18-DAY Land of the Blue Sky

Experience Mongolia’s most iconic cultural event, the Golden Eagle Festival, combined with desert landscapes, ancient heritage, and nomadic traditions.

Key info

Overview

A trip to Mongolia promises unobstructed views to the horizon. But cultural highlights such as the former capital Karakorum and the Buddhist Ongiin Monastery are also part of the itinerary. We'll be enchanted by the hospitality of the nomads and spend the night in traditional yurts. This way, we'll experience the diversity of the Gobi Desert and the pristine, wild natural landscapes up close. Join us on an adventure into the endless expanses of the horse steppes. From the alpine-like Gobi Altai Mountains to the dense larch forests of the taiga!


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
  • Visit to shaman and nomad families
  • 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

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital city. Meet your local guide and experience a warm traditional Mongolian welcome. Enjoy a brief introduction to the country, its culture, and the journey ahead before transferring to your hotel.

Upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar Airport, the capital of Mongolia, begin the journey by driving across the vast steppe towards Hustai Nuruu National Park. The park is known for the successful reintroduction of the Mongolian wild horse. In the afternoon, begin the journey into the Mongolian wilderness with a hike through the natural surroundings of the park.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Continue the journey into the mountainous landscape of Bayangobi. Upon arrival, settle into the Ger Camp and have time to begin exploring the surrounding area. The beautiful mountainous scenery provides an opportunity to experience the natural landscapes of central Mongolia.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, take an excursion to the Khogno-Khaan Mountains and enjoy a hike through the surrounding landscape. The hike takes approximately 2–3 hours. Along the way, visit the ruins of Uvgunt Monastery, offering a glimpse into the Buddhist heritage found along the journey.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue towards the Orkhon Region, an area closely connected with Mongolia's historical heritage. Under the Mongol leader Genghis Khan, construction began in 1220 on Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. After visiting the ruins of Karakorum, discover Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first major Lamaist monastery in Mongolia. Continue southwest through the beautiful mountain landscapes to reach the Orkhon Region and settle into the Ger Camp along the Orkhon River.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today's destination is the impressive Orkhon Waterfall. A short hike of approximately three hours brings you close to the waterfall, allowing you to experience the surrounding natural landscape and the beauty of the Orkhon River region.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue the journey towards the Gobi Desert. As the landscape gradually changes, visit the ruins of Ongiin Monastery and learn more about the eventful history of the area.Spend another day around Ongiin Monastery and explore the beautiful surroundings on foot. The approximately two-hour hike offers an opportunity to experience the landscape around the historic monastery at a slower pace.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue into the natural history of the Gobi Desert at the Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag. The area is famous for the remains of dinosaur skeletons that are millions of years old. Enjoy a hike of approximately two hours before continuing towards a saxaul forest, where the small trees are characteristic of the steppes of Central Asia. 

Accommodation: Ger Camp 

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

At Khongoriin Els, encounter some of the highest sand dunes in Mongolia, rising up to approximately 250 meters. The wind moving across the sand can create mysterious melodies, giving the dunes their famous name, the “singing dunes.” Enjoy a hike of approximately two hours through this majestic desert landscape. The journey reveals the dramatic cliffs, valleys, and shifting sand dunes that characterize the Gobi. Continue with another hike into the surrounding mountains, lasting approximately 2–3 hours.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue towards Gurvan Saikhan National Park and enjoy a short hike of approximately two hours after reaching the park. The area is home to a rich variety of fauna, including wolves, snow leopards, and various gazelle species, as well as extremely rare wild camels and Gobi bears.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today, explore the narrow and deep Vulture Gorge, also known as Yol Valley, revealing a completely different side of the Gobi Desert. After a short climb, reach the gorge and its clear mountain stream. From the valley floor, steep rock walls rise several hundred meters above, while bearded vultures can be seen circling overhead. Enjoy a hike of approximately 2–3 hours through this remarkable landscape.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Begin the journey back towards Ulaanbaatar while discovering more of the vast Gobi Desert. At Tsagaan Suvarga, explore a striking landscape of pyramids, towers, and canyons with a hike of approximately three hours. In the evening, stay at a Ger Camp in the heart of the desert and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere beneath the breathtaking starry sky.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Continue the journey towards the capital while experiencing another side of Mongolia's diverse landscapes. In the Baga Gazriin Chuluu region, ochre-colored rock towers rise above the vast grasslands. Enjoy a short hike of approximately two hours and spend the evening in the peaceful atmosphere of the Ger Camp surrounded by the distinctive rock formations.

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After a final drive in the 4x4 vehicles, continue towards Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in the capital, begin exploring the city, which serves as Mongolia's economic, political, and cultural center. Nearly half of Mongolia's population lives in Ulaanbaatar, making it a significant part of the country's modern life and culture.Continue discovering Ulaanbaatar and experience the contrasting atmosphere between the capital city and the vast natural landscapes visited throughout the journey.

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. Arrival at the destination is scheduled for the same day.

Meals: Breakfast

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