Mongolia Highlights

Tour Highlights

Join this epic journey along majestic wonders of Mongolia where age old nomadic traditions merge with untouched natural beauties. Immerse yourself in the jaw-dropping gorges of the Yolyn Am and the Dinosaur fossils, stay with the Eagle Hunters in the snow-capped Altai Mountains and wander to the most isolated part of Siberian Boreal Forest or Taiga to open the world of Reindeer Herders.

Visit breathe taking Taiga and experience fascinating life of Reindeer Herders,
Walk along narrow canyons in Yolyn Am in Gobi Desert enjoying iconic wildlife,
Catch the sunset on the dramatic Singing Sands,
Search for the paleontological fossils at the famed Flaming Cliffs,
Learn to train the Eagles from an experienced Eagle Hunter,
Join a life-changing mountain treks in the snow-capped Altai Mountains.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Terelj National Park
Transfer to the picturesque Terelj National Park which is officially named as Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Enjoy hiking along rushing Tuul River, admiring the spectacular splendor of varied landscapes – taiga, lush valleys, rugged mountains, and the awe-inspiring rivers, listening to the various songs of the local birds.
The national park is characterized by the breathtaking scenery of Siberian boreal forest or taiga as it occupies the most southern end of the taiga. A huge granite rocks that look alike turtle will encounter en route. Enjoy the interesting granite rock boulders that look alike anything from sea turtle to praying monk. Savor 40 m high stainless steel statue of Chinggis Khan on his horseback, holding his golden whip. (Tourist Ger Camp, B-L-D)
DAY 2: Yolyn Am (or Lammergeyer Valley)
Enjoy short 2-3 hours of flight to Dalanzadgad and take a scenic drive to the incredibly scenic Gurvan Saikhan National Park which is a chain of 3 beautiful mountains stretching from the grand Gobi Altai mountain range. Trek the deep, narrow gorge of Yolyn Am and enjoy the dinosaur bones at the local museum. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Upon settling in your comfortable gers, take a scenic drive to have a gentle walk along the deep, narrow gorge, Yolyn Am, viewing the special wildlife and jaw-dropping high cliffs where the handsome Lammergeyer nests. In the deepest part of the gorge, there remains a temporary ice field. Then opt to pay a visit to a natural history museum nestled in the gate to the valley. The museum displays petrified bones of dinosaurs and geological treasures found in the area as well as the wildlife collections. End your day chatting with your knowledgeable guides in the traditionally decorated ger camp as you indulge in local beers.
DAY 3-4: Khongoryn Els
Embark on a long but incredibly scenic drive to the massive Singing Sands. Hike up the dunes to catch a sunset as you hear the sands singing and see sweeping views of the area. Enjoy a camel caravan excursion on the sand for an hour. Stargazing in the late evening is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Keep an eye out for the extraordinary wildlife as you drive by the scrubby and bushy areas and colorful sandstone hills. The ger camp is a superb place to unwind as it is located on the seamless desert steppe, facing to the dramatic scenery of the massive dunes against the grandeur of the high mountains. Alternatively, delve into the endemic saxaul scrubs to look for the localized wild birds.
Day 5: Bayanzag (or Flaming Cliffs)
Famed for the world’s first discovery of dinosaur eggs in the 20th century, Bayanzag is a must-see place for all travelers. Wandering around the paleontological rich Flaming Cliffs, look for the fragments of the dinosaur bones buried by the dust. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Take birds-eye views from the top of the highest cliffs. Watching the footage about the exploration conducted by the team of Roy Chapman Andrews, immerse yourself in the natural history of millions of years. Take an up-close look at the glittering stars in the late evening.
Day 6: Mongol Nomadic
Savor traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle at Mongol Nomadic ger camp nestled in the tranquil rolling steppes. The gers are furnished with authentic Mongolian furniture and antiques. Get dressed in Mongolian deel and play traditional games by ankle bones together with nomad children. Milk cows and make milk tea in a Mongolian way with the help of local nomads.
Day 7: Ulgii Town & Oigor River
Take a domestic flight to the most western city named Ulgii, capital of Bayan-Ulgii Province. Embark on a thrilling drive to the Oigor River. En route explore cultural sightings including petroglyphs, deer stones, and ancient burial mounds. (Community-based Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Day 8-9: Tavan Bogd Basecamp & Malchin Peak
Trek 17 km of trail to the Tavan Bogd Basecamp along with a camel caravan carrying your bags and food supplies. Savor breath-taking vistas of snow-capped peaks and glaciers with foregrounds of verdant valleys.
Early next morning, set off to an astounding 9 km trek to the imposing Malchin Peak (4,037 m), the smallest of the FIVE, to get sweeping vistas around the Holy Five Peaks of Altai Mountain range. In the evening, celebrate your conquering of Malchin Peak with your fellow adventure seekers under the brightly dazzling countless stars. (Tents; B-L-D)
Day 10-11: White River & Eagle Hunters Valley
Descend down 15 km trek to along valley of stunning White River and then take a panoramic drive to spend enjoyable stays at a community-based ger camp side by side to eagle falconer’s home, learning from their way of life. The family shows you how they train eagles to a strong hunter which can strike on wolves. Photograph authentic eagle hunters in their daily activities for your best memories from the west. (Community-based Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar
Savor the turbulent history of Mongolia at the National Museum, which features exhibitions of dinosaur findings, history of Mongolia’s dynasties and empires, and socialism and modern era. Enjoy the fascinating folklore performance by Tumen Ekh Ensemble which features the traditional music, songs, dances and contortions which have been developed over centuries in the land of the blue sky. (Hotel, B-L-D)
Day 13: Murun Town & Khuvsgul Lake
Take a short flight and set out on a journey to the distinguished natural beauty of the Khuvsgul Lake. Opt to cruise the ‘blue pearl’ lake admiring the sublime scenery. Take a ride to the camp hosted by the special nomadic tribe Tsaatan. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Day 14: Tsagaan Lake
Take a scenic drive through the bank of fresh water lake and Siberian Boreal Forests to reach a stunning Tsagaan Lake where life-changing journey to the Reindeer Herders’ tribe will begin. Enjoy lights walks accompanying local Darkhad ethnicity minority people experiencing their isolated village life. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Day 15-17: Reindeer Herders' Tribe
Enjoy a peaceful ride on a horseback to explore the most isolated reindeer herders through a breathtaking boreal forest. Live and experience the unique life of Tsaatan (Reindeer Herder) family. Teach their children how to speak in English and share your own cultures with the kindest people in the realm of natural beauties. (Tents & Reindeer Herder’s Ger; B-L-D)
Day 18: Ulaan Uul
Take a scenic drive to Ulaan Uul small town to stay overnight. Enjoy wandering around the village during the beautiful sunset. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)
Day 19: Murun Town
Drive back to Murun to stay overnight before taking a local flight to the Ulaanbaatar. En route, visit a complex of Uushgiin Uvur Deer Stones comprised of 20 deer stones with 4 m the highest. Upon arriving in Murun, stroll through the city and take an impression of the life in northern city of Mongolia. Opt to visit a local museum to get in-depth knowledge on history, culture, and archeology of the province.
Day 20: Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to Ulaanbaatar and stay in centrally located hotel. Shopping for world-class cashmeres and souvenir for home. If time permits, enjoy a panoramic night view of Ulaanbaatar from the top of Zaisan Hill, which is the memorial complex for Soviet times in Mongolia. (3-star hotel; B-L-D)
Day 21: Fly Home
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. (B)