3-Day Winter Nomad Tour from Ulaanbaatar: Camels, Takhi Horses & Terelj
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness useful for short hikes, mounting horses and managing uneven terrain; no long technical climbs required
Overview
Three days out of Ulaanbaatar take you from snow-spooled dunes and a nomadic ger stay to Takhi-rich grasslands and the granite valleys of Terelj. Expect camels, horseback rides, quiet wildlife viewing, and a lot of Mongolian hospitality.
3-Day Winter Nomad Tour from Ulaanbaatar: Camels, Takhi Horses & Terelj
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The van cuts through cold, thin air as the city fades behind you and the horizon opens into a spare, white-streaked landscape. Snow scours the low dunes at Elsen-Tasarkhai, the sand taking on a muted, almost lunar quality; a single camel silhouette crosses like an echo of older trade routes. Inside a ger that night, steam rises from a traditional Mongolian BBQ and a nomadic family shares stories—the language of hospitality here is warmth and strong tea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for sudden cold
Temperatures swing quickly between sunlit afternoons and frigid mornings; a warm midlayer and windproof shell are essential for winter comfort.
Bring binoculars
Takhi horses keep their distance; 8x or 10x binoculars make spotting and photographing them much easier in Hustai NP.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Use waterproof hiking boots with good traction for sand dunes, muddy trails, and rocky temple steps.
Ask before photographing people
Nomadic hosts appreciate polite requests—offer a small tip or exchange for portraits rather than snapping without permission.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Przewalski horse (takhi)
- Mongolian gazelle and various steppe birds
History
The Chinggis Khan statue commemorates Mongolia's imperial founder and was completed in 2008; Hustai NP is central to national efforts to reintroduce the takhi to its native range.
Conservation
Hustai operates a long-term breeding and monitoring program; visitors should stay on marked paths to minimize disturbance and support park fees that fund conservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ulaanbaatar
Recommended Gear
Insulated down jacket
Keeps core warm during cold mornings and overnight ger stays
winter specific
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction on icy sand, mud, and rocky trails in Terelj and Hustai
winter specific
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Helps observe takhi and other wildlife at a respectful distance
Daypack with hydration
Carries water, snacks, layers, and camera for daily excursions