destination
Mongolia
Overview
Timed to include the famous Naadam festival, celebrated throughout the country.
Predicted to be one of the next global travel hotspots, Mongolia is more than just the home of the Mongols and the great Ghenghis Khan. In this majestic country the ancient meets the modern and the results guaranteed to take your breath away.
40% of the country's almost 3 million people still live the traditional nomadic lifestyle tending herds of cattle, goats, horses and two -humped Bactrian camels. Living in the traditional felt gers (yurts) and shifting locations four times a year as the seasons dictate.
Mongolia Photo Gallery
Discover the untouched beauty of Mongolia, wander through the vast, pristine landscapes that range from the rolling steppes and towering mountains to the expansive Gobi Desert, each view more breathtaking than the last. Immerse yourself in the rich nomadic culture, experiencing the warm hospitality of the ger camps, the ancient art of throat singing, and the excitement of the Naadam Festival.
Camp under a canopy of stars, marvel at the Milky Way, and lose yourself in the tranquility of the serene nights. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting rare animals such as the snow leopard, wild Bactrian camel, and majestic eagle in their natural habitat.
Experience true Mongolian hospitality by staying in traditional gers, offering a unique and authentic accommodation style. These circular felt tents provide comfort and warmth, blending seamlessly with the landscape. Savor the flavors of traditional Mongolian cuisine, from hearty buuz (dumplings) to the rich taste of khorkhog (barbecue), each meal a delightful culinary journey. Explore historical wonders, including ancient monasteries, historic ruins, and the fabled Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step back in time and trace the footsteps of Genghis Khan on an extraordinary journey that promises awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable memories.
2025 Draft Itinerary:
| Time | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Evening flight to China |
| Day 2 | Flight Beijing to Ulaanbaar, free afternoon to relax |
| Day 3 | ULAANBAATAR - A rapidly developing city which is full of surprises! Our city tour will visit Gandan Monastery, the Genghis Khan monument on the square and the National Museum, Genghis Khan's empire-building. |
| Day 4 | Visit a real nomadic family camp, It features the five types of livestock commonly owned. The family’s seasonal camp which moves from one place to another using ox, yak, camel and horse carts. Learn the secrets of life on the Mongolian steppes. |
| Day 5 | ULAANBAATAR -LAKE HOTON: A flight to Ulgii, Karagul (Black Lake) Kazakh Eagle hunter’s family camp, see his magnificent bird and learn about this traditional hunting method. Also watch how Kazakh women make their traditional handy crafts. |
| Day 6 | LAKE HOTON - SNAKE VALLEY: Begin the day with an easy walk around Lakes Hurgan Nuur and Hoton Nuur, where many nomadic Kazakh families spend the summer months. Along the lake shore we will see the beautiful waterfall, rock paintings and some ancient Turkic face-stones. |
| Day 7 | SNAKE VALLEY - ALTAI TAVANMOGD: National Park, Full day drive to Altai Tavanbogd National Park (meaning The Holy Five) travelling via Tsagaan Gol (White river) Valley and through the Altai Mountains, Mongolia’s largest and highest mountain range that reaches 3,000 and 4,000 meters. One famous spot is “Shiveet Hairhan” Sacred Mountain, where we will see a huge rock-painting site from the Hun period (approx 200 B.C.) |
| Day 8 | Today we will ride horses, or you can hike if you wish, to Potanin Glacier. This 14km river of ice flows from the snowy peaks of Huiten, the highest point in Mongolia (4374m). The scenery will be awe inspiring, with the snow covered massif forming a perfect back-drop to the ice-covered glacier. |
| Day 9 | ALTAI BOGD NATIONAL PARK TO ULGII: Drive via Ulaanhus over the high-desert mountain landscapes, with snow-capped Sogoog Mountain as a backdrop and the Altai Mountain range ahead of us. |
| Day 10 | Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and in the afternoon free time to shop, or otherwise relax and enjoy a rest day. |
| Day 11 | ULAANBAATAR - KHUVSGUL National Park Fly to Murun, the capital of Khuvsgul, visit a fascinating historical area of 2-3m high deer-stones in Uushgi uvur. Our destination, Lake Khuvsgul is the deepest lake in Mongolia, holding almost 2% of the world’s fresh water. It is a beautiful lake with many fish, including salmon and sturgeon. |
| Day 12 | Kayaking and horse riding, as well as a visit to the local reindeer herders who live in the nearby Taiga forest. Reindeer are herded for their antlers, a lucrative medicinal material, as well as for their milk and meat. We’ll have the opportunity to ride the reindeer. |
| Day 13 | LAKE KHUVSGUL - KHATGAL: Visit a local horsemen family where you have an opportunity to experience their way of life, their culture and traditions and to do other activities in the area as weather and inclination dictate. Dinner tonight will be an authentic Mongolian barbecue, prepared in the traditional style using hot stones. |
| Day 14 | Khatgal Today, we will attend a Rural Naadam Festival in Khatgal town. The Naadam Festival, also known as the ‘The Three Games of Men’, is the most important festival of the year for Mongolians, with nomads gathering from miles around to take part. The Inauguration Ceremony of a Naadam Festival is followed by wrestling and archery tournaments, horse racing and other traditional games. Although Naadam incorporates Mongolia's traditional nomadic sporting and military cultures, the three-day festival formally celebrates the Mongolian Revolution of 1921 and the nation's independence from Chinese occupation |
| Day 15 | KHATGAL - JARGALANT SOUMI: Return to the Naadam Festival, Here we will stay at Jargal Jiguur Hot Springs, sulphur springs that emerge from the ground at 70 degrees Celsius. The facilities include outdoor baths for men and women so do pack your togs. |
| Day 16 | JARGALANT - KHORGO VOLCANO: In the morning time to relax in the pools and after lunch continue south to the extinct Khorgo volcano and the Terkhiin Tsagaan lake region. Now established as the Khorgo Terkiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park and encompassing a vast scenic landscape, this park is home to many endanger species of flora and fauna. Surrounded by the Khangai Mountains, which rise to 3,000 meters above the sea level, this comparatively small area is dotted with a dozen or so extinct volcanoes. We will explore the crater area of a largest volcano, Khorgo. |
| Day 17 | KHORGO - TSENKHER: Hot Springs, a region of once active volcanoes which still provide a number of excellent and refreshing hot springs. Free afternoon to enjoy this natural spa area, or to hike up to the source of the spring. Water temperatures can reach 82 C. |
| Day 18 | KARAKORUM: Site of the symbolic ruins of the 13th Century Capital of Chinggis Khaan’s Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene-Zuu, Mongolia’s oldest monastery, with its 108 stupas, built in 1586. Later visit the Karakorum Museum which has interesting displays from the Great Mongol State of Chinggis Khaan, the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Ancient State periods. |
| Day 19 | KARAKORUM - ELSEN TASARKHAI: A unique area of forest and sand dunes. After lunch there will be the opportunity for a hike through this very unique area. |
| Day 20 | ELSEN TASARKHAI -KHUSTAI National Park: See the Asian wild horses, the last surviving sub-species of the wild horses. We will do a short hike to get up close |
| Day 21 | KHUSTAI - TERELJ National Park: See the giant Chinggis Khan statue, then on to Terelj National park, famous for its extraordinary rock formations, some of which resemble turtles. We will spend the afternoon here, with walking and horse riding options to explore the area. |
| Day 22 | TERELJ - BAYANZAG:(Flaming Cliffs) Flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi province and drive to Bayanzag, this is where the first nest of dinosaur eggs was discovered in 1922. The Flaming Cliffs area is still ranked as one of the World’s richest areas for finding dinosaur bones. We will walk where dinosaurs once roamed, see the endemic Saksaul trees and other classic desert vegetation. |
| Day 23 | BAYANZAG - KHONGOR: Singing Dunes drive to Khongor Dunes, known to the locals as the “singing dunes”, because of the sound they make when the wind moves the sand. The dunes change color with each hour of the day, from yellow to silver to rose-colored at (dawn/ sundown). We will have a 2-hr ride on two-humped Bactrian camels. These camels are just gorgeous, the Rolls Royce of camel “models”. The ride is very comfortable as you sit well supported between the humps. |
| Day 24 | KHONGOR - BAYANZAG: A spectacular drive today as we travel back along the length of the dunes and head for Eagle Valley and Dungenee – a wonderfully picturesque valley surrounded by sheer rocky walls forming incredible canyons where ice remains even in high summer. Watch out for the massive Lammergeyers that can be spotted flying overhead. These unique areas are situated in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park that encompasses the "Three Beauties" peaks and the most easterly points of the Altai Mountains. Visit National Park’s museum. |
| Day 25 | BAYANZAG - ULAANBAATAR: Return to Dalanzadgad airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Visit Bogd Khan Palace, a series of beautiful traditional buildings, where the last religious King of Mongolia resided. Once back in the city plenty of time to shop last minute souvenirs and fine cashmere products. Tonight, we will attend the “Tumen Ekh” National Folkloric Show, to celebrate our time in Mongolia. |
| Day 26 | Early flight to Beijing. |
| Day 27 | Beijing - Auckland |
Transport:
Accommodation: Hotels, Ger camps
Meals: Most meals included.
Water: Unlimited mineral water is provided during the Safari. For the remainder of the time, bottled water is readily available.
What is Included: Economy airfares Auckland return
Not Included: The group tipping supplement (to be advised) and your personal tipping for requested services e.g. laundry, porters and bar bills, personal shopping expenditure, visas, balloon ride, Dubai extra night ( if not included)/any additional fare required and any other item not listed as included.
All bookings are subject to the Grassroots Booking conditions which can be found on the Grassroots Booking Form.
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