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Mongolia Cultural Discovery Private Adventure Tour

Explore Nomadic Life in the Land of Blue Skies


While once a pivotal point on the ancient Silk Road, this "Land of Blue Skies" has managed to retain the basic elements of nomadic life and culture. Horses remain at the heart of Mongol culture, shamanic traditions endure, and ancient Buddhist monasteries reflect venerable spiritual traditions. On this fabulous adventure, you'll travel this immense, silent land from the arid semi-desert Khogna Khan Natural Reserve and the Neolithic Ongot monuments near Hustai National Park through seemingly endless rolling steppe to the ochre-colored sands of the Gobi Desert in the south-including the "singing dunes" of Khongoryn Els. All along the way you'll marvel at the sheer expanse of untamed land, uninterrupted by roads or fences, where there is precious little evidence of human presence save for the nomads' white felt gers, which dot the landscape.

14 Days

From: $6,795

While once a pivotal point on the ancient Silk Road, this "Land of Blue Skies" has managed to retain the basic elements of nomadic life and culture. Horses remain at the heart of Mongol culture, shamanic traditions endure, and ancient Buddhist monasteries reflect venerable spiritual traditions. On this fabulous adventure, you'll travel this immense, silent land from the arid semi-desert Khogna Khan Natural Reserve and the Neolithic Ongot monuments near Hustai National Park through seemingly endless rolling steppe to the ochre-colored sands of the Gobi Desert in the south-including the "singing dunes" of Khongoryn Els. All along the way you'll marvel at the sheer expanse of untamed land, uninterrupted by roads or fences, where there is precious little evidence of human presence save for the nomads' white felt gers, which dot the landscape.

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Experience Mongol culture as you meet nomads, witness a Naadam festival, and overnight in traditional gers

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Ride a camel through Gobi's dunes, and walk daily through desert, taiga, and steppe environments

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Explore Khogno Khan Natural Reserve and UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, and see incredible Ongot monuments

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Highlights


  • Experience Mongol culture as you meet nomads, witness a Naadam festival, and overnight in traditional gers
  • Ride a camel through Gobi's dunes, and walk daily through desert, taiga, and steppe environments
  • Explore Khogno Khan Natural Reserve and UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, and see incredible Ongot monuments

Mongolia Cultural Discovery

Start: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia  End: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Mongolia

    Day 1

    Welcome to the energetic Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar! Upon late arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to the Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter, one of the best hotels in the city. On the way, pass a large suburban area with traditional nomadic felt tents alongside Western-style family homes. In the late afternoon, receive a trip briefing followed by a welcome dinner.

    Accommodation: Ramada Citycenter Hotel-Ulaanbaatar

    Meals: Dinner

  • Explore the Sights of Ulaanbaatar

    Day 2

    This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Ulaanbaatar, the "world's coldest capital" and the epicenter of Mongolia's political, economic, and cultural life. Visit the important 19th-century Gandan (Gandantegchinlen) Monastery, one of the country's few Buddhist structures that survived destruction by the Communists in the 1930s. The bejeweled 20-ton Migjid Janraisig statue, a replica of the original copper statue erected in 1911, stands as the monastery's prime attraction. Other tour highlights include the Fine Arts Museum and the National Museum of Mongolia.

    Accommodation: Ramada Citycenter Hotel-Ulaanbaatar

    Activity: 2-3 hour city walking tour

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Journey to Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

    Day 3

    Fly to Gobi and drive to Khongoryn Els. Like Mongolia's nomads, travel through an iconic Mongolian desert landscape and along the Altai, or "Golden," mountain range. Stop in Khavtsgait Valley to stretch your legs and observe Bronze Age petroglyphs! After lunch, continue to the spectacular "singing" sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, which rise dramatically 2,600 feet from the desert floor, creating a distinct sound as they shift in the wind. The dunes are part of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Mongolia's largest stretch of sand dunes (over 110 miles).

    Accommodation: Gobi Discovery Ger Camp-Gobi Desert

    Activity: 1-2 hours desert walking

    Transportation: 1.25-hour flight; 4-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Ride a Camel Through the Gobi Desert

    Day 4

    Enjoy a day at the Khongoryn Els sand dunes, with options for camel riding, hiking, visiting a local family, and tasting camel-milk products! Learn about the two-humped Bactrian camel - a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Mongolia, used by locals to get from one place to another. After lunch, take an exciting climb up to the top of the sand dunes.

    Accommodation: Gobi Discovery Ger Camp-Gobi Desert

    Activity: 2-3 hours/6 miles walking with 500' elevation gain

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • See the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag

    Day 5

    Today explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Bayanzag, with its striking Flaming Cliffs - red-rock bluffs reminiscent of areas in the American West. Internationally renowned as the place where celebrated explorer and naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews - on whom the ultimate adventurer Indiana Jones is said to be based - first discovered dinosaur eggs in the 1920s, Bayanzag boasts a treasure trove of important fossils that you can see all over the rocks. Hike from Bayanzag to the saxual "forest" (saxual is the only kind of shrub found in the Gobi).

    Accommodation: Gobi Mirage Camp

    Activity: 2-3 hours/5 miles walking with 200' elevation loss

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Spot Eagles in Yolyn Am

    Day 6

    After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Yolyn Am, or Eagle Valley, about 130 miles from camp. As you walk leisurely through the stunning valley, keep a look out for wild sheep and goats grazing high on the high cliff walls, and soaring eagles hunting for prey. (The best time for spotting wildlife is at dawn or dusk; we'll discuss with the guides which hours are best when we are there.) An interesting local natural history museum at the opening of the valley displays information about the area's animals.

    Accommodation: Gobi Mirage Camp

    Activity: 2-3 hours/5 miles walking

    Transportation: 2-3-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Khogno Khan & Orkhon Valley

    Day 7

    Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and drive to Karakorum, stopping at Khogno Khan Natural Reserve en route. The arid terrain and rocky landscape of this remote, 46,900-hectare reserve is almost surreal. Visit the remains of a small Buddhist monastery tucked away in a well-protected valley, and walk up the hillside to the small Uvguun temple. On arrival in Karakorum, the first and most obvious landmark is the massive wall with 108 whitewashed stupas that surrounds Erdene Zuu Khiid, a Tibetan-style monastery built in 1586. Little else of the original Karakorum remains.

    Accommodation: Secret of the Silk Road

    Activity: 2-3 hours/7 miles walking

    Transportation: 1.25-hour flight; 5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Experience a Local Naadam Festival in Kharkhorin

    Day 8

    Today take part in an exciting local Naadam festival! Naadam (short for Eriyn Gurvan Naadam) means "Three Manly Games" — horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The most impressive of them all is the cross-country horse racing, in which horses of various ages, ridden by children aged 5 to 13, will cover anywhere between 6 and 16 miles. Watch the races, mingle with locals, and sample delicious local food. After lunch, visit the nearby Kharakhorum Museum.

    Accommodation: Secret of the Silk Road

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • See Wild Horses in Hustai National Park

    Day 9

    Enjoy more thrilling events this morning at the Naadam festival. After lunch, drive to Hustai National Park (also known as Khustain Nuruu National Park), famous for the endangered Przewalski's horse, locally called the takhi. The area was designated a Specially Protected Area in 1993 after the successful reintroduction of this last species of wild horse. Upgraded to national park status in 1998, today there is a sustainable and growing population of over 1,500 takhi roaming the steppe. Upon arrival, drive out to the rolling hills to see these rare animals.

    Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp-Hustai National Park

    Transportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Take a Day Hike to Moilt Valley

    Day 10

    Enjoy wildlife watching and hiking in the stunning Moilt Valley, with patches of forest and a plethora of flowers. On return, explore the remains of Neolithic graves, known as Ongot monuments, dating back to when Mongolia was part of the Turkish Empire (552 - 742 BC). These are the biggest collection of stone monuments in Asia, with over 30 stones carved into human and animal figures. One legend claims that the stones represent the number of enemies killed; another says that they point to heaven to guide departing human souls.

    Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp-Hustai National Park

    Activity: 4 hours/11 miles hiking

    Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • See the Sacred Peak of Tsetsee Gun

    Day 11

    Drive to the ruins of Manzushir Monastery and hike up to Tsetsee Gun peak (7,406'). The monastery enjoys a beautiful setting, surrounded by Siberian larch forest with a backdrop of natural granite cliffs eroded into huge boulders. It is the ideal place for hiking, trekking, and spotting deer and other wildlife. Visit the local museum before a short walk to the monastery. Established in 1733 and destroyed by Mongolian communists in 1937, the monastery had over 20 temples and was once home to at least 300 monks.

    Accommodation: Tuul Riverside Lodge

    Activity: 4-5 hours/15 miles hiking with 3,100' elevation gain & loss

    Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Saddle Up & Meet a Local Herder Family

    Day 12

    This morning, have the special opportunity to build a traditional Mongolian ger, and see how the wood or shrubs for walls, doorframe, poles, and roof come together to create a comfortable living space. Next saddle up the horses and ride toward mountains and hills! En route, stop and meet a local herder family and learn about traditional Mongolian life. In the afternoon, a representative from the WWF gives a brief lecture about Mongolian wildlife. Tonight enjoy a feast of traditional Mongolian barbecue around the lodge's campfire.

    Accommodation: Tuul Riverside Lodge

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike to Bayanzurkh Mountain

    Day 13

    After a relaxed breakfast, pack a lunch and hike to beautiful Bayanzurkh, one of the four mountains that surround Ulaanbaatar. From the top, you'll be able to admire panoramic views of the city, and see how it blends nomadic and modern lifestyles. The easy return walk takes you over small hills, through trees, and along the river. Then drive to Ulaanbaatar and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program followed by a festive farewell dinner with the group.

    Accommodation: Ramada Citycenter Hotel-Ulaanbaatar

    Activity: 3-4 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,450' elevation gain & loss

    Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart from Ulaanbaatar

    Day 14

    Bid farewell to Mongolia and transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound or onward flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek has traveled deep into the heart of Mongolia for over 30 years, guiding guests through a rugged, expansive landscape.

  • Our expert team of local guides offer an immersive discovery journey, nurturing genuine encounters with nomadic cultures.

  • Our unique traveling dining truck allows us to cook up high quality, fresh and hot meals everywhere we travel.

Dates & Prices


  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

Go Private

Go Private


Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.


Looking for a private family adventure?


This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 10.

Private Trip Pricing:


2024 Pricing

6 to 9 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy

2 to 5 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy

10 guests from $6,795 per person double occupancy

*Seasonal rates may apply.

Additional Costs:


Internal Airfare: $460

Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months


Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides
  • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • Potable water and snacks throughout
  • 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner
  • All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s)
  • All necessary horse riding gear
  • All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges
  • Optional tips to your lead adventure guides
  • Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs
  • Optional travel protection

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Amartuvshin A.

Amartuvshin A.

Amartuvshin was born in the northern part of Mongolia and has worked as an English and Russian teacher at one of Mongolia's leading private universities. Over the past six years, he has organized major Taiga horse riding trips and private trekking trips throughout his homeland, using his excellent language skills to share his deep understanding of the country's history and culture. Today he leads MT Sobek's Mongolia adventures and looks forward to sharing his country with you.

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Welcome to the energetic Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar! Upon late arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to the Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter, one of the best hotels in the city. On the way, pass a large suburban area with traditional nomadic felt tents alongside Western-style family homes. In the late afternoon, receive a trip briefing followed by a welcome dinner.

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After a relaxed breakfast, pack a lunch and hike to beautiful Bayanzurkh, one of the four mountains that surround Ulaanbaatar. From the top, you\'ll be able to admire panoramic views of the city, and see how it blends nomadic and modern lifestyles. The easy return walk takes you over small hills, through trees, and along the river. Then drive to Ulaanbaatar and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program followed by a festive farewell dinner with the group.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 47.853384 [Longitude] => 107.188839 ) [13] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 14 [DayTo] => 14 [Headline] => Depart from Ulaanbaatar [ActivityOverview] => [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

Bid farewell to Mongolia and transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound or onward flight.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 0 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 47.840817 [Longitude] => 106.770075 ) ) [ActivityHighlight] => On this trip, you will be hiking two to five hours a day (on most days) and 5-15 miles, up and down mountain trails. Elevations do not exceed 6,000 feet. You need to be in good health and physical condition for this trip. [Trip_Level] => 3 )

Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 3. On this trip, you will be hiking two to five hours a day (on most days) and 5-15 miles, up and down mountain trails. Elevations do not exceed 6,000 feet. You need to be in good health and physical condition for this trip.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

2-3 hour city walking tour

Day 3

1-2 hours desert walking

Day 4

2-3 hours/6 miles walking with 500' elevation gain

Day 5

2-3 hours/5 miles walking with 200' elevation loss

Day 6

2-3 hours/5 miles walking

Day 7

2-3 hours/7 miles walking

Day 10

4 hours/11 miles hiking

Day 11

4-5 hours/15 miles hiking with 3,100' elevation gain & loss

Day 13

3-4 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,450' elevation gain & loss

Accommodations


Traditional and comfortable ger camps, and a traditional Mongolian lodge. First and last night in a modern city hotel.

Gobi Discovery Ger Camp-Gobi Desert
Gobi Discovery Ger Camp-Gobi Desert

Stay in a traditional ger with superlative views of the Khongoryn Els sand dunes at Gobi Discovery Ger Camp. Spacious, clean, and comfortable, these no-frills gers offer an immersive experience, with desert adventures such as dune treks and camel rides outside the door. Also a local nomadic family nearby welcomes guests heartily, offering guiding services or just conversing with travelers.

Hustai Ger Camp-Hustai National Park
Hustai Ger Camp-Hustai National Park

Hustai Ger Camp is an ideal base for exploring Hustai National Park — Mongolia's premier natural preserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The camp's 14 traditional gers are furnished with colorful fabrics and charming painted beds.

Ramada Citycenter Hotel-Ulaanbaatar
Ramada Citycenter Hotel-Ulaanbaatar

The 4-star Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter hotel, near Gandantegchinlen Monastery, combines comfortable accommodations with a great location in the heart of the city. The spacious and well-designed hotel provides free Wi-Fi access and newspapers daily, and its rooms are complete with TV, minibar, fridge, kettle, and a 42-inch TV. You can also work out at the hotel's on-site fitness center.

Tuul Riverside Lodge
Tuul Riverside Lodge

Only an hour from frenetic Ulaanbaatar, Tuul Riverside Lodge offer a tranquil, traditional Mongolian experience. A collection of Mongolian gers, flanked by rolling green hills and the Tuul River, range from standard to luxurious. All include en suite bathrooms and authentic, brightly painted Mongolian decor. Come evening, enjoy folk songs around a crackling campfire and the seemingly endless Milky Way.

Secret of the Silk Road
Secret of the Silk Road

Experience Mongolia's legendary hospitality at the Secret of the Silk Road resort, inspired by Ghenghis Khan's palace. Enjoy the comfort of deluxe and standard gers and rooms, complete with elegant wooden furniture and plush touches. Dine on-site, sip warm coffee in the café, attend traditional folk performances, or relax in the sauna. The resort is perfectly located for exploring the age-old Erdene Zuu Monastery and surrounding herders' villages.

Gobi Mirage Camp
Gobi Mirage Camp

Located at the foot of Govi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain, the Gobi Mirage Camp is the ideal base for exploring the Gobi Desert! Stay in comfortable gers that are decorated with Mongolian furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy 24-hour solar electricity and charging to stay connected. The local nomadic staff at Gobi Mirage Camp will give you a hearty welcome!

Weather


Daytime temperatures range from 70-85°F; nighttime temperatures are cooler and can drop to the 40's. Brief, gentle showers can be expected in the summer.

 
Jul
Aug
Gobi Desert 
High
Low
High
Low
Gobi Desert
93
62
86
54
Ulaanbaatar 
High
Low
High
Low
Ulaanbaatar
76
52
72
47

FAQs


Who will meet me on arrival?

You will be met by our MT Sobek representative.

Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa for Mongolia. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Mongolian Embassy for your requirements.

Which airlines fly to Mongolia?

Only a few airlines offer flights to Mongolia, including Korean, Asiana, Air China, MIAT and Aeroflot.

Will I be able to see the Naadam Festival if I don't go on the July departure?

Yes, you will. We attend a regional Naadam and have the chance to see this on both the July and August departures.

Will I have Wi-Fi on the trip?

You will have Wi-Fi only at the Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter Hotel and Tuul Riverside Lodge.

Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?

Yes! Attend a lecture from local World Wildlife Fund researchers to learn about efforts to protect the endangered Gobi Bear through the Gobi Bear Project.

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