Classic Mongolia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Blessed with nomadic hospitality, rich expansive landscapes and the cultural legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. This stunning 10-day journey through some of its natural and cultural highlights takes you from its bustling capital and deep into the heart of its vast wilderness. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar you’ll venture into the Terelj National Park where you can ride horses amongst the forested mountains before flying on to the edge of ...
Blessed with nomadic hospitality, rich expansive landscapes and the cultural legacy of Genghis Khan, Mongolia remains one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. This stunning 10-day journey through some of its natural and cultural highlights takes you from its bustling capital and deep into the heart of its vast wilderness. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar you’ll venture into the Terelj National Park where you can ride horses amongst the forested mountains before flying on to the edge of the Gobi Desert. Here, surrounded by ancient rock paintings and the remains of prehistoric beasts, you’ll journey through a rapidly changing landscape from the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag to lush fertile grasslands. Expect to climb the Khongoryn Els Dunes, some of the highest dunes in the country, for prized views over the expansive dunes; walk through canyons that are home to soaring eagles and grazing camels; and visit the crumbling remains of the old Mongolian capital of Kharkhorin. Continuing, a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery is then followed by a chance to explore the Khogno Khan National Park before the return to the capital marks the end of this quite extraordinary journey of discovery.
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.
DAY 1: ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR WITH CITY TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR WITH CITY TOUR
Arriving in the Mongolian capital early today, you'll transfer to your hotel for a rest before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the city later on. A visit to the Ganden Monastery affords you an opportunity to see one of the most complete temples in Mongolia, whilst a tour around the National Museum provides a good introduction to the historical traditions and geographical make-up of the country. This evening, enjoy a traditional folk show followed dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR - TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Leaving Ulaanbaatar today, you'll drive to the expansive landscapes of the nearby Terelj National Park. The country's first national park, its stunning rock formations and spectacular views of forested mountains makes this a popular attraction for local day-trippers escaping the capital. A late morning arrival allows time to explore the park on foot before overnighting at a ger camp within the park.
DAY 3: TERELJ HORSE RIDE - ULAANBAATAR
DAY 3: TERELJ HORSE RIDE - ULAANBAATAR
Head out this morning on horseback to explore the surrounding valleys 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.
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, the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag. The rich red cliffs rising up from the desert sands create a stunning setting within which to enjoy a walk.
DAY 5: YOLYN AM VALLEY - KHONGORYN ELS
DAY 5: YOLYN AM VALLEY - KHONGORYN ELS
Turning west, you head towards the Khavtsgait petroglyphs today, where a short scramble takes you to the top of a hill adorned with ancient petroglyphs that date back over 7,000 years. Continuing on through the desert, you'll then take a road that winds its way through the rocky mountains and past herds of grazing goats and camels. Your ger camp for this evening is located close to the impressive Khongoryn Els Dunes where you can visit a family of nomadic camel herders, take a Bactrian ride alongside the dunes and enjoy an early evening climb up them for stunning views out across the rippling sands towards the desert beyond.
DAY 6: KHONGORYN ELS - ONGIIN KHIID
DAY 6: KHONGORYN ELS - ONGIIN KHIID
Leaving the Gobi desert 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 what was once one of the largest monasteries in the country. 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.
DAY 7: ONGIIN KHIID - KHARKHORIN
DAY 7: ONGIIN KHIID - KHARKHORIN
As you journey into central Mongolia today the landscape changes again, with thick forests of pine and rolling hills set as a backdrop as you head towards Kharkhorin. Briefly the Mongol capital before being deserted in the 16th century, the remains of Kharkhorin 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.
DAY 8: KHARKHORIN - KHOGNO KHAN
DAY 8: KHARKHORIN - KHOGNO KHAN
A morning visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery grants an opportunity to watch a mid-morning ceremony and chanting before continuing on to the Khogno Khan National Park. Home to a rich mix of historical sites, wildlife and spectacular scenery, the park features some excellent walks amongst wonderful scenery including rocky mountains, sand dunes, green grasslands and open steppe. Explore the area 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.
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 and perhaps take in more of its monasteries and museums or enjoy some last-minute shopping before dinner.
DAY 10: DEPART ULAANBAATAR
DAY 10: DEPART ULAANBAATAR
You will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp, Ongiin Khiid
Ten minutes away from the Ongiin Monastery by foot is the award winning Ongiin Nuuts (Secret History Camp). The 45 gers face down towards the river, each has an unusual top protruding from the centre with little glass windows giving plenty of light and unusual curved wooden doors. The gers have two traditional-style day beds, a table and chairs, and there is also an electric light and power socket. The bar and restaurant are in a large wooden building with temple style roof. There are spacious and modern toilets and showers and also a sauna and massage on offer.
Gobi Discovery 2, Khongoryn Els
Each of the 40 gers at the Gobi Discovery 2 faces south towards the towering sand dunes stretching in front of the mountains. The gers themselves are simple, carpeted and with twin pine beds, tables and chairs. A new wash block is spacious with modern and clean showers and toilets and a new restaurant and bar provide good food. The camp is perfectly positioned for heading to the dunes with the highest just 20 minutes away and a local family offering camel ride
Gobi Mirage Ger Camp, South Gobi
High on a plateau with views stretching as far as you can see across the desert, the Gobi Mirage is home to 30 gers, each large ger has twin beds and a small table. No stoves are needed for the warm nights and meals are taken in the large restaurant ger. There is a basketball area and plenty of space for games. The shower block is large, modern and clean.
Sweet Gobi, Elsen Tasarkhai
Set right on the edge of Elsen Tasarkhai dunes in a stunning wilderness location, this eco-camp has stylishly appointed gers with double beds, comfy mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and traditional soft furnishings and design features. In keeping with their environmental credentials the toilets are compost facilities stylishly and cleanly maintained, plus there is a ‘bathroom’ ger where they provide a personal head massage and hair-washing service. Their large ornately carved dining ger provides delicious meals, a range of beers and wines and outstanding views of the surrounding plateau.
Monkh Tenger Camp, Kharkhorin
A lovely camp on the edge of the city with 25 gers, Munkh Tenger Camp is beautifully furnished with traditionally painted day beds, plus extras such as wardrobes, tables, a sink and a sofa. Gers have double, twin or triple beds and are still spacious, with 14 Gers providing en suite facilities. A restaurant provides good food and there is a small toilet and shower block. The grassy areas between gers have plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the mountain views.
Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
A great five-star option in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel offers 198 rooms. The modern amenities and stylish interiors are everything you would expect from a city chain hotel. The rooms categories range from Standard, Deluxe, Suite, Family Suite and Presidential Suite, with some offering fantastic city and mountain views. There are three dining options; Premier Lounge on the 25th floor combines panoramic views with relaxing lounge music; Prime Grille serves flam grilled delicious dishes from around the world; and Le Cabernet Coffee Lounge provides a casual atmosphere for a quick bite to eat. Before or after a long flight, take advantage of the Aroma Tera Beauty Spa and Sauna, as well as the fitness centre.
Terelj Lodge Ger Camp, Terelj National Park
Set away from the main road and within sight of just two other camps, the Terelj lodge offers guests luxury accommodation, plenty of activities and a great restaurant. Guests are accommodated in 25 standard gers, seven deluxe gers and ten wooden cabins. Cabins have double beds and large windows on to terraces, standard gers are simple with beds set around the ger and deluxe gers have a double bed and an end suite shower room. All are decorated traditionally and very thoughtfully. The bathroom block is large, very clean and modern. There is a bar/cafe ger as well as a large restaurant and wooden verandas from which to enjoy the views. Activities on offer include hiking, horse riding and archery and there is also a small play area. The outdoor space comprises a seating area ideal for evening drinks, plus an outdoor basketball court for those more active guests.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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