Imperial Tracks of Marco Polo

This dramatic, private horseback riding journey through Mongolia’s untamed landscape is for those who long to embrace the rough, nomadic culture of Mongolia and discover the region’s unique cultural identity, much like the vivid travels of explorer Marco Polo. Trample through the river valleys and mountain passes of Khan Khentii, the birthplace of Genghis Khan and the stronghold of his favored grandson Kublai Khan, and conclude your adventure admiring the many natural and architectural wonders of China in Beijing and Xi’an.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1:

  Arrive Ulan Bator / The Blue Sky Hotel & Tower (L,D)

• Day 2:

  Horse Riding Day / Khan Khentii / Hagiin Har Horseback Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 3:

  Horse Riding Day / Khan Khentii / Hagiin Har Horseback Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 4:

  Horse Riding Day / Khan Khentii / Hagiin Har Horseback Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 5:

  Horse Riding Day / Khan Khentii / Hagiin Har Horseback Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 6:

  Horse Riding Day / Khan Khentii / Hagiin Har Horseback Mobile Tented Camp (B,L,D)

• Day 7:

  Khan Khentii / Terelj Hotel (B,L,D)

• Day 8:

  Beijing / Aman at Summer Palace (B)

• Day 9:

  Beijing / Aman at Summer Palace (B,L)

• Day 10:

  Beijing / Waldorf Astoria (B,L)

• Day 11:

  Beijing / Waldorf Astoria (B,L)

• Day 12:

  Beijing / Waldorf Astoria (B,L)

• Day 13:

  Xi’an / Sofitel Xi’an (B)

• Day 14:

  Xi’an / Sofitel Xi’an (B,L)

• Day 15:

  Xi’an / Departure (B,L)

Itinerary Description:

Begin your expedition in Ulan Bator, before heading off on your Mongolia Horseback riding journey, where ancient tradition and 21st century democracy coexist in contrasts. Spend a full day exploring the city's many cultural treasures, including the Gandan Monastery for a Buddhist blessing and private tea with a high-ranking lama, and the National Museum for an overview of Mongolia's storied history.

The next day heralds the start of your Mongolia horseback riding. You will set out to Khan Khentii and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park stopping en route to pay homage to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, one of the biggest of its kind in the world and a potential icon of inspiration for your approaching Mongolia horseback riding adventure. For the next three days, you will experience this stark and unpopulated terrain firsthand. Ride through striking and rugged rolling hills and grasslands, stay in expedition-style tents in peaceful green meadows near the Havirgiin Davaa Pass and forested areas next to the Jivkheest River, enjoy hearty all-inclusive meals prepared by the camp cook, and share stories each evening by the fire, eventually arriving at Hagiin Har Nuur Lake. Accessible only by foot, horse, or helicopter—and recently known only to local hunters—this pristine lake is one of the country’s best-kept secrets and the perfect place to relax and experience the true wilderness of Mongolia as Marco Polo experienced it.

After a week of trekking through Khan Khentii on a Mongolia horseback riding journey, it is time to say farewell to your horses and rejuvenate within the plush imperialist walls of Terelj Hotel. Relax at the Tereljmaa Spa or the swimming pool's colonnaded pavilion, the largest of its kind in the country, before venturing forth across the border to China. Unwind from your travels by uncovering the sites of Beijing, including guided and after-hours entry into the beautiful grounds of the Summer Palace, a boat ride along Kunming Lake, a visit to the vast Tiananmen and Bird's Nest square, and a performance by the Peking Opera -- all from your luxurious dual accommodations at Aman Summer Palace and Waldorf Astoria Beijing.

A visit to China is incomplete without an excursion to the Great Wall of China. Take a full day to explore the stunning Mutianyu section of the Wall and its surrounding countryside before transferring to Xi'an, the final stop on your Asian adventure. While in Xi'an, learn about the city's association with the mighty Silk Road, visit the old City Walls for a short buggy ride to the Islamic Quarter and the Great Mosque, learn the art of Chinese calligraphy from a local master, and experience the incredible burial site of the infamous Army of Terracotta Warriors. Your full-day Terracotta Warrior experience includes a visit to the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang and the warriors themselves who stand guard to the east of Emperor Qin’s tomb, as well as a visit to the Shaanxi Museum and Wild Goose Pagoda.

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