Overview
Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land. Journey through this remote, seldom-travelled region of Asia, from sprawling Ulaanbaatar to green, grassy plains where wild horses roam. Discover the country’s surviving Buddhist heritage on visits to historic temples and monasteries; walk across the rocks and sands of the sweeping Gobi, which conceal troves of dinosaur fossils; and get a taste of traditional Mongolian life.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AMENG-1
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Accommodation:
Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the colourful costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the “three manly sports”—wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the festival grounds and take in the exciting atmosphere.
Accommodation:
Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Head out to see the finish line of the grueling Mongol Derby, the longest horse race on Earth according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During this annual race, competitors ride more than 1,000 kilometers across the steppe retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan. Spend the afternoon at leisure before attending the closing ceremony of the Naadam festival at the National Sports Stadium.
Accommodation:
Erdene-Ukhaa Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Enjoy a morning tour of Mongolia’s bustling capital. Visit Gandan Monastery, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries, and wander the rooms and temples of Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace, the former home of Mongolia’s last king. Climb up to the Zaisan Memorial, a Soviet Era monument which commemorates Russian soldiers killed in World War II, and take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop. Later, admire the world-class collection of fossils at the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, dedicated to preserving Mongolia’s paleontological heritage.
Accommodation:
Dream Gobi Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast
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.
Accommodation:
Dream Gobi Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Erdeni Dzu 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. Later, 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.
Accommodation:
Dream Gobi Lodge
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Tsenkher in the afternoon, the site of natural hot springs surrounded by serene, forest-covered hills. Popular with tourists and locals alike, these springs have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. Take a soak in one of the outdoor pools, or choose the privacy of an indoor bath.
Accommodation:
Ger Camp Secret of Ongi
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. Set out on a hike to the lofty Tuvkhun Monastery, founded by the Mongol Buddhist leader Zanabzar in the mid-17th century. Explore the monastery’s wooden temples, integrated with a natural system of caves, and enjoy beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley and surrounding pine forests.
Accommodation:
Khurkheree Tour Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Immerse yourself in traditional Mongolian culture on a visit to a local family's goat and sheep farm. Learn about daily life from the family and see how they make some of their food. Then, sample some of their products, including curd and yogurt. Later, enjoy a hike to a picturesque waterfall before returning to your ger camp for a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.
Accommodation:
Khurkheree Tour Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. 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.
Accommodation:
Burd Star Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture to the Flaming Cliffs or Bayanzag, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils have been found. Spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons.
Accommodation:
Burd Star Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, the group will drive to the spectacular sand dunes of Khongoryn Els in the western Gobi, popularly known as the “singing sands.” In the afternoon, spend time with a desert nomadic family and gain a greater understanding of how they survive in the harsh environment of the Gobi. Witness their simple, and incredible way of life. Afterwards, clamber up the wave-like peaks for stunning views of the golden landscape, and Altai mountain range. Listen for the musical sound the dunes produce when the wind blows over them. In the evening the group will witness a demonstration of archery, one of Mongolia’s national sports. Learn the basics of this time-honoured tradition during a hands-on lesson.
Accommodation:
Moltsog Els Ger Camp
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area that comprises canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds. Later, pay a visit to the Yolyn Am museum, where the group can admire a collection of dinosaur bones and eggs.
Accommodation:
Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue onwards as the group drives to the Dungobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Arrive in the afternoon, set off on a hike around the national park, and visit the site of ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend driving through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is long and the group will arrive by the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Visit with a nomadic camel-herding family in the Gobi to learn how to build a local ger (yurt) and take a lesson in archery: Mongolia’s national sport.
- Experience the uniqueness of Mongolia’s incredible culture up close with a visit to a yak herding family to milk watch them milk the yaks and try their fresh yak milk products.
- Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region.
- Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nomadic Family Desert Ger Building & Archery Lesson Experience, Bulgan
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Milking with Herding Family, Orkhon Valley
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Family Farm Experience, Orkhon Valley
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin
- Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
- National Museum of Mongolia Visit & Tour
- Nalaikh Village Family Ger District Lunch
- Genghis Khan Monument Visit
- Gandan Monastery Guided Tour
- Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain & Picnic Lunch
- Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park Hike
- Yolyn Am Visit
- Moltsog Els Sand Dunes
- Free time in Bulgan, Elsen Tasarkhai
- Flaming Cliffs Visit
- Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu Monasteries Visit
- Orkhon Waterfall Hike
- Mongolian Dumpling (Buuz) cooking class
- Khorkhog (Mongolia Traditional BBQ)
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Karakorum Museum
- Uvgun Monastery Hike
- Khustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu) Visit
- Mongolian Cultural Show
- Arrival Transfer
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (3 Nights), Ger camps (10 Nights)
- Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. The tent is on a platform and while simple, is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Most ger camps have 24 hour electricity with a couple of exceptions that have generators which after 11pm they cut electricity until morning. The majority of Ger camps are situated in remote areas without access to central water pipes. In the Gobi Desert in particular, there can be low water pressure. The Ger camps have boilers, and when there are a lot of people staying there, the first people to take a shower use up the warm water. After that, it will take the boiler some time to heat up again.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
- Private vehicles, 4x4, walking, hiking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travellers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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