Contrasts of Mongolia 19 days
Overview
Journey across Mongolia from the vast Gobi Desert to the pristine lakes of the north. Explore towering sand dunes, ancient dinosaur fossil sites, and historic monasteries, then discover the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley and the breathtaking beauty of Terkhiin Tsagaan and Khuvsgul lakes. Experience Mongolia’s remarkable landscapes, rich history, and nomadic culture in one unforgettable adventure.
Excludes:
International transportation to and from Mongolia
Hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar
travel insurance
alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Tour price:
Pax 2 $4600
Pax 3-4 $4300
Pax 5-6 $4100
Pax 7-8 $3800
Pax 9-10 $3600
Single supplement for Ger camp stay $530 pp
Includes:
Ger camp stay (18 nights) in countryside
English speaking guide service
Entrance fees to Protected Areas and sightseeing costs
All transfers by 4WD Japanese minivan in the countryside
Daily bottled water
Date: 5 June, 26 June, 5 July, 26 July, 5 Aug, 25 Aug
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM for the journey south toward the Gobi Desert. After approximately five hours, arrive at Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a spectacular granite formation rising 1,751 meters above sea level. After lunch at your ger camp, explore the area’s fascinating rock formations, caves, natural springs, and ancient shrines. Enjoy a 2–3-hour hike through this scenic landscape, known for its unique Gobi wildlife and plant life.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: L, D
Today, we’ll explore Tsagaan Suvarga, meaning “White Stupa,” one of the Gobi Desert’s most striking natural wonders. These colorful, towering limestone cliffs have been shaped by wind and water over millions of years, creating a spectacular landscape of layered formations. Enjoy a scenic hike along the cliffs and capture stunning photographs of this extraordinary desert scenery.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Today, we’ll explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, meaning “Three Beauties of the Gobi,” known for its dramatic mountains and rich wildlife. Visit Yoliin Am (Eagle Valley), a spectacular narrow gorge where towering rock walls provide shade and ice can remain until late June. Enjoy a 2–3-hour round-trip hike through the peaceful canyon, keeping an eye out for ibex, wild sheep, and bearded vultures along the way.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Khongor Sand Dunes
Today, we’ll travel to Khongor Sand Dunes, among the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia. Explore the lush green riverbank, visit a local nomadic family, and enjoy a memorable ride on a two-humped Bactrian camel. If you’re up for a challenge, climb one of the towering dunes to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and discover why the dunes are known as the “Singing Sands,” named for the sound of sand moving in the wind.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Flaming Cliff
Today, we’ll travel to Ongi Monastery, crossing rugged slate mountains and the vast Ongi steppe. Once one of Mongolia’s largest monastic complexes, Ongi Monastery consisted of two monasteries with more than 30 temples along the Ongi River, surrounded by the mountains of the Gobi Desert. Many of its buildings were destroyed during the socialist purges of the 1930s. Explore the atmospheric ruins, climb a nearby hill for panoramic views, and visit the active temple and traditional ger museum to learn about the monastery’s history.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Travel across the vast steppes to Ongi Monastery.
Today, we’ll continue our journey to the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, famous for the discovery of the first dinosaur eggs ever found, by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s. Explore the striking red sandstone cliffs on foot, where you may spot fossil fragments and discover the distinctive saxaul trees that thrive in the Gobi Desert. Learn about the area’s remarkable paleontological history while enjoying the unique desert scenery.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Drive from desert to steppe
Today, we’ll journey to the beautiful Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heartland of Mongolia’s nomadic culture. Enjoy a scenic 5–6-hour drive covering approximately 280 km through rolling grasslands and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, explore the stunning Orkhon Waterfall, a 20-meter-high cascade on the Ulaan Tsutgalan River, and enjoy a hike through the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Eagle Valley
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 1: Travel to Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Day 8:Travel to Kharakhorum
Today, we’ll travel approximately 120 km to Kharkhorin, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire, established by Chinggis Khan in 1220. Explore the local museum to discover Mongolia’s fascinating history, then visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery complex, built in the 16th century using stones from the ancient city. Later, visit a local cooperative and take part in a hands-on workshop to learn the traditional art of making felt products.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9:Travel to Tsenkher hot spring
Today, we’ll travel to Tsenkher Hot Springs, a beautiful natural retreat surrounded by forested hills and green valleys in central Mongolia. Upon arrival, unwind in the outdoor thermal pools, where naturally heated mineral water rises from the ground at temperatures of up to 86.5°C. The water is rich in minerals and has a distinctive sulfur smell. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm pools while taking in the peaceful mountain scenery—a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge after your journey through Mongolia’s countryside.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Travel to Taikhar rock
Today is a chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Mongolian countryside. After breakfast, take some time to unwind at the ger camp and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the impressive Taikhar Rock, a towering granite formation steeped in local legends and folklore. Along the way, we’ll stop in Tsetserleg town to visit Zaya Gegeen Temple, a historic Buddhist site that offers a glimpse into Mongolia’s spiritual heritage.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Travel to Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan
Today, we’ll journey to Zuun Lake, a peaceful natural destination in northern Mongolia, before continuing toward the spectacular Lake Khuvsgul, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Surrounded by forested mountains and pristine wilderness, the region offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience Mongolia’s unspoiled nature. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, take in the beautiful landscapes, and watch for local wildlife along the way.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Travel to Zuun Lake
Today, we’ll travel through the scenic countryside toward Khuvsgul Province, admiring the wildflowers that brighten the rolling steppe during the warmer months. Upon reaching Murun, the provincial capital, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the breathtaking Lake Khuvsgul, known as Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl.” In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore, discovering local wildflowers and medicinal plants. For even more spectacular scenery, hike up a nearby hill to enjoy panoramic views of the pristine lake and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13-14 : Travel to Khuvsgul Lake & Walking around the lake
Today, we’ll leave the beautiful Lake Khuvsgul and travel toward Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano in northern Mongolia. Enjoy a scenic drive through vast grasslands, rolling hills, and forested landscapes, passing through the countryside of northern Mongolia. Upon arrival, explore the spectacular volcanic area and hike toward the crater of Uran Togoo, formed by ancient volcanic activity. From the slopes, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and discover the unique natural beauty of this volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Travel to Uran Togoo mountain
Day 16-17 Travel to Gurvanbulag community Ger camp
Today, we’ll travel to the community-run ger camp in Gurvanbulag, near Khognokhan Nature Reserve. Enjoy a hike into the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the valley, with optional horseback riding available. In the evening, savor khorkhog, a traditional Mongolian barbecue cooked with hot stones, followed by classic Mongolian games and local hospitality.
Accommodation: Community ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: Wildlife Tracking – Wild horses
Today, we’ll travel to Hustai National Park, a protected area famous for its successful reintroduction of the endangered Przewalski’s horse, known locally as the Takhi. Visit the park’s information center to learn about its wildlife and conservation efforts, then explore the beautiful landscapes on an afternoon hike, keeping an eye out for wild horses and other native animals.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Backgrounds
Private tour: This journey can also be arranged as a private tour, and you have the option to schedule it on any day that suits you and your loved ones. Simply email us your suggested dates and the size of your group for a price quote
Occupancy: you have the option to stay in a single, twin, or double room/ger/tent (if available). During the Naadam festival (July 5th -15th), single occupancy might not be available at ger camps. At community-based camps and ger homestays, individual occupancy depends on availability. An additional supplement is required for single and twin/double occupancy at ger camps, as indicated in the table above.
Day 19: Travel to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we’ll travel back to Ulaanbaatar, covering approximately 100 km through Mongolia’s scenic countryside. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Mongolian adventure.
Accommodation: None
Meals: B, L
Today, we’ll explore the breathtaking beauty of Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, a pristine freshwater lake formed by ancient volcanic eruptions that blocked nearby rivers with lava flows. Along the way, we’ll visit Khorgo Mountain, an extinct volcano located east of the lake. Take a walk to admire its impressive crater, approximately 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The mountain’s northern slopes are covered with Siberian larch forests, adding to the region’s remarkable natural beauty.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: B, L, D
Address:
Bayangol District, 1st Khoroo
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 16050
Contacts:
WhatsApp :+976 60192233
Email: info@horizonmongol.com
Blue Horizon Travel LLC
Company registration No: 8408505
Licensed Tour Operator
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
