Embark on a captivating journey through Mongolia, exploring the vast Gobi Desert and the serene Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur. Marvel at the towering sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, the ancient Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, and the lush oasis of Yolyn Am in the Gobi. Then, travel to the tranquil Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, a stunning volcanic lake surrounded by rolling hills and home to diverse wildlife. Experience the rich nomadic culture, staying in traditional ger camps and enjoying the warm hospitality of local people. This tour offers a unique adventure through Mongolia's most remote and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan Airport in Ulaanbaatar, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will explore Ulaanbaatar, starting with an impressive performance of traditional music and dance at 6 PM. The captivating sounds of huumii (throat singing) and the cherished two-string horse-headed fiddle, or morin khuur, will create lasting memories. A welcome dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants will follow.
We will drive through the Mongolian countryside to the beautiful region of Baga Gazryn Chuluu, known for its massive granite formations in the middle of the sandy plain. We will explore the area by driving and hiking, visit the picturesque ruins of a small monastery, and experience Mongolia's untouched nature. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
Our next stop in the Middle Gobi Province will be the White Stupa, a limestone formation approximately 30 meters tall and 100 meters long, shaped by wind and water erosion over thousands of years. From a distance, it resembles the ruins of an ancient city. At dawn, it offers a magnificent view with rainbow colors. We will also visit a cave known for its unique horizontal and vertical formations. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
We will visit Gurvan Saikhan National Park in the South Gobi. At the entrance, we will explore a small Natural History Museum to learn about the park's flora and fauna and view some dinosaur bones and eggs found in the region. We will then drive to the parking area and embark on a pleasant hike through Yolyn Am (Lammergeyer Valley), leading to a gorge that holds ice for most of the year. This valley is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and the surprising sight of thick ice amid the Gobi desert. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
In the early 1920s, an American expedition led by Roy Chapman Andrews in search of ancient human remains accidentally discovered dinosaur fossils and eggs at Bayanzag, a site known locally for its saxaul trees. The western world recognizes this area, known as the Flaming Cliffs, for its abundant dinosaur remains. Even today, white fossilized bones are still found.
We will continue west to the extraordinary sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, one of the most scenic areas in the province. In the evening, we will climb the Singing Dune, one of the highest dunes, to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and slide down using a plastic bag if you have one. The shifting sand creates a distinct sound, similar to an airplane, which is why this dune is called the "Singing Dune" or "Sounding Dune." Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
We will spend another day at the Sand Dunes to explore this magnificent place on camelback. Mongolia is home to two-thirds of the world's two-humped Bactrian camels, known for their gentleness, calmness, and extraordinary patience. They can go without water for up to a month, making the Khongor Sand Dunes an ideal location for camel riding. Riding a Bactrian camel is more comfortable than riding a Dromedary camel, found in the Sahara, India, and the Middle East. The two humps provide support on both sides, and the gentle pace may even make you feel drowsy. However, stay awake to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding area. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
Drive to Ongi Temple for sightseeing. Ongi Temple, or Ongiin Khiid, is a significant historical and spiritual site located in the Saikhan-Ovoo district of Dundgobi Province, Mongolia. It sits along the banks of the Ongi River, nestled within the Gobi Desert's stark yet beautiful landscape. Visit a nomadic family to explore their culture. Overnight stay at the site. (BLD)
Early morning drive to Karakorum, the historic capital of the Mongol Empire. Kharkhorin was Mongolia’s capital for 140 years and the Mongol Empire’s capital for 32 years. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in 1586 on the site where Kharkhorin once stood. The monastery covers 400 square meters and is surrounded by a stone wall with 108 stupas. Stone columns, blocks, and sculptures excavated from the city ruins were used in the construction of this monastery, which began in the 16th century and continued until the 19th century. Overnight stay at a tourist ger camp.
We will explore the Orkhon Waterfall, located on the Ulaan River, which flows into the Orkhon River. The waterfall is formed as the Orkhon River cascades through a 20-meter high basalt canyon, descending from the Gyantruun Mountain. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
Today, we will drive through Arkhangai Province, known as the "Switzerland of Mongolia" for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, cliffs, rapid rivers, and tranquil lakes. We will visit a hot spring with a temperature of 86.5°C, rich in minerals beneficial for treating injuries, wounds, radiculitis, fatigue, and depression, which locals and visitors use with great respect.
Relax in the bath under the starry sky, and visit a nomadic family to observe their way of life and the process of making dairy products. Taste airag (mare's milk), milk-based vodka, and experience horse riding. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
We will explore Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The crater of the extinct volcano, covered with basalt, is located in the eastern part of Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, which is an excellent spot for swimming and fishing. Overnight stay will be at a tourist ger camp.
After breakfast at the camp, we will drive to Ugii Lake. Located in the center of Mongolia, in eastern Arkhangai province, Ugii Lake is one of Mongolia’s largest lakes, covering an area of 27 square kilometers. Its average depth is 6.64 meters, reaching up to 15.3 meters in some areas, with a coastal length of 23.5 kilometers. The lake is home to various types of fish and birds, enhancing its natural beauty. You can hike, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy horse and camelback riding around the lake.
We will go back to UB and visit a souvenir house. Overnight at hotel after a Farewell dinner.
