Drive from Ulaanbaatar into a country of open grasslands, wild takhi horses and dunes that sing. This 12-day private family tour pairs accessible hikes and ger-camp nights with cultural sites from Karakorum to the Flaming Cliffs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The engine hums as the city fall away and the steppe opens—an ocean of waist-high grass that seems to push at the windows and insist you slow down. On day two, a herd of takhi, the Przewalski’s wild horses, lifts their heads from grazing and regards you like a distant curiosity before melting back into the plain. You feel the rhythm of the road more than the miles: hours of quiet vistas punctuated by sudden cliffs, temple ruins and wind-carved ridgelines.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for families in good general health; expect light-to-moderate walks, occasional short hikes and long vehicle days.
Wildlife
History
Karakorum was Genghis Khan’s 13th-century capital; later centuries converted the region into a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, visible in Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Conservation
Hustai National Park protects the last pure population of takhi; visitors should follow park rules to reduce disturbance and support ongoing conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Personalized 12 Days Mongolia Family Tour with Car and Guide today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for long drives
Daily transfers can be 3–5 hours; bring snacks, motion-sickness remedies and a charged power bank for devices.
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing widely between sunlit afternoons and chilly mornings—pack a warm mid-layer and windproof shell.
Keep distance from wildlife
In Hustai National Park and elsewhere, observe takhi and wild gazelles from a distance and never attempt to feed or touch them.
Cash and cards
ATMs are only reliable in Ulaanbaatar—carry enough cash for market purchases and remote tips.
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Quick-dry base layers and an insulated mid-layer keep you comfortable across temperature swings.
Sturdy walking shoes
Supportive shoes handle rocky monastery paths, valley ice fields and dune climbs.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Useful on long drives and hikes; filtered water reduces plastic waste.
Headlamp and travel towel
A headlamp is handy in gers after dark; a quick-dry towel is useful at hot springs and camps.