14-DAY Khermen Tsav

A 14-day journey through Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and historical heartland exploring Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Flaming Cliffs, Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Khermen Tsav, Orkhon Valley, Kharkhorin, and Hustai National Park while experiencing dinosaur fossil sites, nomadic culture, camel riding, and dramatic wilderness landscapes.

Key info

Overview

An adventurous journey through Mongolia’s legendary Gobi Desert and historical heartland. This tour combines dramatic desert landscapes, dinosaur fossil sites, towering sand dunes, remote canyons, nomadic culture, and ancient Mongolian heritage.Highlights include visits to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Yol Valley, the singing dunes of Khongoriin Els, and the spectacular red canyon of Khermen Tsav, known as the “Kingdom of Dinosaurs.”The journey also explores the cultural and historical treasures of Orkhon Valley, Kharkhorin, and Erdene Zuu Monastery, while offering opportunities to experience authentic nomadic life, camel riding, and wilderness camping under the Gobi sky.The tour concludes in Ulaanbaatar with city sightseeing and cultural performances.


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

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

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and begin your Mongolian journey with a city sightseeing tour. Visit Sukhbaatar Square, Choijin Lama Museum, and the Natural History Museum, offering an introduction to Mongolia's history and cultural heritage. After the city tour, check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening in Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel or similar

Depart Ulaanbaatar and drive towards Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking 1,750-meter-high basalt and granite rock formation located in the middle of the vast Mongolian steppe. Explore the area and discover the ruins of a Buddhist meditation temple dating from the 17th century. There will also be opportunities to enjoy the surrounding scenery and take photographs. Continue to Sum Khuh Burd, a small island featuring the ruins of an ancient temple and an abundance of birdlife. Lunch will be served at the Ger Camp before continuing to the accommodation.

Accommodation: Erdene Ukhaa Ger Camp or similar

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

In the morning, continue towards Gobiin Naran Camp. In the afternoon, visit Bayanzag, the ancient red-rock formation better known as the Flaming Cliffs. Formed millions of years ago, Bayanzag is internationally renowned for its dinosaur fossils, eggs, and bones. The striking red cliffs are surrounded by saxaul forests, creating a distinctive landscape within the Gobi Desert. After exploring the area, return to the Ger Camp for the evening.

Accommodation:Ger Camp

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Travel to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and explore the spectacular Yol Valley. The valley forms a narrow canyon through the Zuun Saikhan Mountain, with dramatic rock walls, green meadows, and a glacier layer deep within the canyon. Enjoy a trek along the valley, where there may be opportunities to see wildlife such as Argali sheep, ibex, and the Yol lammergeier. Continue towards Khongoriin Els through Dungeene Canyon. The impressive sand dunes stretch for approximately 180 kilometers and are known as the “Singing Dunes” because of the distinctive sound created by wind-blown sand. Visit the Khongor River oasis and experience a camel ride on a two-humped Bactrian camel, locally known as the “Prince of Gobi.” You will also have an opportunity to observe the everyday life of a camel-breeding family.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Continue the journey towards Gurvantes soum in Southern Mongolia. Travel deeper into the remote Gobi landscape and explore the local surroundings before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Tent

After breakfast, drive towards Khermen Tsav. Along the way, visit Naran Daats, a small spring located on top of a hill. In the afternoon, arrive at Khermen Tsav, known as the “Kingdom of Dinosaurs.” Hidden deep within the Gobi Desert, this spectacular red canyon stretches for approximately 15–20 kilometers. Once an ocean bed millions of years ago, Khermen Tsav was shaped over time by wind and water erosion. Its dramatic canyon formations resemble a lunar landscape and are renowned for dinosaur eggs, bones, and fossils. Enjoy a trek through the canyon and experience the remote atmosphere of this remarkable landscape.

Accommodation: Tent

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue northwards through the remote desert landscape. As the scenery gradually changes from arid desert to steppe, observe the sparse vegetation and vast open surroundings. Along the journey, see Ikh Bogd Mountain, rising to approximately 3,957 meters, with small sand dunes in the surrounding area. Continue towards Bayangobi and settle into the accommodation for the evening.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast

Bayangobi is situated near the Ikh Bogd mountain range and surrounded by desert landscapes. The area is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Orog Nuur and 170 kilometers from Bayankhongor, the provincial capital. Visit the petroglyphs of Bayangiin Nuruu before continuing the journey.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Continue through the dry landscape surrounding Orog Lake and travel towards Bayankhongor. In the afternoon, arrive in the Shargaljuut, Taats, and Jaragaland Valley area before continuing the journey towards the Orkhon region.

Accommodation: Tent

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

After breakfast, continue towards the Orkhon River and its surrounding valley. The Orkhon Valley is one of Mongolia's important historical and natural landscapes, and the journey brings you into the heart of the central Mongolian steppe.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

In the morning, visit Orkhon Waterfall, located along the Orkhon River, one of Mongolia's longest rivers. Known locally as Ulaan Tsutgalan, the waterfall reaches approximately 24 meters in height and was formed through a combination of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Continue to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Great Mongolian Empire. Established in the Orkhon River Valley in 1220, Kharkhorin played a significant role in Mongolian history until the capital was moved to Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, founded in 1586 by Avtai Sain Khaan, a descendant of Chinggis Khaan. The monastery is surrounded by white walls and 108 stupas.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Lunch / Dinne

Depart for Khustai National Park, located in the foothills of the southern Khentii mountain range. The park is famous as the home of the Takhi, or Przewalski's wild horse. After becoming extinct in the wild for several decades, the species was successfully reintroduced to its homeland and now survives in its natural environment. Continue the journey to Ulaanbaatar. Lunch will be served at Hoyor Zagal Ger Camp before continuing to the capital. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening in Ulaanbaatar.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Continue exploring Ulaanbaatar with visits to Gandan Monastery, the Chinggis Khaan Museum, and the Bogd Khaan Palace. These cultural and historical sites provide an opportunity to learn more about Mongolia's Buddhist heritage, imperial history, and royal past. In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural performance before gathering for your final dinner in Mongolia.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Enjoy free time in the morning before your afternoon departure to Beijing. Your journey through the Gobi Desert, Khermen Tsav, Orkhon Valley, Kharkhorin, and Ulaanbaatar comes to an end.

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