Trip summary statistics
9days
Vast Skies of Mongolia
Ulaan Bataar, Dalanzadgad, Gobi Desert, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Explore Ulaanbaatar’s temples, museums, and palace with a guide who brings history to life.
Hike Eagle Valley’s canyon trails and watch eagles soar over rugged mountain cliffs.
Visit nomadic families and see the red Flaming Cliffs glow under dramatic desert light.
Venture to vast singing dunes and uncover ancient rock carvings in the Altai foothills.
Stay in deluxe gers and savor hands-on cuisine, all curated by your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Ulaan BataarThe Adventure Begins
- Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Ulaan BataarSights and Insights
- Ulaan Bataar City Tour (with Lunch & Dinner, 7-9 hrs) - Private
Ulaan Bataar to Dalanzadgad to Gobi DesertA Change of Scenery
- Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Ulaan Bataar - Dalanzadgad [Direct - 1 hr] - Flight
- Dalanzagad Airport to Lodge in Gobi Desert - Private Transfer
- Arrive at Gobi Desert
- Eagle Valley Exploration - Private
Gobi DesertExplore with an Expert
- Moltsog Sandscapes & Bayanzag’s Flaming Cliffs - Private
Gobi DesertVenture into the Outdoors
- Whispers of Time: Khongor Sands & Khavtsgait Rock Art - Private
Gobi Desert to Dalanzadgad to Ulaan Bataar to Gorkhi-Terelj National ParkEn Route
- Gobi Desert to Dalanzagad Airport - Private Transfer
- Ulaan Bataar - Dalanzadgad [Direct - 1 hr] - Flight
- Ulaan Bataar to Lodge in Gorkhi Terelj National Park - Private Transfer
- Arrive at Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Gorkhi-Terelj National ParkLive Like a Local
- Traditions in Action: Archery & Mini Ger Building - Private
Gorkhi-Terelj National ParkCreative Cuisine
- Cooking Lesson - Private
- Traditional Mongolian Khorkhog Dinner
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to Ulaan BataarSafe Travels!
- Gorkhi-Terelj National Park - Ulaan Bataar [Airport (1 hr)] - Vehicle/Guide
ULAAN BATAAR
The Adventure Begins
Meet your driver for your private transfer.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
ULAAN BATAAR
Sights and Insights
Ulaan Baatar, the enigmatic capital of Mongolia, is a city of contrasts where rapid development crosses paths with the country’s nomadic heritage, and where Buddhist temples stand alongside communist-era monuments. Today explore the highlights of this fascinating city on a privately guided tour. Travel back in time to the days of the Genghis Khan rule as you head to the National History Museum, where excellent displays trace several millennia of Mongolia’s history from the Stone Age through the Turkic and Mongol Empires to the rise of Buddhism and the Communist regime. Visit the impressive Gandan Buddhist Monastery, Ulaan Baatar’s beacon of pride; explore this beautiful complex and feel in awe of Mongolia’s captivating spiritual heritage. Head to the resplendent Bogd Khaan Winter Palace and dive deep into the mesmerizing world of Buddhist artwork and sculptures as you explore this sacred complex. To complete your experience, enjoy a traditional folklore performance giving you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
ULAAN BATAAR TO DALANZADGAD TO GOBI DESERT
A Change of Scenery
Meet your driver for your private transfer.
Board a flight with service from Ulaan Bataar to Dalanzagad. Approximate flight duration is 1 hour.
Meet your private driver upon arrival at Dalanzadgad Airport and proceed by private transfer to your hotel in the Gobi Desert.
Please Note: travel time may vary depending on your lodge’s location.
Experience the wild splendor of Mongolia’s Eagle Valley with your private guide, where rugged cliffs, winding canyons, and native wildlife create an unforgettable alpine setting. Depart from your lodge with your guide and travel by private vehicle to Yolyn Am, the valley’s most celebrated area. Spend 1–2 hours hiking along gentle trails, observing eagles soaring overhead and wild sheep and goats grazing on canyon walls. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of alpine vegetation. Before or after your hike, stop at the small natural history museum at the valley entrance to learn about the region’s unique flora, fauna, and geology, then return by private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GOBI DESERT
Explore with an Expert
Venture into the striking landscapes of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert with your private guide, exploring golden dunes, ancient fossils, and traditional nomadic life. Depart from your lodge and travel by private vehicle to the Moltsog Els sand dunes, where a local camel-breeder’s family welcomes you to taste fresh camel milk products. Enjoy a camel ride along the base of the dunes and walk through the sandy expanse. Continue to Bayanzag, following the path of famed adventurer Roy Chapman Andrews, where towering red sandstone cliffs, fossilized dinosaur eggs, petrified forests, and the remains of prehistoric animals tell the story of this remarkable desert. Return by private transfer to your accommodation.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GOBI DESERT
Venture into the Outdoors
Traverse Mongolia’s Gobi Desert on a full-day private journey, venturing deep into the Altai Mountains to witness the majestic Khongoryn Els, or Singing Sand Dunes, rising up to 2,000 feet and stretching for hundreds of square miles. Departing from your lodge by jeep with your driver and guide, stop first at Khavtsgait to view ancient rock carvings dating back to the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. Continue into the vast golden dunes, famed for the haunting sounds they create as the wind moves the sand. Here, meet a local camel breeder and his family to glimpse traditional desert life, then ride a sturdy two-humped Bactrian camel across the sweeping landscape before returning to your lodge in the late afternoon.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GOBI DESERT TO DALANZADGAD TO ULAAN BATAAR TO GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
En Route
Meet your private driver for your departure transfer to Dalanzadgad Airport.
Board a flight with service from Ulaan Bataar to Dalanzagad. Approximate flight duration is 1 hour.
Meet your guide for a full-day private journey from Ulaanbaatar to the serene landscapes of Gorkhi Terelj National Park, with scenic stops, cultural landmarks, and nature walks, traveling in the comfort of your private transfer. After an early breakfast, meet your driver and guide for the drive east, pausing at the striking Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue on the Tuul River — the legendary site where he discovered the golden whip said to inspire his 13th-century conquests. Continue into the park for lunch at a local ger camp before visiting the granite formation known as Turtle Rock and setting out on a 1–1.5-hour walk to the hilltop Meditation Temple. End the day arriving at your lodge, embraced by Mongolia’s pristine wilderness.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Live Like a Local
At the lodge, try your hand at archery — Mongolia’s revered national sport — where traditional bows are still crafted from wood, sinew, horn, and tendon. According to a 13th-century stone inscription, one of Genghis Khan’s generals once struck a target from an astonishing one-third of a mile away. Later, you’ll have the unique opportunity to assemble a mini ger, the traditional Mongolian dwelling. Ingenious in its design, the ger relies on balance, patience, tension, and symmetry for stability, a skill honed over centuries by nomadic herders. As you work, you’ll gain insight into the artistry and practicality behind this portable home, a symbol of resilience and harmony with the vast steppe.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Creative Cuisine
Begin the morning with a hands-on mini cooking lesson at the lodge. Mongolian cuisine, shaped over 800 years of history, reflects influences from many cultures encountered during the era of conquest. This exchange of traditions gave rise to unique dishes, including buuz — steamed dumplings prepared for special occasions and a delight for children to make. After lunch, discover the age-old Mongolian ankle bone games. Known as shagai, these games use the astragalus bones of sheep or goats, collected and treasured across Central Asia for both play and fortune-telling.
In the evening, savor a traditional Mongolian barbecue, Khorhog — a family favorite that showcases the importance of hot stones in local cooking. Mutton is slowly cooked in a large metal urn along with vegetables, water, and carefully heated stones from the fire, resulting in tender, flavorful meat and a rich, savory broth. Many Mongolian cooks even claim they can taste the difference between stones from rivers and those from lakes. After dinner, gather around the campfire to share stories and enjoy stargazing beneath Mongolia’s pristine night sky, where countless stars sparkle above the open steppe, offering a peaceful close to a day immersed in local culture and traditions.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Ger
GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK TO ULAAN BATAAR
Safe Travels!
Enjoy your airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.
ULAAN BATAAR
Shangri-La
A stylish sanctuary in the heart of Mongolia’s capital, the Shangri-La Hotel provides an ideal base for discerning guests visiting Ulaan Baatar. The hotel’s convenient location in the city center allows for a seamless exploration of the most popular tourist sites. The hotel showcases a number of elegant and spacious guestrooms featuring contemporary and indigenous fusion design. Shangri-La Hotel Ulaan Baatar offers a variety of exciting and unique dining options, from all day dining at CafÉ Park, to casual signature dishes at Naadam, specialty Chinese cuisine at Hutong, and classic light refreshments at the Lobby Lounge. Settle into your chic accommodations and let the hospitable staff of Shangri-La warmly welcome you to this beautiful country.
GOBI DESERT
Three Camel Lodge
Built in the heart of the Gobi according to environmentally and culturally sustainable development guidelines, the Three Camel Lodge offers a blend of adventure and sophistication, combining traditional style with superb service to create the ultimate expedition experience. The lodge’s remote location is not for the impatient traveler, but those seeking a true escape will be richly rewarded. Three Camel Lodge offers a stylish take on the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Many of the staff members were raised right here in the Gobi, and all are happy to share their love and knowledge of the desert while welcoming you with traditional Mongolian hospitality and providing the highest standard of service. A stay at the Three Camel Lodge will truly be a relaxing and memorable experience.
GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Tuul Riverside Lodge
Located within an hour’s drive of Ulaanbaatar, Tuul Riverside Lodge is a fully sustainable, traditional Mongolian camp surrounded by a sea of grass, rolling hills and the Tuul River. A warm, and peaceful welcome awaits guests when they enter the beautifully decorated traditional dwellings, known as yurts or locally as a "ger." Constructed from a wooden frame and covered with layers of felt to insulate against the harsh Mongolian climate, yurts are both durable and reliable. Each yurt also features en-suite facilities. The camp offers high standards of service and modern convinces, such as water, electricity, and a dining tent while still capturing the nomadic culture of the Mongols. Guests can expect many authentic, traditional cultural experiences and adventure activities led by the dedicated staff members. Delicious Mongolian cuisine is prepared by a passionate and talented team, from quality ingredients which will delight your taste-buds. The camp provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the main cities, where one can relax around a roaring campfire and marvel at the shimmering Milky Way overhead.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








