Classic Mongolia

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

With proud nomadic hospitality, rich expansive landscapes and the cultural legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. This classic 10-day journey through some of its natural and cultural highlights takes you from the developed capital, deep into the heart of its vast wilderness.

Beginning in Ulaanbaatar you’ll venture into the Terelj National Park try your hand at horse riding in the forested mountains before flying on to the edge ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

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Day 1 Arrive Ulaanbaatar: City Tour

Day 1 Arrive Ulaanbaatar: City Tour

Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you'll local guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel for a good rest after your journey. Later in the afternoon, you’ll head out with your guide on a private city tour of the capital. You can expect to visit the Ganden Monastery, one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, and the National Museum for a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening, enjoy a traditional folk show followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Dinner

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar - Terelj National Park

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar - Terelj National Park

Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you'll drive to the expansive landscapes of nearby Terelj National Park. The country's first national park, its stunning rock formations and spectacular views of the forested mountains make it a popular attraction for local day-trippers wanting to escape the capital city. A late morning arrival allows for some time to walk around and explore in the afternoon before your first ger camp experience of the trip, right within the park.

Terelj Lodge Ger Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Terelj Horse Ride - Ulaanbaatar

Day 3 Terelj Horse Ride - Ulaanbaatar

Head out to explore the surrounding valleys on horseback this morning for a real Mongolian experience, before driving on to the great Genghis Khan statue on the banks of the Tuul River standing at over 40 metres high and visible for miles around. It is possible to climb the statue to enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. Then, return to Ulaanbaatar this afternoon.

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Ulaanbaatar - Yolyn Am Valley

Day 4 Ulaanbaatar - Yolyn Am Valley

A flight south this morning brings you to the edge of the vast Gobi Desert and the town of Dalanzadgad. This will be the gateway into the desert and on to the Yolyn Am Valley, a small hidden canyon covered by a glacier for much of the year. Walking through the canyon often reveals a mixture of local wildlife such as wild sheep, ibex and huge lammergeier vultures. Driving on to the desert plateau, you'll stay at a traditional ger camp tonight. In the evening, head to some of the most important paleontological finds ever made at the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag. The rich red cliffs rising up from the desert sands create a stunning setting for a picturesque walk.

Gobi Mirage Ger Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Yolyn Am Valley - Khongoryn Els

Day 5 Yolyn Am Valley - Khongoryn Els

Turning west, you’ll head towards the Khavtsgait petroglyphs today, where a short scramble brings you to the top of a hill adorned with ancient petroglyphs that date back over 7,000 years. Continuing on through the desert, the road winds its way through the rocky mountains and past herds of grazing goats and camels. Your ger camp for the evening is located close to the impressive Khongoryn Els Dunes where you can visit a family of nomadic camel herders, take a Bactrian camel ride alongside the dunes and enjoy an early evening climb up them for stunning views across the rippling sands towards the desert beyond.

Gobi Discovery 2
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Khongoryn Els - Ongiin Khiid

Day 6 Khongoryn Els - Ongiin Khiid

Leaving the Gobi behind, head north through more green and fertile landscapes to Ongiin Khiid on the banks of the Ongiin Gol River, where you'll find the remains of one of the largest monasteries in the country at one point time. Now reduced to a small temple, the complex once spread across both sides of the river which you can stroll through with your guide, stopping for the chance to drink from a well said to cure any stomach disorder.

Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Ongiin Khiid - Kharkhorin

Day 7 Ongiin Khiid - Kharkhorin

The landscape changes once again as you journey into central Mongolia today, with thick forests of pine and rolling hills as a backdrop during your drive towards Kharokin. Briefly the Mongol capital before being deserted in the 16th century, the remains of Kharkorin were used to build the monastery of Erdene Zuu, probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. On arrival you'll have time to have a look around the museum.

Monkh Tenger Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Kharkhorin - Khogno Khan

Day 8 Kharkhorin - Khogno Khan

A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery provides an opportunity to watch the mid-morning ceremony and chanting before continuing on to the Khogno Khan National Park. Home to a rich mixture of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular landscapes, the park features some excellent walks amongst wonderful scenery of rocky mountains, sand dunes, green grasslands and open steppe. The area can be explored by taking a walk in the mountains, riding a camel or visiting some local herders, before heading across the steppe later to your ger camp.

Sweet Gobi
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Khogno Khan - Ulaanbaatar

Day 9 Khogno Khan - Ulaanbaatar

After a long morning’s drive back to the capital, the afternoon is then free to spend a little more time exploring Ulaanbaatar at your own pace, perhaps taking in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoying some last-minute shopping.

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 Depart Ulaanbaatar

Day 10 Depart Ulaanbaatar

After checking out of your hotel, you will be taken back to the airport for your return flight home, where your Mongolian expedition concludes.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 days from £4,135

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 8690 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Clem

Clem is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Mongolians are some of the most welcoming and open people you will ever meet and will invite you into their gers for snacks and meals. Leave your Western uptight-ness at the door of the ger and get stuck in!

OTHER ITINERARIES IN MONGOLIA