Trip Summary
This Classic Mongolian Journey offers unparalleled insight into Mongolia’s cultural heritage and natural wonders, blending historical exploration with moments of serene reflection in some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. Accompanied by expert guides and staying in handpicked accommodations, this trip is designed for those seeking a profound, yet comfortable, exploration of Mongolia’s past and present.
Discover the uncharted, embrace the wild, and step back into a time when empires rose from the endless steppes—this is the essence of the Classic Mongolian Journey.
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
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Immersive exploration of Mongolia’s capital, history, and culture
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Visits to historical sites including Chinggis Khan National Museum and Erdenezuu Monastery
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Unique wildlife encounters, including the endangered Przewalski’s horses
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Scenic drives through diverse landscapes: steppe, sand dunes, and the Gobi Desert
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Opportunities to explore ancient archeological and paleontological sites
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Insightful interactions with local nomadic families
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Birdwatching and hiking in stunning natural settings
THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR…
- • History and archaeology enthusiasts interested in Mongolian culture and the Great Mongol Empire
• Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking encounters with rare animals and birds
• Adventure travelers who enjoy scenic drives and unique landscapes like the Gobi Desert
• Paleontology fans eager to explore dinosaur fossil sites like Flaming Cliffs
• Cultural explorers interested in Mongolian traditions, nomadic life, and Buddhist heritage
• Travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion with expert guides
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the centrally located hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will provide your pre-trip briefing and then host a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; D)
Discover Ulaanbaatar’s cultural gems: a morning monk blessing at Gandan with the iconic Megjid Janraisag statue, a visit to the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and an history-filled stop at National History Museum. End the day with a dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; B, L, D)
In the morning, drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park, home to the reintroduced Przewalski’s horses. Along the way, watch for raptors like Steppe Eagles and Saker Falcons. After arriving for lunch, settle into your ger camp with cozy twin beds and central heating. In the afternoon, explore the upland steppe and visit a spring where the endangered horses often drink. Once extinct in the wild, these horses now thrive in the park thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, embark on a 4-hour drive to Kharakhorum, stopping at Mongol Els, one of the northernmost sand dunes near Hogno Han National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before reaching your ger camp in Kharakhorum for dinner and overnight stay. (Approx. 4-5 hours driving; Ger camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, take a 1-hour drive north to explore 7th-8th century archaeological sites from the Turkish era, offering insights into Mongolia before the Great Mongol Empire. Next, visit Erdenezuu Monastery, located near the ancient capital of Kharakhorum, built during Ogedei Khan’s reign. The site is rich in history, featuring ancient burials, deer stones, and city ruins predating Chinggis Khan. Remnants of Kharakhorum contributed to the construction of Erdenezuu Monastery, which still stands today. In the afternoon, tour the monastery grounds. Dinner and overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Today, travel south to the Gobi Desert with a 7-8 hour drive, stopping at Ongi Monastery. Visit a nomadic horse herder family to experience Mongolian hospitality. Explore the ruins of Ongi Monastery, a historic Silk Road stop, before staying overnight at a ger camp along the Ongi River. (Approx. 6 hours driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to your Gobi Mirage ger camp near the stunning Gobi Gurvansaikhan Mountains, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. This location offers magnificent views of the “Three Beautiful Mountains” and a serene Gobi atmosphere. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the ger camp. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Yolyn Am mountains for gentle hiking and birdwatching. Look for Chukar, Daurian Partridge, Bearded Vulture, Saker Falcon, and the rare Kozlov’s Accentor. After a picnic lunch, visit the Havtsgait Petroglyphs, ancient rock drawings from 3,000-4,000 years ago. Return to your ger camp for dinner. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
Drive to Tugregiin Shiree, known for the “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil. Explore for dinosaur fossils. Visit the Flaming Cliffs, famous for dinosaur fossils and the site of Andrews’ discovery of the first dinosaur eggs. Enjoy sunset views before returning to the ger camp. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, begin driving back to Ulaanbaatar, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is independent. (Approx. 8 hours driving; Kempinski or similar; B, D)
Enjoy one full day for last minute sight seeing and shopping. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of traditional Mongolian
music and dance, featuring Khoomii or “throat” singing, followed by a farewell dinner at one of the city’s fine local restaurants.
Overnight at hotel. (Kempinski hotel or similar; B, D)
Attend the two-day Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan Ulgii, where eagle hunters showcase their skills, including eagle speed tests and traditional horseback competitions like kukbar, tenge ilu, and kyzguar. Experience an archery contest by ethnic Uriankhai people using traditional Mongolian arrow and bow designs from the 13th century. Enjoy traditional Kazakh meals and captivating performances by Kazakh singers in the evenings. Overnight in gers at a Rustic Ger Camp. (B, L, D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Pricing
- Land transportation as indicated in the itinerary based on using a 4×4 van and land cruisers;
- Accommodations in a standard room at hotels and gers in the countryside based on a twin occupancy;
- Airport arrival & departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- English speaking guide throughout your stay with local knowledge and experience;
- Supply of bottled water per person per day based on consumption.
- 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 & Review
I just returned from the trip of a lifetime to Mongolia, sponsored by the Haub School of Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming and guided by Mongolia Quest. We visited national parks, monasteries, museums, the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi and much more, with incredible insights and flawless logistics from our guides… Mongolia Quest co-owner, Badral, who also leads the Mongolian Ecology Center, along with his very able assistant, Odno. I can’t imagine more kind, knowledgeable and effective tour leaders and inspiring national leaders as well. They participated in Zoom orientation calls with us in advance of the trip, met us with smiling faces at the Chingis Khan airport, ensured our comfort and safety along the way, and left us with a much much greater appreciation for Mongolia, its history, and its people. The environmental education work they are doing with middle and high-school students through the Ecology Center is incredibly inspiring and worth supporting! I certainly intend to.
-Gail B. 2024
