Gobi sands and ancient cities in Mongolia

country:	Mongolia
departures:	Private departures available between April and November
price:	From US $2800 - $2920 (16 days) ex flights, based on 1 person. (From US $1290 - $1450 based on group of 6). Price depends on budget (tented camp) or standard (ger camp) tours

Mongolia holidays

Desert & dune holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Largely inaccessible to western travelers until recently, Mongolia offers a rare glimpse of an ancient nomadic culture that has changed little over the centuries.

Discover in this untouched land the rare combination of ancient Buddhist traditions, a nomadic horse-based culture and an incredible natural beauty - high mountains, vast grasslands, volcanic lakes and the expanses of the harsh Gobi Desert.

The fertile heartland of Mongolia is a realm of rolling steppe supporting herds of horse, sheep and yak; of magnificent forests, alpine lakes and volcanoes. It is also the political and religious heart of the country with a history dating back to pre-Mongol civilizations.

Explore the heart of the Mongol Empire - combining religious and cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty and the vast expanses and towering sand dunes of the desolate Gobi Desert.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1-2:	Arrive in Ulaanbataar, a city of incredible contrasts where Soviet architecture is giving way to trendy stores and cafes; suburban homes are traditional gers on unpaved streets and monks and nomads share the streets with suited businessmen and cell phone toting teenagers. Visit the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace and Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Day 3:	Leave the capital for the countryside and Bag Gazrin Chuluu, a huge granite rock formation containing caves, a subterranean lake and mineral springs. The rocky hills are considered sacred and worshipped by locals – many topped with ovoo – and at the base stand the remains of a small monastery – Delgeriin Chior.
Day 4:	Heading south to the Gobi the landscape changes dramatically; camels replace cows and the number of camps and settlements decreases. This eerie, eroded landscape was once beneath the sea and is rich in marine fossils. Overnight near the immense white limestone formations of Tsagaan Suvraga.
Day 5:	The incredible gorges of the Gurvan Saikhan Nuruu (Mountains) were formed by ancient rivers and, by capturing winter snows, permit habitation of the area as well as supporting a variety of wildlife including snow leopard, wild camel, ibex and wild ass. Within the national park are dinosaur fossils, over 200 species of bird, sand dunes and rock formations including the Yoliin Am (Vulture’s Mouth) and Dungenee Am which contain ice for most of the year.
Day 6-7:	Khongoriin Els are Mongolia’s largest and most impressive sand dunes – some up to 300m high and the views from the top are spectacular, well rewarding those with the energy to climb up. Spend a night in the desert and take a morning trip into the dunes by Camel.
Day 8:	Bayanzag, also known as the “Flaming Cliffs” is renowned worldwide as the place where paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur bones and eggs in Central Asia. The surrounding landscape is a beautiful, and eerie, combination of rocks, red sand and scrub.
Day 9-10:	Turning north head for Saigan Ovoo. In this small, but beautiful mountainous area along the desert river (Ongiin Gol) stands the remains of a couple of small monasteries – Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu on opposite sides of the river. Spend the day hiking around and exploring the area.
Day 11:	An intensive driving day as you continue north through Arvaikheer to Khujirt, a small town renowned for its hot springs.
Day 12:	Head toward the Khangai Mountains through the green mountainsides where the network of rivers offer excellent pastureland for the herds of horses, yaks and cows. The Orkhon Valley is known as the cradle of the Mongolian civilization with many ancient Mongolian and Turkish monuments in the area. The Orkhon Waterfall is the result of volcanic activity over 20,000 years ago. The night will be spent at the Tsenkher hot springs. In the large open-air pool the hot water flows continuously in from the hot water spring. Spend the evening sitting in the pool staring at the stars.
Day 13:	Mongolia’s 13th century capital, Kharkhorin (Karakorum), capital of the Mongolian Empire for a mere 40 years, was established by Genghis Khan then plundered in 16th century to build Erdene Zuu, the first and largest Monastery in Mongolia.
Day 14-16:	Leave for the long return drive to Ulaanbataar. Here there is a full day for shopping and to explore the cities other sights. An evening performance will introduce such Mongolian traditions as “throat singing”. On day 16 you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

how this holiday makes a difference

We believe that the most important aspect of traveling responsibly is respect – learning about the culture and people you are visiting and meeting them as equals – not merely a source of photographs.

Your guides are always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.

They will explain about the cultural differences and help to make your visit as positive and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

If you chose a camping trip it is important you assist your guide/camp staff in ensuring proper waste and garbage disposal – the Mongolian grasslands, lakes and forests are a vital part of the economy and of the environment and everything possible must be done to ensure their preservation.

Outside of Ulaan Bataar is the Lotus Children’s Home which provides housing and schooling for orphans. If you let your guide know of your interest on arrival they should be able to arrange a visit. Donations of children’s clothing and school supplies will be appropriately distributed.

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