Discovering the Land of Nomads

Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you'll transfer to your hotel for a rest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city. A visit to the Gandan Monastery affords you the opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening you'll watch a traditional folk show, before dinner in a local restaurant. Stay: Bayangol Hotel or similar (L/D)

Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you'll head east to the steppe and spend the day at the 13th Century Camp, tour around the camp stopping at each area to experience life in 13th Century Mongolia, learn about the blacksmiths, teachers, herders, shamans and kings amongst others before driving to Terelj National Park and overnighting at a ger camp within the park. Stay 2 Nights: Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Another full day in the park offers a chance for a horse ride through the beautiful forested mountains. The park's location, some 1,600 metres above sea level, means that the air is cool and the alpine scenery spectacular and you'll find a number of interesting rock formations dotted across the landscape including Turtle Rock and the Praying Lama Rock. For those who would prefer not to ride, there are options for cycling and kayaking too. (B/L/D)

Leaving the park this morning, you'll head first for the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River. Over 40 metres high and visible for miles around, it is possible to climb the statue to enjoy some sweeping views across the countryside. Continue on towards the Hustai National Park, home to the rare and endangered wild Przewalski horses, where an early evening drive through the park affords an opportunity to see them in their native habitat. Stay: Local hotel or ger camp (B/L/D)

After an early morning horse ride, you'll continue onto Kharkhorin today, once the capital of the Mongol Empire. In the 16th century the remains of Kharkhorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. A visit to the excellent museum will provide a valuable insight into the region's fascinating history. Stay: Local hotel or similar (B/L/D)

A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting, before you continue into the valleys of central Mongolia. Passing herds of grazing goats, sheep and horses, your destination today is the sacred landscapes of the Orkhon Valley, once the seat of imperial power on the steppes. Stay 3 Nights: Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Fed by the waters of the Orkhon River, this beautiful river valley was inscribed by UNESCO as one of the country's most important cultural landscapes. Armed with a picnic lunch today you will take to the waters of the river in kayaks, to paddle your way down a series of small canyons and through the tranquility of the serene countryside. (B/L/D)

A drive this morning brings you to the beautiful Orkhon Khurkhree Waterfall. After heavy rains this is one of the most spectacular sights in the country, especially around late July and August. Just downstream from the falls, a short walk will bring you to a 22 metre deep gorge and the surrounding countryside is a perfect spot for horse riding. After a stop for a swim in the natural pools, you'll then head back to your ger camp in time for dinner. (B/L/D)

Heading to Tovkhon Khiid first thing this morning, you'll enjoy an hour's walk through the pine forests to a tiny monastery with spectacular views. Driving on through the valleys and over high mountain passes, you'll then reach the magnificent setting of the Khogno Khan National Park, home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Overnight at a traditional ger camp overlooking the vast Mongolian steppe. Stay 3 Nights: Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Covering some 47,000 hectares, the national park is a haven for all sorts of flora and fauna, with ibex, red deer and even wolves being a regular sight amongst the desert steppes. Over the next couple of two days you'll have opportunities to enjoy a walk in the rocky hills, take in the vast stretches of sand dunes, visit local nomadic herders and even experience a camel ride through the dunes. (B/L/D)

Another day exploring the national park. (B/L/D)

The drive back to the capital will take most of the morning, but the afternoon is free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner. Stay: Bayangol Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

The morning is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)