The 14-day Explore Mongolia Tour combines Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, and Central Mongolia. Visit dramatic cliffs, golden dunes, green valleys, lakes, historic sites, and experience horseback and camel riding along the way.
Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
On the first day of your Best of Northern Mongolia Tour, our team will welcome you at the airport. After some time to freshen up, begin exploring Ulaanbaatar with a visit to Gandan Monastery, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful Buddhist architecture.
Next, visit the National History Museum to learn more about Mongolia’s rich past. Then, take a relaxing walk around Sukhbaatar Square, the lively center of the capital. In the evening, enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 2
Genghis Khan Statue & Terelj National Park
Pick you up at 9:00 AM. First, visit the impressive Genghis Khan Statue Complex, the largest horse statue in the world. Explore the museum and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
Next, head to Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most scenic and popular parks. On the way, stop at the famous Turtle Rock. A short drive brings you to the peaceful Ariyabal Meditation Temple, offering great views and a short, scenic hike.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 3
Baga gazarin chuluu
After breakfast, we head to Baga Gazariin Chuluu, a stunning rocky area in the Middle Gobi.
This area is 15 km by 10 km with striking rock formations. It stands out from the flat desert and offers great views. You can walk, hike, and enjoy the peaceful Gobi scenery.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 4
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Today, our Mongolia overland tour heads to Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa. This beautiful cliff formation stands out with its bright layers of white, yellow, red, and orange. The colors come from natural minerals and clay in the rock.
It’s a great place to walk around, take photos, and enjoy the wide-open views of the Gobi Desert.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 5
Explore Yol Valley
Yol Valley is a narrow, beautiful spot in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park.
Tall cliffs and rocks surround the valley. You can hike through narrow paths and see a glacier that melts by late June. Enjoy the fresh air, spot wildlife, and take great photos.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 6
Khongor Sand Dunes
A highlight of our Gobi and Central Mongolia tour is today’s visit to the magnificent Khongor Sand Dunes, which stretch over 180 kilometers and rise up to 800 meters high.
Climbing these dunes can be tough for many people. But when you get to the top, you’ll see an amazing view of the desert. Experience riding on two-humped Bactrian camels.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 7
Bayanzag- flaming cliffs
After breakfast, we drive to Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs. This iconic site is where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews.
The red cliffs glow at sunset, making it a photographer’s dream in the Gobi Desert.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 8
Explore the Ruins of Ongi Monastery
Ongi Monastery was one of the largest and most respected in Mongolia. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1939 during the communist purge.
Today, only ruins remain. But even with little left, it’s a fascinating place to visit. You can walk through the ruins, enjoy the views, and imagine its powerful past.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 9
Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Valley is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful destinations. This area features rolling grasslands, lush meadows, and unique volcanic rock formations. Today is the longest driving day of this 12-day Gobi and Central Mongolia tour, but the stunning scenery makes it worthwhile.
You’ll also enjoy a short hike to the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall, a perfect spot to stretch your legs and take in nature’s beauty. Horse riding 1h.
Standard ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner )
Day 10
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Visit the peaceful Tsenkher Hot Springs, a popular spot to relax in nature. The warm, mineral-rich waters are known for their healing effects and help soothe tired muscles.
Set among forested hills, the springs offer a calm retreat after days of adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind, snap photos, or enjoy a wellness break, Tsenkher is the perfect place to recharge.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 11
Terkh Lake & Khorgo Volcano
Explore Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, one of Mongolia’s hidden gems. Known for its volcanic landscapes and the clear waters of Terkh Lake, it’s the perfect escape into nature.
Hike around the peaceful lake and climb Khorgo Volcano, a dormant crater that offers stunning panoramic views. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography.
Standard Ger ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner )
Day 12
Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery
Today, we will visit Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. This historic town is full of cultural treasures and stories from the past.
We’ll explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and also visit the Kharkhorin Museum.
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Day 13
Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we drive from Kharkhorin back to Ulaanbaatar. Once in Ulaanbaatar, check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. This is a perfect chance to relax, shop, or visit local sights.
Hotel***( Breakfast/ Lunch )
Day 14
Departure from Mongolia
After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport or train station to end your tour. Safe travels!
Tour Price
2 people -$3190 per person
3 people -$2770 per person
4 people -$2520 per person
5 and more – $2010 per person
Included
- Breakfast- 12, Lunch- 13, Dinner-12
- Standard ger 11, Hotel*** 2
- 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, snacks, bar bills, laundry
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
14-Day Explore Mongolia Tour: Gobi & Central Mongolia
The 14-Day Explore Mongolia Tour combines Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, and Central Mongolia. Visit historic sites, dramatic cliffs, golden dunes, green valleys, mountains, lakes, and open steppe. Start in Ulaanbaatar with visits to Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum, and Sukhbaatar Square. Then travel to the Gobi and explore Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag, and Ongi Monastery. Enjoy a 1-hour camel ride among the Khongor Sand Dunes.
Continue to Central Mongolia to see the Orkhon Valley and Orkhon Waterfall. Enjoy horseback riding, relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs, and visit Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Finish in Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Stay in traditional ger camps, meet local families, and enjoy local food throughout the journey.
What to Expect
- Ulaanbaatar: Visit the capital’s main sights and learn about Mongolia’s history and culture.
- Gobi Desert: See Baga Gazariin Chuluu, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag, and Ongi Monastery.
- Central Mongolia: Explore Orkhon Valley, Orkhon Waterfall, Tsenkher Hot Springs, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, and Khorgo Volcano.
- Horse riding: Ride through the open landscapes of the Orkhon Valley.
- Camel riding: Enjoy a 1-hour camel ride among the Khongor Sand Dunes.
- History: Visit Kharkhorin and the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery.
- Nomadic culture: Stay in ger camps, meet local families, and enjoy traditional Mongolian food.
- Complete journey: Experience Mongolia’s capital, desert, steppe, mountains, lakes, and historic sites in one 14-day adventure.
FAQ
What about drivers and guides?
Drivers with Vehicles
Our experienced drivers know Mongolia’s paved roads, gravel tracks, and rugged terrain. We provide comfortable, reliable vehicles suited to different road conditions, including Toyota Delica, Toyota Hiace, Toyota Prado, and Hyundai Grand Starex. Vehicles are selected based on the group size, itinerary, and road conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Tour guides
Our English-speaking guides have excellent knowledge of Mongolia’s history, culture, and landscapes. They are friendly, professional, and happy to share their knowledge throughout your Mongolia tour. Guides who speak other languages can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
What accommodation is provided?
What are ger camps? ( Yurt)
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, and a stove to keep warm. And sometimes a shelf or a small sink. There is no bathroom inside the ger. You will use clean toilets and hot showers in another building nearby. 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. Please note that ensuite gers are not available at all tourist destinations, and some camps have only a few ensuite gers.
What meals are included?
Meals on Your Mongolia Tour
Breakfast and dinner are provided at the ger camps, while lunch is usually served at local restaurants or cafés based on the day’s itinerary. In the Mongolian countryside, ger camps mainly serve traditional Mongolian food, along with some European-style dishes. Meals often include meat with vegetables, salads, or soup. Breakfast usually includes tea or coffee, bread, butter, jam, eggs, and sausage. Some ger camps also offer cereals, pancakes, cheese, and other options. When staying with nomadic families, you can enjoy authentic homemade Mongolian food and experience local cuisine.
Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be arranged with advance notice. Please let us know about any allergies or restrictions when booking. We provide one 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water per person per day.
What should I bring with me?
Recommended Clothing for Gobi desert Tour
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Warm layers – Mongolia’s climate can vary greatly, even in summer. Pack light and warm clothing such as sweaters, thermal tops, and a quality jacket.
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Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – Ideal for exploring national parks, valleys, and countryside trails.
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Waterproof jacket or rain poncho – Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so pack for possible rain.
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Hat, gloves, and scarf – Especially useful for cool mornings and nights.
Health and Safety Essentials
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Personal medications – Bring all necessary medications in their original packaging.
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Basic first aid kit – Include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary personal care supplies.
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Bug spray or insect repellent – Especially helpful during evenings or in grassland areas.
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Sunscreen – The sun can be intense in Mongolia’s high-altitude regions.
Toiletries and Personal Care
To save space, bring travel-size toiletries and only what you’ll need:
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo
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Sunscreen and moisturizer to protect against dry air and sun exposure
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Roll-on deodorant
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Shaving cream (in tube or stick form) and extra razor blades
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Wet wipes and dry tissues – useful when traveling in rural areas
