Visit Kharkhorum, Ongi monastery, Bayanzag, Khongor Sand Dunes, Yol Valley, Tsagaan Suvarga, and Terelj National Park during this 8-day, 7-night best winter tour. The Best Winter Tour is more than just a trip to one of the toughest places on Earth—it’s a chance to see Mongolia’s amazing scenery, learn about its culture, and meet its strong and welcoming people. Whether you love adventure, taking photos, or exploring new cultures, this tour will give you memories you’ll never forget.
Day 1 Kharkhorum
We will meet you at your location at 9:00 am. Then, we will depart to Kharkhorum tour. Kharkhorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire from 1235 to 1263. Today, Kharkhorum is a small village and one of Mongolia’s major tourist destinations. Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1585 on the ruins of the ancient city. Additionally, visit the museum. The museum in Kharkhorin is small but very impressive.
Distance: 365km ( 6h drive on paved road )
Local hotel (Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 2 Ongi Monastery
Ongi Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Saikhan Ovoo, near the village of Saikhan Ovoo in the province of Dundgovi. The monastery was one of the largest and most respected monasteries in Mongolia before it was destroyed in 1939 by the communist authorities. Even though there isn’t much left, it’s still interesting to visit and explore the ruins.
Distance: 250km ( 6h drive on dirt road )
Nomadic family’s ger (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 3 Bayanzag
Today, we will be driving to Bayanzag. Bayanzag, also known as The Flaming Cliffs, is famous for its historical events, dinosaur fossils, and the very first discovery of dinosaur eggs. American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, known for leading a series of expeditions, named this site “Flaming Cliffs” because the colors become even more vibrant, especially at sunset.
Ger guesthouse (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 160km ( 5h drive on dirt road )
Day 4 Khongor sand dunes- Highlight of Best Winter Tour
Khongor Sand Dunes are among the largest sand dunes in Mongolia, covering an area of 180 kilometers in length. The tallest dunes, reaching heights of up to 800 meters, are in the northwestern part of the range. Climbing these dunes can be tough for many people. But when you get to the top, you’ll see an amazing view of the Gobi desert. Enjoy the highlight of Best winter tour. Camel riding 1h.
Nomad’s Ger (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 130km ( 5h drive on dirt road )
Day 5 Yol Valley
Yol Valley is a beautiful narrow valley in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park in Mongolia. Tall cliffs and rocks add to the valley’s stunning appearance. Enjoy a leisurely hike and capture the charming landscapes and wildlife through photography.
Local Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Distance: 180km ( 5-66h drive on dirt/paved road )
Day 6 White stupa
Today, our destination is Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the ‘White Stupa.’ The cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga exhibit a stunning array of colors, ranging from white and yellow to red and orange. You can enjoy hiking around this colorful Stupa, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that make the Gobi Winter Tour so unique. After exploring tsagaan suwarga, we will drive to Mandalgobi town.
Local Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 360km ( 7h drive on paved/dirt road )
Day 7 Terelj National Park
Terelj National Park is famous for its beautiful landscapes, like lush valleys, winding rivers, and rugged rock formations. Enjoy hiking to Ariyabal Meditation Temple. From the top of the temple, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the national park. Horse riding 1h
Ger Camp (Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner)
Distance: 330km ( 6h drive on paved/dirt road )
Day 8 Chinggis Khan statue and UB
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Terelj NP and visit the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex. After exploring the impressive statue of Chinggis Khan, we will drive back to UB. Drop you off at your booked hotel or guesthouse. Experience Best Winter Tour tour with us!
(Breakfast/Lunch)
1 person- $2860
2 people -$1590 per person
3 people -$1270 per person
4 people -$1150 per person
Included
Breakfast- 7, Lunch- 8, Dinner-7
Local hotel 3, Ger guesthouse 3 nights, Ger camp 1 night
English speaking tour guide
Driver+ Gas+4WD vehicle / Minivan
Camel riding 1h
Horse riding 1h
Entrance fees for the parks and museums listed in the program
Daily drinking water (1.5 liter per person per day)
Not Included
International Airfare and Mongolia visa fee
Personal items
Alcoholic drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Single supplement
Accommodation in UB
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Best Winter Tour
Despite the cold, winter in Mongolia offers memorable adventures and cultural experiences. The best time to experience Best Winter Tour is from late October to early March. Temperatures can drop below -30°C (-22°F), but the dry air and sunshine make the cold more bearable. Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or cultural explorer, the Best Winter Tour delivers memories that last a lifetime.
- Cultural Immersion: Winter is an excellent time to learn about nomadic life, as families often welcome visitors to share their lifestyle and traditions during the Best Winter Tour.
- Horse Riding: Despite the cold, horse riding remains a popular activity, allowing you to traverse the stunning winter scenery.
- Camel Riding: Even in winter, camel rides are a popular activity. It’s an opportunity to see how the Bactrian camels, with their thick fur, are well adapted to the cold.
- Stay in a Ger: Experience traditional Mongolian hospitality by staying in a heated ger. Enjoy the warmth of a wood stove and taste local cuisine.
- Photography: The Best Winter Tour also offers the perfect setting for photography, with snow-covered steppes, majestic mountains, and traditional gers creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
Ger Guesthouses ( provided by local nomadic families)
Some nomadic families living in national parks or tourist areas run small businesses that rent out yurt to travelers. This gives you a great chance to experience their lifestyle up close.
On our budget tours, you’ll stay in a traditional Ger Guesthouse. Typically, these have 4 to 6 beds and are shared only with other members of your tour group—not with strangers.
However, please note that most nomadic families don’t have formal toilets. The best you might find is a basic outdoor toilet, with walls on three sides for privacy. Also, some nomadic families’ yurt may not have any shower facilities.
Standard Ger Camps
Standard Ger Camps are like hotels, but instead of rooms, you sleep in a yurt. These camps are usually near famous places.
A Standard Ger has 2 to 4 single beds, a small table, a stove to keep warm, and sometimes a a shelf or a small sink. However, there is no bathroom inside the ger. You will use clean toilets and hot showers in another building nearby. Additionally, there is also a place to eat, and sometimes a small bar or game room.
Some camps have Ensuite Gers. These have a private bathroom inside the yurt. If you want this type, please tell us. We can book it for you, but it costs extra.
Packing List for a Best Winter Tour
Clothing:
- Thick winter coat: A long, heavy coat (down to your thighs or knees) that keeps you warm in really cold weather — even when it’s as cold as -30°C or lower.
Warm winter boots: Boots made to keep your feet warm in freezing weather (as cold as -40°C). They should have thick bottoms and be waterproof to keep out snow and slush.
Hat, gloves, and scarf for colder weather.
Health and Safety:
Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.
Bug spray and sun cream.
Prescription medications along with their prescriptions.
Toiletries:
Stick to small versions of your essentials to save space. Include:
Soap, shampoo, a brush for your teeth, toothpaste
Sunscreen and moisturizing cream (especially helpful against sun and wind)
Roll-on
Shaving cream in a tube or stick
Extra razor blades
Wet and dry wipes
Since there are no showers during the nomadic stay, bring enough supplies to stay fresh.
Additional Items:
Bring your own sleeping bag or sheets for sleeping bags.
Consider bringing small gifts for nomad families.
Headlamp
