Mongolia Highlights & Gobi

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia! Our locally based driver will wait for your arrival ahead of time at Chinggis Khaan International Airport or Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, holding a sign that can be easily recognized. After picking you up, the driver will then transfer you to the hotel in a clean and comfortable private car. There is no sightseeing arrangement during the rest of the day, so after finishing the check-in procedure, you may take a stroll around and get the first impression of the country by yourself.

 Free Time Suggestion: 
Walk around Sukhbaatar Square and feel the happy atmosphere of the local people. As a landmark in Mongolia, this is one of the most favorite places for locals to get together in their free time, talk with friends, and for kids to have fun. Almost every couple takes their wedding photographs here. On the north of the square is a bronze statue of Genghis Khan, which is set to commemorate this great leader. American writer Harold Lamb once hailed him as the “Emperor of Mankind,” while Western historians regard him as the “Scourge of God”, which means barbaric invaders. This Mongol conqueror waged over 60 campaigns, retreating only once. His armies swept across areas including China, northern India, and the Korean Peninsula. In 1240, Genghis Khan led 150,000 warriors to pierce into Europe, crushing the forces of once Kyiv, Poland, and Germany, which made shockwaves of terror throughout the continent. About 10 minutes walking to the south of the square, there is a restaurant called Grand Khaan Irish Pub on Seoul Street. Delicious steak and lamb chops with a glass of beer may revive you after the long flight.  

 Things to Know
1. Please note that smoking is prohibited nationwide in Mongolia, including restaurants, shopping malls, trains, and even some outdoor areas has no-smoking signs.
2. Since the public transportation in Ulaanbaatar is quite dilapidated, take a taxi instead if you go outside on your own. Besides regular taxis, you can stop private cars at the price of 0.5 US dollars per kilometer, and it is important to negotiate the price before boarding. Only tugrik cash is acceptable. 
3. The local currency is tugrik, which can be exchanged in advance or at airports, train stations, foreign tourist shops, and ATMs in Ulaanbaatar. Credit cards can only be used in big cities.
4. Located on the Mongolian Plateau, with an altitude of 1,600 meters, Mongolia is dry, and has a large temperature difference between morning and evening. We suggest you pack a thick coat.

Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

Our Mongolia gobi desert trip will officially start today. After breakfast, the driver will send you to the airport and help you board the flight to Dalanzadgad Airport, where our experienced local guide will welcome you and later escort you to hike the Eagle Valley, also known as Yol Am or Yolyn Am. Though the narrow valley lined by rocky cliffs is covered by ice almost all year, animals like camels and eagles survive one generation after another. Tonight, we will book a ger nearby for you to stay in while experiencing the life of local herdsmen.

 How Long Does the Hike Take along the Eagle Valley?
It may take 4 hours to hike round-trip through the valley. Most parts are mild, but the last 500-meter hike on the rock surface is a little challenging, and sometimes you need to jump over the flowing streams or ice surface when the temperature is low. Our experienced guide will remind you and keep you safe. There is no doubt that this pleasant hike matches better with comfortable outdoor shoes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Juulchin Khan Bogd Ger camp or similar

Today, our guide will accompany you to the Khongor Sand Dunes by private car. Located in Gobi Gurvasaikhan National Park, it is one of the most spectacular dunes in the world, with a total length of 180 kilometers (112 miles) and the highest dune reaching 800 meters (2,600 feet). It is also called the "Singing Sand" because dunes here can make sounds when the wind is blowing. While traveling through the wild sand dunes, you will see the charming curves of the dunes constantly change with the wind, and the colors change due to the light. If interested, climb to one of the peaks to admire the wonderful scene of the “sea of sand dunes”. At the end of the day, check in at a ger for an overnight stay.

★ Ride a Camel to Explore the Dunes

Enjoy a Bactrian camel ride to appreciate the colorful sand dunes. Camels are considered the gentlest animal to ride on. As they move forward slowly with the guidance of herdsman, the two humps would support you and keep you sitting in between comfortably. Do remember to wear dust-proof clothes and put on thick sunscreen. This activity is usually scheduled in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and strong ultraviolet rays.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Gobi Discovery Ger camp or similar

The first escorted stop of today will be the home of local herdsmen. There, you can learn how they live their daily lives and take photos with camels raised by them. After that, take the private car to Bayanzag. It is also called Flaming Cliffs because crimson precipices there make it exactly like a firing valley. It became widely known to the world due to the first discovery of dinosaur eggs as well as numerous dinosaur fossils lying under the cliffs.

 What to Eat During the Camp Stay: Traditional Food or Buffet?
Mongolian traditional food will be served, and the western buffet is available during the travel high seasons. Mongolian traditional dishes: steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, hot stone barbecue, tsuivan (stir-fry of meat, pasta, potatoes, and other vegetables), and fresh seasonal vegetables. Our guide always informs the camps to prepare something different for you, and an advanced notice about your diet requirements helps us make better arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mongol Gobi Ger Camp or similar

Our tour today will be extended to Ongi Monastery. It used to be one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, gathering over 1,000 monks at its peak time. However, the architecture complex was destroyed in 1937. In 2004, some monks built a small temple with pillars and other materials collected from the ruins. Not far away, the flowing Ongi River adds some vitality to the debris. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

After breakfast, we will continue driving to Karakorum, also known as Kharkhorin, which used to be the capital of Mongolia. In the mid-13th century, it was the center of the world when most parts of Asia and Europe were under its powerful influence. In the late 1940s, lots of ruins of walls, palaces, streets, and houses were found. In 2004, the ruins and their surrounding views were listed as the first UNESCO World Culture Heritage of Mongolia.

Next, the guide will lead you to visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the largest and first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. There are 108 white pagodas built on its surrounding walls, with a distance of about 15 meters (16.5 yards) between each one. Besides, you will have a chance to appreciate lots of precious paintings, house decorations, embroidery, manuscripts, and wooden books from the 15th-17th centuries. Following, admire the historical relics in the Museum of Karakorum. After that, you will be given some free time to wander around before being sent to the nearby ger.

 Why Did Mongolians Change Their Capital?
Karakorum is a legendary city built in 1220 and soon became the center of politics, economy, and culture. In 1260, Khubilai Khan ascended to the throne in Kaiping City, and his younger brother ascended to the throne in Karakorum. He defeated his brother in 1261 and then moved southward gradually to expand the territory until the Mongolians capitulated in Beijing. Karakorum was completely destroyed by Ming troops in 1380, but left only the historical sites to tell the glory of the dynasty at that time. Even now, we can't deny that Karakorum has always been the pride of the Mongols in history.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Urgoo Tourist Camp or similar

At the appointed time, we will leave for the first stop of today by car, Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune, where you can see a unique but harmonious scene of trees scattering among the sand dunes with the Tarna River flowing through. 

Then will come the highlight of today’s tour, Hustai National Park, home to Przewalski's horses. Besides, birds, fish, amphibians, and lush trees make it quite different in this landlocked country. Our guide will share more information about wildlife with you, and you will also have the opportunity to see groups of Przewalski's horses descending the mountain, drinking water, and running. The national park is also a paradise for other wild animals, such as golden eagles and Siberian marmots. 

 The Only Existing Fury Horse in the World
Przewalski's horses are considered the only surviving pure wild horses in the world, which had become extinct in China and Mongolia due to extensive hunting, with only a few found in some zoos in Europe. In the 1980s and 1990s, European countries had some Przewalski's horses returned to their hometown - the three wildlife reserves in Mongolia. Hustai National Park in Mongolia is one of them, and it is the only research center in the world for wild horses. Up to now, there are over 600 horses in the park. Since they are conservative and seldom explore or wander into the distance, they have never been domesticated by humans or mated with other horse breeds. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp or similar

Today, the guide will accompany you to visit another famous national park in the country - Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Here, the lush grassland and thick woods are all primitive, with white gers scattered among and horses running freely. The guide will also lead you to visit the Ariyabal Meditation Temple and Turtle Rock, which resembles a giant turtle.

As a symbol of Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock looks very realistic in the shape of a turtle from the side with the sun, regardless of distance. There is a road on the north side where you can climb to the top, and come out through a narrow gap to see the scenery from the neck. Climbing to the top must be a special experience, you can have a try if interested.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Terelj Lodge Ger Camp or similar

According to the tour plan, we will make our way back to Ulaanbaatar today after breakfast by car. On the way, make a stop at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, where the world's largest Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is set, with a height of 40 meters (130 feet). He is sitting on a horse with the golden whip in his hand, ready to go to the battlefield anytime. There is an escalator leading you to the head of the horse, where you can overlook the great scenery of the surrounding grassland. After that, continue driving to Ulaanbaatar for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, making a perfect conclusion to this Mongolia tour package. After dinner, we will transfer you back to the hotel.

 Free Time Suggestion:
If you want to kill time for the rest of the day, you can head to Galleria, the best shopping mall in Ulaanbaatar, opposite Sukhbaatar Square. The mall has many stores selling Mongolian cashmere, ideal to buy souvenirs. Besides, wine pots made of leather, traditional carpets, hats, and products made from animal bones can all be found here. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

According to your flight schedule, our guide will transfer you from the hotel to the airport on time and help you with the boarding formalities. We wish you a nice journey home and are looking forward to serving you again in other global destinations!  

Meals: Breakfast