13-DAY Three Gems Mongolia

A 14-day journey across Mongolia’s “Three Gems,” exploring the Gobi Desert, ancient Kharkhorin, Terelj National Park, and Lake Khuvsgul while experiencing nomadic culture, yak and camel herding, Tsaatan reindeer herders, petroglyphs, and diverse landscapes from desert to northern wilderness.

Key info

Overview

Explore Mongolia’s “Three Gems” journey, combining the Gobi Desert, ancient capitals, and the pristine north.Travel from Ulaanbaatar to Bayangobi, Kharkhorin, and Ongi Monastery, discovering nomadic culture and Mongolia’s imperial heritage. Continue into the Gobi Desert to explore Flaming Cliffs, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, and Khavtsgait Petroglyphs.Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex before heading to Terelj National Park for cultural experiences with nomad families.Conclude your journey in northern Mongolia, exploring Lake Khuvsgul region with Tsaatan reindeer herders, yak breeders, shaman experiences, and pristine nature.End with cultural experiences in Ulaanbaatar and a farewell dinner. A perfect blend of desert, heritage, and northern wilderness.


The package includes:

  • Meals as noted in itinerary (Breakfast-B, Lunch-L, Dinner-D)
  • English speaking guide
  • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled or filtered water 2servings per day
  • All ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
  • Domestic flights

The package excludes:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Round trip airfare and en-route expenses to/from your trip in Mongolia
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Increase in VAT or other tourism taxes, which may occur at any time
  • Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
  • Personal expenses and incidentals, such as phone calls, internet, and laundry
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control
  • Gratuities for trip leaders, local guides, drivers, porters, and other staff

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace Museum, the former residence of Mongolia’s last religious leader and ruler. Continue to Zaisan Hill, one of the city’s well-known viewpoints, offering panoramic views over Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, drive approximately 290 km to Bayangobi. Along the way, visit Erdenekhamba Monastery and meet a nomadic family to experience aspects of traditional Mongolian lifestyle. Continue with a camel-riding experience among the sand dunes before settling in for the evening.

Accommodation: Hoyor Zagal Ger Camp or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kharakhorum Museum to learn about the historical heritage of the ancient capital. Take part in a traditional Mongolian calligraphy lesson before continuing the journey to Ongi Monastery. Upon arrival, visit the monastery and explore its surroundings.

Accommodation: Hoyor Zagal Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue the journey toward the Gobi Desert and drive to the legendary Flaming Cliffs. Explore the striking red landscape of Bayanzag, one of Mongolia’s most famous natural and paleontological sites. After the visit, settle into the ger camp and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Gobi.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, visit Yol Valley and explore the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Yol Valley Museum and Natural History Museum to learn more about the region and its natural heritage. Spend the evening at the ger camp in the Gobi.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, drive toward the spectacular Khongor Sand Dunes. Explore the vast dunes and visit a camel-breeding family to experience traditional camel-herding life in the Gobi. After the visit, continue to the ger camp for the evening.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, drive to Khavtsgait and hike up to the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs. Explore the ancient rock art and take time to appreciate the surrounding Gobi landscape. After the excursion, return to the ger camp for an evening of rest.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, take a flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch with a Kazakh family before driving approximately 77 km to Tsonjin Boldog. Visit the Guinness World Record-holding Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, then continue to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

Accommodation: Guru Eco Ger Camp or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, visit Aryapala Meditation Temple. Continue with a traditional dairy product-making experience with a nomadic family, offering an opportunity to learn about an important part of Mongolian nomadic life.

Accommodation: Guru Eco Ger Camp or similar

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, take a 1 hour 30 minute flight to Murun. From Murun, drive approximately 110 km to Khatgal. Continue with a boat trip to visit a Tsaatan family and experience a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle in the Khuvsgul region.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, visit a yak-breeding family and learn about their traditional livelihood. Enjoy lunch before visiting a shaman. In the evening, gather around a bonfire and enjoy a peaceful evening in the Khuvsgul region.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, return to Ulaanbaatar. Visit a cashmere factory and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian music and dance performance, followed by a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure, bringing your journey through Mongolia’s desert landscapes, historical heritage, nomadic culture, and northern wilderness to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

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