The Iron Horse
6 Days / 5 Nights
For a solo tour = $1,400 per person
For a couple tour = $700 per person
For a group tour of 3-4 = $650 per person
For a group tour of 5-8 = $550 per person
For tour customization, feel free to contact and book a call with us by clicking on the button below:
Embark on The Iron Horse, a unique 6-day expedition that blends the romance of the Trans-Mongolian railway with the rugged traditions of Northern and Central Mongolia. Your journey begins with a northbound train ride into the lush Selenge province, where the urban landscape fades into rolling green hills and deep river valleys. You will settle into a riverside camp at Unegt to experience world-class catch-and-release fishing for Taimen and Lenok in the oxygen-rich currents of the Selenge River. Beyond the water, you will engage in high-energy nomadic tasks, from helping neighbors water livestock at the river's edge to participating in cattle herd sorting on the high-steppe ridges.
The adventure continues as you transition to the dramatic granite landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. After visiting the iconic 40-meter silver horseman at the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, you will explore the park's alpine meadows on horseback, reaching the serene Ariyabal Meditation Temple perched high on a cliff side. Experience the daily rhythms of valley nomads through hands-on yak milking and discover hidden history at the "100 Lamas Cave". From the rhythmic clatter of the rails to the quiet power of a meditation temple, The Iron Horse offers a masterful balance of movement, tradition, and wilderness.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ride the legendary Trans-Mongolian Northbound train
Fish for Taimen in the deep Selenge River currents
Join nomadic neighbors for high-energy herd sorting
Climb to the head of the giant Chinggis Khan Statue
Hike up to the Ariyabal Meditation Temple
Camel Riding at the foot of Turtle Rock
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
ACTIVITIES
Itinerary
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The Trans-Mongolian Northbound. Depart Ulaanbaatar Central Station on the morning train heading toward Unegt. Spend the 4-hour journey in the dining car watching the urban landscape dissolve into the vast, rolling green hills of the Selenge province. Upon arrival at the rural Unegt station, your driver will take you to a riverside camp where the forest meets the water. Spend the late afternoon walking the banks of the Selenge River to scout the best fishing spots for the next day.
Meals: B: UB Cafe | L: Train Dining Car | D: Beef Noodle Soup.
Accomm: Unegt Riverside Ger Camp.
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Fishing the Selenge Currents. Dedicate the full day to catch-and-release fishing for Taimen and Lenok in the deep, oxygen-rich pools of the river. You will use traditional methods to navigate the rocky banks and find the quiet eddies where fish congregate. In the afternoon, help your nomadic neighbors with watering the livestock, leading the herds down to the river’s edge. The evening is spent by a bonfire, sharing fishing stories under a perfectly clear northern sky.
Meals: B: Camp Breakfast | L: Riverside Picnic | D: Roasted Mutton & Root Veg.
Accomm: Same Riverside Ger Camp.
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Horse Riding the Unegt High-Steppe. Trade your fishing rod for reins as you embark on a 3-hour horse riding session through the high ridges overlooking the station. The terrain here is varied, offering both forested pockets and wide-open gallops across the plateau. Visit a local family to participate in herd sorting, a high-energy task where you help separate calves from the main herd. End the day with a hike to a local "Ovoo" (sacred cairn) to watch the sunset over the railway line.
Meals: B: Fresh Cream & Bread | L: Mutton Dumplings | D: Traditional Khorkhog.
Accomm: Same Riverside Ger Camp.
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Return to UB & The Giant Horseman. Take the return train or a 3-hour drive back toward the capital, stopping at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex in Tsonjin Boldog. Climb to the observation deck on the horse's head for a view of the Tuul River, then head to the base for an eagle holding session with a local falconer. Continue 40km into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, settling into a lodge surrounded by jagged granite peaks. The evening is yours to explore the natural rock formations on foot.
Meals: B: Camp | L: Statue Restaurant | D: Modern Mongolian Fusion.
Accomm: Terelj Star Luxury Lodge.
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Terelj Valley & The Meditation Temple. Visit the iconic Turtle Rock before taking a scenic horse ride through the larch forests to the Ariyabal Meditation Temple. The temple sits high on a cliff, and the ride up provides a meditative pace through some of the park's most beautiful alpine meadows. In the afternoon, head to a nearby stream for a final fishing session, targeting the smaller grayling found in the mountain waters. Assist a local herder in the evening with yak milking, a signature task of the Terelj valley nomads.
Meals: B: Lodge | L: Forest Picnic | D: Beef Hot Pot.
Accomm: Same Luxury Lodge.
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Final Mountain View. Wake early for a short hike to "100 Lamas Cave" to see the hidden history of the valley's monks. The 1.5-hour drive back to Ulaanbaatar is a smooth transition from the rocky wilderness to the city. Stop at the Zaisan Memorial for a panoramic view of the capital city and the Tuul River winding through it. Conclude your tour with a farewell dinner in downtown Ulaanbaatar.
Meals: B: Lodge | L: Roadside BBQ | D: UB Farewell Banquet.
Extra Information
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Reservation & Deposit
Deposit: To secure a spot on on this tour, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.
Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid in full at least 14 days before the tour start date. For last-minute bookings (within 30 days of departure), full payment is required immediately.
Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers (SWIFT/Wise) and Paypal.
2. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
Mongolia is a land of adventure, and the nomadic lifestyle involves remote areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all participants. * Coverage: Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal injury.
Adventure Activities: Ensure your insurance specifically covers horseback riding, as some standard policies exclude this.
Proof of Insurance: We require a digital copy of your insurance certificate before the tour begins.
3. Cancellation & Refunds
We understand that plans change. Our refund policy for the remaining balance is as follows:
31+ days before departure: 100% of the balance is refunded (minus the non-refundable deposit).
15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is refunded.
Less than 14 days before departure: No refund is available.
4. Nomadic Stay Etiquette & Logistics
Facilities: Living with a nomadic family is a raw, authentic experience. Please note that guest Gers usually use traditional "pit latrines" and have limited electricity (solar-powered for lights).
Health & Diet: Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian) at least 14 days in advance. Nomadic diets are heavily meat and dairy-based.
Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Mongolia.
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Mongolian nomads are world-famous for their hospitality, but their homes are considered sacred spaces. Following these simple customs will show your hosts that you respect their way of life.
Entering the Ger
The Threshold: Never step on the wooden threshold of the door; it is considered the "neck" of the home. Always step over it with your right foot first.
Don’t Knock: Traditionally, Mongolians don't knock. Instead, call out "Nokhoi khor" (literally: "hold the dog") to announce your arrival.
The Support Pillars: Never lean against or walk between the two central support pillars. These represent the stability of the family and the connection between heaven and earth.
Direction: Once inside, move in a clockwise direction. Guests are typically seated on the left (west) side of the Ger.
Food & Drink Rituals
The "Taste Test": If you are offered milk tea or a snack, always accept it with your right hand. Even if you aren't hungry, take a small sip or a tiny bite before putting it down. Refusing outright is considered impolite.
Right Hand Only: Always give and receive items (especially food, tea, or gifts) with your right hand. For extra respect, support your right elbow with your left hand.
Fire is Sacred: Never throw trash, water, or food scraps into the central stove. Fire is the most sacred element of the home.
General "Dos and Don'ts"
Feet Placement: When sitting, never point the soles of your feet toward the altar (at the back of the Ger) or toward other people. It’s best to sit cross-legged or tuck your feet under you.
Hats: Mongolians value the head as the most sacred part of the body. Never touch another person’s hat, and if you take yours off, place it in a high spot (like on a bed or a shelf) rather than on the floor.
Step on a Foot: If you accidentally step on someone's foot, immediately shake their hand. It’s the local way of saying "I didn't mean any harm."
Whistling: Avoid whistling inside the Ger; locals believe it "calls the wind" or brings bad luck to the household.