Högnö Khan Mountain area is unique for its varied habitats. Within walking distance of the ger camp there are rock formations, a secluded oasis with ruins and lakes next to the sand dunes of Mongol Els. There are many nomads who make this area their home, so it is an excellent location for day hikes.

Karakorum - or Harhorin - was the ancient capital of the Mongol empire during the 13-14th centuries.  It was totally sacked by Chinese Ming dynasty warriors during the overthrow of Kubilai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China.  Little remains, but the site is situated in a very scenic area.  During the 16th century, the giant Erdenezuu monastery was built from the remains of Karakorum.  Erdenezuu was closed for many years, but after the democratic reforms in 1991, monks are again living there.

Brief Outline Itinerary

We will journey by bus or jeep 290 km to the west of Ulan Bator into the southern tip of Bulgan province and stay at the secluded Delger Ger Camp beautifully located in Hogno Khan Mountain Nature Reserve.  It is a non-guided trip with shared transport. Delger Ger Camp is the base for the journey. Many day hikes may be made out of camp or you may buy additional horse rides. The day trip and visit to Karakorum and Erdenezuu monastery is included in the tour price. There is an English-speaking camp manager at Delger as well as English speaking guides at Erdenezuu. It is a unique rock formation, situated on the arid steppe. Nearby is a small freshwater lake with ducks and herons, and in the mountain itself, the Erdene Khombo monastery is being restored.

Day 1:  To Högnö Khan Mountain
Join the tour at the Nomadic Journeys office or your hotel and depart at 09.00hrs. A picnic lunch will be brought along for you since lunch will perhaps be late. Arrive Högnö Khan Mountain in the afternoon. We will travel on one of Mongolia's few tarmac roads.  There will be steppe landscape all the way, and upon reaching the Högnö Khan Mountain area, we will see the Mongol Els sand dunes in the middle of the steppe. They are locally known as "Little Gobi" or “Elsen Tasarkhai” and next to them there is a small lake where waders such as herons and ducks may be seen.  Transfer from the main road to Delger Ger Camp tucked away in a secluded valley at Högnö Khan Mountain.  Overnight in gers.

Day 2:  Högnö Khan Mountain
The Högnö Khan Mountain is a giant rock formation in the middle of the steppe, and in it is the small Erdene Khombo monastery, now being restored. It was destroyed during the purges of the 1930s. This is an interesting countryside area where many nomadic herdsmen live.  Everything can be reached by lengthy walks.  If you start your journey on a Friday you will spend an additional day at Högnö Khan Mountain. There are several excursions you may do on foot, horseback or  with vehicle support in the area at additional cost.

Day 3: Erdenezuu &  Karakorum
Full day unguided excursion of this fascinating area.  You will be driven 80km on the recently refurbished road to Harhorin (2hrs). Today, Erdenezuu Hiid is a functioning monastery undergoing constant renovation to restore it to its former splendor.  There are usually local English speaking guides for hire at Erdenzuu.  Once, 1000 monks lived at Erdenezuu. It had some 100 temples within its 400 by 400 meters long walls.  The monastery was sacked during the purges of 1937. Only the walls and 3 temples remain. Erdenezuu is still one of the most fascinating sites of Mongolia, and usually we will be able to experience and see the prayers. Return to camp and overnight in gers.

Optional excursion:

Please pre-order at time of booking and request tour quote for the below excursion.

Horse Ride: Ride the nearby area for a half day. Or enjoy a full day ride south towards Batkhaan Uul Nature Reserve, an inaccessible area of steppe and sand dunes, as well as rock formations.

Practicalities

Transfers: Operates to/from Högnö Khan on Mondays and Fridays. These are subsidized and shared with staff. You can at all times order a private transfer at any time suitable to you. The entire drive from Ulaanbaatar to Högnö Khan with a 4WD vehicle is approximately 6 hours. Please pre-order at time of booking and request tour quote for the below excursions.

Includes: All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in double occupancy ger. Transfers to and out of camp on scheduled dates.

Excludes: Laundry, imported drinks. Arrival and departure transfers and hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar.

Children: 1-4 years free. 5-12 years 50%.

Transfer schedule:
Monday/ Friday

from UB: 09:00
from camp: 09:00