Journeys: Discover Mongolia

Day 1 : Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Acommodation

Grand Hill Hotel

Day 2 : Ulaanbaatar

Enjoy a morning tour of Mongolia’s bustling capital. Visit Gandan Monastery, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries, and wander the rooms and temples of Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace, the former home of Mongolia’s last king. Climb up to the Zaisan Memorial, a Soviet Era monument which commemorates Russian soldiers killed in World War II, and take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop. Afterwards, pop in for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. Later, admire the world-class collection of fossils at the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, dedicated to preserving Mongolia’s paleontological heritage.

Acommodation

Grand Hill Hotel

Day 3 : ULAANBAATAR/KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

Travel by 4x4 to Khustai National Park, where some of the Earth’s last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski’s horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Settle into a ger tonight, a round, felt-covered tent with basic furniture. We will stay in traditional Mongolian lodgings like gers through day 12 of the trip.

This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.

Accommodation from day 3 to 12 will be in gers. Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. The tent is on a platform and while simple, is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Our locations are remote and gers do not have built-in ensuite - all camps have shared facilities with toilette's/sinks/showers. Most ger camps have 24 hour electricity with a couple of exceptions that have generators which after 11pm they cut electricity until morning.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Hustai

Day 4 : KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK/KHARKHORIN

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia’s ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdeni Dzu Monastery, considered Mongolia’s earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country’s Buddhist heritage. Later, visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Munkhtenger

Day 5 : Kharkhorin/Tsenkher

Arrive at Tsenkher in the afternoon, the site of natural hot springs surrounded by serene, forest-covered hills. Popular with tourists and locals alike, these springs have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. Take a soak in one of the outdoor pools, or choose the privacy of an indoor bath.

Acommodation

Duut Mankhan Ger Camp

Day 6 : Tsenkher/Orkhon Valley

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. Set out on a hike to the lofty Tuvkhun Monastery, founded by the Mongol Buddhist leader Zanabzar in the mid-17th century. Explore the monastery’s wooden temples, integrated with a natural system of caves, and enjoy beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley and surrounding pine forests.

Acommodation

UlaanTsutgalan Ger Camp

Day 7 : Orkhon Valley

Immerse yourself in traditional Mongolian culture on a visit to a local family's goat and sheep farm. Learn about daily life from the family and see how they make some of their food. Then, sample some of their products, including curd and yogurt. Later, enjoy a hike to a picturesque waterfall before returning to your ger camp for a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.

Acommodation

UlaanTsutgalan Ger Camp

Day 8 : ORKHON VALLEY/ONGIIN KHIID

Today, we make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Secret of Ongi

Day 9 : ONGIIN KHIID/BAYANZAG

Venture to the Flaming Cliffs or Bayanzag, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils have been found. Spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Bayan Zag

Day 10 : Bayanzag/Khongoryn Els

Today, the group will drive to the spectacular sand dunes of Khongoryn Els in the western Gobi, popularly known as the “singing sands.” In the afternoon, spend time with a desert nomadic family and gain a greater understanding of how they survive in the harsh environment of the Gobi. Witness their simple, and incredible way of life. Afterwards, clamber up the wave-like peaks for stunning views of the golden landscape, and Altai mountain range. Listen for the musical sound the dunes produce when the wind blows over them. In the evening the group will witness a demonstration of archery, one of Mongolia’s national sports. Learn the basics of this time-honoured tradition during a hands-on lesson.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Gobi Anar

Day 11 : Khongoryn Els/Yolyn Am

Drive through the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area that comprises canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds. Later, pay a visit to the Yolyn Am museum, where the group can admire a collection of dinosaur bones and eggs.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Gobi Anar

Day 12 : Yolyn Am/Baga Gadzrïn Chuluu

Continue onwards as the group drives to the Dungobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Arrive in the afternoon, set off on a hike around the national park, and visit the site of ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century.

Acommodation

Ger Camp Khan Bogd

Day 13 : Baga Gadzrïn Chuluu/Ulaanbaatar

Spend driving through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is long and the group will arrive by the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

Acommodation

Grand Hill Hotel

Day 14 : Ulaanbaatar

Depart at any time.