8 Days / 7 Nights
Tour grade: Easy
Style: Join in Group Departure
Gobi Desert Adventure: Discover rare wildlife and endemic flora in a vast desert landscape.
Bactrian Camel Trek: Ride iconic two-humped camels across the Khongor Sand Dunes.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): Stand where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered.
Authentic Nomadic Culture: Share meals and stories with local herding families.
Traditional Ger Stays: Spend your nights in authentic Mongolian yurts under the stars.
Ancient Karakorum: Walk through the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire.
Orkhon Valley (UNESCO): Explore the cradle of nomadic civilization and lush steppes.
Embark on the ultimate Mongolia tour, a journey that bridges the legendary history of the Ancient Capital Karakorum with the raw beauty of the Gobi Desert. From the lush, UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley to the towering "Singing Sands," this expedition offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a deep dive into the nomadic culture of the steppe. Trek on Bactrian camels, explore the prehistoric Flaming Cliffs, and find tranquility in traditional Ger accommodations under a canopy of desert stars. Whether you're a history buff or an adventure seeker, this is your gateway to the heart of Central Asia.
Tsagaan Suvarga
Today’s expedition leads us to Tsagaan Suvarga, a remarkable sedimentary formation that harks back to an ancient seabed. Our journey spans approximately 6-7 hours, punctuated by a refreshing lunch break in Mandalgovi town. Upon our afternoon arrival at the camp, you’ll check in and settle in for a rewarding adventure. We’ll embark on an excursion to the Tsagaan Suvarga scarps, where you can revel in a captivating hike amidst the vibrant cliffs, ascending toward the summit for breathtaking views. After this invigorating exploration, we’ll return to the ger camp to savor a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfort.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Lunch
Dinner
Yolyn Am (Lammergeier Valley)
Today, we embark on a picturesque journey to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a drive that spans approximately four to five hours, allowing us ample opportunities for scenic photography stops. Our expedition includes a pit stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where we’ll explore the newly constructed Umnugovi province museum and savor a delightful lunch. Following our visit to Dalanzadgad, we’ll embark on a brief drive to reach the enchanting Yolyn Am. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a one-hour hike from our parking spot, immersing yourself in the breath-taking natural beauty. Eventually, we’ll transfer to ger camp.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Khongor sand dunes, Camel Ride
On this day, we will drive to Khongor sand dunes after breakfast. Our expedition continues as we make our way to the Khongor sand dunes, renowned as Mongolia's longest dunes. The drive to reach these dunes will span approximately 4 to 5 hours, traversing vast desert badlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, remote mountains silhouette the horizon, and solitary gers dot the landscape as nomads travel on camelback or horseback, creating surreal mirages. The desert floor itself is adorned with an array of colorful rocks and rare minerals. It's the Gobi at its most rugged and striking, offering countless opportunities to pause and capture the stunning landscapes and the people who call this place home. Upon arrival, we'll explore the magnificent sand dunes nestled alongside the Khongor river, gracefully flowing through the sands. You'll even have the chance to experience a camel ride. As the day ends, settle in for a cozy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs
This morning, we will drive towards Gobi Gurvan Saikhan park, and our journey takes us to the Khavtsgait Petroglyph, nestled within the Dund Saikhan Mountain. Here, we embark on a trek to the mountain, where a captivating natural gallery of rock paintings from the Bronze Age awaits. Continuing our northern journey, we head towards the renowned Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Upon arrival, we'll visit the information center, which features informative exhibits and a brief documentary to enhance your understanding of the area. Then, immerse yourself in the wilderness and explore the unique natural formations as you hike along a designated trail. As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our camp in the evening, where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ongi Monastery
After enjoying breakfast, we embark on a northbound journey towards the Ongi Monastery ruins, situated by the scenic Ongi River. This picturesque drive spans approximately 4-5 hours, traversing the expansive and breathtaking Ongi steppe. Upon arrival at our ger camp, we gather for a satisfying lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the remnants of the historic Ongi Monastery, which dates to the 18th century. This excursion includes some brief hiking adventures amidst the ancient ruins. Later, we return to the ger camp to unwind and relax. As the day comes to a close, we come together for a delightful dinner at the ger camp, followed by a restful overnight stay in this tranquil setting.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Karakorum
Today, our journey takes us further north into central Mongolia. We'll embark on a scenic 4–5-hour drive, crossing the vast Gobi steppes before reaching the central Mongolian steppe. Along the way, we'll pause for lunch along the main highway leading to the western province. Afterward, we'll continue for another 1-2 hours, possibly making a stop to visit a nomadic family, before reaching Karakorum. In Karakorum, we'll explore the Museum of Karakorum, offering insights into Central Mongolia's history and introducing us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon River Valley. Upon arrival at our ger camp, we'll check in and prepare for a satisfying dinner. The evening will conclude with a comfortable overnight stay, immersed in the rich cultural and historical heritage of this region.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Hustai National Park
Following breakfast, our day begins with a visit to the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery, a historic landmark founded in 1586 and Central Mongolia's very first Buddhist monastery. From there, we will continue our journey to Hustai National Park, with a brief stopover at Elsen Tasarkhai and a lunch break at a roadside restaurant. Upon reaching Hustai, we'll venture into the park, keeping our eyes peeled for sightings of the Takhi wild horses peacefully grazing in their natural habitat, alongside other fascinating wildlife. Following our exploration, we'll proceed to the ger camp, where a satisfying dinner awaits, capping off the day with a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ulaanbaatar city
Check out from our camp and travel to Ulaanbaatar with 2–3-hour drive and you`ll be dropped off at your accommodation. This marks the conclusion of our services. We hope you had a wonderful experience!
Meals:
Breakfast
Tour Dates:
If you prefer a private tour experience, click the "Customize this tour" button at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote.
Tour Price:
Group tour price: 1690 USD per person
Single supplement charge: 310 USD per person
Included services:
Excluded services:
Discover the raw beauty of Southern and Central Mongolia on this immersive expedition. From the Gobi’s golden sands to the historic cradle of the Mongol Empire, this journey blends natural wonders with deep cultural connection.
Landscape and cultural sightseeing blend easily in Mongolia – you will have the chance to visit families of nomads, remote Buddhist monasteries and traditional events, and to take part in horse-riding or guided walking if you wish – there are also endless opportunities for photography.
The Highlights of the tour:
Accommodation info on your Mongolia tours
Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, offers a variety of hotels ranging from basic guesthouses to high-end 5* hotel.
Some of our Mongolia tours do not include the hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar in the tour package, where clients can choose a hotel that suits their needs and budget. Please make sure to check your tour program`s Inclusions and Exclusions section to confirm if your hotel stay is included in the package.
If you wish us to book your hotel for you, your travel consultant will be happy to recommend and book an ideal hotel for you.
Here are hotels that are recommended by us:
Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar where there are no hotels, tourist Ger (yurt) camps are the best accommodation for travelers. A Ger is Mongolian traditional dwelling made of felt layers and wooden construction, and the Mongolians have lived in Gers for thousands of years. Tourist Ger camps offer comfortable Gers with 1-3 beds with good bedding (1 Ger equals 1 hotel room), and also offer well-maintained public western style showers and WCs on their grounds. Some Ger camps offer en-suite bathroom facilities at additional charge, please ask your Selena Travel advisor for further details when booking your Mongolia tour.
Food on Selena Travel tours
In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course and dessert.
While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and many others, can be accommodated with easy on your Mongolia adventure.
Luggage allowance on Selena Travel tours
If you are on an overland only tour across Mongolia, the recommended weight of your luggage is 20kg per person (max). However, kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is 15 kg (10 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). It is possible to purchase extra luggage space which costs US$2 - 5 per 1kg.
DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO
Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs
Bayanzag, which in Mongolian means 'a place of many saxaul bushes', was first called 'The Flaming Cliffs' by Roy Chapman Andrews, the American dinosaur hunter and adventurer who made vital finds of dinosaur eggs and skeletons at the base of the vivid red bluffs, which stand alone in a vast empty expanse of land and sky. Chapman himself was something of a rogue - said by some to be the man on whom the film character 'Indiana Jones' was based. He lived an adventurous, self-aggrandizing life across much of this part of the world. At Bayanzag it is the landscape, in addition to the rich dinosaur history, which is very impressive - an intense evocation of Mongolia's great emptiness.
Khongor sand dunes
An extensive dune formation, Khongor Els runs for 180 kilometers across the front of the Gobi-Altai mountains - formed by deposits of sand dropped into the lee of the mountains by centuries of storms. The dunes, rising to heights of 2600 feet, stand out in light sinuous sand shapes against the dark rock of the mountain and the surrounding desert plain, At the base of the dunes runs a sacred river, bringing a flourish of green growth to the desert scene - the nomads bring their herds of cashmere goat and horses to drink at this oasis.
Yoliin Am
The bearded vulture, Yol in Mongolian, gave its name to the Yoliin Am Valley, the Gorge of Bearded Vultures. Located at a height of 2500 metres (8202,10 feet), Yol Canyon forms a gorge that is so deep and so narrow, that only two persons can pass in some places. The water forms four small waterfalls.
Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour
Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time.
We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.
by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia
Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.
by Margaret Suganda
Let us design that dream vacation for you
Send us a quick email
Skype us
(+976)-8900-5074
