Explore Central and South Mongolia
Trip Highlights
- Spot some of last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi, in their natural habitat
- Visit the Karakorum Museum and learn about the ancient Mongolian capital
- Explore the grounds of Erdene Zuu monastery and see the monks at prayer
- Go hiking through the magnificent grasslands of the Orkhon Valley
- Spend an afternoon with a nomadic family and learn about herding life
- Discover the exquisite wildlife in Yol Valley National Park
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Takhi horses in the wild
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Karakorum Museum
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Erdene Zuu monastery
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Orkhon Valley
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Nomadic life
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Altai snowcock
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Karakorum
- Days 4–8 Gobi Desert
- Days 1–4 Karakorum
- Days 4–8 Gobi Desert
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Explore Karakorum
This historically significant Mongolian city was founded by Chinggis Khan in the early 13th century and was known as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Most of the city has been lost to time with only ruins and archaeological sites hinting at its former glory. One of the most significant sites is the Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of the earliest surviving Buddhist establishments in the country. The surrounding landscape is stunning.
Where you could stay
Karakorum
Highlights
- 72 wooden chalets, including two suites and 21 modern gers
- A warm and inviting restaurant overlooking the Orkhon Valley
- Strong focus on supporting the local traditional culture and economy
Overview
Find space for rest and rejuvenation at Asa Land, nestled on the banks of Orkhon River in Karakorum. There’s a strong focus on sustainable tourism and supporting the local culture and economy here. The 72 wooden chalets, including two suites and 21 modern gers, all with private bathrooms, offer you a comfortable place to stay while enjoying all the Orkhon Valley has to offer. The chalets have wide windows with beautiful views and the gers have a circular dome in the centre, originally used by Mongolian nomads as a chimney, but which now allow you to sleep under the spectacular star-strewn skies.
The Asa Land restaurant is a warm and inviting space that features a terrace overlooking the Orkhon Valley. You can enjoy fine cuisine from the chef and outstanding service from the friendly staff. The menu boasts dishes created using some of the region’s freshest ingredients. After a day of exploring, relax at the bar and enjoy a classic cocktail or a glass of wine.
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Make it mine
Wild horses
Museum and monastery
Valley hike
Valley hike
See takhi horses
Visit Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi – commonly known as Przewalski’s horse. Twenty-five years after becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski’s Horse. Now, nearly 400 now roam re-introduction sites in Mongolia and China.
Kharakhorum Museum and Erdene Zuu Monastery
Kharakhorum Museum offers fascinating insight into what was once the center of arts, politics, trades, and religions of the world. Mongolia’s largest monastery, Erdene Zuu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Karakhorum in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. Explore the monastery grounds and the temples which are richly decorated.
Hiking in Orkhon Valley
Spend an afternoon hiking through the magnificent grasslands of the Orkhon Valley, considered to be the cradle of Mongolian civilization. The beautiful Orkhon valley is not just home to many archeological, cultural and historic sites but it also stands testimony to how age-old nomadic culture has shaped and influenced developmental changes in trade, commerce, military and religious practices.
Ongiin Hiid Monastery
After leaving Karakorum you’ll visit Ongiin Hiid and explore the ruins of this 17th-century temple, situated in a beautiful, mountainous region. Still known as the ”Pearl of the Great Desert’, Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939. After the visit, you’ll continue your journey to the Gobi Desert.
Escape to the Gobi Desert
The vast golden plains of the Gobi Desert are not only spectacular, but they are also home many of Mongolia’s nomadic people. Your time here is all about appreciating the natural beauty, and connecting with the culture and traditions that have prevailed over centuries. You can spend time with a nomadic family, learn about their herding practices, help to raise a traditional ger, participate in an archery lesson and spend your nights stargazing.
Where you could stay
Gobi Desert
Highlights
- Stay in a traditional Mongolian ger, built and furnished by local artisans
- Learn Mongolia’s historic archery techniques
- Sample authentic Mongolian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients
- Cultural and environmental sustainability are integral to the lodge’s ethos
- The lodge supports local communities, and is entirely staffed by Mongolians
- Learn about the nomadic lifestyle which still exists here
Overview
For those who want to truly experience Mongolia, Three Camel Lodge, way out in the wilds of the majestic Gobi Desert, is the place to go. It is the Desert’s first and only luxury eco-lodge, and sustainability and authenticity are not just part of the practice, but are integral to the ethos around which the lodge revolves.
Every aspect of your stay has been designed to preserve the land, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. The 40 cosy gers, or yurts, as well as the furniture within them, were all constructed by local artisans in keeping with authentic building methods. Inside, you’ll find thick camel-hair blankets and woollen carpets adding warmth and comfort to the hand-carved and painted furnishings. As well as a stove for heat, each ger has its own private bathroom.
The trend of simple luxury continues throughout, with the Arshaan spa offering western treatments complemented by eastern therapies, and artfully prepared meals at Bulagtai restaurant. Authentic Mongolian cuisine is given a contemporary twist and made entirely from locally sourced ingredients. Wash it down with a prized whisky at the Thirsty Camel Bar – regarded as one of the finest whisky bars in Asia.
Learn about the nomadic way of life as well as the traditions and customs which still pervade here. Visits with nomadic families are available, as are cooking classes, traditional archery lessons, and horseback riding. Mountain biking is also on offer; an ideal way to explore the vast beauty of your surroundings.
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Make it mine
Ancient art
Explore on foot
Glowing sunsets
Glowing sunsets
Havsgait petroglyphs
Travel to Havsgait by vehicle or on horseback for panoramic views of the grasslands and to see some amazing artwork of our ancestors. Preserved at the top of the mountain are some of the precious petroglyphs of the Gobi, ancient works of art that can be clearly seen as the sun hits the rocks from the right angle. From the depictions of these petroglyphs, we can gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the people who lived in the Gobi during the Bronze Age.
Yol Valley National Park
Drive to Yol Valley National Park, cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep.
Flaming Cliffs
Visit the legendary Flaming Cliffs, named for the orange glow of the rock at sunset. The red sandstone of the Flaming Cliffs is rich with dinosaur fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.
My trip to vietnam and China was so great , lots of amazing and unforgettable memories Love all attention to details definitely will book another trip with Jacada in the future Thank you Ellie Khoury and Cathy Jocubeit for designing this amazing trip for me
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
