Journeys: Discover Mongolia

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on the way to an optional welcome dinner.

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your National Geographic Expedition Leader learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. Next, walk to No Limits Cafe, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. This afternoon, visit Nalaikh Ger Village for a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, continue to the imposing statue of Chinggis Khan. The monument of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of the surrounding Mongolian mountainside. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and listen to the monks chant. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, we'll stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first ger camp–we will stay in these traditional Mongolian lodgings through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at the camp, it's time to get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes. This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.

Continue onwards to the Dundgobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Continue driving to the South Gobi and the next ger camp-your base for exploring the next 3-days.

Start today with some hands-on skills-imperative to life in remote Mongolia. Learn the basics of constructing a Mongolian ger (yurt,) then, try your hand at archery-one of the most beloved sports in the country. Later, enjoy an excursion through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area comprised of canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, known as the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds.

After breakfast, drive to Moltsog Els sand dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Spend time exploring the ever-changing dunes and learn about this unique and beautiful landscape. Return to the camp for lunch and some down time or choose to join some optional activities, such as traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. Later, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a fiery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening.

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex. Continue on to the next ger camp and settle in for the evening.

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. We'll stop for lunch along the way. Then, settle in to camp after arriving in the evening. Enjoy free time to relax before an early start tomorrow, or if you have the energy, opt to do some easier hikes around camp.

Rise early to visit the local Yak herding family to assist them in milking the animals. After, head off for a visit to Orkhon Waterfall and walk to the observation point for an incredible view of the carved out cliffside. Return to the camp after working up an appetite–lunch will consist of buuz, Mongolian dumplings that we'll learn to make with the camp chef. In the afternoon, continue your visit with the Yak herder family and learn to make yak tea, cheese and even alcoholic yak yogurt utilizing the milk you helped retrieve earlier in the day. You can also try your hand at spinning yarn from yak's wool. After today's immersive experience, you'll understand the vital role yaks play in Mongolian day-to-day life as a source of food, clothing material, transport and even a cultural symbol. This evening, return to the camp to relax and enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia’s ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered Mongolia’s earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country’s Buddhist heritage. Finish up the day with a visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital.

This morning, drive to Khungu Khan Mountain to hike up to the ruins of the 16th century Uvgun Monastery, perfectly on display atop the boulder covered mountain. From the monastery, admire the spectacular views of the valley below, and sand dunes expanding into the distance. Hike back down and return to the ger camp for some free time.

After breakfast, drive to Khustai National Park, where some of the earth’s last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski’s horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Continue on to our last camp and settle into your ger for the night.

Settle in for a long drive through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

Depart at any time.