Tour Scope: Southern Mongolia, Central Mongolia, Northern and Western Mongolia Tour Route: UB-Middle Gobi-South Gobi-Karakorum-Tsenkher Hot Spa-Khorgo/Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake-Huvsgul Lake-Khyargas Lake-Ulaangom-Uvs Lke-Olgii Town-Altai Tavan Bogd National Park-Olgii Town-UB
Highlights: Earth stone, Tsagaan Suvarga, Eagle Valley, Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Ongi Monastery, Karakorum, Erdenezee Monastery, Tsenkher Hot Spa, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, Khorgo Volcano, Huvsgul Lake, Khyargas Lake, Uvs Lake, Altai Mountains
Tour Season: 01 June- 15 September Tour Level: Moderate
Day 1. Ulaanbaatar
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth stone)
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 4. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
Day 5. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Day 6. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
Day 8. Ruins of 12th Century Capital City Karakorum
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Spa
Day 10. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
Day 11. Shine-Ider Soum
Day 12. Huvsgul Lake
Day 13. Huvsgul Lake
Day 14. Huvsgul Lake
Day 15. Tsetserleg soum
Day 16. Songino soum/Zavkhan Province
Day 17. Khyargas Lake
Day 18. Ulaangom, Uvs Province Center
Day 19. Yamaat-Turgen Mountain
Day 20. Olgii Town, Bayan-Olgii Province Center
Day 21-22. Altai Mountains/Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Day 23. Olgii town
Day 24. Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Day 25. Departure
Accommodations: 2 nights in hotels, 14 nights in ger camps, 6 nights in tents, and 2 nights in local hotelse Meals: Inclusive meals are indicated in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Transport: 4WD Japanese Minivan or 4WD Japanese Jeep Optional activities: Camel riding, Horse riding
Staffs: Visit Mongolia Team (Tour guide and driver)
DAY 1 ULAANBAATAR
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Mongolia, you will meet Visit Mongolia crew and transfer to the hotel, conveniently located down town Ulaanbaatar. After freshening up from your flight, we start our first day around Ulaanbaatar starting from Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery of Mongolia with 500 monks. From here we will go to the National History Museum which tells the rich history of Mongolia. The heart of Ulaanbaatar, Sukhbaatar Square, is just a short walk away. Here we will see the Parliament House, National Opera and City Hall. Afterwards, we will visit Zaisan Hill, which offers great views of the city. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and khoomii (Mongolian throat singing). Overnight in hotel. (L,D)
DAY 2 BAGA GAZRIIN CHULUU (EARTH STONE)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 260 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth Stone) little mountain of Middle Gobi. Excursion to Earth stone, a sacred rocky mountain, 1,760 m above sea level, famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful natural environment. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 TSAGAAN SUVARGA
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 240 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). The scarp of Tsagaan Suvarga is located in Ulziit soum. It is interesting to see the sheer slope, facing east, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of the ancient city. The cliff is 30 meters high and 100 meters wide. Over thousands of years the wind has created this amazing structure. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 YOLYN AM (EAGLE VALLEY)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 220 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan (Three Beauties of the Gobi) National Park where we will enjoy remarkable Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley), an exotic setting of green meadows and dense glaciers situated deep within the arid Gobi. The valley’s remnant streams create ice formations which you may find in the mouth of the valley as late as July. The mountains surrounding the valley also provide habitat for Argali wild sheep (one of the last wild great-horned sheep) and ibex, which may be spotted in the early morning as they walk along the mountain ridges. Visit Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 KHONGORYN ELS SAND DUNES
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes- reaching a height of 800 meters in some highest areas and known as the “Singing Dunes”. Evening visit to a camel-breeder’s family with a chance to go camel riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 BAYANZAG (FLAMING CLIFFS)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 170 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the legendary “Flaming Cliffs”. Through the journey we will see arid steppe landscape with many camel herds and herding families. Bayanzag is a red rock creation, formed 60-70 million years ago, made famous by an American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews’s discovery there of complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs in 1920s. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 ONGI MONASTERY
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 160 km, 3-4 hours
Travel to Ongi Monastery which was built in the 18th century, the former main religious center of South Mongolia. Hiking in nearby Gobi mountain and along the area where the ruins are situated. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 8 RUINS OF 12TH CENTURY CAPITAL CITY KARAKORUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 5-6 hours
Travel to Karakorum, the ancient capital city of Great Mongolian Empire. Karakorum was established in the Valley of Orkhon River in 1220. It was one of the stops along the legendary Silk Road for 140 years. We will visit the oldest Buddhist monastery, Erdenezuu, the main treasure of Mongolian Buddhism. Erdenezuu Monastery was founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, a descendant of Chinggis Khan, on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586. Look around the little town of Karakorum and see the historical tower on the hill. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 TSENKHER HOT SPA
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 3-4 hours
Travel to the Tsenkher Hot Spa, a sulphur spring that emerges from the ground at a sizzling 89C (192.2F). Facilities include outdoor and indoor baths, showers and accommodations. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 10 TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to extinct volcano Khorgo National park. On the way visit to picturesque River Chuluut Canyon and Taikhar Rock, which is 25 meters high, a mysterious steep sided pinnacle of granite. We arrive in Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, 20 km long which was formed by a dam of lava flows from volcanic eruption. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 SHINE-IDER SOUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours
We head north to the Shine-Ider soum, crossing deep river basins and high mountain passes. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 HUVSGUL LAKE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 230 km, 5-6 hours
Travel to Murun town, the capital of Huvsgul province for 90 km. After lunch at local restaurant, continue travel to Huvsgul Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in the Central Asia with over one percent of the world’s freshwater reserve and a maximum depth of 262 m. Fed by over 90 rivers and streams, Huvsgul Lake drains only into the Egiin River, which then joins the Selenge River, the main tributary of Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 13-14 HUVSGUL LAKE
These two full days are a slow and gentle day in this glorious and enchanting environment. We visit a family of the nomadic Tsaatan (reindeer breeders) and you may, if you wish, go horse riding, swim or simply relax by the lake and soak up the special atmosphere. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
DAY 15 TSETSERLEG SOUM
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 320 km, 5-6 hours
We will start driving to the west to Tsetserleg soum through Burentogtokh and Burenkhaan soums. We will see the beautiful Khangai mountain range and its stunning alpine landscapes on the way. Overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
DAY 16 SONGINO SOUM/ZAVKHAN PROVINCE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 220 km, 4-5 hours
We continue our journey driving to Songino soum. We will visit a nomadic family of an ethnic group. This will be an introduction to their nomadic lifestyle as well as the particular and unique cultural traditions and history of western Mongolian ethnic people. Overnight in tent. 70 KHYARGAS LAKE
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 4-5 hours
Travel to Khyargas Lake. It is a one Mongolia’s largest lakes, covering 1.406 square kilometers. It is 75 kilometers long, 31 kilometers wide and 80 meters deep. The lake surface is at 1.028 meters above sea level. The water is brackish and has rare fish such as the Mongolian Grayling. Overnight in tent. (B, L, D)
DAY 18 ULAANGOM, UVS PROVINCE CENTER
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 140 km, 2 hours
We will ride to the Uvs Lake basin strictly protected area and world heritage place. It is a unique place to enjoy different nature zones in one place, including the sand dune of the Gobi zone, open and mountain steppes, forest and high mountains. After lunch at local restaurant in Ulaangom, visit Chandmani Mountain. Overnight at local hotel in Ulaangom. (B, L, D)
DAY 19 TURGEN MOUNTAINS
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 160 km, 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we drive to the next camp site in Yamaat Valley. The Yamaat Valley is located “Turgen” Strictly Protected Area (SPA). This area represents unique features and characteristics of natural zones, has preserved its original conditions and is an area of a special scientific and cultural significance. Overnight in tent. (B,L,D)
DAY 20 OLGII TOWN
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 150 km, 4-5 hours
The day starts with a drive to Bayan-Olgii province. The province is the last frontier and dominated geographically by the majestic Mongol Altai Mountain range. We land in Olgii city, the province capital with Government house, blocky apartments and ger districts with elements of Kazakh culture and mosque. Overnight in a local hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 21-22 ALTAI MOUNTAINS/ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NATIONAL PARK
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 5-6 hours
Travel to the spectacular Tavan Bogd Mountains, whose permanently snow-capped peak rise a towering 4,374 m above sea level, marking the borders of three countries Mongolia, China and Russia. Overnight in tent. (B,L,D)
DAY 23 OLGII TOWN
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 200 km, 5-6 hours
We travel through the Altai Mountains towards the village of Sagsai, where you will meet a Kazakh family and learn about their unique lifestyle which combines traditional herding with hunting using specially-trained Golden Eagles. In the evening we return to the capital of Bayan-Olgii. Overnight in a local hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 24 ULAANBAATAR
Flight to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit some interesting museums including Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. The remainder of the day is free for shopping or independent touring.Farewell dinner. Overnight in a hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 25 DEPARTURE
As our long adventure together ends, you transfer to the airport or train station for your departure. (B)
Visit Mongolia’s policy is to provide top quality service to our customers at reasonable prices. We will pleased to provide detailed price quotes for those interested in specific tours.
In Ulaanbaatar:
Hotels are available in different ranges of quality and service. The package cost includes all services except accommodations in Ulaanbaatar (UB). We do give “choices” for our clients to pick their appropriate accommodations in Ulaanbaatar. However we encourage group travelers to pick the same property. We will provide hotel rates for Visit Mongolia customers for your selection. Please select hotel and room type and let us know.
In the Countryside:
– Ger Camps
While touring in the countryside, the most common accommodations outside cities on our tours are called ger camps. A ger is the traditional felt tent of nomadic herders. Accommodation in the ger camps is based on two people sharing one ger. Each ger is heated by a wood stove and has two wood-framed beds.
The camp restaurant and western-style toilet/shower facilities are located in the middle of the camp or close by. All camps supply towels. The ger camps provide all bedding and clients will not be expected to bring their own sleeping bags if they stay overnight in the ger camps. Staying in a ger is a memorable experience of Mongolian culture.
– Tented camping
We use tented camps on our adventure journeys to more remote areas. The tents are either 2 or 3 person tents. A sleeping mat will be provided to each person staying in a tent but clients are asked to bring their own sleeping bags. Our expedition staff sets up camps and prepares meals and takes care of all your needs. Tented camps allow you to interact more with the nature and visit the remotest areas of the country.
We use different types of vehicles depending on the nature of tours, destination and final number of travellers.
– For jeep overland adventure tours we use Japanese 4WD vans and SUV’s (Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan), which is the best available for its type
– A bus or mini-bus serves group tourists within Ulaanbaatar
– In some remote areas where we have to fly, we arrange local vehicles most of which are Russian 4WD jeeps or minivans. Daily driving distance will be appr. 200-250km.
– For sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar we use deluxe coaches, vans and sedans.
All Visit Mongolia drivers have many years of experience. They know their way around the Mongolian countryside including many places where they are no marked roads. They are all skilled mechanics which is crucial in remote places. Technical inspections on the vehicles are made regularly.
An English speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the entire time of your trip. The most of our guides have a wonderful and outstanding reputation among our clients. They have an in depth knowledge of Mongolian history, nomadic civilization, customs, traditions, and nature memories. After every tour we get feedbacks and emails about our guides.
Meals are included in the cost. Visit Mongolia provides the selection of the best available local restaurants on cities and popular destinations.
When you are in Ulaanbaatar, you can eat out in number of restaurants as serving Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, English, French, German, Russian, Latin American and of course Mongolian cuisines. FYI, basic foodstuffs for Mongolians are beef, mutton and noodles.
When you stay in tourist Ger camps, the most camps provide meals as western cuisine. During excursions to remote areas we provide services of professional chefs who normally accompany the group. Arrangements can be made for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs with advance notice.
Mongolia’s climate is continental and extreme. With more than two hundred days of full sun per year it has been given the nickname of ‘the’ Country of Blue Skies’.
The tourist season in Mongolia is between the months of May and September. The weather during this time varies considerably from region to region. The highest rainfall period is in July and August, however, there are still days of glorious sunshine during this time. The Gobi usually has the hottest temperatures. Summer evenings in the Gobi can be cool because of Mongolia’s high altitude. The best time to visit the Gobi is June and September. The spring is a time of strong winds, especially difficult in the sandy areas of the Gobi.
Most travelers come to Mongolia in mid-July for the annual National Naadam Festival.