Feel Mongolia Group Horse Riding Tour
Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia Group Tour Package
Discover the Gobi Desert Group Travel
Explore Mongolia Group Tour
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Explore Mongolia Group Tour Itinerary Overview
Experientially developed, all-inclusive, two-weeks EXPLORE MONGOLIA GROUP TOUR itinerary could be the best choice for any traveler who wishes to travel much of Mongolia within a visit.
Even a month-long trip isn’t enough to fully experience all the “must-sees” in Mongolia, but there’s no need to worry. Here is the tour that covers all the highlights, top attractions, scenic places, and popular activities of the vast, open Gobi Desert and central Mongolia, rich in cultural and historical relics. The itinerary also covers the northern Mongolian mountainous region and the Taiga forest.
Exploring the distinctive way of life of nomads is an essential part of this tour. You will visit several nomadic families to learn cultural insights and see firsthand the daily work of nomads, including how to make dairy products.
You also savor Mongolian barbecue prepared by your nomadic hosts.
Day 1: Tour of Ulaanbaatar city and the giant statue of Genghis Khan
Your guide and driver will meet you at your accommodation and start the group tour with a city sightseeing of Ulaanbaatar. In the morning, you’ll visit Gandantegchilen Monastery to witness the morning ritual and observe the religious locals. Gandantegchilen is the largest active monastery in Mongolia, consisting of both old (dating back to the 17th century) and new temples. A 26m gilded statue of a Buddha in Megjid Janrasag sum is another feature of interest. Next, visit Sukhbaatar Square and travel to Zaisan Hill Memorial for a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. After lunch, travel to the giant statue of Genghis Khan, built in a historic place. This 40 m tall statue is considered the tallest equestrian statue in the world. See the Khan Khentii Mountains, which is Genghis Khan’s birthplace, large traditional shoes, and a whip.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km driving
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga colorful mud cliffs
Continue the journey to the depths of the Gobi Desert. Tsagaan Suvarga is a 30-60 m high, 400 m long, colorful limestone formation that looks like stupas.
Tsagaan Suvarga is a spectacular natural formation of colorful, massive mud cliffs that look like stupas, mound-like structures containing relics. Also, one of the Instagrammable spots. Hiking through the cliffs offers the chance to take amazing photographs and see the different angles of the beautiful formation.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 420 km driving mainly on the paved takes 7 to 8 hours
Day 3: Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain National Park, hiking in Eagle Valley
After breakfast, we travel further south to the Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain Range National Park. It is the end of the Altai Mountains and is amazingly picturesque with lush green valleys, canyons, and crystal clear streams.
You will check in at a ger camp and have lunch. A short tour to the mountain’s picturesque valley Yoliin Am/Eagle Valley. The valley was named after its main habitat, the Bearded Eagle or Lammergeier. After reaching the parking area, we gently hike along the mountain creek, which leads the way into the depths of a sheer rock canyon. The canyon does not accept sunlight. Therefore, it has ice until the end of June. The hiking continues for 2.5 to 3 hours. Return to the ger camp before dinner.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 230 km driving on the paved and rough roads 5 hours
Day 4: Climb Khongor Sand Dunes, visit Gobi desert nomads and camel riding
The journey will continue to the sand dunes of Khongor. After reaching the sand dunes, check into a ger camp and have lunch, followed by a visit to a nomad family to ride camels. Next, climb the sand dune. If you can climb one of the tallest sand dunes, spread the sand northwards against the wind to find the reason why locals call the sand dunes “Singing Sand.” The views from the top of the sand dunes are fantastic.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 190 km driving on the rough roads 5 hours
Day 5: Flaming Cliffs
Our adventure will continue to the Flaming Cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the remains of dinosaurs, including the first dinosaur eggs discovered. We will enjoy exploring the cliffs in search of dinosaur fossils we may find and visit the Gobi Desert tree grove named “Bayanzag.” Which means “rich in saxaul trees.” This tree only grows in the Central Asian Gobi Desert.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 170 km driving on the rough roads 4,5 hours
Day 6: Travel to the Ongi Monastery on the open steppes
Drive first through the slate stone mountains, then on the 80 km-long Ongi steppes to Ongi Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. There were two separate monasteries consisting of more than 30 temples on the shores of the Ongi River, surrounded by the Gobi Desert mountains; however, the communists destroyed the temples in the 1930s. Now the ruins of the monasteries cover a wide area. Visit a new active temple and a ger museum, explore the monastery ruins, and climb a nearby mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km driving on the rough roads 5 hours
Day 7: Kharkhorin, Erdenezuu Monastery in the Orkhon Valley
Today’s tour takes place in the transition zone from the Gobi Desert to the mountain steppes. The Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu tour will provide insight into the history of the Great Mongol, the largest land empire the world has ever known, while exploring the country from a religious perspective. Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu are part of the World Heritage Site, the Orkhon Valley. You will see valuable religious artifacts in the Erdenezuu temple museums, visit an active temple, observe local religious practices, and view the stunning architecture of the monastery. You also visit the Kharakhorum Museum, which displays remnants of the ancient city, including the historical relics on the site.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 260 km driving on the rough roads 6 hours
Day 8: Travel to mountainous Arkhangai province, visit a nomad family and try authentic Mongolian barbecue
The scenery becomes more mountainous, vegetated, and lushly green, dotted with nomadic dwellings, gers, and the nomads’ countless animals. Today’s first stop is Tsetserleg, the central town of Arkhangai province, where we visit the interesting local market for dairy products, handmade utensils, and meat. Continue the journey to meet a yak-herding nomadic family to sample authentic Mongolian barbecue, a famous dish. Discover more about the traditional nomadic life of northern Mongolian nomads. Next, drive through the picturesque landscapes of Arkhangai province, heading to Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park, with a short stop at the lava canyon of the Chuluut River. You arrive at this fascinating national park between 5 and 6 PM.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 320 km driving mainly on the paved roads 6 hours
Day 9: Explore Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park
The Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park was established to protect the spectacular mountain scenery and endangered species of its flora & fauna. Khorgo Volcano is the youngest extinct volcano in Mongolia, became extinct approximately 8000 years ago. The volcano is a spectacular one among the numerous extinct volcanoes within the National Park area. Astonishingly beautiful, clear water lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (known as Great White Lake) is located just 6 km from the volcano. The whole national park area is fertile pastureland for nomads. Therefore, the place is densely populated by nomads and full of domesticated animals. You will spend the entire day exploring the national park – climb the volcano on stairs and trails, and upon reaching the top, walk along the volcano rim with outstanding views of the surrounding areas, a small village, as well as a bird’s eye view of Terhkiin Tsagaan Lake. In the afternoon, travel to Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, a freshwater lake.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: short driving
Day 10: Shine Ider, an overnight area between Arkhangai and Khuvsgul
The first part of today’s driving takes place along the shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Next, we will pass through a mountain pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and mountain tops. Have a picnic lunch in one of the picturesque valleys and arrive at a ger camp between 5 and 6 PM.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 190 km driving on the bumpy roads 6 hours
Day 11: See deer stones and Khuvsgul Lake
The journey continues to the crystal-clear Lake Khuvsgul. This 136 km-long, 38 km-wide lake lies 1,600 m above sea level in the middle of a Siberian taiga forest, among majestic sheer rock mountains. The lake and its surrounding area are pristine and have much to offer its guests. Along the way, we explore ancient deer stones scattered across Central Asia. Some 600 deer stones have been found in Central Asia, 500 of them in Mongolia. Deer stones are the earliest monuments of humans; the earliest date to the 13th to the 9th century BC, while most date to the Bronze Age. On restored standing stones, pictures of the sun, the moon, belts, knives, and jumping deer were fantastically carved. After settling into a ger camp conveniently located on the western shore of the lake, you will have free time.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 250 km driving on the paved and rough roads 6,5 hours
Day 12: Visit reindeer family and horse riding tour at Khuvsgul Lake
The Reindeer Tsaatan people live deep in the taiga forest. In the summer months, some reindeer families move down to the lake from the Taiga mountains to supplement their income. After breakfast, we will visit the reindeer people and take pictures with the reindeer. Then, we will drive back to the ger camp to have lunch and spend the rest of the day riding horses along the lake’s shore.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: short driving in the surrounding area
Day 13: Uran Togoo extinct volcano
One of the long driving days. Trees cover the northern slope and inside of the extinct volcano Uraantogoo crater. The volcano crater has a small lake fed by rainwater. The summit of the mountain is accessible after a challenging hike up, but the incredible vista is well worth it once you are on the top.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 340 km driving on the paved roads 6,5 hours
Day 14: Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Along the way to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, we will drive through the copper-mining city Erdenet and the central town of Bulgan province. Amarbaysgalant is the second-largest and most architecturally stunning monastery. It was built in the Chinese and Mongolian styles between 1727 and 1736 in honor of the Mongolian first religious leader, Zanabazar, at the initiative of the Manchu emperor Yongzheng. In the afternoon, visit the monastery and climb a hill that features statues of Buddha and a huge stupa. The hilltop will allow us to see the whole monastery and the Iven River valley from a bird’s-eye view.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 250 km driving mainly on the paved roads 5,5 hours
Day 15: Return to Ulaanbaatar
We return to Ulaanbaatar, driving mainly on the paved roads of the unique and unforgettable countryside of Mongolia. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, check into a hotel and enjoy a restful, free afternoon.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 360 km driving mainly on the paved roads 6 hours
Day 16: Departure transfer
The driver meets you at the hotel and transfer to the airport/railway station.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 55 km
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON
Group tour price: 2570$ per person
Single supplement: 620$
DISCOUNTS
- For children of a family trip
- One free space for every 16 pax (Regards private group tour)
- Group traveler discount (Regards private group tour)
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel
- 13 nights stay at ger camps
- Van transfer
- English speaking guide
- Entry fees to national parks and museums
- 0.5*2 bottled water per person per day
- 44 meals – 15 breakfast, 15 lunch, 14 dinner
- Departure transfer
The tour includes:
- Items of personal use
- Travel & medical insurance
- International travel
- Visa fee
- Arrival transfer
- Single supplements
- Gratuity for guides & drivers
The tour excludes:
Is this group tour suitable for you?
On the Explore Mongolia group tour, you will travel approximately 3400 km, driving overland both on paved and rough roads. The daily driving duration is 4.5-6 hours. The longest driving days are Day 2 and Day 13 – drive approximately 7-7.5 hours.
The tour does not include demanding physical activities. There will be 1-3 hours of gentle hiking on some days, and short horse and camel rides led by local equestrians.
The travelers can choose to climb one of the higher dunes at Khongor, remain at the bottom, or climb lower dunes. The same options apply when climbing Khorgo Volcano and Uran Togoo Volcano.
Accommodation – What is a ger camp in Mongolia?
On the Explore Mongolia group tour, you will stay in a centrally located 3* hotel for 2 nights at the beginning and end of the tour. We always book the best location and the best hotel available in the 3* category for your comfort, safety, and easy access to city attractions, shopping, dining, etc.
In the countryside, you will stay for 13 nights at a western-friendly traditional ger camp near the main attractions.
As with the hotel, we always choose the best ger camps for your enjoyment, comfort, and safety.
You will stay in twin rooms and gers at both ger camps and hotels, unless you request a single supplement and pay an additional fee.
The ger camps have restaurants that serve Western and Mongolian cuisines. However, the running water WC and showers are in a separate block to share with other travelers. Some of the ger camps have private bathroom gers available at an additional fee of 50$-60$ per person.
Some of the ger camps are connected to the central grid, while the other half sources electricity from generators, solar, and wind. Learn more about the ger camps and see pictures at What is a ger camp in Mongolia?
What meals will I eat during the tour?
The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 14 dinners. In the countryside, ger camps serve some European and Mongolian meals. Meat is the main recipe for lunch and dinner and is served along with vegetables, salads, and soups. There will be more meat in traditional Mongolian meals.
BREAKFAST: A typical breakfast consists of tea, coffee, bread, jam, butter, eggs, sausage, cookies, cheese, and cereals.
LUNCH: They serve some salads, Mongolian soups, main courses (pasta, rice, vegetables, beef/mutton/chicken/fish near lakes/rivers, traditional meal), and dessert with tea.
DINNER: Salad, a main course, dessert, and tea will be served.
Are you a vegetarian or have a dietary restriction? If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance. We will arrange the meals accordingly.
Water: We provide 2 to 3 bottles of water daily.
Meals with the nomads: On day 8, you will try authentic Mongolian lunch with the nomads.
Guides
An English-speaking guide will serve the group. They are all friendly and helpful, and most of them were born and raised in the Mongolian countryside. Therefore, they have a good understanding of all aspects of Mongolia and at least 3 years of experience. During the camel ride, a local guide will support you
Transportation
Full-time Japanese van Toyota Hiace is the main vehicle for the group tour. Depending on the group size, a Mitsubishi Delica or a 4WD Hyundai Starex may serve.
When is the best time to take the Explore Mongolia group tour?
The best time to travel along this itinerary is between 1 June and 15 September. Therefore, the group tours are available between the above period.
We recommend the beginning of June and September for travelers who prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds. During this time, expect daytime weather between +5°C and +25°C and night weather between +8°C and +20°C. Snowfall may occur in early June and September.
The beginning of August and July is the hottest and wettest. As well as being the busiest due to the national holiday Naadam festival. Please expect daytime temperatures of +22°C to +35°C and nighttime temperatures of +16 °C to +20 °C.
The second half of June and August are the perfect times to travel to Mongolia. Not too hot, not cool, and not rainy. Expect daytime temperatures of +10°C to +30°C and nighttime temperatures of +8 °C to +15 °C.
What to bring and wear?
As Mongolian weather is inflexible and fluctuates a lot, regardless of the month, we suggest you pack according to the following.
• A torch/headlamp will be useful when going to bathrooms in the evenings and at night while staying at the ger camps
• Windproof/waterproof, lightweight jacket at the end of June, July, and in the first half of August, and windproof/waterproof warmer jacket in the first half of June, in the last half of August and September.
• Lightweight travel trousers that can be unzipped into shorts would be ideal for most summer days.
• T-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts will be comfortable and help you to protect your arms from the sun and stay warm on cool days.
• Woolen hat, gloves, and scarf are handy if you are traveling at the end of August and September.
• A sturdy pair of walking sandals and boots will be useful when you hike. If not the hiking shoes, bring sneakers and sandals. Some of the ger camps do not have slippers in their gers.
• Pajamas/tights or something similar to stay warm at night.
• Shorts and whatever is suitable at high temperatures up to +35°C during daytime in summer months and +8 to + 18°C in the evening/night temperature The temperature drops sharply when it rains and turns to snow in the mountainous areas.
• Bringing your eyeglasses is preferable instead of lenses on dusty roads.
• Sun cream, lip balm, sunglasses, and a sunhat are vital.
• Some pills for common symptoms such as travel sickness pills, allergy pills (there is a vast expanse of grasslands), Pepto-Bismol for the inevitable upset stomach, Antibiotic cream for cuts, scratches, and insect bites, etc. The pills should be carried in the original, clearly labeled container, in your handbag, and should be checked with the Mongolian Embassy if necessary.
• A watch or alarm clock can be useful if your mobile phone does not have enough charge or you do not want to use your phone.
• Both and suitcases work. The bell boys and service staff of ger camps will help you transfer your luggage between the ger and the parking area.
• Razor blades, shampoo, lotions, deodorant, and toothpaste are all available extensively in Ulaanbaatar. However, they are not available at ger camps. Therefore, bring your supply
• The ger camps provide big and small towels. Bringing dry/wet tissues, and hand sanitizer will not go wrong. Particularly, during some important stops in the countryside (call of nature).
• Travel and medical insurance, passport, and what else you need.
• A camera with a spare battery or with a mobile charger. Make sure your power bank and batteries meet your flight operator’s requirements, as they sometimes cause a delay in your luggage on international flights.
• Resealing (Ziploc) plastic bags – to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from wetness, sand, and dust.
• Check here vaccinations and health information needed to travel to Mongolia.
• Small gifts for nomadic children, if you do not mind. Visiting nomads and learning about this unique culture is an inseparable and experiential part of our tours. Expressing thanks for your sudden and uninformed visits to nomads on your way and their hospitality is a nice feeling for both of you. Giving little gifts to the nomads is not a must, but you may like to give a little more happiness to the people who live in the middle of nowhere. Below are just to give an idea: Any small toys, hair ribbons, children’s books, educational materials, paper, pencils, crayons or sweets for children, sewing kits, face or hand cream, a little perfume, cigarettes, cigar-related items, or snuff tobacco for adults. Candies are an ideal gift for both children and adults to keep things simple.
