Discover the very best of Mongolia from the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar we journey across the steppe to the site of Genghis Khan's former capital of Kharkhorin. We will encounter ancient Buddhist monasteries and the remarkable diversity of the Gobi Desert; sacred mountains, dinosaur 'cemeteries', flaming cliffs, singing sand dunes, spectacular canyons and a unique landscape that is home to ibex and snow leopards. Join us for this journey into another world!
Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely populated country with just 3 million people inhabiting the 1.5 million square kilometres of pristine desert, steppe and mountain. Almost half the population lives in its frenetic capital Ulaanbaatar where we will start our journey. Join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your pre departure meeting as detailed on your joining instructions.
• Meals: Day 1- Dinner
• Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Day 2: To Bayangobi via Khustai National Park Ulaanbaatar -Khustai 110km /2 hours /Khustai - Bayangobi 170km /3 hours
Beyond the city one million Mongolian’s still live a traditional nomadic or semi nomadic life and the horse is central to their existence. We visit the Gandan Monastery, with its huge gold Buddha, the spiritual home of the Mongolian people, before traveling to the Khustai National Park where wild horses, known as Tahki or Przewalski horses are bred and reintroduced to the wild. Once close to extinction, Takhi are the world’s only true wild horse. Mongolia is a country with such diverse landscapes and today we continue our way across the steppe to experience the uniqueness of the Bayangobi, surrounded by the Ikhee Bogd mountain range and Gobi-like desert. Here we have the opportunity to hike in the stunning sand dunes that stretch over a distance of 80kms. Tonight we stay in a ger, the traditional home of the Mongolian nomads.
• Sightseeing: Day 2 – Gandan Monastery, Excursion to Khustai National Park and Elsen Tasarhai sand dunes.
• Meals: Day 2- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Bayangobi Ger Camp
Day 3: Khogno Khaan Natural Reserve and to Kharkhorin (100km/2.5hrs)
This morning we explore the magnificent Khogno Khaan Natural Reserve with its diverse environments and wild inhabitants before continuing to the ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire in the valley of the Orkhon river, Kharkhorin.
• Sightseeing: Day 3- Khugnu Khan Mountain and visit a local family.
• Meals: Day 3-Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Kharkhorin Ger Camp
Days 4-5: Orkhon Valley (120km/4-5hrs)
We visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 this was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and today is still considered by many to be the countries most significant. Over 100 temples were constructed, but most were destroyed during the Soviet era, nevertheless, Erdene Zuu retains much of its former glory and is a remarkable site to visit. Surrounded by beautiful white walls with 108 stupas, for centuries it was a spiritual and intellectual centre of Mongolia. There is an extraordinary collection of Buddhist paintings, priceless religious objects, traditional costumes for Tsama religious dance and superb Buddhist iconography in true Mongolian and Tibetan style. Before leaving the steppe we visit Orkhon waterfall and Tuvkhun Monastery, set in a beautiful location in the Khangai Mountains in the picturesque Orkhon Valley. Established by Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia and great sculptor, as a place of solitude it soon grew as a significant monastery and place of pilgrimage after his death.
• Sightseeing: Day 4- Erdene Zuu Monastery, Orkhon Waterfall, Day 5 – Tuvkhun Temple.
• Meals: Day 4-Breakfast, lunch & dinner, Day 5 – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping
Day 6: To Bayanhongor (260kms/5 hours)
Gradually the steppe gives way to the fringes of the Great Gobi Desert as we make our way to the one of the most diverse aimags (provinces) in the Gobi. Bayanhongor has mountains in the north, deserts in the south, and is dotted with lakes as well as rivers and is renowned for its natural, sulphur-rich hot springs.
• Sightseeing: Day 6 – Shargaljuut Hot Springs • Meals: Day 6-Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Local hotel.
Days 7-8: To Gobi Camel Ger Camp (260kms/5 hours)
Continuing our journey through the Gobi Desert we pause to enjoy the next two nights at the Gobi Camel Camp, and a chance to explore the area and learn more about the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolians. Time also to climb Ih Bogd Mountain (3957m), the highest peak of the Gobi-Altai mountain range, and visit White Cave where evidence of early Stone Age habitation has been found.
• Sightseeing: Day 7 – No scheduled sightseeing, Day 8 – Trek to Ih Bogd Mountain
• Meals: Day 7-Breakfast, lunch & dinner, Day 8 – Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
• Accommodation: Camel Camp
Day 9: Kherman Tsav (220kms/4-5 hours)
We travel into the heart of the Gobi to one of its most remote and extreme areas where we will explore the spectacular canyon formations of Kherman Tsav. Carved out over many thousands of years the colourful canyon walls and rock formations provide a beautiful setting for an evening walk into the canyon. Dinosaur skeletons are to be found in the area as well as the unique flora and fauna of the Gobi Desert. Ibex and snow leopard are native to the region, while gazelles and wild asses can be seen on the nearby plains.
• Sightseeing: Day 9 - Trekking, Dinosaur Cemetery
• Meals: Day 9-Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
Day 10: To Toson Bumbin Mountains (100kms/3 hours)
This morning we drive along dirt roads to the trek in the beautiful mountain regions of Toson Bumbin that is home to endangered snow leopards and herds of impressive ibex. We spend the afternoon exploring this spectacular part of the world.
• Sightseeing: Day 10 – Trekking
• Meals: Day 10-Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
Day 11: Khongoriin Els (240kms/4-5 hours)
The vast sand dunes of Khongoriin Els, some up to 200 metres high, stretch for 180 kilometres. Known as the ‘singing dunes’ due to the melodic sound the shifting sands make as the wind passes over their crest, Khongoriin Els are some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. While here we have the opportunity to ride the two-humped Bactrian camels and venture into the dunes – your efforts to get to the top will be rewarded, the views from the sandy summit are beautiful! • Sightseeing: Day 11 - Khongoriin Els, OPTIONAL: Camel ride
• Meals: Day 11 -Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Gobi Erdene Ger Camp
Day 12: To Bayanzag & The Flaming Cliffs (170kms/4hours)
We awake as the morning sun lights the desert sands with a golden glow allowing us ample time for a morning trek into the dunes or to simply soak in the amazing landscapes. After lunch we continue our journey to Bayanzag to witness an amazing sunset on the Flaming Cliffs – ensuring they live up to their description. It was here in 1922 that the first fossilised dinosaur eggs and skeletons were found in Mongolia by Roy Chapman Andrews – a discovery that drew the whole world’s attention.
• Sightseeing: Day 12 – Trekking in the dunes, Flaming Cliffs
• Meals: Day 12 -Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 13: Yoliin Am & Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park (200kms/4-5 hours)
We continue through the Gobi Desert, encountering occasional ger encampments of nomadic families, reaching the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and the incredible Yol Valley where even in the middle of a Gobi summer, the river remains frozen. Hike in the valley and admire the spectacular scenery while we stop for picnic lunch before visiting the local museum.
• Sightseeing: Day 13 – Trekking in the Yol Valley, visit the local museum.
• Meals: Day 13 -Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Goviin Naran Ger Camp
Day 14-16: Ulaanbaatar – Journey Concludes
On Day 14 we leave the remote and beautiful landscapes of the Gobi Desert, returning by air to Ulaanbaatar. Continuing to soak in the culture and sites of the capital we visit the fascinating National Museum of Mongolian History as well as Bodg Khan Palace Museum, and are treated to an evening cultural performance and farewell dinner, where you will hear the unique Mongolian throat singing.
• Sightseeing: Day 14 – No scheduled sightseeing, Day 15 – National History Museum and Bogd Khan Palace Museum & International Intellectual Museum.
• Meals: Day 14 –Breakfast, Day 15 – Breakfast & dinner, Day 16 – Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Bayangol Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Price: INR 2,10,000/- per person
What’s Included
We are here to ensure your journey with us is as smooth as possible from start to finish so we offer the following inclusions with our Gobi Desert Explorer so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey;
What’s Not Included
Where we Stay
Hotels We have chosen accommodation of a standard we consider appropriate to the region. Hotel accommodation is based on twin share and all rooms have private bathroom facilities. Hotels are chosen for the best available combination of location, comfort and facilities.
Ger Camps We will be staying in a ger, the traditional home of the nomads, in Mongolia and you should expect basic facilities. This is unique and comfortable accommodation with friendly hosts and is bound to be a highlight of your journey.
Camping/Tents In the remote areas we visit we will be staying in tents. Expect basic conditions, it will just be us under a star spangled sky in the Mongolian wilderness.
Group Size and Tour Leader
The group size on this journey is a maximum of 15 travellers, plus the Tour Leader. Every group is accompanied by a Tour Leader, chosen for their experience, personal qualities and passion for our style of travel. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds and are sure to make your journey more interesting.
Supported by our Operations Team and Local Partners, they take care of all the transport, accommodation and paperwork necessary to ensure a smooth running journey. They are not a tour guide but instead a combination of organiser, negotiator and bureaucracy battler, and their sheer enthusiasm, energy and spirit are your guarantee of an unforgettable travel experience. Our Tour Leaders are a mixture of local specialists and western adventurers - and all have an absolute passion for the destinations in which they work!
Solo Travellers
If you are travelling by yourself, you certainly will not be the only one and you will not be price penalised. We do not require you to pay a single supplement on our small group journeys. In hotels, guesthouses and home stays we will arrange for you to share with a fellow group member (of the same gender) on a twin room basis, while in gers multi-share on a mixed gender basis is the norm. We understand that you may prefer to request single hotel accommodation and this can be booked on selected journeys for one supplementary payment covering all hotels on the journey.
Daily Living
Whilst it is impossible to say exactly what you will need we recommend you allow an average amount equivalent to USD $20.00 - $25.00 per day for meals and food and an average of USD$20.00 $25.00 per day for daily expenses not including souvenirs.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. If you are an avid souvenir collector or have a particular indulgence, you may need to increase this amount. Please consider your own spending habits and interests when it comes to working out your travel budget. Whilst tipping in Mongolia is appreciated. We have found from experience that it is convenient for a nominated member of the group to collect a Tipping Kitty and administer it according to the group’s decision. It is recommended to tip your guides between US$3 and US$5 per person, per day and for drivers between US$2 and US$4 per person, per day.
Recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as Inbound Tour Operator & Adventure Tour Operator. Registered with Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
