This tour offers an incredible journey through two of Mongolia’s most iconic destinations—the vast Gobi Desert and the picturesque Terelj National Park. In the Gobi, explore the dramatic landscapes of towering sand dunes, the famous Flaming Cliffs where dinosaur fossils were discovered, and hike through the lush Yolyn Am gorge with its unique summer ice field. Experience the rich wildlife and stunning desert colors as you travel through this remote region.
Next, discover the natural beauty of Terelj National Park, located close to Ulaanbaatar. Known for its striking rock formations, green valleys, and serene rivers, Terelj is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and visiting nomadic families. You’ll also have the chance to visit Turtle Rock and the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Mongolia’s contrasting landscapes, from the arid Gobi to the lush forests of Terelj, while immersing themselves in the country’s nomadic culture and natural wonders.
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 to Khustai National Park (90 km), where the reintroduction of wild takhi horses (Przewalski’s horses) has been ongoing since 1992. The takhi is the last surviving wild horse subspecies of the 21st century. It was first discovered in western Mongolia in the late 1870s by Russian explorer N.M. Przhevalsky. After several failed expeditions since 1969 to find the horse in the wild, it was believed to have interbred with half-wild domesticated horses, losing its distinct features. Fortunately, specimens were kept and bred in zoos, and Mongolia began reintroducing them into the wild in the late 20th century. Overnight stay at the "Lunoba" tourist ger camp.
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.
Drive to Erdene Zuu Monastery. Explore this historical site. Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, was founded in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan, one of the most influential Khalkha lords, on the site of Kharkhorin, the famous capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Overnight in a ger camp. (B/L/D)
We will take a short drive to see the lush saxaul trees and the red cliffs of Bayanzag, a famous site for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs, bones, and complete dinosaur skeletons in the world. If you're lucky, you might even find dinosaur eggs or bones here. You can also take a walk around the 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 saksaul 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 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.
The Dalanzadgad tour offers an immersive experience in Mongolia’s southern Gobi region. As the capital of Umnugobi Province, Dalanzadgad serves as a base for exploring the breathtaking Gobi Desert. Discover the famous Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils were first uncovered, and hike through the lush Yolyn Am gorge, home to unique wildlife and a summer ice field. Experience the stark beauty of the desert landscape, learn about local culture, and enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and camel riding. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore Mongolia's natural wonders and rich paleontological history.
After breakfast, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we will visit the **Genghis Khan Statue Complex**, which features the world's largest equestrian statue at 40 meters high. The base of the statue includes a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops. From here, you can take an elevator or walk through the chest and neck of the horse to reach the head, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Then, we will continue our drive back to Ulaanbaatar and visit a cashmere shop and a department store. A farewell dinner will be served at **Bd’s Mongolian Barbeque**, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.
We will go back to UB and visit a souvenir house. Overnight at hotel after a Farewell dinner.
