Selena Travel

Mongolia Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

Mongolia Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour

10 Days / 9 Nights

Tour grade: Easy

Camel riding in the Gobi Desert in MongoliaExplore dinosaur fossil sites in MongoliaStargazing at Mongolian ger campsBest group tours MongoliaLocal flight included
From: US$ 2,400

Style: Private Tour

  • Attend a morning chanting ceremony at Gandantegchinlen Monastery and meet resident monks for personal insight into Tibetan Buddhist practice in Mongolia
  • Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery & ancient Karakorum, then hike to Tuvkhun Monastery — Zanabazar's sacred mountain retreat in the Khangai Mountains (2–3 hrs each way)
  • Explore the hidden Shankh and Erdenekhamba Monasteries, the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, and the UNESCO-listed Bogd Khan Winter Palace
  • Easy grade, private tour from US$2,400 per person — all fitness levels welcome, 4-star hotels in Ulaanbaatar

Tour Overview

Mongolia has one of the most remarkable Buddhist traditions in the world — and one of the least visited. At its height, over 700 monasteries and 100,000 monks shaped every aspect of Mongolian life. Most were destroyed in the purges of 1937. What remains is extraordinary: ancient monasteries rebuilt by surviving monks, sacred meditation retreats carved into granite mountain sides, and a living spiritual tradition that never fully disappeared.

This 10-day Mongolia Buddhist pilgrimage tour visits six of the country's most significant sacred sites. In Ulaanbaatar, you'll attend the atmospheric morning chanting ceremony at Gandantegchinlen Monastery — Mongolia's largest active monastery — and meet with resident monks to discuss the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in modern Mongolia. The journey then heads west to the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 from the stones of ancient Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Along the way, Shankh Monastery and the remote Erdenekhamba Monastery offer quieter, more contemplative encounters with Mongolia's monastic life.
 
The spiritual centrepiece of the journey is Tuvkhun Monastery — the mountain-top meditation retreat where Zanabazar, Mongolia's greatest Buddhist master and sculptor, created his most celebrated works in the 17th century. The hike through pine forests to reach it is as much a part of the experience as the monastery itself.

Beyond its spiritual treasures, the tour encompasses Hustai National Park and its wild Przewalski horses, the granite landscapes of Terelj National Park, and the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Private tour, easy grade, from US$2,400 per person.

Tour map

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival In Mongolia
  • Day 2: Tour of Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 3: Elsen Tasarkhai
  • Day 4: Karakorum
  • Day 5: Karakorum exploration day
  • Day 6: Tuvkhun Monastery
  • Day 7: Hustai National Park
  • Day 8: Terelj NP day trip
  • Day 9: Ulaanbaatar day
  • Day 10: Departure From Mongolia
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Tour images

Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum
Tuvkhun Monastery
Genghis Khaan statue at Tsonjin Boldog

Full Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our team will greet you at the airport after you’ve completed the necessary customs formalities. You’ll then be transported to your hotel for check-in /standard check-in time is 2 pm/. Later in the evening, at 7 pm, we’ll enjoy a delightful welcome dinner at a local restaurant. During this gathering, your guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour briefing, ensuring that you’re fully prepared and informed for the adventures that lie ahead.

 

Accommodation: Hotel 4-star

Meals:

Dinner

Day 2:

Tour of Ulaanbaatar

Begin your exploration of Mongolia's Buddhist heritage at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the country's largest and most important active monastery. Attend the atmospheric morning chanting ceremony and visit the magnificent Migjid Janraisig Statue, a towering symbol of compassion and faith. 

Continue to the Chinggis Khaan Museum for a deeper understanding of Mongolia's rich history before enjoying lunch in the city. In the afternoon, visit the Dashchoilin Monastery Museum and, subject to availability, meet with a resident monk to gain personal insights into monastic life and the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia. Evening at your leisure, and overnight at the hotel. 
 

Accommodation: Hotel 4-star

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 3:

Ulaanbaatar – Elsen Tasarkhai & Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve

Depart Ulaanbaatar and journey west to Elsen Tasarkhai, a picturesque stretch of golden sand dunes often referred to as the "Mini Gobi," where rolling dunes meet open steppe and granite mountains. Enjoy the peaceful scenery before continuing to Erdenekhamba Monastery, a serene Buddhist retreat nestled in the surrounding hills. Surrounded by pristine nature, the monastery offers a tranquil setting to learn about contemporary monastic life, reflect in quiet surroundings, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of central Mongolia's hidden gems. 

In the afternoon, we will visit a nomadic family and learn more about Mongolian traditional lifestyle. We will even have a chance to take part in their daily activities, such as making dairy products. 
 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4:

Elsen Tasarkhai – Karakorum

Start the day with a scenic hike to the ruins of Uvgun Monastery, perched on the rocky slopes overlooking Elsen Tasarkhai. The peaceful trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding sand dunes, steppe, and mountains while providing a glimpse into the area's rich Buddhist history. 

After the hike, continue your journey to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and prepare for further exploration of Mongolia's historic and spiritual heartland.
 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5:

Karakorum exploration day

Spend the day exploring Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and one of Mongolia's most significant cultural and spiritual centers. Begin the morning at the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, the country's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, where you'll explore its historic temples and, subject to availability, meet with a local monk to gain insight into Mongolia's Buddhist traditions and monastic life. 

In the afternoon, visit the Karakorum Museum to discover the archaeological treasures and history of the former imperial capital. Conclude the day at the Erdenesiin Khuree Calligraphy Center, where you'll learn about traditional Mongolian script and calligraphy before taking part in a hands-on group activity to assemble and dismantle a traditional Mongolian ger, offering a deeper appreciation of the ingenuity and practicality of the nomadic way of life.

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6:

Tuvkhun Monastery + Shankh Monastery

Journey into the forested Khangai Mountains to visit the sacred Tuvkhun Monastery, one of Mongolia's most revered Buddhist sites and the meditation retreat of the renowned spiritual leader Zanabazar. Along the way, stop at Shankh Monastery, one of the country's oldest monasteries, founded in the 17th century and an important center for the spread of Buddhism in Mongolia. 

Continue to the trailhead for a rewarding hike through pine forests to Tuvkhun Monastery, perched atop a granite outcrop with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peaceful setting and spiritual significance of this remote monastery make it one of Mongolia's most memorable pilgrimage destinations /hikes to the monastery is approximately 2-3 hrs one way/. 
 

 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7:

Karakorum – Hustai NP

We will start our journey today with a 4-5 hr drive towards Hustai National Park this morning, renowned for its successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse, also known as the Takhi, the last remaining wild horse species in the wild. 

We will arrive at our destination around lunch time and check into our accommodation and enjoy lunch which will be followed by a Nomadic show, a vibrant display of traditional Mongolian culture, lifestyle, and heritage. This live performance showcases the everyday activities and customs of nomadic life, passed down through generations.

In the evening, we will embark on a tour through the park, where you may spot herds of these rare wild horses, as well as deer, marmots, and a variety of bird species /wildlife sighting is not guaranteed/. Take in the serene beauty of the steppe environment and learn about the park’s conservation efforts. Drive back to ger camp and stay overnight. 
 

Accommodation: Ger camp

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8:

Hustai – Terelj NP day trip – Ulaanbaatar

Depart Hustai after breakfast and continue your journey to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most scenic destinations, known for its dramatic rock formations, lush valleys, and beautiful landscapes. On the way, we will visit the iconic Giant Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex.
 
Upon our arrival in Terelj NP, we will explore the nearby Meditation Temple, a peaceful site offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. After enjoying the natural and cultural highlights of Terelj National Park, continue the drive back to Ulaanbaatar in the evening and check into our hotel. Dinner on your own.  

 

Accommodation: Hotel 4-star

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

 

Day 9:

Ulaanbaatar day

This morning, we will visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, one of Mongolia’s most important historical sites and the former residence of the last Mongolian king. Our tour continues to the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Mongolian art, including exquisite Buddhist sculptures, thangka paintings, and works by the renowned Mongolian artist and spiritual leader Zanabazar. The museum is small but offers a fascinating insight into Mongolia’s artistic heritage, religious traditions, and the exceptional craftsmanship that has shaped the country’s cultural identity. 

In the afternoon, visit the State Department Store for optional shopping and souvenir browsing. In the evening, enjoy a traditional folklore performance followed by a farewell dinner celebrating the end of your Mongolian adventure.
 

 

Accommodation: Hotel 4-star

Meals:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10:

Departure From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Following breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport. This marks the conclusion of our services. Safe travels, and we hope you had a wonderful experience!

 

 

Meals:

Breakfast

 

Date & Price

Tour Dates and Status: 

  • May 31 - Oct 5, 2026 / Active Tour /

 

Tour Status: Active

*Active: This tour is currently open for new bookings and will be guaranteed to proceed once it reaches the minimum number of participants.

*Guaranteed: This departure is open for new bookings, and it is confirmed to proceed without needing to reach the minimum number of passengers required. 

If you prefer a private tour experience, simply click the "Customize this tour" button located at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote.

 

Tour Price:

  • 3350 USD per person for a private tour with 2 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

  • 2700 USD per person for a private tour with 3 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

  • 2400 USD per person for a private tour with 4 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

  • 2350 USD per person for a private tour with 5-7 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

  • 2250 USD per person for a private tour with 8-9 participants /based on twin/ double occupancy/

  • 550 USD per person for a Single Supplement


Included services

  • Full-time services of your English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
  • Continuous services of your English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
  • All sightseeing activities and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.
  • Private transfers using 4WD Vans, with experienced drivers – 2-8 pax per van, depending on the whole group size
  • Airport transfer /1 group transfer each for arrival & departure/
  • Twin/double share at centrally located 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar – 4 nights
  • Twin share accommodation in traditional Mongolian gers at well-regarded tourist ger camps for a total of 5 nights
  • All meals as indicated (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner)
  • Nomadic show
  • Three 0.5-liter bottled waters per day
  • Visa support invitation letter, where applicable

Not Included in the Service 

  • International Airfare/train ticket
  • Travel Insurance & Visa fees
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites, etc
  • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary)
  • Optional activities such as camel riding, archery, horse riding etc
     

 

Tour Background

Buddhism arrived in Mongolia over a thousand years ago, but it was in the 16th and 17th centuries that it truly took root. Under the patronage of the great Khans, monasteries multiplied across the steppe and mountains, attracting tens of thousands of monks and becoming the centres of education, medicine, astronomy, and art. At its peak in the early 20th century, Mongolia had over 700 monasteries and roughly a third of the male population were ordained monks.

The Soviet-backed purges of 1937–38 destroyed almost everything. More than 700 monasteries were demolished, and an estimated 17,000 monks were executed or sent to labour camps. The faith survived underground — preserved in hidden scriptures, continued in secret by elderly lamas — until religious freedom was restored in 1990. Since then, Mongolia's Buddhist revival has been one of the most significant cultural recoveries in modern Asian history.
Travelling Mongolia's sacred sites today means walking between two worlds: the ancient and the restored, the ruined and the living. A morning ceremony at Gandantegchinlen feels no less authentic for the monastery's 19th-century origins. The walk to Tuvkhun — where Zanabazar meditated and cast his most celebrated bronze statues — is unchanged from the path he walked 350 years ago. The silence at Shankh Monastery, alone on the open steppe, carries the weight of everything that was nearly lost.
 
Selena Travel has been leading cultural and spiritual tours in Mongolia since 1998. Our Buddhist pilgrimage itinerary has been developed with deep respect for the sites, the monks, and the traditions encountered along the way. Visits are arranged with sensitivity — no intrusive photography during ceremonies, genuine interaction with resident monks wherever possible, and an itinerary paced to allow reflection rather than rushing between sites

 

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Jul 23, 2026.  The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer

Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time. We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.

by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia

Aug 08, 2012.  Gobi & Karakorum customized 11 days tour

Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.

by Margaret Suganda

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