Golden Gobi and Central Mongolia Adventure

• 8 days, 7 nights
• 1–12 travellers

  Private for your group
• Request to book

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About this tour

TOUR OVERVIEW & KEY SELLING POINTS

Route & Logistics: The Ultimate Central & Gobi Loop: This 8-day itinerary offers a flawless, non-backtracking loop that captures the best of Mongolia’s contrasting landscapes. Starting from Ulaanbaatar, travelers head east to Terelj before venturing straight south into the heart of the Gobi Desert (Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Yol Valley, and Khongor Sand Dunes). The return journey cuts through the historic Central Khangai region, passing the ancient ruins of Ongi and the historic landmarks of Karakorum and Khustai, before completing a full circle back to the capital.

Star Attractions (Key Selling Points):

Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (Tsonjin Boldog): A breathtaking encounter with the world’s tallest equestrian statue (40m), symbolizing the gateway to the empire.

Khongor Sand Dunes (Duut Mankhan): Mongolia’s largest and most spectacular sand dunes, famous for the mysterious "singing" phenomenon.

Ancient Capital Karakorum: A deep dive into the 13th-century history of the Mongol Empire and the Silk Road at Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, Erdene Zuu.

The Wild Horses of Khustai (Takhi): A rare opportunity to track and spot the world’s last truly wild, genetically distinct prehistoric horse species in its natural habitat.

Active Travel & Immersive Experiences: This tour goes beyond window-sightseeing, offering engaging physical activities that connect travelers directly with nature: Scenic Trekking & Hiking: Guided walks through the dramatic formations of Terelj and the stunning, ice-bottomed gorge of Yol Valley. Dune Climbing: An exhilarating physical challenge climbing to the peak of the 300-meter-high Singing Dunes for an unforgettable sunset. Nomadic Riding Adventures: Authentic camel riding through the Gobi desert plains and horseback riding through mountain valleys, allowing clients to experience traditional nomadic transit.

Accommodation & Comfort: The Authentic Ger Experience While the adventure is wild and exotic, the accommodation ensures comfort and relaxation. Travelers will stay in traditional Ger Camps every single night. This setup provides a perfect balance—giving foreign tourists an authentic taste of nomadic dwelling while delivering essential modern comforts, warm hospitality, and excellent hot meals after an active day on the steppe

Route, day by day

1. 1
   Day 1

   1. Ulaanbataar – Tsonjin 55 kms 1hour and half drive In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel drive to Chonjin. Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is a 40-metre (130 A) tall, stainless steel statue of Genghis khan on horseback and the world's tallest equestrian statue. According to legend, he found a golden whip. The statue is symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace. Visitors walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck, where they have a panoramic view. The attached museum has exhibitions show everyday utensils, belt buckles, knives, sacred animals, etc. and a second exhibition on the Great Khan period in the 13 and 14th centuries which has ancient tools, goldsmith subjects.) Activity: museum, souvenir shop, sightseeing, 2. Chonjin to Terelj National park half hour drive Visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the closest national park to Ulaanbaatar, is an ideal destination for those with limited time to explore Mongolia. It is the third-largest protected area in the country, renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural experiences. The park's proximity to the capital makes it a convenient escape into nature. The park features dramatic rock formations, including the famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple. Its forest-covered mountains, wide open valleys filled with wildflowers, and the Terelj and Tuul rivers add to its scenic beauty. • Arrival: The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rocky cliffs, alpine forests, and wide meadows. • Activities: • Turtle Rock: A famous natural formation that looks like a turtle. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park. • Climbing: The unique rock formations, such as the famous "Turtle" rock, are great for climbing and trekking. These activities cater to various skill levels, from beginners to more experienced climbers. The park also offers many trails for hiking, with some leading to remote, tranquil spots. • Ariyabal Meditation Monastery: A short hike up to a peaceful Buddhist monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains. • Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Baga Gazriin Chuluu 6 h drive -281 kms which is a beautiful landscape with amazing rock formations. A cave filled with crystal rock formations where a Buddhist lama meditated for 20 years A fresh water spring shrine the water from which supposedly cures blindness A 17th century ruined Buddhist temple Beautiful craters, cliffs and valleys overlooking the eastern steppe. *LOCATION:* 230 km south of Ulaanbaatar, mostly on the paved roads and 37 km northwest of Delgertsogt town, Dundgobi province. Activity: to see Ruined monastery, eye spring, cave Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Early in the morning we head to Dalanzadgad city in South Gobi Province to visit The Gobi Museum of Nature and History (History The museum was opened on 18 May 2022. Exhibitions The museum houses more than 4,000 artifacts. The collections range from traces of human civilization within the area, relics, fossils and works from various craftsmen.) Have a lunch in the town chance to shopping Then we will go ahead to Yol valley (also called Yolyn Am & Eagle valley) situated in the “Three beauties of Gobi” Mt. National Park. This green valley is one of the main highlights in the Gobi Desert and sheltered by high cliff walls and covered with wild flowers and Gobi plants. In winter season, a narrow stream in the valley creates ice on the bottom of the valley that even lasts during the summer months. The walk through the valley is a lot of fun, about an hour walking there and an hour of walking back by walking the same route, where you climb over rocks and must jump over the small river. If this walking seems challenging, you can just walk until middle of the way or horseback through the valley. The high cliffs that flank the valley are very impressive. You may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and goat, grazing high on the cliff walls. Activity: Visit Museum, riding horse, walking, Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Today, we will drive through the wilderness of the Gobi to the extraordinary of Khongor, which is one of the most scenic areas of the Gobi Desert. This impressive white sand dunes stretch more than 180km and highest point is around 300m known as Duut Mankhan. Upon arrival at the tourist camp near to the sand dunes, we will have lunch and time for relaxing at cozy Ger camp until Gobi hot temperature decrease. In the late afternoon, we will visit local camel herder family in their gear, and explore their unique nomadic lifestyle. Then, we will ride a camel and explore the area from the camel back. Around the area is the perfect place for camel riding. Mongolia is home to 2/3 of the two- humped Bactrian camels in the world. It is a gentle, calm and extraordinary patient animal. Afterwards, we will make a little excursion to a beautiful green oasis of Seruun Bulag near the Khongor River and sand dunes. Then, take a little drive to the highest point of sand dunes known as Singing Dune and climb up to the Duut Mankhan. When it is windy some of the dunes give a strange sound like the engines of an aero plane. From the top of the sand dunes, the view of the desert is awesome and a breathtaking view. If you want, we can see the amazing sunshine panorama of sand dunes from the top. Dinner and overnight at the Ger camp. Activity: Riding camel, climb up to the highest point of the sand dune, see green oasis Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

5. 5
   Day 5

   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 Tourist 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 small museum. When you reach 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. If you want, you can have pleasant massage and sauna at the camp. Rest of the day is yours to relax on your own. Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

6. 6
   Day 6

   In the morning, head to Kharkhorin, a small village, and one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Historically known as Karakorum, which was an ancient capital of Mongolia Empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. Also, Karakorum was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road. After lunch, we will visit the museum of Karakorum and learn more about the beautiful ancient Karakorum city and Genghis Khan. Continue to visit the magnificent and the oldest Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdenezuu, built in the 16th century, with 108 buddhis stupas. Here you can see interesting listen to monk chanting Buddhist sutras Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

7. 7
   Day 7

   First described scientifically in the late 19th century by Russian explorer N. M. Przewalski, for whom the horse is named, the horse once freely roamed the steppe along the Mongolia-China border. Never again seen in the wild, Przewalski’s horses have since been kept and bred in captivity and have recently been reintroduced in Mongolia. (National Geographic Magazine) Through the tour, you will visit the Khustai National Protected area where wild animals and nature is sanctioned against modern development. The last wild horse of the world "Takhi" or "Prjevalski horse" can be seen in this area. Departure 09:00, drive to Khustai National Reserve, 230 km away from Kharkhorin city. After check in at the tourist camp, a short hiking around the area is recommended before the lunch. In the afternoon, go to see "Takhi", the last wild horse in the world. People of Mongolia call the wild horse Takhi the ancestor of the Mongol horses, in fact Takhi is a different animal with separate genes than ordinary Mongolian horses. Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

8. 8
   Day 8

   Morning: After breakfast, pack up and prepare for the journey back to Ulaanbaatar. This is your last opportunity to enjoy the surroundings of the ger camp and bid farewell to the staff. • Morning Drive: • Start your direct drive back to Ulaanbaatar. This drive will cover about 450 km and take around 6-7 hours depending on the road conditions. • The journey will take you through the vast Mongolian steppe, so you'll still have the chance to enjoy the expansive views, wide grasslands, and occasional nomadic families tending their herds. • There will be no major stops except for necessary breaks (like rest stops or photo opportunities along the way). • Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM): • A short lunch stop will be made along the way, likely at a local restaurant on the way to the capital. • This is your final opportunity to enjoy traditional Mongolian dishes such as khuushuur (fried meat pies) or tsuivan (noodle stew). • After lunch, continue your journey directly to Ulaanbaatar. Afternoon Arrival in Ulaanbaatar: • Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (2:30 PM – 3:00 PM):

What’s included

Changes and refunds

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