Journeys: Discover Mongolia

5.0Based on

Cultural, religious and historic sites Self Guided

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ends

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Highlights

Visit with a nomadic camel-herding family in the Gobi to learn how to build a local ger (yurt) and take a lesson in archery: Mongolia’s national sport.

Experience the uniqueness of Mongolia’s incredible culture up close with a visit to a yak herding family to milk watch them milk the yaks and try their fresh yak milk products.

Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region.

Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe.

Itinerary

Vast steppe, wild horses, and centuries-old traditions await on the "Journeys: Discover Mongolia" tour, a 14-day moderate adventure perfect for experienced explorers and seniors seeking a blend of culture, history, and natural wonder. Setting out from Ulaanbaatar, this small group trip immerses travelers in Mongolia’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage with guided visits to the temples and monasteries that have survived the region’s turbulent history.

Roam the grassy plains of Hustai National Park, home to the rare Przewalski’s horses, and journey through the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, the spiritual heart of the Mongol Empire. Traverse the dramatic Gobi Desert, whose vast sands conceal prehistoric secrets and dinosaur fossils. Days are punctuated by museum and gallery visits, scenic walks, and authentic interactions with Mongolia’s nomadic people, providing a rare window into their enduring way of life.

The tour package includes accommodations, meals, and transport, ensuring comfort and ease as you venture through ten diverse destinations. The moderate activity level means you’ll spend several hours on your feet each day, ideal for travelers who relish a touch of adventure without extreme exertion.

A distinctive highlight of this trip is the opportunity to experience Mongolia’s untouched wilderness and living traditions, far from the typical tourist trails. For those who crave both cultural depth and untamed beauty, this journey offers a truly unique and enriching exploration of Asia’s last great frontier.

day 1 - Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After the welcome meeting, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on the way to an optional welcome dinner.

Accomodation:Chinggis Khaan Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Arrival Transfer

Included Activity:Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. Next, walk to No Limits Cafe, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. This afternoon, visit Nalaikh Ger Village for a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, continue to the imposing statue of Chinggis Khan. The monument of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of the surrounding Mongolian mountainside. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Chinggis Khaan Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:National Museum of Mongolia Visit & Tour, Cafe No Limits Visit, Nalaikh Village Family Ger District Lunch, Genghis Khan Monument Visit

day 3 - Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and listen to the monks chant. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, we'll stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first ger camp–we will stay in these traditional Mongolian lodgings through Day 12 of the trip. Tonight at the camp, it's time to get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes.
This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.