TRIP SUMMARY

Mongolia is one of the last places on the planet Earth with vast expanses of untouched land with little to no evidence of human influence. For centuries, traditional local herders have been following their domestic animals in search of good pastureland; moving from place to place, based on changing seasons as well as rainfall. Similar to people, most of the wildlife pursue a similar nomadic lifestyle, roaming a territory the size of Alaska without any discernable migratory patterns. The eastern steppes of Mongolia, known as Dornod, are vast grasslands seven times the size of Serengeti. They are inhabited by Mongolian white-tailed gazelles, the largest hoofed-mammal population outside of the African continent. The best way of exploring this large, open landscape is to travel overland. Join us on this exceptional adventure through the Mongolian steppe, passing through the land of ancient volcanoes and entering the mystic Gobi Desert, stopping by old monastery ruins and present-day places of worship for local peoples.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…

  • Travel to the eastern three provinces of Mongolia for the most comprehensive exploration of unique ecosystems;
  • Drive through the endless plains of eastern Mongolia and experience the skyline like never before;
  • Learn about local plants and trees, including the medicinal plants;
  • Discover the battlegrounds of 1939 war with Japan known as “Nomunkhan incident”;
  • Enjoy meeting local Mongolian and join them over dinners at their homes;
  • Explore the Ikh Nart and Gobi’s lesser known sites and sounds;
  • Enjoy camping in the hands of expert expedition staff.

THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR…

  • Adventure Seekers, craving the thrill of driving through the endless plains of eastern Mongolia and experiencing vast, open skylines.
  • History Buffs who want to discover the historical battlegrounds of the 1939 war with Japan, known as the “Nomunkhan incident,” and delve into Mongolia’s rich past.
  • Cultural Explorers who want to enjoy authentic experiences by meeting local Mongolians and sharing dinners in their homes, gaining insight into their daily lives and traditions.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travelers who want to explore lesser-known sites and sounds of Ikh Nart and the Gobi Desert, away from the typical tourist trails.
  • For those who enjoy the outdoors, this trip offers expert-led camping experiences in some of Mongolia’s most stunning landscapes.

TRIP MAP & ITINERARY

Day 1. Sep 15. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar city.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to your hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner with a pre-trip briefing.
(Hotel Blue Sky or similar; D)
Day 2. Sep 16. Ulaanbaatar city sightseeing.

e will spend this day exploring sights and sound of Mongolia’s capital. Begin this morning with a private blessing with a Buddhist monk at Gandan, the country’s largest monastery. An imposing 90-foot-tall statue of Megjid Janraisag (Avalokites-vara in Sanskrit) stands in the largest temple in the monastery. This statue is considered the religious symbol of Mongolia’s independence and democracy after the country’s democratic transition in 1990. Next, visit the National History Museum located in downtown Ulaanbaatar. This museum offers an excellent introduction to Mongolia’s history from pre-historic times through the 13th century Mongolian Empire, and on to the democratic movement of the early 1990s, which overthrew the Communist regime. After lunch, visit the Zanabazar’s Fine Arts Museum with its excellent collection of Mongolia’s arts, including golden Buddha statues of the 17th century and some of the best preserved tankas in the world. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance, featuring Khoomii or “throat” singing, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Hotel Blue Sky or similar; B, L, D)

Day 3. Sep 17. Fly to Dornod province, Choibalsan city.
Morning transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Choibalsan in the Eastern Steppe. Eastern Mongolia is home to the world’s last remaining wilderness steppe ecosystem, housing rare animals like the Mongolian white-tailed gazelle and various rare birds. Upon arrival, drive eastward to Lake Buir via the famous Menengiin Steppe (approx. 350 km).
(Tent Camp, B, L, D)
Day 4-5. Sep 18-19. Drive to Buir Lake.
Drive to Buir Lake, passing through the eastern steppes with chances to spot Mongolian gazelle. Set up camp on the Khalkhiin River bank, explore sandy beaches, and interact with locals. Continue southeast, passing Ikh Burkhand, a significant Buddhist site. Camp for the night near the Khalkh River valley.
(Approx. 4-5 hours driving on Day 4, 7 hours driving on Day 5; Tent camp; B, L, D)
Day 6. Sep 20. Drive southeast, visiting Ikh Burkhant and Khalkh river.
Pack in the morning and drive southeast, passing by Ikh Burkhant, one of the largest Buddhist heritage sites in the country. A significant Buddha figure adorns a hillside, a unique Buddhist architecture in Mongolia. Continue south to the next campsite in the beautiful valley of Khalkh River, near Sumber village.
Overnight in tents. (Approx. 7 hours driving; Tent camp; B, L, D)
Day 7. Sep 21. Drive to Tashkhai lakes.
Continue through the vast eastern Mongolian steppe, offering opportunities to spot Mongolian gazelles. Make stops to explore local flora and fauna, and obtain travel permission at a military outpost on the Mongolian-Chinese border. In the afternoon, reach the Tashkhai Lakes, some of which vary in water levels based on the year’s rainfall. Overnight in tents at one of the lakes.
(Approx. 6 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 8-9. Sep 22-23. Explore Dariganga, known for skilled blacksmiths and prized silverware.
Explore Sukhbaatar province, known for skilled blacksmiths and prized silverware in Dariganga. Visit Baruun Urt, the provincial center, and its museum. Spend the night in a traditional ger camp. Explore the geological and human history, including Taliin Agui cave, Ganga Lake, Altan Ovoo volcano, and Shiliin Bogd. Overnight at the same ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 10. Sep 24. Explore Eastern Gobi region.
Enter the Eastern Gobi region, celebrated for its diverse flora and birdlife within natural grasslands. Contrary to common belief, the Gobi is not solely a desert landscape. Drive into Sainshand city, located along the Trans-Mongolian railway line, connecting to the Trans-Siberian rail line.
Overnight at a local hotel. (Local Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 11. Sep 25- Visit Khamar Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site.
Explore Hamriin Hiid Monastery, founded in the 1820s by Mongolian lama Danzanravjaa, known for his advocacy against societal inequalities. Visit the monastery ruins, a revered pilgrimage site, and explore the local ethnographic museum.
Overnight in Sainshand. (Local Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 12. Sep 26. Travel to the Ikh Nart National Park in the eastern Gobi.
Travel to the Ikh Nart reserve in the eastern Gobi, home to endangered Argali sheep. Learn about ongoing research by organizations like the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Denver Zoological Foundation. Gain firsthand knowledge of Argali behavior and ecology.
Overnight in a rustic ger camp. (Rustic ger camp; B, L, D)
Day 13-14. Sep 27-28. Return to Ulaanbaatar/Departure.
Explore the park in the morning before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay at the hotel. After breakfast on Day 14, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
(Hotel Blue Sky or similar; Day 13 – B, L, D; Day 14 – B)

PRICING

2 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,500 per person
Domestic flight: $300 per person
Optional single supplement: $780 per person
3-5 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,150 per person
Domestic flight: $300 per person
Optional single supplement: $780 per person
6-9 travelers; twin occupancy;
$3,750 per person
Domestic flight: $300 per person
Optional single supplement: $780 per person
10 and more travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$3,340 per person
Domestic flight: $300 per person
Optional single supplement: $780 per person
INCLUSIONS
  • Land transportation based on using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
  • Accommodations in a standard room at hotels, gers and expedition style camping in the countryside;
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers;
  • Sleeping bags; and mats;
  • All meals indicated as B, L or D;
  • All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
  • English speaking national guide throughout your stay; B
  • Bottled water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled waters.
EXCLUSIONS
  • Domestic and international airfare;
  • Personal laundry;
  • Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Medical evacuation costs;
  • Excess baggage charges;
  • Visa fees;
  • Gratuities;
  • Photography and video fees
  • Any other item not mentioned as included.

PHOTOS & REVIEWS

Mongolia Quest gets it. We were on a custom trip designed for adventures as well as immersion into the multi-faceted culture of this incredible country, a new democracy transforming from a nomadic herding tradition to the modern world, while trying to preserve and protect its vast open spaces. We rode horses in the north to find and visit the reindeer herder people, rode camels in the Gobi Desert, camping in solitude between sand dunes and sharp mountain peaks and finally we traveled to witness the Golden Eagle Festival in the west. And we did not just witness this Kazakh cultural competition. Mongolia Quest had several of the eagle hunters stay with us in our ger camp so that we could interact with them in unstructured ways before and after the events. We talked with families in gers throughout our stay, with the intent to understand nomadic hospitality and differing traditions. Badral adapted a planned itinerary to the changing desires of the group and offered us a real personal insight into his country’s culture. This trip had everything—excitement, education and welcoming from such friendly people. The personal attention by Mongolia Quest to all of the details made a huge difference in our experience—I would encourage anyone interested in experiencing Mongolia to think seriously about utilizing this company as their outfitter.

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