Selena Travel

Discover True Mongolia (September)

Discovering the real Mongolia | Explore Mongolia's landscapes.

15days/14nights

Tour grade: Medium

Camel riding in the Gobi Desert in MongoliaStargazing at Mongolian ger campsBest group tours MongoliaExperience horse riding in MongoliaLocal flight included
From: US$ 4,150

Style: Join in Group Departure

  • Explore Ulaanbaatar, visiting key sites like Gandan Monastery and the Genghis Khan Monument.
  • Enjoy Huvsgul Lake and Khoridol Saridag Mountains, where you can hike, kayak, and meet nomadic families.
  • Adventure in the Gobi Desert and uncover the Flaming Cliff, known for its dinosaur history.
  • Take a camel ride on two-humped Bactrian camels and engage in cultural exchanges while staying in traditional Ger/Yurt accommodations.
  • Solo Friendly: No single supplement 

  • Sharing: We provide single travelers the option to share a room with another passenger, reducing the tour price. We will match you with another traveler of the same gender.

Tour Overview

Join us on this epic Mongolia tour through this wonderful country of ancient history, unique Mongolian nomadic culture, and rare wildlife species, untouched beautiful landscape, Gobi Desert and hospitable Mongolian people whose lives are not changed in many ways since the days of mighty Genghis Khan and his empire. This fantastic Mongolia trip is specially designed to bring you all these unique features nowhere else to be experienced.

 

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.
 

Tour map

Discover true Mongolia tour map | Discover Mongolia with Selena Travel Mongolia

Brief itinerary

  • Day 1: Sept 4. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 2: Sept 5. Ulaanbaatar city tour
  • Day 3: Sept 6. Murun- Lake Khuvsgul
  • Day 4: Sept 7. Lake Khuvsgul
  • Day 5: Sept 8. Lake Khuvsgul
  • Day 6: Sept 9. Murun- Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 7: Sept 10. Dalanzadgad - Bayanzag
  • Day 8: Sept 11. Khongor sand dunes
  • Day 9: Sept 12. Yolyn Am gorge
  • Day 10: Sept 13. Tsagaan Suvarga
  • Day 11: Sept 14. Baga Gazriin Chuluu
  • Day 12: Sept 15. Hustai National Park
  • Day 13: Sept 16. Ulaanbaatar
  • Day 14: Sept 17. Terelj National Park
  • Day 15: Sept 18. Departure from Mongolia.
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Tour images

The Khongor Sand Dunes, also known as the "Singing Sands," stretch majestically across the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia.
Khuvsgul Lake, nestled amidst the Mongolian wilderness, presents a serene spectacle of pristine beauty.
Genghis Khaan Statue At Tsonjin Boldog, stretching across the horizon under a clear blue sky.
Discover tue Mongolia - September

Full Itinerary

Day 1:

Sept 4. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, private transfer to the hotel.

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our team will greet you at the airport, after you’ve completed the necessary customs formalities, we will transport you in a private car to your hotel for check-in (drive is approximately 90 minutes). For those arriving prior to 4 PM, an early check-in can be arranged.

 

The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, allowing you to recover from any jet lag.

 

For those with extra energy it is suggested you visit the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, a 10–15-minute walk from the hotel. Dinner is on your own, but we will provide a list of local recommended restaurants.

 

Accommodation

  • Holiday Inn Hotel /standard check-in time is 2 pm/

 

Day 2:

Sept 5. City sightseeing tour of Ulaanbaatar

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel, and then gather at 9 AM  in the hotel lobby to meet your English-speaking local guide. You will have a full day of sightseeing the key sites in Ulaanbaatar. We will visit Gandan Monastery housing 26m statue of a Buddhist deity and see the morning chanting at one of the temples. From there, you'll proceed to the Genghis Khan monument, an iconic symbol situated on a prominent square. A delectable lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, providing a taste of Mongolian cuisine.

 

After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to explore Bogd Khaan's Winter Palace Museum, offering insights into the history of Mongolia's monarchy. Following this, a visit to Zaisan Memorial hill for the panoramic view of the capital city. As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in Mongolia's rich cultural heritage with a traditional folklore concert at the Tumen Ekh ensemble. Dinner is on your own. 

 

Accommodation

  • Holiday Inn Hotel 

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

Day 3:

Sept 6. Ulaanbaatar- Murun- Lake Khuvsgul

Catch a morning flight to Murun town today. Upon landing, meet our local driver and visit the Uushig Deer Stones, a UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Site. Following this intriguing visit, we'll have our lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, our path takes us on a picturesque drive from Murun to Lake Khuvsgul, covering a distance of just over 150 kilometers. Along the way, we'll traverse a landscape characterized by lush green hills punctuated by rugged rock formations. We'll encounter river valleys with intricate networks of braided channels meandering through the fertile valley floors, while the skies above are graced by the presence of majestic birds of prey. As we approach the settlement of Khatgal and enter the forested terrain surrounding the lake, the road may become a bit uneven. However, our journey will reward us with the breathtaking sight of Lake Khuvsgul, with our ger camp conveniently located nearby.  We expect to arrive at the camp around 3-4 pm in the afternoon. The remainder of the day offers leisure time by the serene shores of Lake Huvsgul, allowing you to unwind and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

 

Accommodation

  • Ashikhai Resort

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 4:

Sept 7. Lake Khuvsgul

Start your morning with an optional two-hour hike along the picturesque lakeshore. In the afternoon, you can do optional activities including a motor boat rental, or kayaking on the tranquil waters of the lake allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this remarkable natural landscape. surrounds you.

 

Accommodation

  • Ashikhai Resort

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 5:

Sept 8. Lake Khuvsgul

Today is a leisure day at Lake Khuvsgul. In the morning, we will arrange an opportunity to meet Darkhad people and learn about their nomadic life. After lunch, there will be an afternoon of horseback riding. For those wishing to skip the horseback riding, this is a good opportunity for meditative thinking and strolling by Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake (by volume).

 

 

Accommodation

  • Ashikhai Resort

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 6:

Sept 9. Lake Khuvsgul- Murun- Ulaanbaatar

We leave behind the scenic Lake Khuvsgul and make our way to Murun town, where we'll board a flight bound for Ulaanbaatar. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Upon landing at the airport in Ulaanbaatar, you will be smoothly transferred to your hotel. 


In the afternoon, we will visit the National History Museum. Free time for visiting Galleria Ulaanbaatar shopping mall for the world-famous Gobi cashmere brand store.  

 

Accommodation

  • Holiday Inn Hotel

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

 

Day 7:

Sept 10. Ulaanbaatar- Dalanzadgad- Bayanzag

Pick up from hotel at 9 am and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Gobi Desert. Upon arrival in Gobi, meet our driver(s) and start our journey in the arid Gobi Desert. We will arrive at our first Gobi camp after 1 hour drive from the airport. Then we head towards the renowned Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Upon arrival, we'll visit the information center, see informative exhibits and a 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, for a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay.

 

Accommodation

  • Gobi Mirage ger camp or similar

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 8:

Sept 11. Khongor sand dunes, Camel ride via Khavtsgait Petroglyph

Early start from Gobi Mirage camp today and we head to Khongor sand dunes. We will break our journey by 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. 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 3 to 4 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. Arrive and settle at our next tourist camp and lunch. Later in a day, we'll explore the magnificent sand dunes nestled alongside the Khongor river, gracefully flowing through the sands. You'll even have the chance to enjoy a one-hour camel ride amidst this breathtaking desert backdrop. As the day ends, settle in for a cozy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

 

Accommodation

  • Gobi-Erdene ger camp or similar

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

 

Day 9:

Sept 12. Yolyn Am gorge, Gurvan Saikhan National Park

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. Arrive at the camp and settle. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a brief drive to reach the enchanting Yolyn Am gorge. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a one-hour hike from our parking spot, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty. Eventually, we’ll return to the Gobi Mirage camp, where we’ll spend a night. 

 

Accommodation

  • Gobi Mirage ger camp or similar

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 10:

Sept 13. Yolyn Am gorge - Tsagaan Suvarga

Today’s expedition leads us to Tsagaan Suvarga, a remarkable sedimentary formation that harks back to an ancient seabed. Our expedition includes a pit stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where we’ll explore the newly constructed Umnugovi province museum. From there our journey to Tsagaan Suvarga spans approximately 4-5 hours, punctuated by a short pit stop along the way. Upon our 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 Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 11:

Sept 14. Baga Gazriin Chuluu Mountain

Today’s destination is Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a picturesque and legendary granite mountain. Arrive at Baga Gazriin Chuluu Mountain and transfer to the tourist ger camp where you stay overnight today. After lunch, discover the area and take a tour around to visit Surtiin Am for the ruin of stone temple, 20 m long cave, as well as ger shaped stone nearby. Return to the ger camp, dinner and overnight.

 

Accommodation

  • Ger Camp

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 12:

Sept 15. Hustai National Park

Wake up bright and early as we set out on our journey to the north, heading towards our next destination, the Mongol Nomadic Camp. Arrive and check in at the tourist ger camp. In the afternoon, we travel to Hustai National Park, a home to endangered Takhi wild horses. Visit the information center by the entrance of the park and start the excursion to the park to spot Takhi horses grazing peacefully in their homeland.  Return to our camp, dinner and overnight.

 

Accommodation

  • Mongol Nomadic camp or similar 

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day 13:

Sept 16. Mongol Nomadic camp- Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we'll see a captivating 'nomadic show' that highlights the customs of traditional Mongolian nomads, including their seasonal moves, milking livestock, and dairy product production. After the show, we'll have lunch at the ger camp, and travel back to Ulaanbaatar. 


After the show, your driver will bring you back to the Ulaanbaatar hotel arriving around 3 pm. This would be a good opportunity to do some last-minute shopping. 

 

Accommodation

  • Holiday Inn Hotel

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

Day 14:

Sept 17. Day trip to Terelj National Park

Meet at the hotel lobby at 9 am and start the day trip to beautiful Terelj National Park. We travel in a car for 1-2 hr and visit Giant Chinggis Khan statue at Tsonjin Boldog. Afterwards, we continue traveling to Terelj National Park. Upon arrival, lunch at the tourist ger camp. In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Aryapala meditation temple with a short stop by the Turtle Rock. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Dinner is on your own. 

 

Accommodation

  • Holiday Inn Hotel

Meals Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 

Day 15:

Sept 18. Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Following breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station. This marks the conclusion of your tour as you depart with what we hope will be lasting wonderful memories of your adventure.  Of course, we hope to see you return, but until we meet again, we wish you safe travels.

 

Meals Included

  • Breakfast

Date & Price

TOUR DATES

  • 4-18 September, 2025

 

If you prefer a private tour experience, simply click the "Customize this tour" button located 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

  • 4150 USD per person for a private tour with 5 participants /based on single occupancy/

 

  • 4300 USD per person for a private tour with 4 participants /based on single occupancy/

 

  • 4750 USD per person for a private tour with 3 participants /based on single occupancy/

 

  • 5450 USD per person for a private tour with 2 participants /based on single occupancy/

The price is based on the total group size registered as of July 15th 2025

 

 PAYMENT

  • $1,500 per person to register and hold your spot (there are four remaining spots)
  • On 7/15/2025, Selena will invoice the full tour cost based on the number of people registered as of that date. Full Payment is due by 7/21/2025.

REFUNDS

  • All requests for refunds must be made in writing via email.
  • Cancel by June 20-2025; your deposit will be refunded less $250 per person.
  • If you cancel between June 21-2025 and July 21-2025, your deposit will be refunded less than $500 per person.
  • Cancel between July 21-2025 and August 5-2025, and your payment will be refunded less $500, and 20% of the invoiced tour cost.  i.e., if the tour costs $5,000, you would forfeit $500 plus (20% of $5,000 = $1,000), so the forfeiture would be $ 1,500. 
  • There are no refunds after August 5-2025, as Selena AND other travelers will rely on your participation.

 


 

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • All participants will have single room at the Holiday Inn hotel (five nights) and a single occupancy yurt at all tourist camps (nine nights).
  • The continuous services of an English-speaking local guide throughout the entire tour, from pick up through departure.
  • Experienced driver in addition to the guide.
  • All transport by private, reliable vehicle. 4WD minivan will be used.
  • Pickup and delivery to the airport or train station as desired.
  • All sightseeing activities and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.
  • A round flight ticket from Ulaanbaatar to Murun, including taxes (with a baggage allowance of 15 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for carry-on). Excess luggage can be stored at the Best Western Hotel.
  • A flight ticket from Ulaanbaatar to Gobi, including taxes (with a baggage allowance of 15 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for carry-on)
  • Meals as indicated including:  14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), and 9 dinners (D)
  • Guide Accompaniment on the morning hike at Lake Huvsgul
  • Fees for a 2-hour horseback ride near Lake Huvsgul
  • Fees for a 1-hour camel ride in the Gobi
  • Three 0.5-liter bottles of water per day
  • Visa support invitation letter, where applicable
  • Exclusive Mongolia Tour souvenir!

 

EXCLUDED SERVICES

  • International Airfare/train tickets and associated taxes
  • Travel insurance and visa fees
  • Personal expenses, including but not limited to laundry, beverages, and camera or video fees at various sites.
  • Cooking class fee
  • Optional activities (boat trip, kayaking etc.)
  • Tips are at your discretion 

 


DISCOUNTS
Two individuals sharing a room/yurt will receive a $300 discount (per person) off the above prices
 

OPTIONAL EXTRA PURCHASES

1. EN-SUITE GER UPGRADE at the ger camps:

  • $45 per person per night – 8 nights ger camp has en-suite accommodation /Total 360 USD per person, at Huvsgul, Bayanzag, Khongor, Yol, Hustai, Baga Gazriin Chuluu/. 

  

2. Pre-night HOTEL in ULAANBAATAR – Holiday Inn

  • $130 for a single room per night & $170 for a twin/double room per night 

 

Tour Background

ACCOMMODATION INFO ON YOUR MONGOLIA TOURS:

 

In Ulaanbaatar:  Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, features a wide range of accommodations, from basic guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Some of our tours do not include hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar, allowing you the flexibility to select a hotel that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to check the Inclusions and Exclusions section of your tour program to see if your hotel stay is part of the package. If you’d like assistance with booking, your travel consultant is ready to recommend and arrange the perfect hotel for your stay.

 

Here are hotels that we recommend:  

- Springs hotel (3*)

- Holiday Inn (4*)

- Best Western Premier (5*)

- Shangri-La Hotel (5*)

 

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. 

 

 

MEALS 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 ease 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). Please kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is also 20 kg (15 kg for the check in luggage and 5 kg for the carry on luggage). For 1kg extra luggage, you pay US$2 - 5. 

 
 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

- Explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar with a visit to local museums, an explanation of the city’s history, and key sites, including Gandan Monastery, Genghis Khan Monument, and Zaisan Memorial Hill

 

- Visit a UNESCO world heritage site Uushgiin Uvur, a remarkable bronze age complex with deer stones. Explore the towering sand dunes of Khongoriin Els, venture into the breathtaking Yolyn Am glacial canyon, also known as the Lammergeier Gorge, and marvel at the crimson cliffs of Bayanzag,

 

- Discover the pristine beauty of Huvsgul Lake and the enchanting Khoridol Saridag Mountains where you will have the opportunity to, hike, kayak and meet with nomadic families!

 

- Embark on an adventure in the enigmatic Gobi Desert, home to unique endemic flora and fauna where you will uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliff, renowned as the ancient birthplace of dinosaurs

 

- Experience an unforgettable camel ride atop two-humped Bactrian camels amidst the rolling sand dunes.

 

- Immerse yourself in genuine cultural exchanges with local nomadic families and experience stays in Mongolian Traditional Ger/Yurt accommodations.

 

 

DESTINATION & ATTRACTIONS BRIEF INFO
 
- Lake Huvsgul - The Blue Pearl of Asia: Lake Huvsgul, the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Baikal in Buryatia, is popular for its pure water, awesome Alpine-like landscapes, wonderful wildlife and the different ethnic people living around it. Lake Huvsgul region is a destination in itself and an entire tour could be devoted to this specific part of Mongolia.

- The Gobi Desert is the most mysterious place on earth The Gobi invites you to reveal its secrets. This region is famous for its unique natural formations, many places where you can dig and find real dinosaur fossils, flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world. There is plenty to photograph- impressive herds of gazelles & sightings of the rare Khulan(Asiatic wild ass). 

- Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) is internationally famous for its fossilized dinosaur remains. Dinosaur nests with eggs were found here as well as whole fossilized skeletons.
 
- The Khongoriin Els sand dunes extend along the northern side of Sevrei and Zuulun mountain ranges. These dunes are 180 km long, 15-20 km wide and up to 200m high. There is a small oasis near Khongoriin gol stream, which flows along the northern edge of the dunes. The scenery here is simply spectacular.

Yoliin Am (Vulture's Gorge) is a narrow valley located in the Zuun Saikhan Mountain range, with thick pieces of ice almost all year around hidden in its depths. This area is home to rare animals such as the Argali (wild sheep) and Ibex as well as Vultures and other large birds.

Tour Map

Tour Reviews

Dec 21, 2024.  The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer

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

Aug 08, 2012.  Gobi & Karakorum customized 11 days tour

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

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