Khangai and Gobi classic tour
Starting from 1980$
14 days
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- 14-day immersion in Mongolia’s must-see corners
- Observation of Takhi (Przewalski horses) in Khustai National Park
- Visits to Erdenzuu Monastery and other attractions in Kharkhorin
- Exploration of Orkhon Valley and Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall
- Authentic homestays with nomadic families
- Scenic views of Uush Khairkhan Mountains at the Khangai-Gobi junction
- Mongolia’s longest sand dunes Khongoryn els
- Unparalleled Khuren Khanan Range in the southeastern Gobi
- Hiking and wildlife observation in Yol Canyon
- Wonders of the Middle Gobi: Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs and Baga Gazar granite formations
- Visit museums and cultural sites in Ulaanbaatar
Tour date :
1 May to 1 November 2025
Difficulty :
Comfort :
Tour description :
14-day journey full of authenticity and discovery! This exciting trip will take you through the diverse landscapes of Mongolia while immersing you in the unique nomadic lifestyle. You’ll drive between different families, staying in their homes, in tourist ger camps, and in cozy tents as you learn about their rich culture and way of life.
Your adventure starts in the beautiful Orkhon Valley, surrounded by vast steppes, lush forests, and the impressive Khangai Mountains. As you continue your journey, the golden Gobi dunes will unfold before you. You’ll discover amazing sights, including the dramatic “Tsagaan Suvarga” cliffs, the year-round icy beauty of Yol Gorge, the Uush Cliff with its surprising natural formations, and the magnificent sand dunes of Khongor.
Travel by jeep through these unforgettable landscapes, with each turn offering a new view of nature’s beauty. Throughout this trip, immerse yourself in the rich tradition of nomadic life, a way of living that has thrived for generations, closely connected to the natural world.
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.
:
100 km
:
Dinner
:
*** Hotel
Khustai national park: Observation of wild horses
Early in the morning, we will visit Gandan Monastery, the religious center of Mongolia, before leaving the city. There, we will have the chance to watch the peaceful morning prayers of the Buddhist lamas.
After this, we will travel to Hustai National Park, where we can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the wild Przewalski horses, known as ‘Takhi’ among the Mongolian people. The park, which means “the chain of birch tree forests,” features both desert and mountainous terrains.
The Takhi was reintroduced to its natural habitat in 1993 after vanishing from the wild in the 1960s, and today, there are over 800 individuals thriving in Mongolia. Of these, more than 390 can be found in the Khustain Mountain range, one of three areas where the Takhi has been successfully reintroduced.
As a result of conservation efforts, we can expect to see a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, marmots, and white gazelles, during our visit. We will take a walk through the park to encounter these animals before settling in with a local family for the night.
:
110 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
To Kharkhorin: ancient capital of Mongol empire
We will start our day early with a four-hour drive, covering a distance of 300 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.
In the evening, will settle into a twin-shared ger camp, a cozy accommodation where you will sleep in Gers that are furnished to resemble inviting hotel rooms.
:
260 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
Travel to Orkhon valley: Experience nomadic lifestyle
Today, we drive towards the renowned Orkhon Valley, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical and archaeological significance, which has served as the cradle of nomadic life. Here, fertile pastureland lies along the Orkhon River and the Khangai Mountains, showcasing a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This vibrant landscape attracts many nomadic families who rely on livestock for their livelihoods. At noon, we will arrive at a nomadic family who will welcome us into their extra gers nearby. In the evening, we will enjoy delicious local homemade food prepared by our hosts.
During your stay here, you’ll experience local life through activities like milking animals, making traditional dairy products, and rounding up herds etc.
:
140 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Leisure day: Explore Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfalls
After enjoying a tasty breakfast, we will head to the beautiful Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfalls. Cascading about 21 meters high, it was formed over centuries through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, creating impressive basalt canyons and a winding gorge.
For those who want to explore on horseback, local guides will be available to lead you on a memorable ride. After visiting the waterfalls, we will return to the family home for a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax or visit a small Ger production workshop in Bat-Ulzii village. This village is known as one of the few major producers of gers, where you can observe how these unique traditional homes are made.
30 km
1h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Transition day between Khangai and Gobi: Khujirt family stay
Here, we are near the Gobi frontier but still in the Khangai region. When we reach our next host family, we will meet Dugar, a devoted horse breeder living on the gentle southern slopes of the Khangai mountain range. The rolling hills and green steppes here create a perfect paradise for raising horses.
:
160 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
Drive to Gobi: Uush khairkhan
As we leave the beautiful Khangai Mountains behind, we will head south toward the captivating Gobi Desert. Our journey will take us through Arvaikheer, the main town in Ovorkhangai province, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we’ll travel across wide semi-desert steppes on our way to the stunning Uush Valley. This region is known for its striking red sandstone cliffs and eroded landscapes that showcase beautiful shades of red and orange. As we reach Muum Tolgoi, two pyramid-like mountains, we’ll climb up to a viewpoint that offers an amazing panorama.
In the evening, we will meet a family of camel herders and learn about their lives and the unique Bactrian camels they care for. We’ll spend the night in a traditional ger, where we can share special moments together while experiencing their simple yet meaningful way of life in the serene Gobi Desert.
:
250 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Traditional ger
On the way to Golden dunes of Khongor
Today’s journey takes us through the stunning desert steppes and mountain passes, navigating a long gorge and endless horizons. In the morning, we will cross the 180-kilometer Arts Bogd Mountain range, passing through the Namiin Khooloi gorge, where we may be fortunate enough to spot wild animals like the Siberian ibex. After crossing the mountains, we will traverse cracked land and barren steppes, eventually making our way through a couloir lined with Saxaul trees. As we continue south, the Govi Gurvan Saikhan mountain range comes into view, marking the southernmost part of the Mongol Altai and home to the largest national park in the region.
Eventually, we will head 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.
:
140 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
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.
:
160 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
A peaceful hike in Yoliin am canyon
Next, we journey east 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.
:
2 00 km
:
2h
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs
From today, we will be embarking on a journey back north toward Ulaanbaatar, with a two-day exploration of the Middle Gobi region. 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.
:
180 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tourist ger camp
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.
:
240 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
Tent
Back to Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar, traveling 260 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.
:
260 km
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
:
*** Hotel
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.
:
Breakfast
Price per person:
Tourists |
2 |
3-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
9-10 |
11-15 |
Price p.p |
3160$ |
2710$ |
2540$ |
2360$ |
2150$ |
1980$ |
Dates:
Tour dates |
Available places |
Status |
1 May to 1 November 2025 |
15 |
OPEN |
The tour includes:
The tour excludes:
