TRUE MONGOLIAN QUEST
WITH DR.CHRISTOPHER ATWOOD

Upon landing at Chinggis Khan International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Rest, then embark on a city tour, exploring Zaisan Hill for panoramic views. Evening welcomes a dinner with Dr. Atwood at a local gem. Overnight at Hotel Shangri la or similar. (D)

Drive to southeastern Sukhbaatar province (600 km), known for its volcanoes, ancient statues, and historical significance. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and arrive by late afternoon. Overnight in Mongolia Quest field tent camp. (8-9 hours driving; B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit Altan Ovoo, a sacred mountain in Sukhbaatar Province. On the way back, see ancient “man statues” tied to the Mongol Empire. Overnight in Mongolia Quest field camp. (Field camp; B, L, D)

Today, drive northwest to Batnorov Village, where Chinggis Khan met his loyal friend Bo’orchu. En route, visit a local museum in Baruun-Urt, Sukhbaatar’s capital. Arrive in Batnorov by late afternoon and set up camp near the scenic friendship statue of Chinggis Khan and Bo’orchu. Overnight in tents. (370 km; B, L, D)

This morning, drive to western Khentii province and set up camp near the stunning Baldan Bereeven Monastery. Nestled by a larch forest, you’ll explore the picturesque monastery grounds and nearby Buddhist relics in the evening, offering a rich insight into Mongolia’s Buddhist history. Overnight in tents. (Approx. 5-6 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, begin driving back to Ulaanbaatar, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival in UB, check-in to your hotel. Dinner is independent.(Approx. 270km driving; Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L)

In the morning, take a 2.5-hour flight to Hovd province in western Mongolia, home to all 17 Mongolian ethnic groups. Upon arrival, drive to your tent camp, stopping at Tsenheriin Cave, a significant cultural heritage site with rich archaeofaunal remains. Continue drive to your camp for the night. (6-7 hours driving; B, L, D)

Experience nomadic life in Hovd province, spending time with herders as they move their summer homes to Baatar Khairkhan, a sub-range of the Altai mountains. Learn about their ancient lifestyle and witness traditional Mongolian vodka-making. Enjoy a one-day hiking trip along the mountain ridge for stunning views. Overnight in tents. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Lake Dörgön, Mongolia’s seventh largest, located in the “Great Lakes Basin” where dunes meet water. Enjoy an afternoon walk along the shores, swim in its slightly salty waters, and camp overnight in tents. Swimwear recommended. (Approx. 5 hours drive; Tent camp; B, L, D)

After an early morning breakfast, drive back to Khovd city for your return flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check-into your hotel and the remainder of the day is free for resting. Dinner is independent. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L)

Early morning flight to the Gobi Desert, arriving at 05:20 am. Transfer to your ger camp, then after lunch, explore the picturesque Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, known for its unique wildlife, including Ibex, Argali sheep, and Snow leopards.

Morning drive to Tugregiin Shiree, famed for the “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil. Explore the white sandstone escarpment for dinosaur fossils. Afternoon visit to the Flaming Cliffs, where paleontological expeditions have uncovered significant discoveries for 90 years. Walk in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews and enjoy a sunset view before returning to the ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will drive to Dalanzadagad for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. The afternoon is free for lunch minute sightseeing and shopping.In the evening, enjoy a traditional Mongolian cultural performance followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)