Day 1 – Ulaanbaatar to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
We pick you up at your hotel and fly 1.5 hours to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi. From there, drive 90 km to Bayanzag, a region of red sandstone cliffs and saxaul forests. This is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world, made famous by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews whose expedition found the first ever fossilized dinosaur eggs in the 1920s. The cliffs glow at sunset, and wildlife such as gazelles or foxes may be spotted en route. Overnight in a ger camp nearby.

Day 2 – Khongor Sand Dunes
Drive westward (approx. 150 km) through the Gurvansaikhan Mountains to reach the immense Khongor Els dunes. These dunes stretch over 150 km, rising up to 80 meters high. In the evening light, their shifting shapes and colors are especially striking. You’ll also have the chance to visit local herder families and learn about life in the desert. Overnight in a ger camp near the dunes.

Day 3: Along the Gurvansaikhan Mountains
Journey east along the Gurvansaikhan mountain range, an extension of the Altai with peaks reaching 2,800 meters. The Gurvansaikhan range, literally ‘three beauties’ named for its three subranges, is an extension of the Altai deep into the Gobi dessert.  Overnight in Gobi Oasis ger camp.

Day 4: Yol Valley Excursion
Take a full-day trip into the Gurvansaikhan Mountains and visit Yolyn Am, or Yol Valley. This narrow gorge, often filled with ice into mid-summer, offers a beautiful contrast to the surrounding desert. We’ll hike through the valley, home to wildlife like Lammergeiers (bearded vultures), rosefinches, and pikas. In the afternoon, visit Muhar Shivert, known for its animal-shaped rock formations and remaining patches of winter ice. Overnight in Gobi Oasis ger camp.

Day 5 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
After early breakfast, transfer to Dalanzadgad airport for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Transport: Travel by jeep or minibus depending on group size. Itinerary may reverse during June or September due to limited flights.

Accommodation: Deluxe Gers with ensuite bathroom. Luxury upgrade available at Three Camel Lodge near Bayanzag.

Staff: Accompanied by an English-speaking Mongolian guide throughout. Other languages available on request (additional cost).

Meals: All meals provided outside Ulaanbaatar, either at ger camps or as picnics

Included

• English-speaking guide
• All meals outside Ulaanbaatar
• Accommodation in ger camps
• All local transport and entry fees
• Domestic flights

Excluded

• Beverages
• Accommodation and transfers in Ulaanbaatar

Day 1: Hustai National Park
Morning pickup from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and drive to Hustai National Park to search for takhi—the Mongolian wild horse. Once extinct in the wild, these horses now roam freely here. Visit a local nomadic family for lunch in their ger and experience traditional herder life. Later, enjoy birdwatching along the Tuul River and an evening game drive to see the takhi as they descend from the mountains to graze. Overnight in a Hustai ger camp.

Day 2: Högnö Khan Mountains
Drive to the Högnö Khan Mountains and check into the nearby ger camp. Visit the small Erdenekhamba Temple and hike to the ruins of Övgön Monastery, nestled in a scenic mountain oasis. Overnight in Hogno Khan ger camp.

Day 3: Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery
Continue to Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery, and observe daily prayers if available. Explore the excellent Karakorum Museum which chronicles the history of the Khan Empire and it displays many artifacts from the ruined city. Overnight in Secrets of Silk Road ger camp.

Day 4: Ongiin Monastery Ruins
Drive south into the Gobi, where the landscape becomes increasingly arid. Visit the ruins of Ongiin Monastery, set in a dramatic rocky setting near the (often dry) Ongi River. Overnight at the Secrets of Ongi ger camp.

Day 5: Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)
After exploring the ruins, drive to Bayanzag through saxaul “forests”—hardy desert trees unique to the region. Visit the Flaming Cliffs, a name coined by American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, whose expedition found the first ever fossilized dinosaur eggs in the 1920s. Red and orange hues come together to create an awe-inspiring sight. Home to ancient dinosaur fossils, the Bayanzag area is an exciting destination. Overnight in Gobi Tour ger camp near Bayanzag.

Day 6: Hongor Sands
Travel southwest through mountain terrain to reach Hongor Sands, Mongolia’s tallest sand dunes in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Visit the dunes in the beautiful evening light. Overnight in ger camp.

Day 7: Along the Gurvansaikhan Mountains
Journey east along the Gurvansaikhan mountain range, an extension of the Altai with peaks reaching 2,800 meters. The Gurvansaikhan range, literally ‘three beauties’ named for its three subranges, is an extension of the Altai deep into the Gobi dessert. Overnight in Gobi Erdene ger camp.

Day 8: Yol Valley Excursion
Take a full-day trip into Yol Valley, a deep gorge often filled with ice even into summer. Spot Bearded Vultures (lammergeiers), rose finches, and wallcreepers. In the afternoon, visit Muhar Shivert, known for its animal-shaped rock formations and remaining patches of winter ice. Overnight in Gobi Oasis ger camp.

Day 9: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Dalanzadgad airport for a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. End of tour.

Transport: Travel by jeep or minivan and boat depending on group size.

Accommodation: Comfortable deluxe ger with en-suite bathroom facilities in shared twin.

Staff: Accompanied by an English-speaking Mongolian guide throughout. Other languages available on request (additional cost).

Meals: All meals provided outside Ulaanbaatar, either at ger camps or as picnics.

Day 1: To Hustai National park
Depart Ulaanbaatar in the morning and head west along paved roads across the open steppe. After approximately two hours, visit a local herding family living near the park to learn about traditional nomadic livelihoods and their involvement in Hustai’s wildlife conservation efforts. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch of buuz (steamed dumplings), a classic Mongolian dish. Continue to Hustai Ger Camp, operated by the Hustai Trust. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Öngut graves, ancient burial sites dating from the 6th–7th century A.D., and explore the Tuul River valley, a haven for birdlife — red-footed falcons are frequently spotted here. In the evening, take a game drive into the park to observe the famous Takhi (Przewalski’s wild horses), which roam freely in their natural habitat. Overnight in Hustai Ger Camp

Day 2: Orkhon Valley

After breakfast, drive to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking landscapes and deep historical significance. The valley is dotted with traditional nomadic encampments and is especially noted for its yak herding culture. En route, stop at Elsen Tasarkhai, a striking area of sand dunes often referred to as the “Little Gobi.” Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch among the dunes and camels. Continue your journey through rolling hills and steppe to Ursa Major Eco Ger Camp, nestled in the heart of the Orkhon Valley. Overnight in Ursa Major Ger Camp

Day 3: Orkhon Valley – Tövkhön Monastery – Karakorum

Today, venture into the forested Khangai Mountains for an excursion to one of Mongolia’s most sacred sites. Hike a scenic but steep 2.5 km trail to reach Tövkhön Monastery, perched on a rocky ridge at an elevation of 2,312 meters. The trail rewards you with sweeping mountain views and an intimate look into Mongolia’s spiritual heritage. Founded by Zanabazar, the revered Buddhist leader and artist, the monastery served as his retreat for meditation and creation. You can still visit the cave where he meditated. Tövkhön remains a living pilgrimage site for local Buddhists and offers a deeply tranquil atmosphere. After the visit, continue by vehicle to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Upon arrival, check in at Secrets of the Silk Road Camp, located near the historical ruins. Overnight in Secrets of the Silk Road Camp.

Day 4: Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery
This morning, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery, built in 1586 using stones from the ruins of the ancient capital, Karakorum. Once home to 62 temples and over 1,000 monks, only three of the original temples remain standing today — yet daily prayers continue, preserving its spiritual legacy. Afterward, explore the Karakorum Museum, which offers an impressive collection of artifacts from the era of the Mongol Empire, including relics from the time of Genghis Khan and archaeological finds from the surrounding Orkhon Valley. Enjoy a relaxing evening back at camp. Overnight in Secrets of the Silk Road Camp.

Day 5: Karakorum – Ulaanbaatar 

After breakfast, begin the return drive to Ulaanbaatar, enjoying the changing landscapes of central Mongolia along the way. Arrive in the city by late afternoon. End of Services