Gobi & Central Mongolia: The Ultimate 12-Day Expedition

Uncover the desert's hidden treasures and embrace the calm of Mongolia’s vast wilderness.

What to expect

Language

All Language

Destination

Gobi Desert

Best time

June - July

Activty

Gobi Exploration

Age

18+

Duration

9 Nights/10 Days

Group

4+

Availibility

May - Oct

Overview

Gobi & Central Mongolia: 12 Days of Nomadic Discovery takes you from the vast dunes of the Gobi Desert to the rolling steppes of Central Mongolia. Explore iconic sites like the Flaming Cliffs, experience the silence of the desert, and discover the traditions of nomadic life. Continue into green valleys and cultural heartlands for a deeper look at Mongolia’s heritage.

A perfect blend of adventure, landscapes, and authentic local culture.

Itinerary

Depart from Ulaanbaatar and begin your journey south to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking granite rock formation in the Middle Gobi region. Explore the area's dramatic landscapes, mysterious caves, and the ruins of an ancient temple nestled among the rocks. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
Arrive at your ger camp in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the peaceful desert terrain.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner (L/D)

Accomodation: Erdene-Ukhaa camp

Depart for Tsagaan Suvarga, stopping en route to visit the Sum Khukh Burd Temple ruins. Upon arrival, explore the striking white limestone cliffs shaped by centuries of erosion. Picnic lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Travel to Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, known for its dramatic canyons and year-round ice field. Enjoy light hiking and photography amid the stunning scenery. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation:

Drive to the majestic Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest in Mongolia. Climb the towering dunes for panoramic views and enjoy a spectacular desert sunset. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Drive to Bayanzag, home to the famous Flaming Cliffs, and explore the area’s ancient dinosaur fossils. Visit a nomadic camel breeding family and enjoy a short camel ride. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Drive north to visit the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of Mongolia’s largest religious complexes. Explore the serene surroundings and learn about the monastery’s history. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation:

Depart Ongiin Khiid and travel north through the vast Mongolian steppe toward the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO-listed region known for its dramatic landscapes and cultural significance. Enjoy scenic views of open plains, rivers, and rolling hills along the way. Arrive at your ger camp near Orkhon Waterfall. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the valley.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Depart Orkhon Valley and travel through scenic forested hills toward Tuvkhun Khiid, a peaceful monastery set high in the mountains. Hike or explore the surroundings, enjoying panoramic views and the spiritual atmosphere of this secluded site.

Continue your journey toward Tsenkher Hot Springs, passing rolling landscapes and open steppe along the way. Arrive at your hot spring camp, where you can relax and soak in the naturally warm mineral waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, with a lunch stop along the way. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Meals: B/L

Transfer to the airport or train station for your international departure.

 

Depart Orkhon Valley and travel through scenic forested hills toward Tuvkhun Khiid, a peaceful monastery set high in the mountains. Hike or explore the surroundings, enjoying panoramic views and the spiritual atmosphere of this secluded site. Continue your journey toward Tsenkher Hot Springs, passing rolling landscapes and open steppe along the way. Arrive at your hot spring camp, where you can relax and soak in the naturally warm mineral waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

  • Transfers: Included upon arrival and departure.nglish speaking and experienced tour guide 
  • Guide: English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
  • Meals: All meals as per the itinerary.
  • Park Fees: Included for all sites and national parks.
  • Water: 1 liter per person, per day.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar; Ger camps in the countryside.
  • Transportation: 4WD vehicles in the countryside; minivans/buses in the city.
  • Sightseeing: All activities as outlined in the itinerary.

Not included

  • Hotel Extras: Telephone calls, bar bills, and laundry services.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Gratuities: Tips for local guides and drivers.
  • Insurance: Travel, medical insurance, and visa application fees.
  • Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature.
  • Force Majeure: Any charges due to unforeseen events (e.g., quarantine restrictions)

 

 

 

Tour gallery

Day 8: Orkhon Waterfall - Tsenkher Hot Spring

Depart Orkhon Valley and travel through scenic forested hills toward Tuvkhun Khiid, a peaceful monastery set high in the mountains. Hike or explore the surroundings, enjoying panoramic views and the spiritual atmosphere of this secluded site. Continue your journey toward Tsenkher Hot Springs, passing rolling landscapes and open steppe along the way. Arrive at your hot spring camp, where you can relax and soak in the naturally warm mineral waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: 

Day 8: Orkhon Waterfall - Tsenkher Hot Spring

Depart Orkhon Valley and travel through scenic forested hills toward Tuvkhun Khiid, a peaceful monastery set high in the mountains. Hike or explore the surroundings, enjoying panoramic views and the spiritual atmosphere of this secluded site. Continue your journey toward Tsenkher Hot Springs, passing rolling landscapes and open steppe along the way. Arrive at your hot spring camp, where you can relax and soak in the naturally warm mineral waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the ger camp.

Meals: B/L/D

Accomodation: