Remote, exotic, mystical Gobi Desert; Annua Naadam Festival; Ancient capital of Karakorum; Traditional cooking class and evening concert; friendly nomadic herds people; Sleep in a ger!
This is a fantastically-varied, highlight-packed exploration of this ancient and beautiful country. All accommodation on our Mongolia tour, including all ger camps, feature comfortable amenities and en suite bath and toilet.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Due to festival dates which will be announced closer to departure, our 2023/24 dates are TENTATIVE and could shift slightly.
Optional Single Supplement: $1060 USD (number of singles limited).
Day 1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Today we arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to our hotel.
Situated in the landlocked plateau of Central Asia between Russia and China, Mongolia covers a territory larger than that of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy combined. Mongolia’s considerable size comprises a great array of untouched landscapes, and a nomadic people whose lives in many ways are unchanged from the days of Genghis Khan and the mighty Mongol Empire. Here, the nomadic herders still depend on nature for survival, and treasure their open landscape and wide steppes!
Ulaanbaatar, also Ulan Bator or simply just UB, is the capital and, with a population of around 1,450,000, also the largest city in Mongolia. In fact, according to recent estimates, this means approximately 45% of the country lives here. Ulaanbaatar has a long history, and is only now undergoing an industrial revolution. As traditionalists, Mongolians love their capital. One part of the population lives in condominiums in the central part of the city while the majority of the population lives in what is called as ger districts. These districts, traditionally home to many of the city’s blue and white collared workers, has recently also become a home to many migrating ex-nomads who in recent years have come to the city to find work after severe winters have killed their livestock.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Ulaanbaatar - Fly to Dalanzadgad, Gobi Desert*
Early this morning we depart for our flight to the Gobi Desert.* The Gobi, one of the world's great deserts, covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. Unlike the Sahara there are just a few sand dunes in the Gobi. Here you find large barren expenses of gravel plains and rocky outcrops. Many visitors regard the Gobi as a remote, exotic and mystical place. While it is some of those things, it is also mainly grass, shrubs and rocks. Oases and sand cover only about 3% of the desert. The word Gobi refers to a shallow, wide basin.
Upon arrival we have breakfast at a hotel before stopping at the Dalanzadgad Natural History Museum We then continue to the Dream Gobi camp, which will be our home for the next few nights. Lunch on arrival followed by time to explore a bit, relax, and settle in after our early start and linger effects of jetlag.
* Please note that the overall order of places visited will vary from year-to-year depending on internal air schedules and the location/dates of the Naadaam Festival we intend to experience. A slight shift of dates may be required closer to departure (ie +/- 3 months or more prior), but it is more likely that only the order of places visited will vary within the set dates.
Dream Gobi Ger camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 Yoliin Am Gorge & Khavtsgait Petroglyphs
This morning we drive to the glacial Yoliin Am Gorge. Our route passes the 'Three Beauties', the final peaks of the range, and then cuts through the range itself. Eagles overhead scour the desert for prey, while below families of nomads gather for felt-making or stand in groups beside their livestock at the scattered wells.
Yolinn (Yolyn) Am was first established to conserve the birdlife of the region, but today it is more famous for its dramatic rocky cliffs and narrow, heavily shaded canyons that allow sheets of blue-veined ice to survive well into the summer. Here we will walk in the narrow gorge where we hope for some wildlife sightings.
On the way back to camp, we visit the Khavtsgait petroglyph and have a bit of a walk in the area.
Dream Gobi Ger camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 Khongor Sand Dunes & Oasis
This morning we enjoy a drive to the Khongor sand dunes -- Mongolia's largest and most beautiful sand dunes that stretch over 180km in the arid Gobi Desert. These isolated dunes are also known as the Duut Mankhan (Singing Dunes) from the sound that they make when the sand is moved by the wind or as it collapses in small avalanches.
Our drive to the dunes at Khongoriin takes us through vast desert badlands that span out into the furthest distances, where remote mountains line the horizon. Today there will be many opportunities to stop and take photographs of the landscapes and people. We will visit the sand dunes and enjoy a short camel ride (+/- 30 minutes) at a nomadic camel breeder’s family.
We later head to a Ger camp near the sand dunes in order to enjoy lunch.
You will have some free time at the dunes until the early evening when we return to the Dream Gobi camp for dinner.
Dream Gobi Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Cooking Class & Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
After breakfast we visit a nomadic family for a cooking class and lunch. We will learn to prepare 2 kinds of Mongolian dishes -- steamed meat dumplings and potato salad/noodle soup at a local family in the Gobi Desert. This opportunity allows us a unique glimpse into the home life/lifestyle of a nomadic family; the experience will provide an education about the traditional Mongolian diet as well as the local 'food culture'.
Our class lasts about 3 hours, after which we watch a documentary about the Flaming Cliffs and their importance. We then drive for about 45-minutes and visit the cliffs! This is the place where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews found dinosaur eggs for the first time. Here we enjoy the wilderness and witness the unique natural formations. There will be plenty of time for you to wander and explore, and we will enjoy a walk in the forest.
Dream Gobi camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 Fly to Ulaabaatar - Terelj National Park
This morning we have an early breakfast before catching our flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival, we drive to the beautiful Terelj National Park. Along our route we will make a stop at the giant Genghis Statue – the newest landmark of Mongolia. To Mongolians Genghis Khan is a national hero, a larger-than-life figure and the symbol of Mongolian culture, and for good reasons. Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history, revived the Silk Road, united warring tribes and cemented the position of Mongols on the world’s map. In 2008, a gigantic statue of Genghis Khan riding on horseback was erected on the bank of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km east of the Mongolian capital where, according to legend, he found a golden whip. The statue is 40 meters tall and wrapped in 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel.
The Terelj National Park is the third largest protected area in Mongolia, and one of the most beautiful places in the country. Today we will enjoy lunch at a Ger Camp in the Terelj, and then take part in a traditional Mongolian archery session with an archer or two. Afterwards we will visit the Turtle Rock and the Temple of Meditation, and enjoy some light walking/hiking in wilderness.
Return to the Alungoo Lodge Ger Camp for dinner and overnight.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 Terelj National Park - Ulaanbaatar Touring
Today we transfer by road back to Ulaanbaatar, situated in a valley with mountains on the outskirts. Few people in UB speak English; most speak at least some Russian, but the local lingua franca is Mongol, a language distantly related to Turkic tongues, but in its own family.
Here we visit the National Museum of Mongolia, which has a number of fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building. The main square of Ulaanbaatar that has a statue of Genghis Khaan and Sukhbaatar – 2 national heroes of Mongolia.
We enjoy lunch at a Mongolian restaurant after which we visit the Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum and the Buddha Park.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 Ulaanbaatar - Excursion to the Ancient Capital Karakorum
This morning we check out and visit Gandan Monastery, housing a 26-meter-high gilded statue of the Buddha. The 150 resident monks make the temples lively with plenty of chanting and ceremonies, and you may have the chance to take part in the morning chants. Gandan is the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia, and most of the temples and monasteries, along with their belongings, were destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the late 1930s. Gandantegchinlen Khiid survived because the communists kept it as a showcase to impress foreigners. Roughly meaning 'the great place of complete joy', Gandan is one of Ulanbataar's most amazing sights. Within it are several glorious temples adorned with gold and jewels.
We then have lunch at a restaurant before heading west through the green grasslands of Central Mongolia. We will visit a nomadic family, where we will see how the nomads produce dairy products such as Airgag – the famous Mongolian fermented horse milk drink. Today, approximately half of Mongolia’s population is still roaming the vast plains living in their mobile ger camps and changing location several times a year. Nomadic life thrives in summer and just ‘survives’ during the winter. For centuries the Mongolian people have developed such qualities as strength and resilience that are essential for survival in this harsh nature. Over the past years the number of nomads has significantly decreased as many have moved to the capital city being compelled by the necessity to search for alternative means of subsistence.
We will reach Kharkhorin village in the early evening.
Overnight at Munkh Tenger Ger Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 Naadam Festival in Karakorum
Today we will enjoy the local Naadam Festival in the village of Karakorum, which features the fabled wrestling, horse racing, archery and ankle bone shooting competitions of the Mongols. The Naadam Festival is a major Mongolian holiday and a wonderful time to experience the culture and people of this amazing land. The festival has its roots in the nomad wedding assemblies and hunting extravaganzas of the Mongol Army.
Locals from near and far wear their best clothes and ride their best horses or camels to attend the festival. This is a time for music, dancing and singing. It is not all about watching sporting events, as there is plenty to see and do outside -- food, music, crafts or just watching people and culture. This is the best time to see the Mongolian people!
NOTE: It is important to note that the games do not really operate on a strict schedule, but rather on a fluid basis that
sometimes seems to be made up as they go along. Your local guide will have their "ear to the ground," however, and will be able to tailor our overall Naadam experience to maximize interest, though our days here may seem a little "on-the-fly."
Munkh Tenger Ger Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Karakorum Touring
Located in Outer Mongolia, Karakorum is a small settlement with a glorious past. The site of Karakorum may have been first settled about 750. In 1220 Genghis Khan, the great Mongol conqueror, established his headquarters there and used it as a base for his invasion of China. Despite its relatively small size, Kaakorum was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road. Although founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, Karakorum's development as capital of the Mongol Empire occurred in the 1230s under his son Ögedei.
Today we will visit the legendary monastery of Erdene Zuu. Founded in 1586, this was the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia. In the afternoon we will visit the newly established Museum of Karakorum which provides a great introduction to Central Mongolia, its’ history and the UNESCO world heritage site in the Orkhon River Valley.
This evening you will have the chance to watch and learn how the famous Mongolian dish, “khorkhog” is made.
Munkh Tenger Ger Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Karakorum - Ulaanbataar via Hustai National Park
This morning we travel towards the Hustai National Park with lunch at a Ger Camp along the way.
Along our route to the National Park we will stop at the Elsen Tasarkhai -- a picturesque combination of rocky mountains, green grasslands, pretty lakes and sand dunes. The Mongolian Government declared Hustai National Park as a Specially Protected Area in 1993 after the reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse (Dzungarian horse), a rare and endangered subspecies of wild horse. The park covers over 50 hectares of land and is home to many species of plants, lichens, moss and mushrooms. 44 species of mammals have been recorded here, including Mongolian gazelle, wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots and the Eurasian badger. Over 215 species of birds have been recorded in the park. In 2002 the National Park was designated as a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. We will visit the National Park Information Center where we watch a documentary about the park and the Takhi wild horses. We also hope to have the chance to witness these beautiful wild horses and other wildlife in the wilderness, and we will enjoy a light hike in the surrounding area.
Later today we arrive back on Ulaanbaatar for dinner and overnight.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 Ulaanbaatar Touring & Tumen Ekh Concert
Today back in the city we'll do some final UB touring, including a visit to the Choijin Lama Temple Museum. Located right in the heart of the city, the Choijin Lama Temple Museum is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th and 20th century. Here we find several temples housing collections of sacred and liturgical objects, notably masks of ceremony for the tsam dance (religious dance). You will also have the opportunity to admire paintings, sculptures, embroideries and masks dating back from 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
At some point on our tour, we'll visit the new Genghis Khan Museum (Chinggis Khan Museum), the countr's largest museum and holds a collection of over 8,300 objects relating to Great Khans of the Mongol Empire and the history of Mongolia from Xiongnu to the end of the 20th century, with a portion of the collected artifacts on display in nine exhibition halls. We'll also will visit the Fine Art Museum of Mongolia followed by some time at leisure.
This evening we enjoy a traditional folklore concert by Tumen Ekh ensemble followed by our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Ulaanbaatar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 Departure
Departure from Ulaanbaatar.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner daily (at local restaurants and some hotels); lunches are included on all full days.
All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides.
Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving/late departing land & air customers who book their extra accommodation through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance.
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, and any locally paid departure taxes.
Seasonality and Weather
The best time to travel to Mongolia is from early June through the end of September, when travellers can expect an average range in temperature from 10-26 °C (50 to 80 °F); the Gobi gets hotter, up to 35 °C. Mongolia has approximately 260 cloudless days a year, hence its reputation for endless blue skies.
The rainy season extends from mid-July to August; showers are usually brief but can be heavy. You always should bring some kind of light rain gear. Because Mongolia is located far from any oceans, the humidity is generally very low.
Our annual trip coincides with the annual Naadam Festival. Please note that this event takes places in several locations throughout the country from early July every year, and the exact dates of each locations' version of the Naadam can vary from that of the main event in Ulaanbaatar. As you will see from our detailed itinerary, we choose to attend the Naadam in the Gobi, which usually has dates that vary slightly from Ulaanbaatar - so if you're doing research online, do not panic if you discover a discrepancy!
Transport and Travel Conditions
In the capital city and surrounding areas, we use buses and minivans as required. Outside of the capital region there are few paved roads; most roads are graded dirt tracks that are often bumpy, and dusty or muddy. Flights via scheduled local carriers.
All efforts are made to ensure that vehicles are in excellent condition, though punctures and weather may cause delays and require patience. Nonetheless such overland expeditions provide the chance to experience the vast landscapes of Mongolia with the flexibility to stop and meet local families along the route.
We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. Porters are generally available at hotels/gers but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.
Due to the remote location of most of the ger camps, a general lack of resources, and transportation challenges, travellers with very specific dietary preferences may not be easily accommodated. While vegetarians and those with restrictions that are medically indicated can be catered to if we are advised in advance, we urge all travellers to be flexible and open to the excellent and hearty local fare provided at the camps.
Please note that the overall order of places visited will vary from year-to-year depending on internal air schedules and the location/dates of the Naadaam Festival we intend to experience. A slight shift of dates may be required closer to departure (ie +/- 3 months or more prior), but it is more likely that only the order of places visited will vary within the set dates.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
We stay in a good 5-star hotel in Ulaanbataar. At other remote locations, we use very comfortable 'ger' camp accommodation (click on 'Map & Hotels' for full details)
The camps have a maximum capacity of about 20 guests in double occupancy gers that are fully collapsible, and all feature en suite toilet and bath (some online information and reviews may reference central toilets - all of our gers are upgraded to include en suite throughout by 2017). A stove is placed in the middle of each ger and the staff will attend to it in order to provide warmth on cool nights. Towels are provided.
Soft drinks, wine and bottled water are available for purchase from the camps. The camp can be relocated leaving no more impact on the area than a herdsman family would. Solar panels and windmills generate some electricity for refrigerator and kitchen use.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.
Group Size
Maximum 14 or 16 plus Tour Leader (depending on availability and/or rooming configurations)
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
We encourage you to get trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events.