 Travel Tips
Even in summer, nights can be cold bring warm layers
July is the warmest and busiest month (Naadam Festival)
Autumn offers the best photography conditions
Spring weather can change quickly pack for wind and cold
Pictures of Central Mongolia
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
Not easy to access
In the middle of nowhere, though a track/ road gets fairly close with a 15 minute walk thereafter. Very pretty, though not large.
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
Merveille des steppes
🇲🇳 « La merveille des steppes »
Voilà comment j’ai surnommée les chutes de l’Orkhon à notre première rencontre c’est tout dire de sa beauté et de sa prestance véritable bijou de la nature.
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5