The Centre
What you'll be looking at
Central · Route 04 · 9 days
Where the empire was governed and the old gods kept. The grass valley of the Orkhon, the stones of the imperial capital, and a volcano with a lake at the foot of the Khangai mountains.
The route
Central Mongolia is the old heartland — the Orkhon Valley has been a seat of power since long before Genghis Khan, and Karakorum was the capital he and his sons ran the largest land empire on earth from. We follow the river through grass and ruins, then climb into the Khangai to the volcanic country around Khorgo.
We stay with herding families along the valley, walk the monastery walls at Erdene Zuu, and end at the lava fields and the cold blue of Terkhiin Tsagaan, the White Lake.
Day by day
Leave the capital and drive west across the steppe toward Kharkhorin, on the edge of the Orkhon Valley. First night by the river near the old imperial ground.
The site of the 13th-century imperial capital and Erdene Zuu — Mongolia's oldest surviving monastery, ringed by a wall of 108 stupas. A slow day among the stones.
Follow the river up the UNESCO cultural landscape — grass, herds, and standing monuments. Night with a herding family in the valley.
Drive to the basalt-edged Orkhon falls, formed by old volcanic flows and earthquakes. A walk down into the gorge, then back up for the night nearby.
Cross into the Khangai foothills to the hot springs at Tsenkher — a genuine soak after the road. Night in a camp fed by the springs.
A long mountain driving day over forested passes toward Tariat and the volcanic country. The land turns from grass to lava and pine.
Climb the Khorgo volcano to its crater rim, then down to Terkhiin Tsagaan — the White Lake dammed by an ancient lava flow. Night on the shore.
Drive east out of the mountains toward Tsetserleg, the prettiest of the provincial towns. A real bed, a hot meal, and the road map for the last leg.
The last run east onto the tarmac and into the capital. We drop you at your hotel by evening.
The Centre
What's included
Not included (you pay on-site): flights, food and meals, accommodation — Anji arranges ger-hotels along the way — and entrance fees for parks and museums.
Pack for the Centre
Pricing
Price on request
Tell us your group size, dates and preferred starting point. Anji will send a complete quote with every inclusion and local cost explained before you commit.
No deposit to book.
Pay in cash — 50% when we meet, 50% on the last day back in Ulaanbaatar.
June–September departures
Share your flight window and preferred month. We agree exact dates around your group, road conditions and the route you choose.