Pax based price

  • 2 PAX$2870 per person
  • 3-5 PAX$2350 per person
  • 6-9 PAX$2150 per person
  • 10 PAX or MORE$1850 per person
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Experience the flawless fusion of the vast Gobi Desert and exploration of Mongolia’s most historic sites, immersing yourself in the genuine culture of nomadic people who inhabit the grasslands.

The Gobi Desert emerges as a prime destination for travelers to Mongolia, showcasing extensive steppe and rugged mountain ranges. This expedition highlights pivotal aspects of the desert, including the Yol Valley, Khongor sand dunes, and the renowned Flaming Cliffs. Furthermore, you’ll have the chance to encounter local camel breeders and traverse the desert terrain on camelback.

The latter segment of the journey transports you to the expansive and picturesque Orkhon Valley, where you’ll uncover breathtaking landscapes and encounter genuine nomadic communities, gaining insights into their traditional way of life. Additionally, you’ll delve into the remnants of the ancient Mongol Empire’s capital and explore historically significant monasteries.

highlights
  • Yol valley(Eagle Valley)
  • Beautiful Gobi Desert - Khongor Sand Dunes
  • Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs
  • Ongi Monastery
  • Orkhon Valley & Waterfall
  • Cultural Experience
  • Local Nomadic Family
  • Kharkhorin - Capaital of ancient Mongolia Empire
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

We’ll be there to greet you at the airport when you arrive. Chinggis Khan International Airport is about 50 kilometers from downtown, and the drive to the city usually takes around an hour. The evening rush hour can be quite busy, so if you’re arriving in the evening, expect the drive to the hotel to take about three hours.

For those arriving in the morning or early hours, we suggest exploring some local attractions. We’ll organize a city tour for you, including visits to the Chinggis Khan Museum, which boasts a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, and the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s top Buddhist destination. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.(D)
Sukhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar

Day 2White Stupa

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and driven straight to the White Stupa, a journey of about 5-6 hours. Once part of the seafloor, this escarpment resembles a white stupa, earning its name Tsagaan Suvarga (white stupa). Stretching 400 meters in length and rising 60 meters with a sheer 90-degree edge, it’s quite a sight. After rainfall, water cascades down, giving it the appearance of a massive waterfall and creating a surface reminiscent of Mars. It’s the perfect time to leisurely stroll along the White Stupa, capturing stunning photos, including drone shots, especially during the sunset.(B/L/D)White Stupa

Day 3Eagle Valley

You’ll head to the Yol Valley, also known as Lammergeier Valley, in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park /Three Beauties of the Gobi/ for about 3-4 hours. This valley is a beautiful spot nestled in the Gobi desert, with thick ice almost year-round. The cliffs are incredibly high, blocking much of the sunlight, which helps the snow to stick around even in the summer. If you visit before August, you’ll encounter a glacier among the rocky cliffs as you ascend towards the ravine. Exploring the valley usually takes around 2-3 hours.

For the remainder of the day, you can relax at the Mongolian Ger tourist camp, where you’ll have access to a hot shower. All the Gers are equipped with comfy mattresses and crisp white blankets.(B/L/D)

Day 4Khongor Sand Dunes

Embark on a journey to Khongoryn Els, the largest sand dune in Mongolia, towering up to 300 meters high. The drive covers about 200 kilometers, taking roughly 4 to 5 hours to reach the destination.

You’ll visit a local camel herder family, where you’ll also experience riding Mongolian Bactrian camels. As your first experience of Gobi, you’ll explore the Khongor sand dune on the camelback. The dual-humped Bactrian camels offer a smooth riding experience due to their leisurely and gentle pace and our camel guide ensuring a safe journey through the sandy terrain. You’ll also get to discover the beauty of the Seruun-Bulag oasis nestled amidst the dunes.

One of the highlights of the Khongor sand dune is climbing Duut Mankhan, also known as Sounding Dunes, for the sunset. It’s very challenging but quite safe. Climbing up is a blast, as the dune’s steep slope makes your feet slip with each step. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of nature, with unusual vibrant hues of the setting sun.

It’s typical for cloud cover in the desert to be sparse, which keeps the sky clean. This gives you a chance to gaze at the countless stars that adorn the night sky. Overnight at the tourist camp with a hot shower, white blankets.(B/L/D)Khongor Sand Dunes

Day 5Flaming Cliffs - The land of dinosaurs

You’ll drive approximately 160 km distance for about 4 hours and arrive
in Bayanzag which is a famous archaeological site with its rich fossil finds, including dinosaur eggs and skeletons, which provide valuable insights into prehistoric life. Its history is deeply connected with paleontological discoveries made by American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in the early 20th century.

You’ll wander through the terrain where dinosaurs once roamed, observing saksaul trees and other typical desert vegetation.

The region is also famously known as Flaming Cliffs. The Flaming Cliffs are named for the vibrant red and orange tones that light up the landscape during sunrise and sunset, forming a breathtaking visual display. Overnight at the tourist camp with a hot shower, white blankets.(B/L/D)Flaming Cliffs

Day 6 Ongi Temple Ruins

You’ll depart from the Gobi to reach the Ongi Temple ruins, which once stood as one of Mongolia’s largest monasteries, hosting over 1000 monks at its peak. Unfortunately, many sections of the Ongi monastery were completely demolished in 1939 during anti-religious purges. Given the considerable distance between Kharkhorin and the Flaming Cliffs, attempting it in a single day would entail a very long drive. Therefore, you’ll spend the night relaxing at the Ongi temple ruins. Take a leisurely evening stroll through the area and spend the night at a lovely tourist camp.(B/L/D)Ongi River

Day 7Orkhon Waterfall

An unforgettable journey to the vast and flat wonderland of the Orkhon Valley is a true highlight of any visit to Mongolia. We’ll venture to the Orkhon waterfall, also known as Ulaan – Tsutgalan, one of the most beautiful sights in the area. Formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 20,000 years ago, the waterfall cascades from a 20-meter canyon. About 25 meters downstream from the falls, you can hike down to the bottom of the gorge, which is very scenic and dotted with pine trees. Overnight at the tourist camp.(B/L/D)Orkhon Valley & Orkhon Waterfall

 

Day 8Tuvkhun Monastery & Meet local nomadic family

Your morning drive takes you to the picturesque Tuvkhun temple at the mountaintop, where you’ll ride horses for 3 km through a stunning forested area, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere. Upon arrival at a small open meadow in front of a towering rocky cliff, you’ll ascend to the monastery using rocky steps. Along the way, you’ll encounter three small temples. Exploring the monastery, you’ll discover various meditation caves and a small cave known as the “mother’s womb,” believed by locals to cleanse the body like being reborn. At the mountaintop, you’ll find several ovoos and monuments dedicated to natural deities, offering a breathtaking display of nature.

Afterward, your drive retraces to the local family near Tuvkhun temple, who lives with his wife and their 4 grandchildren. Here, you’ll experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Mongolian steppe while resting in the Ger dedicated to travelers. For the best experience of nomadic culture, plan on spending 2 nights learning about nomadic agricultural practices, lifestyle, and cultural traits.

After a short rest, you’ll experience cattle entrepreneurship. You and the local herders could cooperate, for instance, herding cattle off the mountaintop once sundown. Overnight in the Ger of a nomadic camp. During stays at nomadic families, there are usually no bathroom facilities, so we’ll organize a bio-toilet and an eco-shower at the family.(B/L/D)Tuvkhun Monastery & Local Family

Day 9The day to experience nomadic cultures

You’ll immerse yourself in the culture of a nomadic family, learning how they spend their days and keep their traditions alive. Nomads are known for their hardworking nature, engaging in daily tasks such as processing milk products, tending to livestock, cleaning cattle sheds, and seeking productive pastures. You’ll have the opportunity to personally experience milking yaks, processing milk, fermenting horse milk, making dried curd, and skimming yak milk, all under the guidance of family members.

Additionally, there will be a mini-tournament to test your skills against locals and fellow travelers after receiving a brief Khalkha archery course, a traditional sport in Mongolia. Other activities include herding cattle, milking cows, and transporting drinking water from a distance using a mini truck.

With extreme weather and climate change affecting the power and endurance of both wild and farmed animals, motorcycles have become more common in nomadic herding practices in recent years. For those feeling adventurous, riding on a motorcycle across the Mongolian plateau while herding cattle from the mountains can be an exhilarating experience.

While adults prepare dinner and process milk products, children spend their evenings playing traditional games like knuckle-bone and horse racing for entertainment. Afterward, everyone gathers in a circle for conversations over Airag, a traditional beverage, and more traditional games.

You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night with the nomadic family, fully immersing yourself in their way of life.(B/L/D)Mr. Naigal's Family with Fellow Travelers

Day 10Kharkhorin - The Capital of Ancient Mongol Empire

You’ll drive to Kharkhorin for about 2 hours through the heart of Orkhon Valley, known for its rich history and historical treasures. Historically, this region is recognized as the homeland of the ancient Mongolian empire.

Kharkhorin, once the illustrious capital of the Mongol Empire, was situated near the enchanting Elsen Tasarkhai. Founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, this ancient city thrived as a political, cultural, and economic hub. It housed the Great Khan’s grand palace and played a pivotal role in trade along the Silk Road.

Erdenezuu Monastery, established in 1586, was constructed upon the ruins of Kharkhorin, preserving the city’s spiritual essence. It became a significant center of Buddhism in Mongolia, boasting remarkable architecture and housing precious religious relics. Despite periods of religious suppression, Erdenezuu endured the test of time.

After the decline of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin faced a somber fate, suffering destruction at the hands of invading armies and the passage of time. While its former glory now lies in ruins, its historical significance remains palpable.

You’ll explore Erdenezuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum, delving into the clear history of the Mongol Empire from the Bronze Age. Overnight in a tourist Ger camp.(B/L/D)Erdenezuu Monastery, Kharkhorin

Day 11Back to Ulaanbaatar

You’re 380 km away from Ulaanbaatar and will arrive in the afternoon. Upon reaching Ulaanbaatar, you’ll embark on a city tour, discussing with the tour guide, and exploring the city’s sightseeing spots.

Day 12Departure

Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Chinggis Khan International Airport. We’ll bid you farewell, hoping that we were able to be a part of your unforgettable vacation and add some color to your life.(B)

Price Includes

  • English speaking guide
  • Van 4×4, driver
  • Fuel
  • Visiting local nomadic family
  • All accommodations and meals during the tripWe can also gather for vegetarians and gluten free if required at no additional charges.
  • All camping and cooking equipment
  • Beverages, snacks and others
  • All taxes during the trip
  • All nomadic experiences in local family
  • Horse and Camel riding

Price Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Hotel & meals in Ulaanbaatar
  • Optional activity cost
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel Insurance
Map