Gobi Desert & Central Tour 12 Days
Overview
We understand that you will journey a great distance to Mongolia to witness and engage in as much as you can. Consequently, ensure that this is the ideal Mongolian itinerary tailored for a seeker of cultural experiences, a nature enthusiast, an explorer of new destinations, an aficionado of busy schedules, and an active traveler such as yourself. By adhering to this tour itinerary, you will hike through the vibrant green mountain valleys of the Gobi Desert, ascend towering sand dunes for breathtaking views and the Gobi desert sunset, visit the famous paleontological excavation site, and uncover recent history while examining the deserted monastery. Nights in the Gobi Desert are serene and lovely, illuminated by countless glittering stars. In central Mongolia, you will journey through the World Cultural Heritage site Orkhon River Valley National Park to discover famous natural features and cultural relics. Two distinct nomadic family visits enable you to experience nomadic life firsthand and sample genuine Mongolian cuisine.
Excludes:
Items of personal use
International travel
Alcoholic drinks & beverages
Travel & medical insurance
Visa fee
Departure transfer
Tour price:
Pax 2 $2800
Pax 3 $2300
Pax 4 $ 2100
Group tour $1900
Single supplement $450
Includes:
Night in a hotel
Daily bottled water
10 nights in ger camp
Van transfers
Arrival airport transfer
English speaking guide
Horse & camel riding
Entry fees
Date: 10 May-10 Oct
Your driver will meet you at the airport/railway station and take you to a hotel located in the city center. Leisure day to unwind and explore the city independently while residing in a well-located central hotel
Accommodation:3* Hotel
Meals:None
Day1:Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
At 8:30 AM, your driver and guide will meet you at the hotel to begin the tour of the Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs in the Gobi desert. This region is a popular destination in the Gobi Desert, with all tourists eager to have their photos taken amid this vibrant natural structure. Trekking up and down the paths of the stupa-shaped vibrant cliffs takes 1 to 1.5 hours
Accommodation:Ger camp
Meals:Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain National Park and trekking in Eagle Valley
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan (“Three Beauties of the Gobi”) is a stunning national park rich in wildlife. We visit Yoliin Am (Bearded Eagle Valley), a steep canyon that remains icy until late June due to limited sunlight. The hike into and back from the valley takes 2.5–3 hours. Wildlife here includes bearded eagles, wild sheep, and ibex.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:Khongor Sand Dunes & camel riding
We will proceed to Khongor, located within the Gobi Gurban Saikhan National Park. Upon arriving at the sand dunes, you will trek beside the lush stream, ascend the sand dunes, meet a nomadic family, and enjoy an hour-long ride on two-humped camels. If you ascend one of the highest sand dunes, disperse the sand towards the north against the wind to discover why residents refer to the sand dunes as "Singing Sand.” The views and the sunset/sunrise are amazing from the summit of the sand dunes
Accommodation:Ger camp
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drawings of Khavtsgait Rock and the Flaming Cliffs
We explore the Khavtsgait Rock Carvings on the northern side of West Saikhan Mountain, dating back to the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. A gentle 2 km hike takes you to the site and back. Afterwards, we visit the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur fossils and the first dinosaur eggs. The cliffs are especially stunning at sunset.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:Driving to Ongi Monastery through the open steppes after visiting the Bayanzag Saxual tree grove
Seven kilometers north of the Flaming Cliffs, we visit a unique desert tree grove found only in Central Asia. Then we cross slate mountains and 80 km of Ongi steppes to Ongi Monastery, once one of Mongolia’s largest. Destroyed in the 1930s, its ruins stretch across both banks of the Ongi River. Explore a restored temple, the ger museum, the monastery remains, and climb a nearby hill for panoramic views.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Orkhon Valley National Park and Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall
Our adventure unfolds in the transition area between the Gobi Desert and the mountain steppes, moving towards Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Ulaantsutgalan is the largest waterfall in central Mongolia, cascading from 24 tall lava cliffs. Reach the Orkhon River in the late afternoon. Dedicate the remainder of the day to visiting Ulaantsutgalan waterfall and trekking through the Orkhon River canyons
Accommodation:Ger camp
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Trekking to Tovhon Monastery
You will dedicate the day to discovering the Orkhon River Valley and trekking to Tovhon Monastery. This petite monastery was constructed on the rocky summit of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain at 2312 m. Getting to the monastery will take 3 hours of gentle hiking up and down the mountain, but not steep. The view is breathtaking from the peak
Accommodation:Ger camp
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Arkhangai province, discover the nomadic lifestyle and sample traditional Mongolian barbecue.
Day2: Vibrant mud cliffs in Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 10: Discover Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park
The day starts with a brief tour of Tsetserleg, the town in Arkhangai province, featuring a visit to the local market. Proceed on the path to encounter a yak-herding nomadic family and enjoy a genuine Mongolian barbecue for lunch. Learn more about the customary nomadic lifestyle of northern Mongolian herders. Then, travel through the scenic views of Arkhangai, taking a break at the Chuluut River gorge. Reach Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park by late afternoon
Accommodation:Ger camp
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khorgo–Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park preserves stunning volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake was created when ancient lava blocked the Terkh River, forming a clear freshwater lake rich in birdlife.
Today you hike up the dormant Khorgo Volcano, known for its caves and lava formations. Trails lead to the crater rim, offering wide views of the lake and surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, continue exploring the lake area.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu Monastery located in the Orkhon Valley
Kharkhorin—formerly Karakorum—was the 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan’s Great Mongol Empire. After the capital moved to Beijing and the Empire declined, the city was abandoned and destroyed in 1388. Today, in the Orkhon River Valley, the impressive Erdenezuu Monastery stands near modern Kharkhorin. Visit the monastery museum to see important religious artifacts and admire its architecture, then continue to the Kharakhorum Museum.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Meet nomads, ride horses, and head back to Ulaanbaatar.
Today marks the final day you will be in the stunning countryside of Mongolia. While heading to Ulaanbaatar, stop by a nomadic family that herds horses and take a ride on them. You also have lunch with the nomads. Reach Ulaanbaatar and proceed to your lodging
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Today marks the final day you will be in the stunning countryside of Mongolia. While heading to Ulaanbaatar, stop by a nomadic family that herds horses and take a ride on them. You also have lunch with the nomads. Reach Ulaanbaatar and proceed to your lodging
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch