BEST OF MONGOLIA
  • Price from: 1990USD

    per person based on 2 people

  • Duration: 13days/12nights
  • Availability: 2023 Jul 18 - Jul 31

Trip summary:

Northern & Southern & Central Mongolia Discovery

Mongolia is known for many things – wide – open skies, Genghis Khan, Gobi Desert and more.

This journey takes 9 days and we cover a spectacular range of Mongolia’s landscapes and sights of cultural and historical interests, from the rolling green steppes of central Mongolia, past Karakorum and Khangai Mountains, to the colours of the Gobi Desert - ancient home land of Dinosaur, Singing Dunes, through the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvan Saikhan means Three Beauties of the Gobi and this range marks the eastern end of Gobi Altai mountain range, past Yulture’s Gorge, “Flaming cliff” of Bayanzag and UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Karakorum - ruins and museum of ancient and most interesting national park. One of the highlights in this trip is the clearest & beautiful Khovsgul Lake (136 km long, 36 km wide 262 meters deep), visit to the most interesting National Parks and much more!.

Relaxing in wild nature and explore nomadic life style... driving, walking, horse and camel riding, climbing to sand dunes are the main activities.

Brief Itinerary:

Day

Activities

Meals

Accommodation

Day 01

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

-

Hotel****

Day 02

Flight to Gobi Desert – Yol Valley (Vulture’s gorge)

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 03

Khongor sand dunes, the biggest sand dune in Gobi Desert

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 04

Bayanzag (flaming cliffs)

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 05

Ongi Monastery, Middle Gobi

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 06

Karakorum & Erdenezuu Buddhist Monastery

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 07

Tsetserleg - Taikhar rock

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 08

Khorgo extinct volcano - Terkh White Lake National Park

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 09

Murun, Northern Mongolia

B, L, D

Local Hotel

Day 10

Khovsgol Lake National Park

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 11

Full day at Khovsgol Lake

B, L, D

Ger camp

Day 12

Flight to Ulaanbaatar-city tour

B, L

Hotel****

Day 13

Departure

      B,

 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

On arrival at Genghis Khaan International Airport then we transfer to the Hotel to freshen up and you may need some time to relax from the long –distance flight or possibly from jet lag 

 Accommodation: Hotel****. Meals: not included on this day

Day 02: Flight to Gobi Desert - Yol Valley (Vulture’s gorge)

This morning we take morning flight to Dalanzadgad, which is a town in Gobi. We passing through Gobi Gurvansaikhan Mountain which marks the end of Gobi Altai mountain range. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means Three Beauties of the Gobi. The national Park’s landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plain, precipitous cliffs and ravine, salt pans, and oasis. We visit a spectacular natural sights of this region – Yolyn Am-Vulture Gorge in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Yolyn Am features a narrow canyon, so deep that even in the middle of summer ice and snow remain in the valley floor. This area is rich in wildlife and we will see Argali, wild sheep, Ibex Khulan high on the cliff walls.

Accommodation: Ger camp  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 50km, driving for 1 hour 

Day 03: Khongor sand dunes, Singing Dunes in Gobi Desert

On this day, our trip will continue driving west to the extraordinary sand dunes of Khongor-Singing Dunes. Hongoryn Els is renowned for the largest sand dunes in the Gobi Desert. They stretch on from the north-west of the mountain range 200km. The highest dunes are almost 100metres high. The dunes are also known as the “Singing Dunes” due to beautiful sounds created by patterns in the sand on a windy day. Upon we arrive, we will have lunch and relax at cozy Ger camp until Gobi hot temperature decrease. In the evening we will visit camel breeders family and experience a traditional lifestyle which has not changed for centuries. Its chance to try drinking Hormog (fermented camel milk). Then we will ride a camel. The sand dunes are the perfect place for camel riding, which is relatively easy with their gentle gaits and soft comfortable back. Mongolia is home to 2/3 of the two-humped Bactrian camels in the world. The Gobi has 100 000 camels, which we are typically used by herders for transportation of their gers. Afterwards, we will explore the singing dunes and climb to the highest points, opportunity to see the breathtaking view of the surrounding area and amazing sunshine panorama of sand dunes.  

Accommodation: Ger camp.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 170km, driving for ~4.5hrs.          

Day 04: Bayanzag (flaming cliffs)

This morning we drive to Bayanzag which is a world-renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920’s by Mongolian and Roy Chapman Andrews American Paleontologists.

Upon arrive at Ger camp, we will watch interesting video about how Roy Chapman Andrews and American expedition discovered the first dinosaur eggs from Bayanzag and transferred dinosaur skeletons on the camel back through Gobi Desert. Their findings proved to the world that dinosaurs laid eggs. Then we will take short drive to the Flaming cliffs, enjoy hike amongst colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. We are free to explore the region and feel like dinosaur hunters because even now many dinosaur fossils remain. Return to the camp and overnight.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 180km, driving for ~4hrs. 

Day 05: Ongi Temple, Middle Gobi

Today, we will travel through the huge open landscape called Ongi steppe, which is over 80km wide steppe in the Gobi zone and come to around lunch time at Ger camp, which is near to the ruined monastery of Ongi Temple. This small mountainous area along the Ongi River makes a good resting place to break a trip between the two major destinations.

Ongi temple was established in 1660 and once composed of 30 temples, 4 big Buddhism universities. It was destroyed by the communist purges of the 1930s and is being restored by a number of monks.  Nowadays that one temple serves as a museum. Upon we arrive Ger camp, you will have lunch and explore ruins of the monastery. The views of the ruins, river, Ger camps and the surrounding area are very impressive, you can see from any of the nearby hills.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 170km, driving for ~4hrs. 

Day 06: Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery

After breakfast, we will drive to Karakorum and Erdenezuu Monastery. Karakorum was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire, but the epic center of trade along Silk Road. However, the Karakorum of today is a small settlement with little focus on tourism. Today there is a museum does show off some of the artefacts they've recovered so far,

Upon arrival in the village, check in ger camp and lunch, then we will visit museum of Karakorum and learn about beautiful ancient Karakorum. Then we will visit to the magnificent and the oldest Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdenezuu, built in the 16th century, with 108 stupas. Here you can listen to interesting monk chanting Buddhist sutras. Return to ger camp, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 280km, driving for ~5.5hrs

Day 07: Tsetserleg town – Taikhar, Khangai

After breakfast, our tour will continue towards to Taikar Rock, which is a massive granite rock located on the banks of the Tamir River surrounding flat country.  It’s covered with 150 writings in many different languages and dating back from many different periods.

On the way, we will visit Tsetserleg town, which is the capital of Arkhangai province with population of around 20,000. Upon we arrive at the camp, then in the evening, we will enjoy visiting the local nomad family to experience firsthand how people live in the country side and a lifestyle which has not changed for centuries. There is we can taste Airag, which is made horse fermented milk.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 60km, driving for 2hrs. 

Day 08: Khorgo extinct volcano & Terkh White Lake National Park

Today morning, we will continue trip to Khorgo, Terkh National Park is amazingly beautiful scenery of mountains, cliffs, rapid rivers, lakes, extinct volcanoes and fantastic caves green forests and pastures, where the long-haired yaks and horse thrive.

After hiking to extinct Khorgo volcano crater we will have dinner in shore of Terkh white lake’s tourist Ger camp. Terkh White Terkh Lake is a mesmerizing beautiful lake with crystal clear fresh water. This lake was created as a result of basaltic blockage of Terkh River following the eruption of Khorgo volcano and some other volcanoes about 8000 years ago. Hiking, horse riding, mountain climbing, fishing and swimming are all good here. 

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 250km, driving for ~4hrs.  

Day 09: Moron village, Northern Mongolia

Today we will head towards to Khuvsgul Lake, which is known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia and second the clearest lake in Central Asia. On this day, we will travel through beautiful Mountain passes, cross rivers, vast grasslands and lastly, arrive in Moron, the small town of Khovsgol province with population of 35000. We will have dinner and relax at local hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 280km, driving for ~6hrs.  

Day 10: Khovsgol Lake National Park

After relaxing breakfast, we will continue our trip to Khovsgol Lake, known as “Blue Pearl”.  We drive to the Lake Khuvsgul NP with its surrounding scenery of Alpine mountain forests, rivers, and lush pastures and known as “Blue Pearl”. The Lake water is crystal clear blue, so that you can see bottom of lake when you are sailing and this lake is surrounded by deep forest and magnificent mountains. On the way, we will visit Khatgal village and explore the village’s life, market and main port of the lake.

After lunch and check-in at the Ger camp, we will explore the Khovsgol Lake National Park. Relaxing free time offers us the opportunity to explore the surroundings, hiking in the surrounding hills, swimming in the lake and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 110km, driving for ~3,5 hrs.  

Day 11: Full day at Khovsgol Lake

Lake Khuvsgul is the second largest freshwater lake in Central Asia, behind its sister Baikal in Siberia. At an elevation of 1645 m above sea level, forests, alpine, meadows and snowcapped peaks make stunning backdrop to the lake’ waters. Lake Khuvsgul has been protected as a National Park since 1986, although traditional herders in the area continue to herd sheep and yaks by the lake.  Khovsgol province is home to the southernmost indigenous reindeer herding people (Tsaatan) in the world. Reindeer herders practice shamanism and live in teepees.  They are the last reindeer herders who survived for thousands of years inhabiting the remotest subarctic taiga, moving between 5 and 10 times a year. From our comfortable lakeside ger camp, in the afternoon  free program of activities for you to be on your own. There is great opportunity to – hiking, horse riding, kayaking or just enjoy at wild life nature to take photos. It is possible that we have luck of fishing at Eg river.  

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Goodbye pearl of Mongolia – Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast we start our journey back to Murun town to catch the flight to Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar city, we will visit Zaisan Memorial Hill is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having a best view of the city and surrounding hills. Next visit Bogd Khan Palace museum - the complex was a residence of 8th Bogd Javzandamba in 19th century, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace.

After lunch, free for your choice. You can be transferred to the hotel for rest and refreshment or go shopping for souvenirs and local products, your guide will be ready to serve you for that. Suggested shopping places are State department store, famous “Gobi” cashmere factory store and “Naran Tuul” Black market.

 This evening we will enjoy a performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance “Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show by famous Tumen-Ekh ensemble. The most interesting performances are the throat singing, contortionists and Tsam dancers, Khoomii ot throat singing is a musical art delivered with the help of a guttural voice and specific way of breathing. This is one of the most successful folk art groups to share traditional Mongolian music with the world. Farewell dinner is at Veranda Mediterranean Restaurant

Accommodation: Hotel****. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Total distance: 110km, driving for ~3,5 hrs. 

Day 13 Departure

As your memorable trip comes to end, transfer to the airport for your flight to home

Meals: Breakfast

Price: from 1890USD /per person based on 2 people/

Included services: 

  • Trained English speaking guide at all times
  • National Parks and Cultural sight entrance fees according to the itinerary
  • Internal flights: + included all tax, free luggage allowance is 15kg
  • Private transfers & transports 4WD Japanese minivans + Experienced driver
  • Comfortable 4* hotel in the city – based on twin/double
  • Best ger camp accommodation in countryside
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Camel Trek in the sand dunes
  • Complimentary drink water
  • Visa support invitation letter where applicable

Price excludes:

  • International Airfare/Train tickets & Travel Insurances
  • Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights
  • Items of personal nature, drinks bill
  • Tips and gratuities


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