Mongolia is known for its vast, rugged expanses and nomadic culture, straddling across upland steppes, grasslands, semi-deserts, and singing sand dunes. This journey brings you from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar into the Mongolian heartland and across the Gobi Desert.
Glimpse into the authentic nomad way of life and enjoy horseback ride through remote terrains away from the standard tourist circuit, as well as a stay at a yurt camp with gorgeous views.
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the remote scenic corners of the Mongolian Gobi Desert.
- Glimpse into the life of a nomadic family around the dunes
- Horseback ride through spectacular terrains of grasslands and rivers
- Stay at a Mongolian Ger Camp with panoramic sand dune or grassland views
Itinerary Outline
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Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
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Day 2
Ulaanbaatar / Khongor Els
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Day 3
Khongor Els / Gobi Desert
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Day 4
Gobi Desert
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Day 5
Gobi Desert
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Day 6
Gobi Desert / Gorkhi Terelj National Park
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Day 7
Gorkhi Terelj National Park / Ulaanbaatar
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Day 8
Ulaanbaatar
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Day 9
Departure from Ulaanbaatar
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arriving in Chinggis Khaan International Airport, we drive 54km or about 1 hour into the city centre. Originally a nomadic Buddhist centre, Ulaanbaatar is now a 21st century city where modernity and tradition clashes. Visit Sukhbaatar Square where Mongolia declared independence from China.
Ulaanbaatar / Khongor Els
Fly MR111 Ulaanbaatar - Dalanzadgad 06.20-07.40 (1h 20m)
Arriving in Dalanzadgad, we drive 40km or about 1 hour to Eagle Valley (Yolyn Am). Spend time hiking through the canyon to see parts of a glacier leftover from the winter months. Continue 130km or about 2 hours to Khongor known for its 180km sand dune complex. Spend the evening hiking Mongolia’s largest singing sand dune.
Khongor Els / Gobi Desert
Visit a Camel Herder Family to experience the nomadic life and discover their hidden traditions. Ride the camel into a remote sand dunes area and participate in activities such as animal watering, animal milking and gathering the animals. Then, we transfer 180km or about 4 hours into your exotic Mongolian Ger Camp accommodation in the Gobi Desert.
Gobi Desert
Glimpse into the majestic cliff landscape with a short hike to the mountain through steep rock to learn about the Khavtsgait petroglyphs before heading to Bayanzag flaming cliffs, where an American explorer discovered the world's first nest of dinosaur eggs. Walk around the cliffs once the dinosaurs roamed, now dotted with saksaul trees and desert vegetations.
Gobi Desert
Drive north 80km or about 1.5 to the remote white sandstone escarpment of Tugrugiin Shiree, where fossilized young dinosaur eggs were found. Enjoy a special deluxe picnic amidst the stunning natural setting.
Gobi Desert / Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Rise early and transfer 70km or about 1.5 hours to the airport.
Fly MR112 Dalanzadgad - Ulaanbaatar 08.20-09.50 (1h 30m)
Drive 90km or about 1.5 hours to Gorkhi Terelj National Park. En route to visit a Kazakh family with golden eagle on a ger near Nalaih (eagle hunting is not available in summer). Afterwards, enjoy excursion to Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Meditation Temple.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park / Ulaanbaatar
Start your morning with a horse ride along Tuul river and forest steppe meadows. After lunch near Baruun Bayan river, continue your trek to visit a local family. Drive 90km or about 1.5 hours back to Ulaanbaatar, wth en route stop at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex to visit the Mongolian Buddhist Gandantegchinlen Monastery.
Ulaanbaatar
Start at the Museum of National History exhibiting the traces of Mongolia’s first human community, visit Dashchoilin Monastery and Museum of Bogd Khaan Palace (closed Tue & Wed), formerly “Green Palace” with histories from Gandan Monastery to Sukhbaatar times. Continue to Zaisan Memorial to honor allied Mongolian and Soviet soldiers killed in World War II before an evening Mongolian folk musical.
Departure from Ulaanbaatar
We transfer 54km or about 1 hour to Ulaanbaatar Airport, where you will board your morning flight home.
Hotels & Tour Price
Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated on bed & breakfast basis
- All transportation & transfer on an air-conditioned vehicle
- All transportation & transfer on Jeep in Gobi
- Local English-speaking expert guide in each city
- All entrance fees in sights stated
- Domestic flights in Economy Class as stated
Excludes
- International Airfare
- Lunches & dinners
- Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
- Visa
- Travel insurance