The Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Tour, 13 days

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar

The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 20th-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers (felt tents) and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your Zendmen Travel guide and transferred to a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops. You will visit the Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, where you can see a gigantic Janraisag Statue, the god of eternity, as tall as nine stories of an apartment block. In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, one of the 100 best museums in the world where you can see traditional costumes of different ethnic Mongols, archaeological discoveries of prehistoric people, and the Mongol Empire of the 13th century. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

            (Hotel****; L, D)

Day 2. Tsagaan Suvarga

Embark on an exciting overland journey to the majestic Gobi Desert, where you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes and picturesque scenery along the rugged terrain. You’ll explore is “Tsagaan Suvarga,” a stunning geological formation showcasing layers of history through vibrant, mineral-rich cliffs. Marvel at the striking colors that paint these natural sculptures and enjoy hiking through this unique and captivating landscape.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 3. Yolyn Am- The Vulture Valley

Some of the Gobi’s most breathtaking sights await you today. You will continue your journey driving to Yol Valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saihan National Park, cradled between the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this surprisingly green valley. Now, its remnant streams create ice formations at the base of the valley that sometimes persists as late as July. You will hike at an altitude of 2,000m to reach the ice. A day hike is involved in reaching the valley.

 (Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 4. Hongoriin Els
Hongoriin Els are some of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia, where it stretches for 180 kilometers across the desert. Stomping around the sand dunes with like-minded companions is genuinely memorable. You will drive to the west heading Hongor Singing Sand dunes. The Singing sand, named for the remarkable, low-pitched groan that it emits when the surface is disturbed. These dunes, reaching upwards of 1,400m, are the Gobi’s most magnificent sand dunes. Due to their isolation, the secret of this area’s beauty has been kept safe for thousands of years.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 5. Bayanzag- The Flaming Cliffs

Your journey will head to world-famous “Flaming Cliffs,” home to ancient dinosaurs where an American scientist Roy Chapman Andrews excavated the first known dinosaur eggs in paleontological history in 1923. The beauty of the place makes an exciting visit.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 6. Ongi Monastery

Start driving to the north with a stopover at the remains of historic Ongi Monastery, one of 750 worshipping places of Mongolia that were destroyed by communists in the 1930s. Days of driving may be rather discomforting. Therefore, you can take our complimentary full body massage at the Ongi ger camp in the evening. Overnight in a ger camp.

(Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 7. Orkhon Valley

Begin the day with a drive from Ongi Monastery to the stunning Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cultural and natural significance. The journey will take you along scenic dirt roads, offering glimpses of Mongolia’s vast and untamed landscapes. While the drive is longer compared to previous days, the breathtaking views and sense of adventure make it a memorable experience. Upon arrival at the ger camp in Orkhon Valley, settle in and unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic valley, in the evening.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 8. Orkhon Waterfall

In the morning, take a scenic drive of about one and a half hours to the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall, a natural wonder nestled within the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley. Marvel at the cascading waters and the lush surroundings, a picture-perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. On the way to the waterfall, visit a yak-herding nomadic family to gain insight into their traditional way of life. Enjoy the opportunity to sample unique dairy products made from yak milk, offering an authentic taste of Mongolia’s nomadic culture. For those seeking additional adventure, optional horse riding can be arranged in this picturesque setting.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 9. Hiking to Tuvkhun Monastery

Tuvkhun Monastery is perched atop Shiree Ulaan Mountain in the Khangai Mountain range, reachable only by foot or horseback due to its remote setting. Discover this secluded sanctuary hidden within lush, forested mountains. In the evening, unwind in a soothing hot spring pool.

(Hotel****; B, L, D)

Day 10. Historic Kharhorin

Once the ancient capital that served Chinggis Khan and his vast Mongolia Empire, Kharhorin has now become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Enter the Erdenezuu monastery in time to join the monks and lay folk for the morning ceremonies. Erdenezuu Monastery was established on the ruins of Kharkhorum city by Avtai Sain Khaan in 1585, and some of the temples were built with materials from the ancient city. A wall surrounds the stunning monastery made up of a chain of 108 stupas. There is a vivid difference between Mongolian and Tibetan architecture among monastery temples. Discover the Buddhist treasures inside the monastery museum and walk to one of the last remaining stones (turtles) of Ogodei Khan’s palace. The museum sections of the monastery display three gigantic statues of young, adult, and mature Buddha along with numerous artefacts from different period including two different types of Tankas (Nagtan, Tagtan), paper-mache masks of Tsam dance, Zanabazar school statues made of silver, copper and gilded with gold and large silk appliqués of various portraits of Buddhas and Dalai Lamas.

(Ger camp; B, L, D)

Day 11. Hustai National Park

Wildlife exploration in Hustai National Park will be one of the highlights of the journey where you will encounter the Wild Horse ‘Takhi,’ the only species of a wild horse in the world. Takhi has been reintroduced since the 1990s, and this is the only place you can see this beautiful animal in the wild. Enjoy your horse ride in the national park. When you arrive in the national park, you will check in your ger camp and will make traditional Mongolian ger as your home. After a short rest, you will have your lunch. There is a small museum in the ger camp where you can hear wild horse related information and about the Takhi reintroduction program in the national park.

(Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 12. Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, return to Ulaanbaatar for last-minute shopping and optional sightseeing at your pace, followed by a memorable farewell dinner to conclude your journey.

(Hotel****; B, L, D)

Day 13. Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight. (B)