Classic Mongolia
Example Itinerary
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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 ...
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 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. There will be the chance to climb the Khongoryn Els Dunes, some of the highest in the country, for prized views over the expansive sandy dunes. You’ll enjoy walks through the area’s canyons, home to soaring eagles and grazing camels, and a visit to the crumbling remains of the old Mongolian capital of Kharkhorin.
Towards the end of the trip, a tour of the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery is then followed by an exploration of the Khogno Khan National Park, before a return to the capital marks the end of this perfect journey of discovery.
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hotel Rating
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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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
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.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
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.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN MONGOLIA
Check out our group tours in Mongolia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Mongolia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Mongolia