Join us on this full-day tour of two of the most important sites in Mongolia: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park.
The Chinggis Khaan statue is a 40-meter tall stainless steel statue representing the founder of the Mongol empire on a horseback. It is the world's tallest equestrian statue. Located on the north of Tuul river, the statue faces east toward Khaan's birthplace. Visitors can walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck, from where they can have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. There is also a museum exhibiting artefacts relating to the Bronze Age and Xiongnu archaeological cultures in Mongolia, and to the Great Khaan period in the 13 and 14th centuries.
After the tour of the statue complex, you will visit Terelj National Park, which is set in a spectacular valley only an hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Visitors can view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains and wander along the tree covered banks of mountain stream. They can also stay overnight in a snug Mongolian Ger (traditional Mongolian dwelling) or in cozy guest rooms. It is an ideal place for taking a trip on horse along the Tuul river or the valley and visiting a local family.
The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people unite to compete in wrestling, archery, horse racing and ankle-bone flicking during the Naadam Festival but traditions can be witnessed throughout the year. We travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country.
This itinerary is for departures starting in Ulaanbaatar on 9 July 2026. For a departure on 30 June 2026, click here for an alternative itinerary.
Festivals and events
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Bayanz
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Bayanzag, Terelj National Park, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Karakorum, Arvaikheer, Bayan Gobi
Great trip but with long bumpy off road drives. Accommodation in Gers the first week was very basic, Gers having big gaps for cold air and small animals to enter. Some of the shared showers only had cold water. I slept in my coat a couple of nights in the mountains as only 5 degrees and too cold to face a tepid shower. Food however was a surprise being a non red meat eater, the alternative was chicken with lots of fresh salads, vegetables and some fruits.
Our guide Sara was nice but lacked the skills for a large group. I had no complaints but some of the group had issues which were resolved and avoided at the next stop. Some mis information was given, so we were a little confused.
We managed to arrange with Sara and Explore a trip to the Genghis Khan statue and museum at an extra cost the last day which was worth the detour.
Camel riding in the Gobi was fun and for half hour we paid around £5.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Yol Valley, Dalanza
Ulaanbaatar, Yol Valley, Dalanzadgad, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Hustai National Park, Khogno Khan, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Orkhon Valley, Bayanzag
The Gobi. Even for as wild and remote a destination as Mongolia, the southern desert remains an isolated and mysterious place. In 7 riding days, ride 410 kilometers through this desert full of strange wonders: sand dunes that sing, cliffs aflame, and camels with two humps instead of one. Camp under impossibly starry skies, the clear desert weather and hundreds of miles of uninhabited wilderness are the perfect conditions to gaze upon the milky way and countless constellations. This is truly wild and unforgettable mountain biking adventure, in one of the most undiscovered and remote places on earth!
The journey begins at Dalanzagdad, the gateway to the Gobi, where we'll begin riding southwest into the wilderness. The first stop is in Yolin Am and Dungenee Canyon, perfect for exploring on rocky singletrack. Despite being located in a desert, this canyon was created by ice, and still contains a frozen glacier in the middle of Mongolian summer. Pushing further into the Gobi, pass through the Gurvan Saikhan mountain range, providing a change of terrain and scenery. This is pristine wilderness, and prime snow leopard habitat, but you'll need to be extremely lucky to catch sight of this elusive feline.
In the summer, this stretch of the Gobi blooms green, providing the perfect opportunity to meet local herders and their flocks as they roam the steppe. Then it's time to visit the true desert: the "singing" sand dunes of Khongor Els. From the dunes, ride to Bayan Zag, or the "Flaming Cliffs," another picturesque desert treasure. These prehistoric formations are full of fossils and singletrack, and make for an adventurous afternoon of technical riding and exploring. Before making your way back to civilization, spend the final evening in the Gobi relaxing in a traditional ger camp.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Dalanz
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert, Dalanzadgad, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Gegeet Valley, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag