Best of Mongolia

Days 1-2

Fly overnight to Ulaanbaatar
Fly overnight to Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- Dinner
Day 3

Explore Ulaanbaatar
Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Here, you'll get to witness the monks' morning chants and learn more about Mongolian Buddhism. Then head to the heart of the city to stand in Genghis Khan Square and view the fascinating exhibitions of the National Museum of Mongolia. This evening, enjoy a lively cultural show that features traditional songs, dances and music.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Terelj National Park
Leave the city and travel into the hinterland to discover the picturesque scenery of Terelj National Park. En route, stop at the impressive Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex – the largest of its kind in the world. Continue your journey to Terelj National Park, where you'll walk around the iconic Turtle Rock and visit the serene Aryabal Temple. Unwind at your premium ger camp, enjoying leisure time with stargazing and sauna facilities.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5

Travel to the Gobi Desert
Transfer to the airport and fly to Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the Gobi Desert. Begin your sightseeing in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD with a visit to a local market, then drive to the Yol Valley in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Take a scenic walk through a narrow gorge surrounded by towering rock formations. Spend the night in a premium ger camp.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6

Through the Gobi
Travel across striking desert plains, passing herds of camels on your way to the towering sand dunes of Khongoryn Els. Explore the dunes on foot, with the option to climb to the top for sweeping views across the Gobi. Dine tonight under the starry Gobi sky and spend the next two nights in a premium ger camp.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7

Sand dunes of Khongoryn Els
Spend a full day exploring the beauty of Khongoryn Els, some of the world's most spectacular sand dunes. Take a walk to admire the contrasts between the shifting sands and green oases and visit a nomadic camel herding family to learn about their way of life. In the afternoon you'll have free time to explore as you wish before returning to the ger camp for a traditional Mongolian dinner.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8

Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag
Drive through magnificent landscapes to reach Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, to admire these red sandstone formations. Take a walk through the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery, keeping a look out for fossils, before a guided walk to discover more about the area's rich paleontological history. Overnight in a premium ger.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9

Ongiin Hiid
Set out across the stark scenery of the Gobi to Ongiin Khiid, a monastery on the banks of the Ongi River. Wander around the ruins of two historic monasteries which were once among the largest in Mongolia and take a walk around the site to learn more about the area's past. Spend the night by the river in a premium ger camp.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10

Orkhon Waterfall
Leave the desert behind as you head into Mongolia's green heartlands, stopping in Arvaikheer for lunch. Continue north to the Orkhon Waterfall, where you’ll take in the views at sunset before unwinding at your eco camp for the night.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11

Experience Mongolia's Heritage
Today, immerse yourself into Mongolia's rich traditions and nomadic heritage, witnessing a mini Naadam Festival, featuring the traditional 'Three Manly Games'. Watch a wrestling competition and a horse race, learn the art of archery and present the winners with their medals at the end of the day. This evening, sit down to an authentic Mongolian stone-grilled mutton feast.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 12

Discover Kharkhorin
Drive to Kharkhorin and explore the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the ruins of Karakorum, Genghis Khan's ancient capital, visit the Karakorum Museum, and walk through the grounds of the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery. Spend the night in a premium ger.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13

Khustai National Park
Arrive in Khustai National Park, home to Mongolia's wild takhi horses. Once extinct in the wild, these rare animals now roam freely alongside other native wildlife. Settle into your premium ger camp and soak in the beauty of the open steppe.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 14

Return to Ulaanbaatar
Spend the morning exploring the wild beauty of Khustai National Park before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop for souvenirs or wander the city at your own pace. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a traditional Mongolian restaurant, complete with live folk music.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 15

Depart Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to the airport. Fly to UK, arriving home the same or following day.
- Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Nights 9

Premium Ger Camps

We've included hand-picked camps with premium gers (locally referred to as "luxury") to ensure a more comfortable journey. Featuring private en-suite bathrooms and electric heating systems, our premium selections offer a higher level of comfort without losing their nomadic charm. Standard gers typically feature shared bathroom facilities and wood-burning heating. A standout example is Juulchin Terelj Resort, which offers a refined take on the classic Mongolian stay. Each ger is thoughtfully designed with private en-suite bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and tasteful furnishings that blend modern comfort with traditional style. Guests can also enjoy access to a sauna, spa, and star-gazing facilities, making it a peaceful and memorable retreat after a day of adventure.
Nights 2

BlueSky Eco Camp

Nestled in the vast grasslands of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley, BlueSky Eco Camp offers an eco-conscious stay, chosen for its unique experiences and deep connection to the local landscape. The camp is committed to sustainable practices and preserving Mongolia's nomadic heritage. During your two-night stay, you'll rest in a traditional standard ger with access to clean, modern shared bathrooms. Highlights of this stay include a lively mini Naadam festival and the chance to savor Stone Grilled Yak — a distinctive culinary experience unique to this camp.
Nights 3

Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Located a 5-minute drive from the city centre of Ulaanbaatar, the 4-star Chinggis Khaan Hotel enjoys a quiet location in a primary residential area. All en-suite rooms are spacious and feature remote lighting controls, a minibar, cable TV, and a tea/coffee maker. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, massage and sauna services, karaoke rooms and a variety of superb dining options.

The best time to visit Mongolia is between late-May and September, when the weather is warmer and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. This period is ideal for exploring the diverse regions on this itinerary, from the dunes of Khongoryn Els to the green grasslands and mountain valleys. Expect clear skies, starry nights, and comfortable conditions for travel across Mongolia’s remote and beautiful terrain.