Arrival in UB and city tour

Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our local staffs (drivers and guide) will pick you up at the international airport of Chinggis khan. You will be transferred to a centrally located three-star hotel.
At noon, you will be escorted for a guided city tour that highlights the city’s most notable attractions, impressive National History Museum, Sukhbaatar Square and the Parliament building.
As the evening approaches, at 6:00 PM, experience a traditional Mongolian show at Tumen Ekh ensemble, featuring folk dances, contortion, and khoomii, the unique throat singing, followed by a welcome dinner.

Baga gazar granite rock formations

After driving 250 km on paved and unpaved roads through the vast semi-desertic steppes, we discover a granite rock formation in the Gobi. This stunning plutonic outcrop, resembling stacked slices of cheese, is one of the “Nine Wonders” of Dund Gobi province, covering about 300 square kilometers and stretching 15 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. The area also features numerous springs, beautiful valleys, and historical treasures, such as ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs. Notably, the Södötiin Am gorge dotted by aspens, allows visitors to explore the ruins of a monastery built for meditation by the famous lama Mergen Mur. In the early 20th century, the esteemed lama Zava Damdin lived here, enriching this remarkable site with his spiritual works.

Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs

Our destination today is the colorful White Stupa cliffs, a striking remnant of an ancient marine coastline. Here, flat terrain abruptly gives way to steep cliffs that rise up to 60 meters and stretch for about 400 meters, revealing breathtaking views of the surreal Gobi landscape. The cliffs, formed from layers of sediment deposited on the ocean floor over 70-80 million years ago, feature a fascinating limestone fissure that resembles Mars. We’ll enjoy a leisurely walk in this unique setting, taking our time to capture the stunning scenery through our cameras.

A peaceful hike in Yoliin am canyon

Next, we journey south west to the majestic Gurvan Saikhan mountain ranges and the stunning Yol Canyon, home to the rare bearded vultures (Lammergeier). Rising about 2,800 meters above sea level, the valley features a narrow gorge carved by a flowing river, with remnants of ice in shaded areas and cliffs soaring up to 200 meters. At the entrance, we’ll visit a museum highlighting local wildlife and flora. Our adventure continues with a nice two-hour round trip into the canyon, where, with a bit of luck, we may spot wild mountain goats and Yol birds. We’ll conclude the day at a comfortable tourist Ger camp. Enjoy your well-deserved rest.

On the way to Golden dunes of Khongor

Today’s journey takes us through the stunning desert steppes and endless horizons, eventually making our way southwest through the park to reach the Khongor sand dunes, which stretch for nearly 100 kilometers. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a cozy Ger camp before embarking on an evening excursion to the dunes. Here, we’ll enjoy a tranquil one-hour camel ride in this enchanting landscape where sweeping plains meet vast dunes. The tallest dune rises 200 meters and is often referred to as the “singing dunes” by locals due to the unique humming sound created by the wind on certain days.

To the Khuren Khanan range

We continue our expedition of the Great Gobi, moving further southward. Our destination today is one of the Gobi’s hidden gems: the Noyon Mountains and Khanan Khets Mountains, situated southwest of the Khongoryn Dunes. This region showcases fascinating geological formations, characterized by parallel lines of banded rock canyons, which have emerged as a result of tectonic processes and intrusive geological activity.
You will have plenty of time to leisurely explore these stunning rock formations, allowing you to appreciate the impressive landscapes of the Gobi Mountains.

Beyond the Gobi: heading to Nemegt formation

Today, we journey to the famous Nemegt Valley, one of the world’s top dinosaur sites, where the adventure truly begins. The Nemegt formation, known as Bataar’s homeland, features striking red clay and sandstone, creating a unique landscape. Alongside Khermen Tsav, this region is celebrated in paleontology for its rich dinosaur remains, attracting international research teams.
Here, the Nemegtosaurus—named after Nemegt Mountain—was found during a joint expedition of Russia and Mongolia in 1946. This incredible dinosaur is the largest four-legged herbivore, measuring 30 meters long and living around 70 million years ago.

From a high vantage point, you can admire the vast cliffs and rugged landscape, feeling as though you’ve stepped into a world of myths and legends.

Travel to Khermen tsav: the Kingdom of Dinosaurs

Drive towards to the spectacular Khermen Tsav, the amazig canyon plunging 100 to 200 meters deep and stretching 10 to 15 kilometers. Once the floor of an ancient ocean 70 to 80 million years ago, this geological marvel is renowned for its dinosaur fossils and proudly holds the title of the largest canyon in the Mongolian Gobi. Known as the Kingdom of Dinosaurs, Khermen Tsav features striking red cliffs that echo the whispers of its prehistoric past. Steep cliffs and uniquely shaped hills resemble medieval castles and the remnants of a lost city, offering a captivating glimpse into a time when this region was submerged beneath water.
In 1969, researchers unearthed ancient fossils of dinosaurs, turtles, lizards, and various bird species within this horn-like terrain, further enhancing its allure. However, a word of caution: high summer temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius.

Orog lake

After enjoying our breakfast, we will set off to the Zulganai River, one of the Gobi’s beautiful oases. The riverbed is filled with lush reeds, willows, and sweet grass, all surrounded by charming brooks, tall poplar trees, elms, and desert Cupressus.
From Zulganai, we will continue our journey to Orog Lake in Bayankhongor province, where we will set up our campsite. Nestled at the base of Ikh Bogd, the highest peak in the Gobi-Altai Mountain range, the lake stretches from west to east with a muddy and marshy lakebed that supports a rich ecosystem.
Research revealed that Orog Lake is home to around 80 bird species, making it a vibrant wildlife sanctuary. However, the lake’s water level can be unstable, primarily due to the Tuyen River feeding into it. This ever-changing landscape adds to the lake’s allure, highlighting its significance for both birds and nature lovers.

Arvaikheer: Capital of Ovorkhangai region

From today, we will embark on a journey north-east towards Ulaanbaatar, with a two-day exploration of the Khangai region.
After a long day’s drive, we will arrive at Arvaikheer city, where we will rest and unwind at a local hotel, well-deserved after our journey.

To Kharkhorin: ancient capital of Mongol empire

We will start our day early with a three-hour drive, covering a distance of 140 km to Kharkhorin, the ancient imperial city of the Mongol Empire from the 13th century until its destruction by Chinese Ming Dynasty troops in the late 14th century. Upon arrival, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Kharkhorin Museum, where we can learn about the rich history of the Mongol Empire and Genghis Khan.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first significant Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, founded by Abtai Khan in the 16th century. This monastery, surrounded by Buddhist stupas, was partially destroyed during the communist era. We will take time to explore its stunning architecture and tranquil grounds.

(Upon clients’ request, you can stay here for one more additional day to relax and enjoy other activities, such as the calligraphy center and felt workshop. An extension fee will apply.)

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar, traveling 360 km through the stunning Mongolian steppe, where you’ll see traditional gers and grazing livestock. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner.

Departure: See you next time

Transfer to International Airport for your journey back home. You can choose your return transfer time based on your flight.