29 Day Mongolia & Silk Road Unveiled

Welcome to Mongolia. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar, make your own way to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey. You may receive a welcome letter when checking in to the starting hotel that will include the time of the welcome meeting with your tour guide tomorrow. If you do not receive this, please speak to hotel staff or feel free to reach out to us directly. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 2pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

This morning, meet your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, then set off on a city tour of Mongolia's capital. Begin at Gandan Monastery, home to the towering 26-metre statue of Janraisag, the deity of compassion, and witness the morning chanting at one of the historic temples. Continue to Sukhbaatar Square to see the statues of Chinggis Khaan and his descendants standing watch in front of the State House. Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which charts Mongolia's history from the Hunnu Empire to the height of the Great Mongol Empire. Tonight is at your leisure. Find a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy your first evening in Ulaanbaatar at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Gandan Monastery Sukhbaatar Square Chinggis Khaan Museum

After breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar at 8am for a scenic road trip south to Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa, a remarkable sedimentary formation that was once part of an ancient seabed. The journey crosses Mongolia's vast steppe, with a refreshing lunch break in Mandalgovi town along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to your ger camp, then head out to the dramatic Tsagaan Suvarga scarps for sweeping panoramic views. Return to camp around 7pm for dinner and a restful overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours. Please note that driving times are estimates and can be affected by road and weather conditions. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers throughout the trip. On Day 3 and Day 8, a limited number of ensuite gers are available at camp, and these are allocated fairly on a random basis. To ensure a balanced experience for everyone, travellers assigned a standard ger with shared facilities on Day 3 will be given priority for an ensuite ger on Day 8. Shared bathroom facilities are clean, well-maintained, and located conveniently close to the gers, with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

After breakfast, depart at 8am for a picturesque journey to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, with plenty of opportunities to pause for scenic photography along the way. Stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where you will visit the recently constructed Umnugovi Province Museum. From Dalanzadgad, a short drive brings you to the enchanting Yolyn Am gorge. Lace up your walking shoes for a one to two-hour walk from the parking area, taking in the dramatic rock walls, narrow ravines and abundant birdlife of this striking natural reserve.Return to your ger camp in the early evening to enjoy dinner and settle in for a peaceful overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Umnugovi Province Museum Yolyn Am gorge in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers, with ensuite facilities included on Days 4 to 7 and 9 to 11.

After breakfast, depart at 8am and continue your Gobi adventure with a drive to the Khongor sand dunes, the longest dunes in Mongolia. The route crosses vast desert badlands stretching to the horizon, with remote mountains in the distance and the occasional ger or nomad on horseback or camelback breaking the landscape. The desert floor is scattered with colourful rocks and rare minerals, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views and capture photographs.On arrival, enjoy lunch at a ger camp before setting out to explore the magnificent Khongor dunes, which rise dramatically alongside the river as it winds through the sands. After an afternoon among the dunes, return to camp to settle in for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Khongor sand dunes Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.You may join an optional camel ride (approximately USD 12 per person, per hour), which can be arranged and paid for locally. Optional horseback riding is also available at several locations throughout the trip.

This morning after breakfast, travel to the famed Bayanzag. On arrival, check in to your ger camp and enjoy lunch. This afternoon, head out to the Flaming Cliffs, celebrated for their striking red sandstone formations and their place in palaeontological history as one of the world's great dinosaur fossil sites. Visit the information centre to view the exhibits and a short documentary, before setting off on an easy walk through the dramatic landscape. Return to your ger camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast at the ger camp, head out to the Moltsog sand dunes to take in the sweeping views, photograph the rolling formations, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the desert. Enjoy lunch and some rest at a nearby ger camp. In the late afternoon, travel to the Khavtsgait petroglyphs, set within the Dund Saikhan Mountain. Here, a steady trek brings you to a natural rock gallery of paintings dating back to the Bronze Age. Return to camp in the early evening for dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Moltsog sand dunes Khavtsgait Petroglyphs Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. The Khavtsgait petroglyphs sit atop a mountain and can only be reached on foot, so this activity is optional. The hike is moderately challenging, with loose rocks on the descent.

After breakfast, head north toward the ruins of Ongi Monastery. Set on the banks of the scenic Ongi River. The drive crosses the wide-open Ongi steppe and is a chance to take in the changing landscape as you leave the deep Gobi behind. On arrival at your ger camp, gather for lunch. This afternoon, explore the remains of Ongi Monastery, which dates back to the 18th century, with some short walks among the ancient ruins. Return to the ger camp to relax, with dinner and an overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Ongi Monastery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. You'll stay in comfortable twin-share gers throughout the trip. On Day 3 and Day 8, a limited number of ensuite gers are available at camp, and these are allocated fairly on a random basis. To ensure a balanced experience for everyone, travellers assigned a standard ger with shared facilities on Day 3 will be given priority for an ensuite ger on Day 8. Shared bathroom facilities are clean, well-maintained, and located conveniently close to the gers, with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

After breakfast, continue north into central Mongolia, crossing the vast Gobi steppes before reaching the central Mongolian steppe. Pause for lunch along the main highway, then carry on towards Karakorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire. In Karakorum, visit the Museum of Karakorum, which offers a fascinating overview of central Mongolia's history and an introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon River Valley. Check in to your ger camp and enjoy dinner, with an overnight stay set against the rich cultural backdrop of the region. Inspiring Highlights Museum of Karakorum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery, founded in 1586 and central Mongolia's very first Buddhist monastery, with its surrounding wall of 108 stupas. From here, take a short ride out to spend the day with a local nomadic family. Step into the rhythm of nomadic life, meet your hosts and join in with their daily activities. Help with milking and tending to livestock, watch and try your hand at making traditional dairy products, and learn how to prepare a Mongolian dish for lunch. Say goodbye to your host family and return to Karakorum in the afternoon. Inspiring Highlights Erdene Zuu Monastery Spend the day with a local nomadic family Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Please dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery and the nomadic family. Photography may be restricted in some areas of the monastery; please follow your guide's directions.

After breakfast, drive towards Hustai National Park. On arrival at your ger camp near the park, enjoy lunch and a chance to rest before the afternoon's activities. This afternoon, head into the park to look out for the iconic Takhi, also known as Przewalski's horses. The world's last truly wild horse species, once extinct in the wild, has been successfully reintroduced here. You may also spot other fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. Return to camp for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. Inspiring Highlights Hustai National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Please bring a camera with a zoom lens if you would like to photograph the horses, as they are usually viewed from a distance.

After breakfast, return to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, visit Zaisan Memorial, set on a hilltop above the city and offering panoramic views across the capital and the surrounding countryside. Continue to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with the option to head out for some shopping. Ulaanbaatar is well known for high-quality cashmere, and the city has a number of shops and markets where you can browse for souvenirs. This evening, enjoy a traditional folklore concert and immerse yourself in Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, with performances of throat singing, traditional instruments and dance. Inspiring Highlights Zaisan Memorial Traditional Folklore Performance Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, drive east out of the city to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, the tallest equestrian statue in the world and a striking symbol of Mongolian national pride and the legacy of Chinggis Khaan. Continue into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, known for its scenic landscapes of granite formations and alpine forests. Here, visit the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, a peaceful retreat tucked into the mountains, where a short walk leads to the temple itself and a chance to soak up the spiritual atmosphere inspired by Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. The evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Genghis Khan Statue Complex Ariyabal Meditation Temple in Terelj National Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi'an via Beijing. You'll arrive in Xi'an in the evening, where a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Relax after your travels, or start exploring at your own pace. Special Information Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg, and one 5kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your included flight will be unescorted and you'll meet your new tour leader tomorrow.

After breakfast, you will head to the incredible Terracotta Warriors. This underground army, with thousands of terracotta figures, seems to still be guarding the secrets of the empire from thousands of years ago, taking you back to the Qin Dynasty. To get a better understanding of what you have just seen we will visit the Terracotta Figure Factory to learn about the production process of the figures. After lunch, we will tour the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, and you can appreciate the blend of ancient and modern styles of Xi'an. This evening, you're free to explore on your own. Inspiring Highlights Terracotta Warriors Terracotta Figure Factory Ancient City Wall OPTIONAL TOUR - Tang Dynasty Song and Dance with Dumpling BanquetEnhance your cultural experience with an optional Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Show, paired with a traditional Dumpling Banquet. Enjoy a dazzling performance of classical music and dance from the Tang era, while sampling a delicious variety of local dumplings. Price: approximately RMB 360Start time: 6.00pm.Duration: 2.5 hours. Special Information Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.

After breakfast, we will visit Daxingshan Temple to enjoy its serene courtyards, ancient halls, and peaceful Buddhist atmosphere. It offers a quiet refuge and a glimpse into China's deep spiritual history. We will then head to Yongxingfang, a lively cultural and food hub, where you can watch folk calligraphy and painting. You can savor authentic Shaanxi specialties like biangbiang noodles or roujiamo, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, your journey continues as you wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter, an area famous for its vibrant alleys and unique history. While here, you will have the opportunity to taste local delights such as lamb skewers, pomegranate juice, and yangrou paomo (a traditional lamb stew with bread pieces). Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Daxingshan Temple Yongxingfang Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, board a high-speed train for your journey to Lanzhou. Lanzhou is the capital of the Gansu province in northwest China, located on the banks of the Yellow River. It is a major regional hub and historically a key stop on the Northern Silk Road. After settling into your hotel the evening is yours to explore the city and perhaps try the famous Lanzhou beef noodles. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Please note: For train travel, aerosols larger than 150ml are prohibited. Enforcement may vary between stations, with some applying stricter checks than others. All high-speed train stations in China have airport-style security, including bag scans and body checks. If you are carrying small sharp items like nail clippers or scissors, it's best to keep them in your hand luggage to prevent your checked baggage from being opened during security screening.

After breakfast, you'll discover the Gansu Provincial Museum, which houses Silk Road treasures such as the "Horse-Stepping-on-a-Swallow", a famous ancient Chinese bronze sculpture known as the Flying Horse of Gansu or Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow. You have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's rich history and see ancient artifacts that tell the story of trade and culture along this pivotal route. The most memorable part of the day will be participating in the Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodle Experience, where, under the guidance of a master, you'll knead the dough and pull the noodles yourself to make an authentic bowl. This is a fantastic opportunity to feel the unique charm of this "intangible cultural heritage on the tip of the tongue" and create your own meal. After lunch we will stroll the Yellow River Style Line and see the historic Zhongshan Bridge, taking in the views as the Yellow River flows right through the city. Enjoy what the city has to offer as you make your way back to the hotel as tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Gansu Provincial Museum Yellow River Style Line with Zhongshan Bridge Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodle Experience

After breakfast, we'll depart the hotel around 7:00 AM to board a high-speed train to Zhangye — a former Silk Road hub renowned for its breathtaking Danxia National Geological Park, home to the strikingly colorful rainbow mountains. Enjoy lunch in Zhangye before visiting the Great Buddha Temple, home to a magnificent reclining Buddha,a serene and impressive testament to the city's rich history. Take time to explore this site before we visit Colorful Danxia , a rare and stunning landform with vivid red, orange, and yellow stripes. This natural wonder was shaped by millions of years of fascinating geology, making it a truly unforgettable sight. In the afternoon, we will board a bus and make our way to Linze for the night. Inspiring Highlights Great Buddha Temple Colorful Danxia Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. At Zhangye Colorful Danxia, visitors explore the park using a sightseeing shuttle that stops at several designated viewing platforms. Guests can disembark at each stop to enjoy the scenery before re-boarding the shuttle to continue to the next viewpoint. Walking at each platform typically takes less than 10 minutes and involves some gentle slopes and steps, but there is no continuous hiking trail throughout the park.

After breakfast we travel to Jiayuguan which is known as the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, a strategic point on the Silk Road, and a major industrial center. After arriving we will make our way to the Jiayuguan City Tower. Known as the "First Xiongguan in the World," this fortress stands proudly in the Gobi desert, its formidable walls bearing witness to centuries of trade along the Silk Road and countless historical battles. After lunch, we will visit the Cantilever Great Wall. This section of the Wall is spectacularly built along the steep mountain ridge, resembling a giant dragon reaching into the Gobi. We will then explore the First Pier under Heaven , which marks the Great Wall's western start, providing a striking sense of scale to this ancient defense system. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jiayuguan City Tower Cantilever Great Wall Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.The Cantilever Great Wall at Jiayuguan involves a moderate amount of physical activity. As its name suggests, it is part of the Great Wall and features architectural characteristics similar to the sections near Beijing. The walking route covers approximately one kilometre each way along a mountainside, with a round trip taking about one hour. The path includes both slopes and steps.

After breakfast, we travel to Dunhuang — an oasis town once vital to trade and cultural exchange, serving as a key link between East and West along the ancient Silk Road. Check into the hotel and take some time to relax before our night tour of the Mingsha Mountain. The Crescent Moon Spring, where the sand and spring coexist, offers a mysterious setting. Inspiring Highlights Mingsha Mountain night tour Crescent Moon Spring Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

The morning is yours to enjoy to relax or explore the city. Our hotel is a close distance from the Dunhuang Museum if you want to explore. The museum reflects the flourishing social development and cultural exchange between China and the West during the time when Dunhuang was a major center along the Silk Road. In the afternoon we walk into the Mogao Grottoes Scenic Area. It is a treasure house of Silk Road art. The millennium old murals and colored sculptures tell the stories of the Buddhist kingdom, the business travels along the Silk Road, and the folk customs. Each visit is a deep dialogue with history and art. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Mogao Grottoes Scenic Area

After a leisurely morning we drive to the city named Liuyuan and take the bullet train to Turpan. Turpan offers the perfect blend of Silk Road history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenic beauty. You will arrive at your hotel in the evening, around 8:30 PM, to rest and recharge before a full day of exploration tomorrow. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Today we have a full day of exploring. We will visit the Ten-Thousand-Buddha Palace, where exquisite Buddhist statues and murals show the prosperity of Buddhism in ancient Turpan. You can take time here to admire the intricate artwork that reflects centuries of cultural exchange. After time for lunch at your leisure we will step into the Flaming Mountain Gorge, where you can feel the unique wonder of the arid landform. That afternoon we visit the Karez Wells, an ancient and intelligent water conservancy project that silently flows underground, nurturing the oasis civilization of Turpan. This ingenious system is a testament to the engineering brilliance of the region's ancient inhabitants. Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ten-Thousand-Buddha Palace Flaming Mountain Gorge Karez Wells

After breakfast, we visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, the "Capital of the Cheshi" built entirely on a vast loess platform that has survived for thousands of years. This impressive ruined city offers a compelling look at a settlement preserved by the arid environment. Lunch will be at your leisure, allowing time to explore and dine at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will take part in a hands-on cultural experience, learning to make traditional nang (Xinjiang flatbread), followed by enjoying vibrant Xinjiang folk songs and dances. In the evening, enjoy a special dinner experience featuring live lamb skewer grilling, a hands-on session to learn how to prepare Xinjiang hand pilaf, and a selection of authentic farmhouse-style Xinjiang dishes. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jiaohe Ancient City Xinjiang Folk Culture Experience Special InformationPlease be advised that the Turpan Museum, originally included in the itinerary, is currently closed for renovation and is not expected to reopen until late 2026. It has been replaced by the Xinjiang Folk Culture Experience. Should the itinerary change upon reopening, travellers will be notified accordingly.

After breakfast we head west, taking in the Dabancheng Wind Power Station along the way, where rows of windmills rotate in the vast wilderness, creating a wonderful integration of modern technology and natural landscape. In the late afternoon or evening, we will take a plane to Kashgar , crossing the Tianshan Mountains and starting your southern Xinjiang journey. Special Information You will be transferred to either Turpan Airport or Urumqi Airport for your flight to Kashgar, depending on the final flight schedule. If departing from Urumqi, please note that the drive from Turpan to Urumqi takes approximately 1.5 hours. Your tour leader will provide your flight documentation during the trip, and the flight will be fully escorted to ensure a smooth journey. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg, and one 5kg carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Please note: power banks without a CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark are forbidden on domestic flights in China.

Today we start exploring Kashgar which was an important Silk Road strategic crossroad for trade between East and West, acting as a crucial gateway and a vital oasis for travelers. We start the day watching the Kashgar City Opening Ceremony. Dancers and folk artists welcome visitors with songs and dances, marking the start of a vibrant day in the ancient city. After the ceremony we walk through the old city of Kashgar, exploring the labyrinth-like streets and civil-structured dwellings. We visit the Etigar Mosque to appreciate the exquisite Islamic architecture. We finish the day at the Han Bazaar (Grand Bazaar), immersing yourself in the unique folk charm of Kashgar. Tonight is at your leisure Inspiring Highlights Kashgar City Opening Ceremony Old city of Kashgar

Today is your day to explore the city at your own pace. You might choose to revisit the Grand Bazaar for some final souvenir shopping or explore the local teahouses to soak up the atmosphere. You could also wander through any of the markets you missed the previous day.

Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.