Your Itinerary
Day 2 - Arrive Ulaanbaatar – Terelj Village
Welcome to Mongolia, a land of rolling grasslands and rich nomadic traditions. Incredibly vast and wonderfully remote, this remarkable country is home to the rugged landscapes of the Gobi Desert and is known for having more horses than people! Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia has a long and storied history of nomadic rule during the peak of the Genghis Khan empire, centuries of Manchu Qing control, and decades as a Soviet-aligned socialist state before becoming the modern democracy it is today.
We begin in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where we’ll be met at the airport and transferred to Terelj National Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may wish to join your guide for a short drive out to the base of Aryabal Temple. From there, it’s a short but steep walk up the hillside, including a climb up stone steps, to this peaceful meditation temple.
Around 4:00pm, we’ll be greeted with a traditional tea ceremony, a gesture of nomadic hospitality accompanied by the lively Biyelgee dance. After the ceremony, a welcome briefing will be held to introduce us to the journey ahead.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy our first taste of Mongolia at a delicious group welcome dinner, before settling into our traditional ger camp. A quintessential experience in Mongolia, this unique accommodation offers a retreat as memorable as the adventures that await us on tour. We’ll live like the nomads, staying in felt-covered, wood-framed tents with simple amenities.
Special note:
This tour involves remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations sitting at an altitude of 1600 metres, including a small portion of the Gobi Desert resting at an altitude of 1000 metres. Be prepared for unexpected changes to the itinerary and keep in mind that the standards and accommodations may not always match those to which you are accustomed as the majority of this tour will be in Ger camps with private ensuite facilities. Mongolia is a vast country, and with a big part of the journey in the Gobi Desert, expect long stretches on dirt roads. To fully enjoy this journey, flexibility and a willingness to embrace the adventure are essential.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today, we drive out to the monumental statue of Chinggis Khaan (also known as Genghis Khan). Revered as the founding father of the nation, Chinggis Khaan unified the nomadic tribes of the lands in 1206 CE, establishing the Mongol Empire. The 40-metre-high stainless-steel statue portrays the fearless leader on horseback, and we’ll have the chance to climb to the top for panoramic views over the mountainous landscape. After some time to soak up the vistas and explore the small museum, we’ll continue to the nearby Nalaikh District for a special lunch with the locals.
Special Experience
Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the life of the locals at a warm and welcoming homestyle lunch with a Kazakh family in the Nalaikh District.
Dive into a delightful spread of Mongolian delicacies with a local family, including the chance to dabble in traditional Kazakh embroidery.
We’ll then be welcomed into the home of a falcon hunter. Golden Eagles are central to the living heritage of the Kazakh people, and we’ll get the chance to learn about the noble art of eagle training with a guide who’s appeared on screen as a stunt man.
We return to our accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and a restful overnight stay at the lodge.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 4 - Terelj Village – Khustai National Park
We depart for the Ulaanbaatar train station this morning, for a thrilling ride through the city.
Special Experience
Board Ulaanbaatar's local train to Emeelt station, sharing a lively ride with the locals for a wonderful glimpse into the culture of this nomadic capital.
Get ready for a taste of local life as we travel aboard a domestic train to the outskirts of the city. Enjoying a glimpse into a culture so vastly different to our own, we’ll have the chance to share a seat (and a few stories!) with the residents of this former nomadic capital. Our drivers will be waiting for us at Emeelt station, where we’ll disembark for our next adventure.
Travelling by 4WDs, we then transfer to Khustai National Park. Enjoy lunch at the camp before learning about the conservation efforts protecting the park’s rare Przewalski’s Horse (Takhi). Considered the world’s last truly wild horse, Takhi were brought back from the brink of extinction and re-established in its native Mongolia in 1992. After a short documentary film, we’ll explore a small information area in a neighbouring ger before taking an afternoon drive to observe wild Takhi herds as they come down to drink at the mountain springs. We’ll then have the chance to stretch our legs with a gentle walk through a section of the park.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Day 5 - Khustai National Park – Kharkhorin
Following breakfast this morning, we’ll set out for the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, nestled in the Övörkhangai Province of Mongolia. Although our drive will be long, we’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery broken up by a few comfort stops along the way.
Once we reach the town, we’ll tuck into some lunch and enjoy a moment of leisure time before more sightseeing in the afternoon. First, we’ll delve deeper into the culture of the region with a visit to the Kharkhorin Museum. Enjoy some time here to explore the fascinating artifacts and exhibits that bring to life the rich history of this once-great Mongol capital. Then, we’ll take a walk up to the Empire Statue for breathtaking views over the valley. We’ll wander through the area, soaking in the incredible views of the ancient city and capturing some stunning photos.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with some time to soak up the spirit of the nomads in our traditional ger camp before coming together for dinner.
Today involves approximately 1 hour of walking.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4-5 hours.
Day 6 - Kharkhorin – Orkhon Valley
Enjoy a slow rise this morning, before dabbling in Mongolia’s spiritual roots as we take a visit to the Erdenezuu Monastery, the country’s oldest surviving Buddhist temple complex. The site is still an active place of worship for the locals and resident monks. It also stands as a living museum of archaeological heritage and religious significance. We’ll tour the temple grounds and meet with a local lama, a spiritual Buddhist teacher. Enjoy this special moment to ask questions and learn a little more about this spiritual community before being immersed in the daily ritual of chanting and horn blowing. As we move through the complex, we’ll learn more about its history and the three surviving temples with a specialist guide.
After lunch, we make our way to the beautiful Orkhon Valley. A little way into our travels, we’ll reach the cliffside viewpoint of Uurtiin Tokhoi. Made up of vibrant red sandstone, this dramatic cliff rests along the Orkhon River canyon with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Our exploration continues at the historical burial site of Temeen Chuluut. Famous for its square-shaped tombs and early engravings of deer, elk and other nomadic symbols, this archaeological site offers an incredible glimpse into the lives of the area’s ancient inhabitants.
We check into our ger camp in the evening, situated in the stunning heart of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed valley.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The Orkhon Valley showcases nature at its untouched best. Home to vast green fields dotted with herds of free-roaming wildlife, we’ll explore more of this beautiful region after breakfast with a walk to the rift of the Orkhon Waterfall. Taking approximately an hour, this gentle walk will take us through the valley’s fertile plains, passing by wandering sheep and yaks — and yes, they have right of way here. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll have the choice of heading down into the rift valley itself. The surrounding nature here is spectacular, but it’s a rocky climb down so make sure you’re wearing appropriate hiking boots. You’ll then have the option to enjoy the walk back or to take the car back to camp.
Special Experience
Join a hands-on cooking lesson led by the Khurkheree Camp chef, learning how to prepare traditional Mongolian dumplings before enjoying them for lunch.
Back at camp, it’s time to roll up our sleeves for a workshop with the Khurkheree chef. In this fun and engaging experience, enjoy a delicious lesson in how to mix, mash and fold traditional dumplings. Prepare for plenty of laughs and some new-found skills in the kitchen.
The afternoon is at leisure to perhaps wander out from camp to capture some gorgeous getaway snaps before enjoying an incredible dinner of Mongolian hotpot. Cooked on an original stove inside the ger, watch as lava stones are heated up to infuse the delicious delicacies, giving it its unique flavour.
Today involves approximately 2.5 hours of walking.
We begin the day early, to experience a morning in the life of a local herder family.
Special Experience
Spend a morning with a local herder family in the Orkhon Valley, watching them milk their yaks and experiencing a true taste of their nomadic lifestyle.
Tending to horses, cattle, sheep and yaks, the nomadic herders of the Orkhon Valley have been taking part in the ancient pastoral lifestyle for thousands of years. Witness their morning routine as they milk their yaks and carry out daily activities like herding and preparing wood for the fire. During this heartwarming experience, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their nomadic values and heritage before having a go at milking yourself.
Taking a short walk back to camp for breakfast, we’ll later have the opportunity to return to the family’s ger to engage in a meaningful conservation about their fascinating traditions. Offering us an incredible glimpse into their daily lives, we’ll also get the chance to taste homemade cheese, dried curds, yak butter and even yak vodka!
In the afternoon, we’ll wander down to the volcanic field by the river. We’ll loop back to camp after about an hour and a half, just in time to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.
Day 9 - Orkhon Valley – Middle Gobi Desert
Today, we farewell the Orkhon Valley and set off across the open steppe toward the vast and rocky plains of the Gobi Desert. It’s a big travel day with the majority of the journey on dirt roads, but the scenery that will accompany us will be simply otherworldly. Spanning over a million square kilometres, the Gobi Desert stretches across both China and Mongolia. Famous for its extreme temperatures and deep historical roots in the Silk Road, the landscape here is quite unique compared to your typical desert. Almost all of the terrain here is bare rock, gravel plains and firm ground, rather than sand dunes.
Once we reach our accommodation, settle into your ger for lunch and enjoy some time to rest after a long journey.
We’ll later take a short walk to the ruins of the Ongi Monastery. Located in the Dundgobi province, this beautiful ruin was once one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the country. Enjoy some time to walk among the historic stone foundations, crumbling stupas and restored prayer hills of this once-massive complex. You may even wish to walk to the top of the hill for spectacular views before making your way back to camp.
Today involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking.
Your travel time today will be approximately 7-8 hours.
Day 10 - Middle Gobi Desert – Gobi Desert
After breakfast this morning, our adventure continues south into the Gobi Desert. Our drive will be long and once again, on a dirt road, but we’ll take some comfort stops along the way to stretch our legs. If nature calls, out here it’s strictly authentic! Since our stops are in rural areas, restrooms won’t be available, so we recommend taking advantage of the facilities before we head out or keeping some travel tissues handy.
Along the journey, we’ll pass by an area known as ‘the forest’ among the locals. Home to a small saxaul grove, enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the area’s unique ecosystem. These woody shrubs thrive in the deserts of Central Asia and the Middle East and feature skeletal-like twisted branches.
By the afternoon, we arrive at our next stay, the Dream Gobi Lodge. Here, we’re in for a real treat with the option to take part in assembling a Mongolian ger. This hands-on workshop will introduce us to a cultural custom that’s been passed down for generations, much like Mongolian archery which we’ll also get the opportunity to try. This beloved tradition is quite the workout and a powerful living connection to the warriors of the Mongol Empire.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Special Experience
Visit a local camel-breeding family to get up close to the famous Two-humped Bactrian Camels, sample refreshing camel milk and enjoy a shot of camel milk vodka.
Today, we venture to a local family’s home nestled near the Moltsog Sand Dunes to meet the iconic companions of countless travellers who’ve trekked the Gobi Desert. Two-humped Bactrian Camels have called the desert home for thousands of years, supplying herders with transport, nutrient-rich milk and wool for textiles. Enjoy a ride with the shaggy species and even sample some camel milk vodka.
Soak up some leisure time back at our ger camp before we travel out to explore the Flaming Cliffs. This world-renowned paleontological site is famous for its distinctive red sandstone formations and dinosaur fossils. Upon arriving, watch a short documentary film on the American explorer and naturalist, Roy Chapman Andrews, who discovered the first known fossilized dinosaur eggs during his 1920s expedition. We’ll then visit the site to see the famous fossil beds, the discovery of which provided some of the first evidence of how dinosaurs reproduced. Have your camera ready because the views here are absolutely stunning.
We’ll retreat to a nearby camp for dinner before returning to the park for a spectacular sunset.
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Rising early from our desert ger, today we’ll enjoy a relaxed hike in the Yol Valley, also known as the Valley of the Lammergeiers. We’ll follow a narrow stream that snakes through the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, with the sounds of the surrounding wildlife all around us. Home to a diverse array of birdlife and beautiful wildflowers, listen out for the lovely chattering of some of the local species. The trail is mostly flat, and you’ll have the option to walk as little or as far as you’d like before heading back. Just make sure to wear comfortable footwear and be prepared to get your feet wet crossing the stream.
After returning for a well-earned lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind. You may wish to take a walk to the Khavtsgait Hills, in search of ancient petroglyphs created by the prehistoric inhabitants of the region. After a 30-minute drive with your guide, you’ll begin a 30-minute hike up a steep, rocky hill. The trail can be slippery, so sturdy shoes with good grip and trekking poles are recommended.
Then, as evening rolls around, the camp will come alive for a costume show featuring traditional and modern Mongolian garments. Sit back, get comfortable and enjoy the energy of the vibrant performance.
Today involves approximately 2-3 hours of walking on uneven and rocky terrain.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 13 - Gobi Desert – Ulaanbaatar
Following breakfast this morning, we wave goodbye to the desert and drive to the airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar from Dalanzadgad. Making our way through the capital of the Ömnögovi Province, you’ll start to see how Mongolia’s heritage and modern life coexist beautifully in this desert town.
Once we reach the centre, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local eatery before visiting the Gobi Museum of Nature and History. Showcasing the rich biodiversity and nomadic heritage of the Gobi Desert, enjoy a short time to explore the collections and paleontological treasures.
Special Experience
Step behind the scenes at a local arts centre for a soul-stirring encounter with a Mongolian custom and the chance to give back to the community.
We’re in for a memorable experience as we visit a local arts centre for an exclusive glimpse into a Mongolian tradition such as throat singing or a local dance. This is a lovely opportunity to experience Mongolia’s living culture up close and share our support for the community.
We then travel to a local supermarket for some snacks before travelling to the airport for our flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2-3 hours.
Your flight time will be approximately 1 hour.
Today, we’ll stretch our legs with a walk to the National University of Mongolia, where we’ll have the opportunity to meet with a university professor. This fascinating exchange will give us a deeper understanding of the country’s contemporary culture, education and society.
Next, we visit a special workshop dedicated to the crafting of Morin Khuur, the horsehead fiddle. Here, you can witness the skill and artistry required to create Mongolia’s most revered musical instrument. Featuring only two strings traditionally made of horsehair, the instrument can remarkably mimic the sound of a horse’s neigh.
Special Experience
Experience a hands-on lunch at Ulaanbaatar’s Bull Hot Pot Restaurant, picking fresh ingredients and simmering your own sizzling hot pot right at the table.
This afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Bull Hotpot Restaurant for an exciting spread of Mongolian flavours. Hot pot has long been an important part of Mongolian culture, reflecting the country's nomadic heritage, where communal meals brought families and warriors together after long journeys across the vast steppes. Build your own hot pot using fresh ingredients and cook your very own steaming pot right in front of you.
As the day winds down, we’ll take a walking tour to see some of the city’s main sights including the Government Palace and Sükhbaatar Square.
We’ll then wrap up our final night in Mongolia with a farewell dinner and a spectacular folklore show featuring throat singing, traditional dances and live music. It’s the perfect moment to raise a toast to your adventures and swap stories about the incredible landscapes and experiences you’ve shared along the way.
Your travel time today will be approximately 1-2 hours.
Day 15 - Depart Ulaanbaatar
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, marking the end of our incredible journey across Mongolia. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
