travel to mongolia 2022

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Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days

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• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Spot wild Takhi in Hustai National Park
• Hike to temple ruins in Khogno Khan reserve
• Explore ancient forts and nomadic life in Gobi

“We had every place all to ourselves and it was so peaceful, quiet, and stunningly beautiful.”

• Sightseeing
• Horseback ride through Terelj National Park
• Enjoy the 'Wonders of Mongolia' traditional show
• Explore Gandan Monastery and its giant Buddha

“Mongolia is a lot different from what we have seen on the internet; its BETTER! There are beautiful national parks and landscapes that are surreal.”

• Walk on Yol Valley's ice field
• Ride camels by Khongor Els dunes
• Explore sacred Baga Gazriin Chuluu

“Appreciated the quiet and no crowds at all the tourist spots. Throughly enjoyed the tour, good variety of authentic food and interesting locations.”

• Relax in Tsenkher's hot sulfur springs under stars
• Ride horses and meet nomads in Orkhon Valley
• Camel ride and sunset at Elsen Tasarkhai dunes

• Visit UNESCO's Orkhon Valley and waterfall
• Ride camels in the Mini Gobi desert
• Relax in soothing Mongolian hot springs

• Hike through Yol Valley's icy river canyon
• Discover Ongi Monastery's historic ruins
• Climb the vast Khongor Sand Dune

“The rest was impeccable. I would book the same mongolian guys again but not through tourradar.”

• See the Genghis Khan Statue Complex
• Enjoy the 'Wonders of Mongolia' folklore show
• Visit Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Temple

• Soak in the healing Tsenkher hot springs
• Explore the White Stupa's ancient seabed
• Ride camels by the Khongor sand dunes

• Discover Orkhon Valley and Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall
• Experience nomadic life and ride through dunes
• Explore Ulaanbaatar and its historic sites

• Meet your group and CEO in the evening
• Stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger
• Hike through the ice-filled Yolyn Am gorge

“Excellent itinerary and great people's.”

Mongolia Destinations

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Mongolian fresh air a great remedy after Covid

Mongolia has lifted Covid restrictions.

The Covid-19 pandemic that the world has been facing for the last two years, has hugely affected and created a major crisis in the tourism industry. This has been not only in Mongolia but also in other countries. Mongolia imposed a total of seven strict curfews during the Covid pandemic, which lasted a total of 79 days. In the last two years, 92% of the population has been vaccinated with two doses and 52% with the third dose. A further 90,000 people have received a fourth dose. On 14 February, 2022 Mongolia announced that it had opened its air borders to international passengers, based on a risk assessment of infection control. As a result, all the restrictions of the pandemic have been lifted, allowing anyone who wants to travel to Mongolia to do so without hindrance.

What should you know?

Starting from 14 March, 2022 the following procedures will be compiled during the trip to Mongolia. It does not require PCR or Rapid test results upon arrival in Mongolia, and is available for anyone who has been vaccinated or not.

Upon your arrival in Mongolia you should fill out a medical form. There is: - No supplementary test needed; - No quarantine or isolation; - No extra requirements for travel to rural areas and domestic flights; - Free vaccination coverage if desired.

See more : https://moh.gov.mn/p/148

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Mongolia Travel Restrictions – Updated

Mongolia Travel Restrictions 2023

-Last updated 2023 MAR 21

” Mongolia fully opened its air borders to international travel from February 14, 2022.

– No negative PCR or rapid test results are required to enter Mongolia before departure. – No testing is required upon arrival at the border points. – No quarantine or self-isolation. * These provisions apply to all ages, and both vaccinated and non-vaccinated.

– When in Mongolia – traveling within the country, between provinces, or getting on domestic flights – No additional requirements. – Free vaccinations and treatments are available for travelers.

– If COVID PCR test result is required in English when you depart from Mongolia, Click here to find clinics in Ulaanbaatar!

FAQ - Mongolia Entry Requirements

1: is mongolia's border open to the international arrivals.

• Tourists are allowed to enter Mongolia from the 14th of February 2022 without quarantine and have no additional requirements from the 14th of March.
• The period of temporary suspension of passengers at land border crossings of Mongolia/China  extended until January 09, 2023.

2: From which countries are there regular scheduled flights to Mongolia?

• South Korea-Seoul, Japan-Tokyo, Thailand-Bangkok, Germany-Frankfurt- (via Moscow)
• MIAT and AERO MONGOLIA /UB – Tokyo, Japan – UB/
• MIAT /UB – Seoul, South Korea – UB/
• KOREAN AIR and ASIANA AIRLINES /Seoul, South Korea – UB – Seoul/
• MIAT /UB – Frankfurt, Germany – UB/
• TURKISH AIRLINES /Istanbul, Turkey – UB – Istanbul/
• HUNNU AIRLINES /UB – Almaty, Kazakhstan – UB also UB – NurSultan, Kazakhstan – UB/

3: Is it necessary to take Covid PCR test on arrival and departure?

No “negative” PCR or rapid test results are required to enter Mongolia before departure. Also, No testing is required upon arrival at the border points.

4: Should infants and babies be tested for PCR?

• “Negative” PCR test result is not required for all ages, both vaccinated and non-vaccinated, and effective as of March 14, 2022.

5: Is it necessary to be vaccinated when visiting Mongolia?

• Mongolians and foreign nationals traveling to Mongolia are Not required to be vaccinated against coronavirus infection (Covid-19).

7: Is it necessary to install any mobile phone application for entry to Mongolia?

• It is not required.

10: Is it necessary to have Covid insurance when visiting Mongolia?

• COVID Insurance is not required when visiting Mongolia. But if you want to get insured, it is better to get the insurance in your home country voluntarily.

11: What are the requirements for attractions and entertainments such as restaurants and museums that are frequented by tourists?

• All service organizations are working normally according to their schedules.
• The advisories being issued are wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, hand sanitizing, and being actively involved in COVID-19 vaccinations.

12: Where and to which hospital should I go if I have symptoms while traveling in the countryside? Will all the traveling crew and staff be separated? Or only if it is positive?

• Contact a local health center. Those who test positive will be isolated for treatment.
• Other members of the tour group shall not be isolated in the event of a negative test result.

13: What will you do if you get COVID during your stay in Mongolia?

• Treatment is provided in accordance with the regulations in force in that country.
• If you tested positive, you will be isolated in the nearest health center and get treated. Usually, the period of isolation is around 5-7 days.
• Free vaccinations and treatments are available for travelers.

14: Do I need a PCR test when I departure from Mongolia?

• For example, Turkish Airlines does not require a PCR test for passengers with 2 doses of vaccine.

15: How much does PCR test cost in Mongolia?

• PCR test is around 30-40USD (85000-115000 MNT)
• Rapid test is around 7-10USD (20000-30000 MNT)

16: Can I have a PCR test at my hotel prior to my departure from Mongolia?

• You can book mobile medical services with an additional fee in advance at your hotel.

17: COVID-19 PCR test clinics in Ulaanbaatar

• Click here to see laboratories which provide you test result in English

Source: Operational headquarters of the State Special Commission Ministry of Health Mongolia

Covid-19 vaccination in Mongolia:

Mongolia tours 2023 / 2024.

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Mongolia is the place to visit in 2024

Do you crave a one-off kind adventure? Do you want to escape the tourist trail and truly get off the beaten track? Do you want a dynamic mix of culture, nature and history? Then Mongolia is the destination for you.

Whether you want to explore the capital of Ulaanbaatar, trek across the Gobi Desert on camels, ride on horseback through grassland or experience a homestay with a nomadic family, this country is an adventure lover’s dream. If you want an unplugged vacation and to explore a fascinating country, begin planning your trip to Mongolia today with Discover Mongolia.

We are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences. We understand that joining small groups and receiving personal attention is very important to your enjoyment. All our tours are designed with the utmost consideration given to what travelers like you want most out of their trip. Book a trip to Mongolia today!

Enjoy 3 ways to Discover Mongolia

Looking for a trip that meets your interest and schedule?

• Choose your own dates
• Get exclusive use of a private guide, driver and vehicle
• Personalised care, dedicated to you and your group
• Flexibility towards time, allowing you to dictate when to stop and how long for
• You select the level of your service
• Great for families with children and groups of friends

• Select and customize one of our existing tour. Or create your own itinerary
• Get PAX based price. More people join? You will save more money.
• Promote your tour together to find you buddy! We will promote your trip for people who is looking for similar tours.
• Enjoy your dream tour with your new friends

• Discover the best that Mongolia has to offer.
• Have fun and save money too.
• It’s made easier and safer in a group
• No stress of planning itineraries
• Make friends from all over the world
• Perfect for individual travelers and friends
• Small group size with maximum 16 pax.
• Departure is guaranteed even with a group of only two people.

Take a look at our most popular tours

• Enter the former capital city of Mongolia
• Visit the historic Erdene Zuu monastery
• Ride to the Elsen Tasarkhai Oasis
• See the fabulous Great Gobi Desert 
• Visit historic Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu
• Understand the nomadic lifestyle 
• Mongolian top attractions 
• Enjoy Bactrian camel ride 
• The nomadic lifestyle, culture, and tradition 
• More cultural and more historical
• Orkhon Valley - UNESCO World Natural Heritage
• Visits to 2 Beautiful National Parks
• Amazing 130-foot Chinggis Khaan Statue.
• Gracious and flowing natural scenery.
• Hike the famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Monastery.
• Naadam - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
• Visit Great Gobi Desert & Terelj NP
• Best time to experience Mongolia
• See the fabulous Khongor Sand Dunes
• Visit the amazing Vulture (Eagle) Gorge
• Stop at Bayanzag, the home of dinosaurs  
• Come and pet the Golden Eagles
• Watch them hunt their prey
• Visit the amazing Altai Mountain Landscape 
• Visit the highest Mongolian mountain range
• Trek across the Potanin glacier
• Mingle with the local Kazakh and Tuvan people
• Mongolian top attractions
• Local Naadam Festival
• Explore nomadic lifestyle, culture, and tradition

Why travel with us

Here are reasons you should plan with Discover Mongolia.

Our highly professional team provide exceptional service and strive to make our home your ‘home from home’, with tasty food, comfortable accommodation and hygienic facilities.

Your tour will be a truly immersive experience of Mongolian culture, heritage and history, providing a fascinating insight into our world-renowned nomadic way of life. 

With fun, exciting activities set against the backdrop of our breathtaking scenery, your trip will be truly unforgettable!

We pride ourselves on making your tour an amazing adventure and an opportunity to try new experiences, all delivered with your safety as a priority.

We're passionate about ensuring you enjoy your tour, and hope you leave Mongolia feeling like we're more than just a travel company, that we're your friends.

Established in 2004, we have 15 years’ experience and are highly skilled at helping people enjoy adventures in our homeland.

Feedback from our beloved customers

Your Mongolia Travel Guide

Articles & Tips: Explore some of the best tips about Mongolia

Since 2004, we have been helping people the world over to enjoy unforgettable adventures to our homeland, and we do it all with expertise and passion.

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Nomadic Expeditions

Find Yourself a World Away

Best time to visit

Where the Big Picture Gets Even Bigger

In the terrain of Mongolia’s rugged mountains, vast fertile steppe, and awe-inspiring Gobi Desert—you will find a beauty unique to only the wildest places on Earth.

The preservation of these dynamic landscapes may be owed in part to Mongolia being sealed off from the world for most of the 20th century. Yet the greater factor is that roughly a third of the population lives as nomadic herders, moving several times a year among the lush countryside, and they honor the land by respecting and preserving it—as Mongolian’s have done since the days of Chinggis Khan.

Nomadic Expeditions has been leading world-class tours and journeys throughout Mongolia since 1992, upon the signing of the country’s new democratic constitution—travel spearheaded by our Founder and CEO Jalsa Urubshurow, a pioneer in environmental conservation through sustainable tourism. Our infrastructure and expertise in the country has not only set a path for eco-travel to flourish here, it provides unrivaled authenticity and exclusivity throughout your Mongolia tour adventures.

We present the opportunity to seamlessly explore this land of astonishing marvels in rich detail—camel trekking across seas of hypnotic dunes, riding Mongolian horses in the footsteps of the long-ago Silk Road trade route, paddling the “dark blue pearl” of utterly pristine Lake Hovsgol, beholding the falconry of Kazakh golden eagle hunters who once relied on their birds to capture prey during winter in the Altai Mountains.

Staying in luxuriously appointed traditional gers and meeting local families of Mongolia’s eminently hospitable nomadic people—you will come to know more than a place, but a timeless way of life.

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EXPLORE OUR MONGOLIA

Group Journeys

FEATURED JOURNEY: JUNE 13-24, 2025 | AUGUST 10-21, 2025

From the Altai Mountains to the Gobi Desert featuring The Naadam Festival

This Mongolian journey intertwines two of Mongolia’s legendary landscapes: the Altai Mountains in the West, inhabited by Kazakh eagle hunters, and the Gobi Desert, a dramatic semi-arid expanse in the south.

JULY 3-13, 2025

Join Nomadic Expeditions on this classic journey delving into Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, people, and culture. Explore its mountains, forests, and meadows, experiencing the essence of this captivating land.

OCTOBER 1-12, 2025

Golden Eagle Festival & Gobi Desert

Join us amidst the mountains of western Mongolia for the annual Golden Eagle Festival before traveling to the legendary fossil beds of the Gobi on this unique and exciting adventure.

OCTOBER 1-7, 2025

Golden Eagle Festival

Embark on a journey through Mongolia’s ancient and modern contrasts, from Ulaanbaatar’s spiritual heart at Gandan Monastery and the Chinggis Khan Museum’s historical treasures to the cultural immersion at the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ulgii. Experience the thrill of Kazakh eagle hunters showcasing their centuries-old skills against the stunning backdrop of Tolbo Lake and the Khunguin Mountains, culminating in a celebration of tradition and honor.

Private Journeys

FEATURED JOURNEY : MAY - SEPTEMBER

Mongolian Epic Overland Adventure

This epic off-road adventure showcases some of the most spectacular, varied, and historically important sites in Mongolia. Your journey will traverse the entire country from north to south using four-wheel drive off-road vehicles.

PRIVATE | MAY - OCTOBER

Gobi Desert Mongolia Adventure

Discover our Family Fun journey through Mongolia, where traversing dunes on camelback, mastering archery, and fossil hunting in the Gobi promise unforgettable adventures, enriching cultural encounters, and cherished family memories in a land brimming with wonder.

In the heart of the Gobi, where towering sand dunes meet dramatic canyons and cliffs, this expedition unveils Mongolia’s legendary desert through immersive experiences on foot, camel, and mountain bike, promising awe-inspiring vistas under vast blue skies.

PRIVATE | JUNE - SEPTEMBER

Horseback Riding in Mongolia to the Reindeer People 

Designed for the more experienced horseback rider, this horse trek traverses the mountains, taiga forests, and idyllic meadows of Mongolia’s northernmost province, traveling through the beautiful Khoridol Saridag Mountains and leading to Lake Hovsgol, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl.”

Mongolia Family Adventure

Our Ultimate Family Journey to Mongolia invites you to not just witness, but to fully immerse yourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of this extraordinary land, from mastering traditional crafts to forging deep connections with nomadic life and its timeless traditions.

Ultimate Gobi

The ultimate journey into the heart of the Gobi, this expedition explores the diverse ecosystems and otherworldly beauty of Mongolia’s legendary desert on foot, camel, and mountain bike.

PRIVATE | JANUARY - APRIL

Horseback riding in mongolia.

Designed for the more experienced horseback rider, this horse trek passes through the mountains, taiga forests, and idyllic meadows of Mongolia’s northernmost province.

TESTIMONIAL

“The Golden Eagle Festival far exceeded our expectations, it was magnificent. The setting, the people, all was a beautiful cultural experience.”

– Juliana J.

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Musings on Mongolia with Bob Krist, National Geographic Photographer and World Traveler

The Spectacular 2023 Golden Eagle Festival: A Celebration of Tradition and Nature

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Mongolia FAQ | 10+ Frequently Ask Question by Experienced Tourists

Travel to Mongolia, the Land of Genghis Khan stands out for its wild, majesticity steppes and the image of brave warriors living on the saddle. The Mongols’ national cultural traditions have retained great beauty over the years. More than 30% of Mongolians still live a nomadic life, they live a freedom lifestyle and extremely hospitable. You will fully experience the mysterious traditions, distinctive and appealing cuisine, unique flavors of nomads, stunning and exotic traditional costumes, especially, the typical free lifestyle of the nomads here.

Following are some frequently asked questions about Mongolia trip and Go Mongolia Tours will give you exact answer for your questions.

Do I need a Visa when travelling to Mongolia?

You will need a visa to enter or travel through Mongolia as a visitor. A Mongolian visit visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. This information will adaptably change

Do I need a Vaccine Certification to entry Mongolia?

Mongolia fully opened its air borders to international travel from February 14, 2022. Mongolians and foreign nationals traveling to Mongolia are now Not required to be vaccinated against coronavirus infection (Covid-19), you’re not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or quarantine on arrival.

Is Mongolia Friendly to Tourists?

Mongolians are extremely friendly people and are very welcoming to foreigners, but it would still be nice of you to accept some of their local customs and rules for behavior. You can read for some mistakes to avoid in Mongolia in Go Mongolia Tours

Is Mongolia Safe for Foreigners?

Mongolia is a relatively safe country for foreigners. However, both street crime and violent crime are on the rise, especially in the larger towns and cities. So be careful when in public places

Is Mongolia Safe for Female Travellers?

Mongolia is a safe country for female travelers. People are very friendly in Mongolia and willing to help you at any time. Just follow your common sense in public places, avoid dark and deserted areas, walking alone at night and watch out for your belongings and your trip should go smoothly.

Can I use my Cell Phone with Internet connection in Mongolia?

For international tourists who will only be staying in Mongolia for a short period, we recommend you purchase a tourist SIM card. This is definitely the cheapest way to use your phone to access the web and make local calls, and fees for international calls are generally pretty low. If you are traveling on one of our tours, we can help you arrange and activate a prepaid SIM card for you before your arrival at your request.

Can I live with a Nomadic Family in a Ger Camp when Travelling?

Since you can customize your trip, you can definitely stay in a Ger camp whenever you want. Our tours also meet your requirement, there are a lot of our tours will give you chances to live in a Ger camp.

What Foreign Currency can I use in Mongolia?

There are no restrictions on foreign currency, however if you have USD$5000 (or equivalent) in cash, it will need to be declared.

What’s the Typical Weather and Seasons in Mongolia?

Mongolia has an extreme continental climate with long, cold winters and short summers in which most of the precipitation falls. This country’s days are sweltering and very cold at midnight, varying from 20-30 degrees. Located in a temperate climate zone, the climate of Mongolia is sharply continental.

However, there’re still 4 seasons in Mongolia: winter lasts from November to February, spring from March to mid-May, summer lasts from mid-May to late August, and autumn from September to September. the end of October. The cold period in the North can last for 1 month or more than 2 months in the Gobi desert area.

When should I Travel to Mongolia?

The best time to travel to Mongolia is usually from May to early October. July is considered an ideal time to visit Mongolia. The weather is cool, and pleasant, only hot when the sun is not obscured by clouds.

Is Mongolia Expensive to Travel?

Although the cost of life in Mongolia isn’t very elevated, it can be quite expensive to travel around. The budget you’ll need will depend entirely on your style of travelling. However, if you book one of our trips, it will be considerably less expensive; leave your information and our guide will give you the best offer.

Can I take my Pet with me When Travelling to Mongolia?

Pets can enter in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo. Upon entry to Mongolia you must register your pet with the Custom’s Veterinarian. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport.

Mongolia Travel Budget, How much Spending Money do I need to Travel to Mongolia?

You should plan to spend around ₮71,036 ($21) per day on your vacation in Mong

olia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors (information from past travellers). Leave your information to get updated prices and offers for your Mongolia tour.

What Transportations can Tourists use in Mongolia?

Buses are the main types of public transports in almost all cities. You can move quickly and comfortably between different regions of Mongolia with the help of air transport. Rail transport is also very popular. You can also move around with the help of ferries, boats and motorboats only on Lake Khubsugul. Alternative ways to move are camels and horses. They can also be rented, just like a car.

How is the Crime Rate in Mongolia?

Mongolia is one of the least crime-ridden countries to travel to. It has possibly the lowest crime rates in Asia, so there isn’t much to worry about as long as you take the basic precaution measures. Petty theft is Mongolia’s biggest problem when it comes to crime.

Should I go on Solo Travel to Mongolia?

We do not recommend you to travel alone to Mongolia if it’s your first time. Mongolia is a challenging country, not just because of the language barrier but because of the harsh climate. But, if you like a challenge and want to experience Mongolian culture then it’s definitely an interesting country to visit whether you travel here through a Mongolian tour agency or independently.

What should I Bring for a Mongolia Trip?

Warm thin layers of clothing, waterproof jacket, good walking boots and sandals and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don’t forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you) all your camera equipment and binoculars and perhaps some snacks to eat between meal times.

Should I Travel to Mongolia with Kids?

Mongolia is perfect for traveling with little kids, the locals are very hospitable, and everyone here loves children. Some even say Mongolia was built for kids, we also provide variety of family tours to give your family best experiences in Mongolia.

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Golden Eagle Festival Mongolia 2024 -2025 Locally enjoyed festival

Horse Riding Mongolia – A journey off the beaten track

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Best Selling Mongolia Tours of 20 years of our operation

Why nomadic trails, authentic experiences.

Our small group, custom and tailor made trips to Mongolia offer you an amazing adventure that ventures beneath the surface of the region.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

We're a local Mongolian travel agency. We utilize our experience to break down barriers and provide ethical business for people from lesser-known areas with so much to offer.

VETERAN mongolian tour company

We are a well-established Mongolian adventure travel company. Nomadic Trails is successfully operating for more than 17 years as one of the ``A`` licensed best Mongolian tour companies.

FLEXIBLE AND HASSLE-FREE

We specialize in Custom tours. So tell us about your trip requirement. We'll work together to customize your adventure of a lifetime to visit Mongolia.

Middle-man free PRICING

When you book us, you get best possible prices, which is middle-man free. Get the best original Mongolia itinerary with a flexible cancellation policy.

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Our Testimonials and reviews

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thanks to Nomadic Trails. Tulga and everyone on his team were so accommodating to any of our requests and even helped us navigate our way through the local market and barter for souvenirs. Truly delicious food as well at every stop. Phenomenal all around. Thank y’all for everything! Unbelievable experience in Mongolia!

Tulga, our tour guide is very knowledgeable and helpful, his driving skills also worth a praise and believe me, on these roads, it is a big advantage for someone like me with a motion sickness. They provided a cook for us, who exceeded all of our expectations. If you want a truly amazing experience just go with them!

and he was able to provide a varied, personal, unique experience. I wanted to create my own personal itinerary and Tulga had the knowledge, contacts, experience and sense of adventure to make that happen. I’ll be returning in 2020 to travel with Nomadic Trails again. Can’t wait!

hopping on our horses to go to the Tsaatan reindeer tribe, then finally staying at one of the best camps in Murun. Everything was so well-organized. Noteworthy is Tulga’s relationship with the tribe, which is an important consideration when we were planning this trip as we want to be as respectful as possible to the tribe for them not to feel uneasy during our stay. Our group was delighted to have raw and authentic Mongolian experience without having to sacrifice comfort – we had delicious food, great accommodation and comfortable transportation all throughout our trip – thanks to the incredible team of Nomadic Trails!

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Mongolia Tours & Vacations

Landing in the concrete jungle of Ulaanbaatar, you might wonder where Mongolia keeps its famous wide-open spaces.

But just wait until you catch your first glimpse of sunrise over the famous Mongolian steppe. There’s no other view on Earth quite like it: mile after mile of rolling grassy plains, dotted with the white domes of gers and broken up with golden dunes or the craggy peaks of Tavan Bogd and the Altai mountains. It’s probably no surprise that our Mongolia tours are mostly about the getting out into the wild – soaking in the hot springs of Tsenkher or hiking through the Khogno Khan – but you’ll find there’s more to this country than just good views. With its epic history, brief communist past and a (proudly) democratic future, Mongolia is ready to greet the 21st century with plenty to offer the traveler.

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Mongolia at a glance

Capital city.

Ulaanbaatar (population 1.2 million)

(GMT+08:00) Irkutsk, Ulaan Bataar

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Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about Mongolia

Best time to visit mongolia.

Mongolia has an extreme continental climate due to its inland location. The best time for traveling is from May to October when the weather is pleasant. Due to the popularity of the Naadam Festival, July is the busiest time to go; it can get crowded, but Ulaanbaatar buzzes with an incredible vibe during this time.

The wet season is from July to August and although it rains frequently during this time, the rain turns the countryside into a pleasant shade of green. It can get extremely cold from June to October, with snowstorms sometimes grounding flights and bringing transport systems to a halt.

Culture and customs

Mongolia is known for its strong nomadic traditions, but life has recently become more urbanized for many citizens in this sparsely populated country. Almost 50% of the population live in or near an urban centers, while the other 50% live a semi-nomadic lifestyle in the countryside; although, settled agricultural communities can be found in rural areas and are growing each year. Despite this change in lifestyle, the rich nomadic heritage remains strong and traditional Mongol songs, dance, stories and clothing are still celebrated, especially during festivals and national holidays.

Many Mongolian people are Buddhist - this is evident in the monasteries and temples that populate the urban areas as well as the remote regions. Shamanism is also still in existence in some of the more isolated regions of Mongolia where the proud cultures have been somewhat protected from modern influences.

A common thread that links most Mongolians is respect for family and the importance of hospitality. Probably borne from the nomadic way of life, sharing with others and receiving guests with grace is a common theme that recurs in Mongolian society. Harsh conditions, a changeable climate and the uncertainty of nomadic life mean that most Mongolians go out of their way to provide a safe haven for family, friends and guests. It is for this reason that turning down food or not accepting a warm welcome is not advisable.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. 

Mongolian food will probably be very different to what you’re used to. Due to many Mongolians living a nomadic lifestyle, access to ingredients and different modes of cooking are limited. Fermented milk products and meats such as goat, mutton and horse are commonly eaten. Vegetarians might find eating difficult here, especially since refusing food is considered rude when visiting people’s homes. The cafes and eateries of Ulaanbaatar offer more variety and should be frequented.

Things to try in Mongolia

These steamed meat dumplings are usually served during festive times, but can be found in restaurants and cafes all year round.

2. Khuushuur

Similar to buuz, these meat-filled dumplings are fried, not steamed. Served in the cafes of Ulaanbaatar, these pastry pockets are a cheap, flavorsome snack.

Geography and environment

Bordered by   China   and   Russia , Mongolia is a land of mountains and plateaus, grasslands, marshes and deserts. Even though Mongolia is landlocked, Lake Khovsgol (one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes) provides 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water. This ancient lake provides much of the drinking water for the animal and human population, with the surrounding areas providing lush habitats for wolves, ibex, deer and bears. Due to Mongolia’s significant seismic activity, there are also many hot springs and volcanoes throughout the country.

Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, leaving much space for nomadic herders to roam. The fast-growing capital city of Ulaanbaatar is an exception, being home to high-density housing, universities and financial institutions. As an economic centers and transport hub, Ulaanbaatar has all the modern conveniences expected of an international city.

History and government

Early history.

The area now known as Mongolia has been inhabited for more than 800,000 years. Archaeological evidence, such as rock paintings, points to groups of hunters and gatherers living throughout Mongolia in prehistoric times.

Mongolia’s early history is colored by battles and invasions, with various nomadic empires laying claim to the land.

The most famous of these was the Mongol Empire, created by Genghis Khan in 1206. This empire was known as the largest land-based empire of its time and had great success invading and claiming foreign territory, before declining due to infighting, disunity and the rise of neighboring territories.

Recent history

Modern Mongolia is an interesting mix of Mongol, Chinese and Russian influences.

Rising up to gain independence from decades of communist rule, modern Mongolia is becoming more fast-paced and globalized as the years go by.

Holding its first democratic election in 1990, Mongolia now enjoys a time of relative peace and stability, with tourism, agriculture and mineral resources providing more abundance and improvements in infrastructure and living conditions.

Top 10 natural wonders of Mongolia

1. lake khovsgol.

This shimmering, azure jewel of Mongolia is simply stunning. Surrounded by majestic mountains and fresh, alpine meadows, Lake Khovsgol is a photographer’s dream and the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventurers.

2. Selenge River

This powerful river in Northern Mongolia is surrounded by lush landscapes and agriculture. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and birds, this fertile area shows Mongolia in all its natural glory.

3. Gobi Desert

Covering a large part of southern Mongolia, the atmospheric Gobi Desert is a vast, barren expanse of dunes, rocks and gravel. Surprisingly, there are traces of life here, from flocks of cashmere goats to rare Gobi bears. Think you’ve seen deserts before? The Gobi Desert is simply like no other in the world.

4. Bayan Olgii

Remote, rugged and rich in archaeological treasures, this isolated part of Mongolia rewards the patient traveler with impressive historic sites, panoramic vistas, unaffected people and a fascinating culture.

5. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Home to lakes, glaciers, alpine forests and dramatic valleys, the rugged landscapes of this national park will mesmerize visitors. Home to eagles, deer, moose and ibex, this stunning national park showcases Mongolia’s untamed beauty at its finest.

6. Uran Uul

This extinct volcano is no longer threatening - it hasn’t erupted for centuries and is now covered in verdant grass and lush greenery. Hike to the rim and enjoy the views of the surrounding valley.

7. Darkhad Depression

The 200-odd lakes of the Darkhad Depression possess a mystical, romantic beauty. The Mongolian steppe and surrounding Taiga forest provides the ideal environment for reindeer-breeding nomads who frequent this area throughout the year.

8. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

This lake in Central Mongolia is a place of peace, stillness and beauty. Its uncrowded shores are a great place to spot the wide range of aquatic birds that call this picturesque lake home.

9. Tsenkher Hot Springs

The hot springs of Tsenkher are the real deal. Natural, non-commercial and remote, the open-air springs offer hot and steamy rejuvenation amid unspoiled rugged mountain scenery.

10. Gurvan Saikhan National Park

The huge variety of flora and fauna within this national park make it a popular tourist spot. See finches, vultures, gazelles, wild camels and the elusive, endangered snow leopard.

Mongolia has loads of unique things to buy that you’re not likely to find anywhere else in the world. Look out for the items below in the shops and markets of Mongolia.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The United States and Canada generally have strict customs laws.

Things to buy in Mongolia

1. Traditional clothing

Vibrant and unique, Mongolian belts, boots and hats are great mementos of your visit.

Supporting local artisans is a good way to give back to the local economy. Vibrant paintings by Mongolian artists can be found in galleries and markets.

3. Cashmere

Mongolia’s cashmere is among the world’s finest, so why not pick up a scarf, sweater or wrap before heading home.

Felt products are easily found in most shops and markets of Mongolia. Delicate felt slippers are super soft and make great gifts for friends.

Festivals and events in Mongolia

Tsagaan sar.

One of the most important Mongolian celebrations, the White Moon holiday (Lunar New Year) marks the end of winter.

Mongolians typically celebrate by feasting on regional specialties and enjoying traditional song and dance with family and friends.

Naadam Festival

Dating back centuries, this traditional Mongol event is held in Ulaanbaatar with smaller versions also held throughout the countryside.

This celebration of sport and fitness features wrestling, horse riding and archery competitions, as well as traditional song and dance.

Further reading

Mongolia travel faqs, do i need a visa to travel to mongolia.

Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most EU countries will need a visa to enter Mongolia as a tourist for up to 30 days. Citizens of Canada will not need a visa for visits up to 30 days and citizens of the USA will not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance. There is no visa on arrival in Mongolia at land or air borders.

MONGOLIA - LETTER OF INVITATION (LOI): Most embassies do not require a LOI. However, should you be required to present one with your visa application please contact us. There may be a fee for this service. In order for us to provide a LOI through our local partners we will require a clear, color scan of your passport along with an indication of at which embassy you will be applying for your visa. Please allow up to 3 weeks for your LOI to be processed after which you will be able to apply for your visa.

MONGOLIAN VISA EN-ROUTE: You may be able to apply for your Mongolian visa in Beijing en-route if you have time here before your trip. Please plan carefully and check the current embassy requirements. You will need to organize this yourself and ensure you have all the correct documentation to obtain the Mongolian Visa.

INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR MONGOLIAN VISA APPLICATION: You will need to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (J) that covers the duration of your stay in Mongolia. Visas are usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue and enable to you to stay for up to 30 days from date of entry.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MONGOLIAN VISA APPLICATION: You may be required to provide a copy of your itinerary, indicating the dates of your tour, along with your application.

Is tipping customary in Mongolia?

Tipping isn’t a local custom in Mongolia; however, the bars and cafes of Ulaanbaatar are used to receiving tips from tourists. Use your discretion and tip if you feel like it.

What is the internet access like in Mongolia?

Internet access is widely available in Ulaanbaatar. Some cafes have Wi-Fi, while many hotels and guesthouses have internet connectivity. Internet availability is far less common outside of Ulaanbaatar, so expect no access when leaving the city.

Can I use my cell phone while in Mongolia?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Mongolia, although coverage may be patchy in remote or mountainous areas.

What are the toilets like in Mongolia?

Flushable, European-style toilets are common in the hotels and restaurants of Ulaanbaatar. Throughout the rest of the country, squat toilets are the standard, with the exception of some ger camps and homestays, where toilets may be simple holes in the ground. Please be aware that, in most cases, soap and toilet paper aren’t provided, so make sure you come prepared.

Can I drink the water in Mongolia?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Mongolia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Mongolia?

Major credit cards are usually accepted by most large hotels and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and some other cities, however smaller establishments may not have credit card facilities. Ensure you have other payment options when visiting small shops and markets, and when traveling through rural areas.

What is ATM access like in Mongolia?

Travelers can access ATMs in Ulaanbaatar; however, rural regions run on a cash economy, so prepare for this when leaving the city.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mongolia travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: August 15, 2024 11:02 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mongolia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Mongolia.

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Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. This is common:

• in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities 
• in popular tourist areas
• on public transportation
• in open-air markets
• at the central post office
• at the Gandantegchinlen Monastery
• at the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar

While in Mongolia:

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. 
• Exercise caution in crowded areas

There have been incidents of violent crime, such as assaults and robberies. Incidents occur more frequently in major cities. In Ulaanbaatar and other large cities such as Erdenet and Darkhan, be extra vigilant in the weeks leading up to and during major holidays, including:

• the Naadam Festival in July
• the Mongolian Lunar New Year (February 21- 23, 2023)
• International Women’s Day (March 8) 
• Soldiers’ Day in March

Do not walk alone after dark.

Individuals posing as police officers have robbed foreigners, particularly in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square area. 

If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station. 

Business travellers should be aware that foreign companies have received threats of violence.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons have experienced harassment, verbal abuse and threats of violence.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Adventure tourism

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. 

If engaging in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance.
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out and do not venture off marked trails
• do not use installation or equipment if you have any doubt about their safety 

Road travel

Road conditions .

Roads between the capital city and provinces are poor. Driving can be hazardous, especially in rural areas where paved roads are limited. In Ulaanbaatar the number of vehicles and current transportation infrastructure produce chronic traffic jams.

Access to rural areas can be hampered by heavy snowfalls during the winter months. 

If travelling to remote areas:

• Plan your journey
• Travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that is well-equipped with provisions, fuel and water
• Avoid driving after dark

Road safety

Traffic drives on the right but many cars have right-side steering. This can lead to collisions on two-lane roads when drivers attempt to pass slower vehicles.

• Drivers do not respect traffic laws and do not practice safe driving. 
• Exercise caution while driving and anticipate potential hazards.

Accidents are common. 

• Traffic laws are not consistently enforced.
• Drivers are sometimes aggressive and drinking and driving is prevalent.
• Use a GPS navigation system, if possible.

Public transportation

Taxi drivers have robbed passengers, sometimes violently. The use of “shared taxis” is discouraged because they are not reliable.

• Only use licensed taxis equipped with meters. 
• When possible, book taxis through your hotel. 

Pickpocketing is common on public buses. Overcrowding is common and women have reported inappropriate physical contact on buses. 

The rail network in is limited. Thefts occur frequently on trains between Mongolia and Russia.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Mongolian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Mongolia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

Registration

Visitors who plan to stay for more than 30 days in Mongolia must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens within 48 hours upon arrival.

Travel to and from China

If you travel to Mongolia through China, or plan to transit through or travel to China from Mongolia, you must meet China’s entry and exit requirements.

Travellers arriving in or departing from Mongolia through China should be aware of Chinese visa regulations. The Chinese embassy in Ulaanbaatar does not always grant visas to foreigners in Mongolia. If you plan to travel to Mongolia and then onward to China, obtain your Chinese visa before the start of your trip.

China’s entry and exit requirements

Travel to and from Russia

If you travel to Mongolia through Russia, or plan to transit through or travel to Russia from Mongolia, you must meet Russia’s entry and exit requirements.

Russia’s entry and exit requirements

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. 

A few hospitals in Ulaanbaatar are suitable for foreigners, but there is often a shortage of safe medicine and reliable medical staff.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. The number of medical evacuation service providers is limited. Medical evacuation is very expensive.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Carry adequate identification at all times, such as your passport and registration documents. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Mongolian law does not criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legally recognized by Mongolian law.

According to the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals have faced police harassment and surveillance.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mongolia.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Mongolia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Mongolia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Mongolia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mongolia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mongolia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Train travel to and from Russia  

If you travel to Mongolia by train from Russia, you may experience difficulties with border and customs agents. Make sure you declare all goods and cash, and complete all required paperwork.

The currency in Mongolia is the tugrik (MNT). U.S. dollars and credit cards are accepted in hotels and some restaurants, mainly in Ulaanbaatar. U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are accepted at some hotels and can be converted at several banks.

Carry local currency, especially in rural areas.

Seismic activity

Mongolia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and landslides occur.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly from mid-July to mid-September, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Large-scale emergencies abroad

Dust storms

Dust storms occur in May and June.   

If you decide to travel to the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia during the dust storm season:

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Extreme temperatures

Mongolia is subject to extreme temperatures (from minus 35° to 40° Celsius in the winter to plus 35° Celsius in the summer).

Air quality

Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is at its peak during the winter months. 

During periods of high pollution:

• limit outdoor activities
• monitor local media and air pollution levels
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems

Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar - World Air Quality Index

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Mongolia and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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The Jewels of Mongolia

12 Days In Central and Northern Mongolia

Central and Northern Mongolia

• FAMILY HOLIDAYS

A sampling of the best attractions Mongolia has to offer for visitors in one trip, this 12-day tour will take you...

Many thanks to Mongolian ways for organizing a perfect trip for our family. We traveled with our 2 girls (7&9 years old) to beautiful Mongolia and everything was well organized! We had a very knowledgeable guide who was getting along with the kids perfectly, and a very skilled driver made us feel safe. The Tuaf family, Israel

Good day, Sugara. Thank you again for the part you played in helping to make my trip to Mongolia the best tour I have ever had. Within a year or so I hope I can return to Mongolia for a longer tour, again under the auspices of Mongolian Ways. Philip Dickman, Canada

Thank you very much for I really enjoyed Mongolia. It was a long-desired dream of mine to travel there. Everything was very well organized by you and the food was extraordinary good. Trekking in Mongolia charged my internal accumulator (soul) again. Nora Endres, Germany

True to their reputation, Mongolian Ways has lived up to and exceeded the standards of tour guiding....an excellent team, personable, helpful, and extremely well humored. A thoroughly well-planned tour, and the best few night's sleep I have had in a long time. Sebastian Strassburg, Germany

With such short notice and the special requirements we asked for, everything was perfectly organized. Our request for highly specialized tour was accomplished with ease and excellent in every way. Victoria and John Alexander, USA

Had the most incredible time living with the Kazakh family in western Mongolia, and the opportunity to hunt with the golden eagles is too good to miss out on. Cannot recommend enough this adventure. The Mongolian landscapes can never cease to amaze you, especially when caked in ice and snow. Cameron Lucas, Australia

This is to let you know that we arrived safely home last night after a riveting trip organized with the precision of a Swiss watch. Thanks very much again for your efforts, One huge problem that remains is how we will ever be able to lower our standards again after this most pampering experience. Dr. David Hamburger, Holland

I had such an amazing time in Mongolia - one of the best trips I have ever done. I highly recommend Mongolia as a travel destination. I will definitely be booking a trip with Mongolian Ways again, hopefully to see the eagle hunters! Fiona Johnson, Australia

We had the most remarkable national park tour with Mongolian Ways. The truly caring tour guide, wonderful itinerary arrangements with reasonable price. I would say it was the most adventurous and stunning journey in my life! Excellent! Tommy Tay, Malaysia

Mongolian Ways service was second to none. We saw incredible sceneries, learnt a lot of history & just overall had an unforgettable experience. Mongolia truly is a beautiful place & is the country to visit if you love nature, history & getting off the beaten track. Such an amazing time in Mongolia. Yoori Kim, Australia

I was fortunate enough to have Tsoggy as our local guide on an overland adventure through Mongolia. We were lucky enough to be in Mongolia during the Naadam festival would highly recommend Mongolian Ways for the experience of a lifetime. Thomas Wood, USA

I visited Mongolia in September & the tour was well planned, enjoyable & comfortable. Our itinerary included - Ulaanbaatar, Tour & Nomad Camp, Hustai National Park, Terelj National Park. My Mongolia trip was made all the more special as they went the extra mile in providing us the very best & making the most of our tour. Samir, India

Mongolia is always a challenging country to travel in (it was our second visit). A visit to the local school, and Kazakh National Day with everyone dressed in national costume in Western Mongolia . I would strongly recommend Mongolian Ways. Rosamund Macfarlane, England

Mongolia is an amazing country to visit! Mongolia is such a beautiful country with vast, stunning landscapes. It is so refreshing and peaceful compared to living in the city. I hope to be able to return here one day - and if I do, Tsoggy and his team @ Mongolian Ways will be the first people I contact! Reece Young, Australia

If you want to see Mongolia that this is the way to travel off the beaten track. We visited the Duhka people (reindeer herders of Mongolia) to see the different way they live in. So, if you love adventure, want to try horse riding the plains of Mongolia & want to see a country truly unique I would definitely recommend these guys. Ray Hawkings, Ireland

We did a family trip in Mongolia with Mongolian Ways & enjoyed every minute of it! We had a private car to drive all around the country, & another equipment car. We hiked beautiful Mongolia, camped every day, did horse trips, & met wonderful Mongolian people. I will come back again =) Ofri Gilo, Israel

I’m travelling a lot around the world, but my last trip in Mongolia was one of my bests. We had the chance to meet & stay with a local family, and experience with them a little bit the traditional Mongolian life. We visited the Gobi Desert, watched the wild horses & camels in the nature. I will back for Eagle festival when possible. Michal Even-zur, Israel

Mongolia, an amazing, beautiful & awe-inspiring country. It is truly a one of a kind travel destination, a place like no other. Mongolia offers so much ... interesting history, amazing landscapes, a unique culture, and beautiful & friendly people. Mongolia is an unforgettable adventure & one of the last truly unspoilt places left on the planet. Kellie Bilney, Australia

Fantastic experience in one of the most beautiful countries I have been. The guide Tsoggy was very helpful, and his knowledge of the geography and culture of Mongolia was awesome. Thanks to his navigation skills we very often got off the beaten track to get to reach some highlights such as monasteries or temples. It was a great trip. Juan Farias, Argentina

In March (late winter), we had a wonderful adventure & photographic trip in central & Western Mongolia. We travelled to Western (Kazakh) Mongolia & stayed with several eagle hunting families. In spite of late winter trip to visit very remote gers & houses, the organisation was smooth, efficient and impressive. John Macfarlane, England

Excellent, thorough tour of Ulan Bataar. I enjoyed the cultural program. Fran Scheib, USA

The first time I traveled to Mongolia was in 2014. I was there during the Nadaam festival & we had the luck of seeing it in a more rural town, which was awesome! The second time I visited Mongolia, I did a private tour & stayed for 10 days, it was more focused on the southern part of Mongolia. I will be back to see Eagle Hunters. Eveline Dekkers, Netherlands

I was lucky enough to travel magical land of Mongolia with Mongolian ways. Passionate about sharing his country & culture with us. The ability to instantly connect us & countryfolk alike making the tour seamless. If you are planning to venture Mongolia connect them for a journey that you will remember forever. Elissa Jessop, Wales

A wonderful trip in Mongolia. A visit to the tribes in the west. Extraordinary experiences. A trip to Mongolia must be done with a reliable company like Mongolian Ways. highly recommend! Doron Orgil, Israel

Professional travel company with an outstanding, informative guide. Our Tour Leader (Guide and interpreter) immersed us within the culture of his wonderful Country, with a sense of adventure and humour. If you want to experience the REAL MONGOLIA then this company is worth the money. Danw Beresford, Australia

Everything about traveling across Mongolia is wild and unexpected, but Mongolian Ways managed to help us our way around the country safely & on schedule. For a true nomadic adventure, with captivating landscapes, inquisitive locals, fascinating history & soul regenerative solitude, you must contact them. David Riordan, USA

We had the most amazing time in Mongolia. They took us to some special places & everything went according to plan. What a special country Mongolia is with some friendly people & breathtaking landscapes. Will never forget our trip & can recommend Mongolian Ways for their professionalism, expertise and superb guides! David Oades, England

My trip across Mongolia remains one of the most precious memories I have. Stunning landscapes & beautiful people. Chris Blade, England

Mongolia Tours & Travels

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Horse Breeder's Paradise

9 Days In Central Mongolia

Central Mongolia

• OVERLAND TOURS
• SELF-DRIVE TOURS

Central Mongolia, commonly known as the Horse Breeders’ Paradise for its serene beauty, is a land of flourishing...

Mongolia Traverse

16 Days In The Gobi Desert & Lake Khuvsgul

The Gobi Desert & Lake Khuvsgul

• SPRING TOURS

This overland style trip is the best way to get acquainted with Mongolia and the different aspects that make up...

Mongolia private tours & travels

Create lifelong memories together with your loved ones!

Highlights of Mongolia

Best of mongolia, travel mongolia in comfort & style, luxury tours, widely celebrated mongolian holidays, mongolian festivals, find peace in mongolian nature, outdoor activities, make the most of your time in mongolia, short tours, mongolia private tours & travels.

Throughout our website you will find our recommendations for different ways to experience Mongolia, the “Land Of Eternal Blue Sky”. From our extensive travels throughout this mysterious country of legends and astonishing landscapes, we bring you a unique collection of tours and expeditions representing different aspects of what Mongolia means to us.

In Mongolia you will discover an extraordinary ancient culture set in a timeless land. Here for thousands of years survival has required resourcefulness, independence, and a close affinity with mother nature and her spirits. In a paradox which is so difficult to describe it can only be experienced, you the traveler will often feel you are in another world, but right at home.

We welcome you to travel Mongolia together with our experienced and highly trained staff, in a journey that will introduce to you the horse based culture of the Mongolian nomads, to the Kazakhs of Western Mongolia as they hunt with their Golden Eagles , to the vast open steppe where the last wild horses still roam, to the blue pearl of our northern forested mountains - lake “Huvsgul ”, or to the world renowned Gobi Desert .

During our 20 years of operation, Mongolian Ways, one of the first and best tour operators in Mongolia, has led the Mongolian tourism industry in introducing new and innovative ways of exploring Mongolia and its wilderness. We have introduced the first ever dog sledding and kayaking trips in Mongolia and pioneered trips to places that have never been explored by visitors before.

Traveling in Mongolia with us is a chance to immerse yourself in a way of life that exists nowhere else on such a scale in the 21st century, while enjoying the best customer service available. Experiencing modern Mongolian life, nomadic culture, rare wildlife, distinctive landscapes and an appealing religion are all part of every trip.

Our family tours include overnights in gers, traditional Mongolian style felt homes, visit to a nomadic family, fun outdoor activities and an education session about amusing history and religion of Mongolian nomads for children. If you like off-road adventures and want to see a great deal of Mongolia in the shortest time, our overland tours are for you. And all our tours can be arranged as private tours and are all designed to put you in the center.

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Why you should travel to Mongolia (or, why my solo trip to Mongolia was everything)

By oneika raymond.

If travel to Mongolia isn’t already on your radar it should be. Here’s why, plus my recommendations for things to do and see in Mongolia on a short trip.

Travelling Mongolia isn’t really on the average tourist’s radar, but since I was living in Hong Kong (which isn’t super close by but is at least in the same hemisphere) planning a visit there was always in the back of my mind.

However, after nearly five years in HK and travels to nearly every other country in the region, I still hadn’t made it to Mongolia.

Why? Turns out that going to Mongolia, even from HK, isn’t particularly cheap nor easy.  And as someone who mostly plans their trips around cost and convenience, this meant a visit to Mongolia kept getting put on the backburner, while I flitted around to places like Japan , Thailand , and Myanmar . *cue the world’s smallest violin*

But last year, as my move back to The Big Apple loomed , I decided to bite the bullet, throw down the cash, and make the time (and energy) for a recon trip. I went to Mongolia for 5 days in June (yet froze my buns off?!) and rocked the adventure solo dolo (thinking about travelling alone? Peep my tips for solo travel here ).

And you know what? It was everything.

But before I get into what I did, here are a few quick facts about Mongolia for you geography buffs out there.

Facts and figures (aka why you should go to Mongolia in the first place)

-Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, with only 4.3 people per square mile. -Mongolia is known as the “Land of Blue Sky” because it has 260 days of sun a year. -There are 13 times more horses than humans in the country, and sheep outnumber humans 35 to 1.

-Mongolia is home to one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures, and these nomads still live in traditional tents known as gers or yurts . These portable dwellings are round and covered with animal skins or felt to retain heat. -Mongolia is perhaps best known for its steppes, or endless expanses of grasslands. These prairie regions are characterized by their lack of trees.

Intrigued? I sure was. Here’s what I did on my trip to Mongolia and why my stay there was amazing.

Top things to do in Mongolia (aka why my trip to Mongolia was everything)

I visited the coldest capital city in the world– ulaanbaatar.

Did you know that Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar is the coldest in the world? Temperatures in January are as low as −36 to −40 °C, eek!  My journey started from there, and this was the view from my hotel room.

Heck, since I’m sharing, here is what my hotel room looked like.  I was hosted by the  J Hotel , a very clean, new-ish hotel found a short cab ride away from Ulaanbaatar’s sites.

(Sidebar: I was very happy to luxuriate in that king size bed since I the previous night’s sleeping quarters consisted of stretching myself across three metal chairs in Beijing’s airport, where I had a 9 hour overnight layover.  Remember when I mentioned that getting to Mongolia was inconvenient? I wasn’t joking).

Truth be told, Ulaanbaatar doesn’t have loads of must-sees or things to do from a tourist perspective, and I found it to have a bit of a weird vibe. That may or may not be because I had a bit of a “situation” at the Naran Tuul Market– while I was wandering amongst the outdoor stalls a male vendor roughly grabbed my arm (perhaps to get me to look at his goods?) and wouldn’t let go for at least 10 seconds as I tried to, then eventually succeeded, in pushing him away. As he was speaking in Mongolian, I have no idea what he actually wanted.

Please note: I wouldn’t say that I feared for my safety, but that, combined with a couple of lecherous glances/advances I got from men (no doubt emboldened to do so since I was a female foreigner travelling on her own) definitely contributed to the sketch factor.

At any rate, apart from that, I spent most of my two days in the city walking around and taking photos. Both nights I was in town I ate at Hazara, a very good (if pricey) Indian restaurant about a twenty minute walk from my hotel.

While I don’t recommend visiting Ulaanbaatar as a top thing to do in Mongolia, it’s highly likely to be your first point of entry into the country anyway, especially if you arrive by plane.

I went into the Mongolian steppe, got to stay with a Mongolian family, and got to sleep in a ger

Folks, if you’re looking for a top thing to do in Mongolia– this is it! In all honesty, this is what most (if not all) tourists come to Mongolia for.

The best way to experience Mongolia when you’re short on time is to go on a tour. I thus partnered with Idre Tour on a 3 day, 2 night adventure in the Mongolian steppe.

It was an epic experience that took me through two of the country’s major attractions: the Khogno Khan Uul Nature Reserve and Gorki-Terelj National Park. The tour was made all the more poignant by the fact that I was “unplugged” in all senses of the word: I had no access to electricity, running water (yup, no showers), or internet for 72 hours!

While I’m an internet addict, the opportunity to appreciate nature without the constant distraction of my phone/Whatsapp/laptop was nice. The opportunity to travel by myself (I was the only person on my tour for the 3 days) was nice, too.

Over the course of the tour I stayed with two different Mongolian families and slept in a “ger”, which I mentioned before is a traditional tent dwelling. However, while I enjoyed this authentic Mongolian experience, it was very cold at night, even in June!

The tour company was great. Not only did they arrange everything with the families, they also provided transportation from Ulaanbaatar to the steppe and back.  I was accompanied by a local guide and a driver every step of the way– they not only explained everything about Mongolia’s unique culture, nature, and history, but also served as translators and chefs.

But more about the nomadic families I stayed with.  They welcome travellers into their homes, despite speaking zero English and being unable to communicate. This is so amazing to me. The first family I stayed with consisted of an older couple who I called “Grandma” and “Grandpa” as I struggled to pronounce their names (Mongolian language is not easy).  Though we couldn’t talk to each other without the aid a translator, their sincerity, simplicity, and kindness brought a tear to my eye. I’ll share more about the experience (for example getting the chance to sample traditional Mongolian food!) in a future post.

I went camel trekking in the Gobi Desert

Livestock is the main source of livelihood in Mongolia, so there were animals EVERYWHERE. Sheep, goats, camels, horses, and pigs are raised commercially. I love farm animals and got to play with a ton!

But one of the most amazing things to do in Mongolia is to ride a camel through the Gobi Desert, which I had a chance to do on my tour (I also took a selfie with a yak and watched bulls get in a fight with each other steps away from my ger, but I digress).

No doubt, camel trekking is a top tourist attraction in Mongolia.  I thus jumped at the opportunity to ride a two-humped beauty through the Khogno Khan Uul Nature Reserve, which is home to the southern part of the Gobi Desert.

I got to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex– the largest horse statue in the world

Whether you call him Genghis Khan or Chinggis Khaan, there’s no disputing he is an integral part of Mongolian history.  Genghis is the founder and emperor of the Mongolian empire, so you’re guaranteed to see his name and likeness throughout the country.  It was thus no surprise that on the third day of my tour, we made a stop at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, only located about an hour outside of Ulaanbaatar.

The complex is mainly built around a massive monument memorializing the mighty warrior atop his trademark horse– a random fact is that it’s actually the biggest equestrian statue in the world at over 130 feet high!

Even more random is that the complex also houses one of the biggest boots in the world– it’s composed of over 300 cowhides!

I got to reconnect with myself

Beyond all the stunning sights and attractions Mongolia has to the offer, one of the best things about going was the opportunity to reconnect with myself through solo travel, a practice of which I’m a huge advocate (especially for women) . In particular, my days out in the steppe, sans distractions like the internet, gave me time to relax and ponder life’s big questions.

Yes, you should go to Mongolia!

So, in a nutshell, if you are interested in escaping to a less touristy destination that has loads of nature, quiet, culture, and wide open spaces where there are more animals than people (#antisocial), Mongolia is definitely the place for you. Just don’t go in the winter months because if it was that cold in June I can’t imagine what it’d be like in January!

Would you ever travel to Mongolia? What do you know about the country?

SHARING IS CARING

85 comments.

Oh wow! I love it when someone shares their experience after traveling to a rarely-visited-not-flooded-with-tourists-kinda country. Those are countries I yearn to see…Thanks for sharing the experiences you had in Mongolia!

Thanks so much Caroline!! I’ve been meaning to blog about Mongolia for ages but am only now just getting around to it!

Hello everyone, my name is Elisa Keily I am so overwhelmed with joy all thanks to Dr Raypower spell. My husband left me for another woman a few years back and I was very devastated cause I never did anything wrong to him, I was left with my two kids and a job that pays little. I was almost giving up until I saw a testimony online about Dr Raypower and I decided to contact him.I explained my problem to him and he assured me I’ll see a positive result after 24hurs, surprisingly my husband came back the day after the spell begging me to forgive him and promised to never leave. My husband has been back for 6 months now and we’ve never had any issues, am glad I didn’t doubt Dr Raypower cause he sure can solve any problems with fast relief you can also contact him for help now

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I would love to go to Mongolia! Although I’ve been reading about industrial pollution in Mongolia which is really sad. A lot of western companies who know the government who do anything when they dump toxic or radioactive waste throughout Mongolia 🙁

Eek! I’m not very knowledgeable about that but I wouldn’t be surprised! Mongolia’s neighbour China has a huge problem with industrial pollution too!

Wow!! Mongolia is not really on my top ten list to visit (or anywhere near my top ten, to be honest) – cost and convenience, like you said – I am really intrigued by it seeing as Turks trace our ancestry back to the Mongols, and it would be really impressive to experience my roots, so to speak.

The history is insane. I wish I had more time to explore the country and to learn more about it!

Wow, this was indeed an amazing read. I never knew that such rustic beauty existed in Mongolia. There are often places like this ignored by people and only those lucky enough to know their true identity can explore their beauty. Thanks a lot for sharing this as Mongolia is definitely on the top of my list now.

Yay I’m glad to hear that! The only reason Mongolia was on my radar is because I lived in Asia already!

Incredible post, Oneika! Ever since I started seeing photos of Mongolia, I’ve wanted to visit and spend a few disconnected weeks experiencing its beauty. It looks like you had a wonderful time, and you’ve really captured it beautifully!

Thanks so much Kay! It was really lovely over there!

Hi Oneika. I travelled on my own to Vietnam and Cambodia for 5 weeks 3 years ago, and admittedly I’m much older than you (47), but I felt kind of strange and out of place as a solo female traveller in this age group. Few people talked to me (especially fellow tourists) and it seemed as if most other travellers were in couples, groups or families in the countries I visited. I guess everyone’s experience is different (and I also acknowledge I’m not a particularly outgoing person), but even so, I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable travelling solo again for such a long period of time.

That’s totally fair! I hope you get to round up a group of friends to do this trip!

‘Love the post Oneika!

I would love to go to Mongolia. My dream is to do the Trans-Siberian or the Trans-Mongolian train journey, as I’m desperate to get back to Russia!

It was almost a thing last year, but I opted to go to the Philippines and Taiwan instead lol!

Some colleagues of mine did the Trans-Siberian last summer! I think the train trip would be a little long for me but it would definitely be interesting.

Outstanding pictures. I have never thought of visiting Mongolia but now I will research it and see what’s on offer. Thanks for the insightful post.

Yay! Glad this inspired you to visit!

I’d go for the textiles alone. Mama’s tunic was everything!

Haha! Right!?

I’ve wanted to visit Mongolia for years (mostly because I used to be a horse-crazy little girl and Mongolia is a home to a unique breed of wild horses, haha), but so far I haven’t had a chance to visit. You said it was quite expensive to get to, but once in the country, how pricey was it?

There are sooooo many horses! As for prices, I wouldn’t say it’s for a budget traveller. Most activities require a tour and tours can be pricey, BUT they often include all food and transport. The tour I did was about $300 USD but it included all food, accommodation, entry fees, and transfers.

Hey. I myself is a Mongolian and I live in Hungary. If Elina or anybody has a plan of spending a fraction of their SUMMER 2018 fun in Mongolia, don’t hesitate to hit me up/ask questions and travel together. Thanks Oneika for showing the beauty of this special country. [email protected]

I’ve always wanted to explore Mongolia but, no one was willing to travel to such a distant land with me. Since reading your blog I’m ready to “Grid my loins” and take that giant leap solo! Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure!

Yay! Glad to hear that!

Wow, love the photos and blog post about Mongolia. It’s been on my list for almost a decade, but like you, cheaper destinations win out. It’s great to know that a short ger excursion is available. If you were able to stay longer, what else would you have done or recommended?

So glad to see you went to Mongolia!! My sister was there for briefly for the Peace Corps (she cut her term short) a few years ago. We have been talking about going back since. I am going to share this with her. It is awesome to see solo WOC travelers going off the beaten path. I look forward to more posts about this trip.

Thanks so much for reading, Arley! You’re right, it’s perhaps not the most typical trip- WOC traveller or not! I hope you make it there with your sister soon!

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Oh wow. Mongolia has been on my radar for years, but group tours are so expensive. Your blog is making me think it might be possible as a solo trip.

It looks amazing, and I love what you say about solo travel and reconnecting with yourself, as I couldn’t agree more!

I hope you go! It’s totally possible, and worth it!

Great post, so informative. Looking forward to my trip but until then, I guess I’ll have to make do with my playlist of Mongolian music: https://resfeberblog.tumblr.com/post/164440818755/comongolia-mongolia-playlist-a-playlist-on

Thanks, Ian

How long did you stay in Mongolia for? I am going to HK in november but thinking about doing quick trip to Mongolia, realistically probably only have around 5 – 6 days. Is that feasible / worth the cost? Your trip sounded amazing.

Hi Oneika, your trip to Mongolia looks great. I was wondering if you still had the details for the company/tour you went with? As its itinerary sounds ideal.

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Hi Oneika! Your trip to Mongolia looks amazing!!! I’m a solo traveler (sometimes) and others that my BF or friends tag along is cool! I travel to China a lot for work and was thinking of venturing off to Mongolia in October after my work is done to explore. I stay in Shenzhen near HK usually so to go to Mongolia I read from your info that is not so convenient. Regardless, I can figure it out! Is there a way you could share your itinerary, where you stood? a little more info 🙂 if possible. I will try to convince a Chinese friend that lives in Shenzhen to go, but if she can’t, I might just go alone! any help!! would greatly appreciate the info!

Hello Oneika! I truly support your solo travel concept. Though I have some foreign tours with amazing group of people, there is something so special traveling alone with just a guide, cook and driver. So glad I am able to read your Mongolia trip. At the end of this month (August/2018), I will be in Ulanbaataar for 6 days and 10 days to trek up Mt. Altai from Olgii. I am so looking forward to this trip and some of the points of interests you mentioned are on my list, booked and ready to go. Thanks for sharing…follow me at https//:walkingtheearth.blog. I am new in blogosphere, need to update more travel info. Take care and happy trails to you!!

Nice blog about Mongolia, but I have read many blogs on Mongolia and those blog says that its to hard to travel alone, but after I read your blog I gain courage to visit there… thanks for sharing your incredible experience…

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Oh, I never knew Mongolia has so much to offer. Thanks for this post, now I have added it to my bucket list. Loved the part where you stayed with the locals and got to experience their life.

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Best Time to Travel to Mongolia

When is the best time to travel mongolia .

The best time to travel Mongolia depends on what YOU want to see and do! There really is no right or wrong answer and Mongolia is a mystical country to visit at any time of year! The best time of year to go to Mongolia will depend on what you are hoping to do. Looking to eyewitness Naadam Festival in Mongolia? On the hunt for the ancient eagle hunting tradition at Golden Eagle Festival? Hoping to capture the beauty of Mongolian Gobi Desert at its best? 

Of course, we’ll help you make the right decision – here’s quick Mongolia travel guide to exploring this incredibly exotic destination in the world which will leave you much more than just adventure. 

Weather in Mongolia 

Mongolia is known as the "Land of Blue Sky": there are about 250 sunny days throughout the year. The weather in Mongolia can be characterized as dry, cold, and sunny. Because the country is so far from the regulating influence of any oceans. Mongolia has a continental climate and it brings great extremes in weather. It is possible to see 4 seasons in one day, even in July it snows in the mountains.

What is the ideal season to travel in Mongolia?

The ideal season to travel in Mongolia starts from May and hits its highest peak in July, during the Naadam holiday- highlight festival of Mongolia , and in July and August, the weather is most favorable for traveling. This is the best time if you like the culture and the beauty of nature.  The weather during the summer varies from aimag to aimag, but it is generally hot. Outside of the Gobi desert, this time of the year is marked with rains in some areas, and it becomes quite chilly at night.

Cultural performance at Naadam Festival- read more about the festival -   Outstanding photos of Naadam Festival 

Horse racing competition -One of Three Mainly Games of Mongols 

Mongolian summer life in the countryside 

When is the best time to travel Mongolian Gobi desert?

Autumn, especially, in September and October, is the best period to travel in the Gobi desert . For other regions; September is also a very good time to visit, and October is not too late to travel to Mongolia. It is still warm during the days but a bit chilly during the nights.  There are a few attractive and authentic events held in autumn. Such as Danshig Religious festival, local horse festivals, Yak festivals and challenging national and international marathons in Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia, at Taiga and Khovsgol lake in northern Mongolia. 

Read more about Mongolian Gobi Desert-  Awe-Inspiring Images Of The Gobi That Will Leave You Mesmerized

The best time to travel Mongolian Altai Mountains in western Mongolia 

Incredible offers of October in Mongolia gives you the chance to explore its hidden gems in Western Mongolia. Globally renown –Golden Eagle festival is organized at the beginning of October, annually, in Bayan-Ulgii province. 

Read more about Golden Eagle Festival – Exciting 2 days at Golden Eagle Festival and How to take great photos at Golden Eagle Festival?

Kazakh nomad family in Altai Mountain regions in Western Mongolia

The Best Time to explore Mongolian winter adventure

For visitors who are not afraid of cold, traveling to Mongolia from November till the Lunar New Year is still an option. Mongolian winter has its own beautiful scenery. Winter tourism is developing in Mongolia in the last few years. There are some enjoyable events held in winter such as “Winter Festival” and “Ice Festival” in Hovsgol Lake, “Camel Festival” in Gobi desert area.  Mongolia offers other daily activities to do in winter:  dog sledding, ice skating, and skiing etc...

Read more about Winter Horse Festival-  Mongolia Winter Horse Festival Tour – Equine Photography Workshop s

Read more about Ice festival -  Journey to the Ice Festival on Khovsgol Lake in Northern Mongolia

Tsaatan people- Reindeer herders winter life 

The best time to help and volunteer nomads of Mongolia 

The most exciting experience while traveling in Mongolia is visiting the nomads. But in spring (February, March, and April), more than just visiting, helping and volunteering herders life when they are needed help and it is the best time to see that how Mongolian nomads receive baby animals and care for them. This is a chance to experience their culture during "Tsagaan Sar" (traditional Lunar New Year) celebration. Kazakh's holiday-  “Nauryz - Spring Festival” is held in Bayan –Ulgii aimag in western Mongolia. More than cultural things, Mongolian spring nature changes, and beauties are worthy to explore, such as early spring flowers and spring migration of beautiful birds. 

Mongolia has something special to offer every month of the year. As such, when to travel Mongolia will depend entirely on your personal interests: be it more at discovering unique nomadic life, attending cultural events and festivals, hiking, riding adventure of camel and horse or even yak and reindeer, a healthy dose of sunshine or a glimmer of autumnal gold, feeling taste of freedom on endless steppe and exploring winter life of herders. 

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Mongolia Tours 2024 & 2025

Mongolia tour packages 2024 and 2025, mongolia discovery tours.

Genghis Khan Statue & Gobi Desert Tour

Many people picture the Mongolian Gobi desert as a sandy flat area with dunes and vast barren areas of dried mud soil. However, travelers completely redefine their understanding of the area after they travel Mongolian desert. Indeed, the gobi desert is a spectacular travel destination, with surprisingly beautiful landscapes and natural beauty.

Central Mongolian Highlights Tour

During the central Mongolia tour, you will travel to the semi-desert and visit the central Mongolian mountain steppes and part of northern Mongolian forested mountains with crystal clear water rivers, freshwater lakes, flower-carpeted lands, and basalt-covered valleys. For you, every day will be fascinating and surprising.

Overland Explore Mongolia Tour

The best all-inclusive Mongolia tour to explore vast and varied landscapes, natural highlights, and cultural insights, sample traditional meals, follow historical traces and sleep in the traditional dwelling ger. You will experience the bests of Mongolia within a 16-day tour.

Mongolia Gobi Desert Tours

Gobi Desert & Orkhon Valley Tour

One week is a perfect duration to discover the Gobi desert highlights; the scenic places, top attractions, and must-do activities. You will be among the 360° view Gobi Desert steppe on the first day of this tour.

Best of the Gobi Desert Short Tour

You will stay at ger camps that allow you to enjoy 360° views of the desert steppes. Either the nights of the Gobi desert are attractive, quiet, and beautiful with countless bright stars. You also see amazing Gobi Desert sunrises and sunsets in the Gobi, except for the natural beauty.

Gobi Desert Highlights and National Parks Tour

Following this tour itinerary, you will trek in the lush green mountain valleys of the Gobi Desert, climb tall sand dunes for awe-inspiring scenery and the Gobi desert sunset, explore the world-known paleontological discovery site, and ancient monasteries.

Mongolia Active Adventure Tours

Cycling in the Gobi Desert & Central Mongolia

To take this tour, it doesn't matter if you are an experienced adventure cyclist or an amateur. But cycling on rough roads requires some ability. During this tour, you will cycle at your pace, discovering scenic places of the Gobi desert and central Mongolia. A support vehicle will follow.

Gobi Desert & Mountain Steppes Horse Trek

Mongolian tour to ride a horse without time and space limits in the semi-desert area. The activities and attractions include nomadic life discovery while staying with nomads, learning to cook, trying traditional meals, and sampling authentic Mongolian barbecue.

Steppe Rider Horseback Tour

On this horse riding tour, you will head to Naiman Nuur/Eight Lakes lie 2400 m above sea level in the Khangai mountain range. This scenic place is accessible only on horseback or by walking from the northern side.

Mongolia Naadam Festival Tours

Great Naadam & the Gobi Desert Tour

The two most famous attractions of Mongolia are in one package tour. Combining the Naadam festival tour with a visit to the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert allows you have the best Mongolia travel experience.

Local Naadam & North Mongolia Tour

An amazing tour dedicated to culture, lifestyle, and nature lovers. Central and northern Mongolia is the significant pastureland and mountain region where nomads reside, herding their numerous animals, and proudly compete in the Naadam games.

Explore Mongolia & Naadam Festival Tour

The best all-inclusive Mongolia tour to attend the local Naadam Festival, explore vast open and varied Gobi desert sceneries, beauty, and historical artifacts of central Mongolian green valleys, crystal clear water rivers, lakes, and national parks of forested northern Mongolia.

Mongolia Family Tours

Contrast of Mongolia Family Tour

Contrast of Mongolia Family Tour includes experiences that would be of interest to adults and children alike. It highlights the most scenic and attractive natural wonders of the Gobi Desert, central Mongolia, camel and horseback riding experiences with the help of local guides, and visits to nomad families.

Panoramic Mongolia Family Holiday

During this Mongolia family holiday, kids and adults enjoy 7 full days of activities and adventures, visiting the museum of dinosaur fossils and ancient monasteries, where you will see monks of all ages Buddhist rituals.

Nomadic Experiences & National Parks Family Vacation

Certainly this is the most experiential and activities-filled family tour suitable for adventure-loving parents and children. First, your family tour around the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Next, travel to Elsentasatkhai, the northern edge of the Gobi Desert.

Mongolia Short Tours

Erdenezuu & Nomad Family Tour

Short, even though the most experiential Mongolia tour to discover remnants of the ancient city Kharakhorum, visit a beautiful and over 400 years-old Erdenezuu monastery in the Orkhon River Valley World Cultural Heritage Site, and stay with a nomad family.

Falconry Tour in Western Mongolia

Mongolian Kazakhs have been keeping their tradition and custom at their origin for hundreds of years. You will stay at a home of an eagle hunter, ride horses and go to the mountains to see how the Kazakhs train and hunt with their eagles.

Terelj & Khan Khentii National Park Tour

Are you traveling to Mongolia within a short period and wishing to see and experience much? As well as, would you like to reach and enjoy pristine Mongolian nature traveling not far? Then this tour is for you.

Mongolia Luxury Tours

Central Mongolia Luxury Travel

Discover Mongolian beauty not traveling far from the capital city and enjoy the comfort and luxury of the traditional dwelling ger at HS Khan Resort.

Khuvsgul Lake Luxury Tour

Khuvsgul is the world’s freshest water pristine surrounding lake, located in the Siberian Taiga forest in far northern Mongolia. The lake is a Mongolian leisure travel destination for nature lovers. The tour includes boating, a reindeer family visit, horseback riding, trekking, and historical monument discovery.

Gobi Desert Luxury Holiday

The tour starts with desert adventures riding two-humped camels and optional dune ascending. Next 2 days, you will discover the Gobi desert highlights and stay at Three Camel Luxury Lodge.

Mongolia Winter Tours

Winter Adventures of the Gobi Tour

The Gobi desert winter travel is unique as it is the earth's coldest desert where the nomads live herding their animals, wild animals roam, the landscape varies, stars glaze in the cloudless sky, and the horizon stretches as far as you can see.

Taste of Mongolian Winter Tour

The six-day Taste of Mongolian Winter tour is exclusively devoted to travelers who wish to have an authentic Mongolian experience. Mongolian winter is harsh and cold but not extremely cold due to dryness. You will see how beautiful the Mongolian winter is when traveling through snow-covered hills, wide-open steppes, forested mountains, and dunes in cooling fresh air.

Semi-Desert, National Parks & Nomad Experience Tour

This winter tour highlights the giant statue of Genghis Khaan, a picturesque winter view of Gorkhi Terelj National Park, gigantic Turtle Rock, an authentic nomad experience, horse and camel riding, and a hike in Hustai National Park in search of the earth's truly wild horses.

Mongolia Community Based Tours

Nomads’ Hospitality Authentic Cultural Tour

Staying with authentic nomad families will be a real experience of Mongolian culture and a highlight of Mongolian tours. The nomads are entirely self-sufficient, living off the land and their herd.

Nomad to Nomad Cultural & Natural Sightseeing Tour

For you, choosing this tour will be the best cultural and heart-to-heart long-lasting experience and memories, along with your desire to discover and contribute to nomad life and the nomads’ natural acceptance and hospitality to accept everybody as their family members.

Beauty of Mongolia & Nomad Experience Tour

The easiest description of the tour is less price and much to experience and view. This budget-friendly Mongolian tour includes the most attractive and must-see places of the Gobi desert, central and northern Mongolia.

Why should you choose Koryo Tours?

Choosing to travel to unusual destinations such as North Korea is a big decision, and choosing the right people to take you is an incredibly important part of that. Learn about how we facilitate tourism responsibly in some of the most interesting and unique destinations on our planet, and at the same time ensure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience .

My next tour will be to:

• Turkmenistan

Join us as we uncover the stories surrounding the enigmatic country of Mongolia, its people, and its wildlife.

A Mongolia tour like no other. We have worked closely with our carefully selected Mongolian partners to create Mongolian tours that are more than just a simple visit to Mongolia. Our trips to Mongolia are full of excitement, adventure, and unforgettable moments. The journey will be unique, educational, and fun. Your Mongolia tour promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip full of excitement, adventure, incredible surroundings , and unforgettable moments . Our tours to Mongolia are led by one of our most experienced tour leaders, Rich Beal. Rich has led tours all over the world since 2004. He is personally attached to this particular area, as he has over 20 years of experience in running and designing tours of the region. He currently lives in Mongolia and is incredibly knowledgeable about the country. For more on Mongolia, visit our Mongolia Travel Guide page. Mongolian Wrestling Mongolian Archery Tavn Bogd Khongor Els Sand Dunes Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs Note: We require all travellers on international and North Korea tours to have valid travel insurance .

Mongolia is an amazing gem and one of my favourite places on earth both for landscapes and people. I have always felt that when I leave this region the sky never seems as blue, the mountains never as beautiful and the people never as interesting. — Rich Beal, Koryo Tours

Video by Michael Van Gorkom , who travelled with us on our ' Beyond the Steppe ' Tour in 2017.

September 2024 — 1 tour

September 11 - september 24 2024.

Mongolia - Golden Eagle Festival Tour

An Expedition to Discover the Golden Eagles

Join us as we depart Ulaanbaatar and drive across Mongolia in search of Kazakh Eagle hunters! From 2800 USD per person

Please apply by 1st September, 2024 .

This tour is managed by...

Rich Beal is our International Tours Manager.

Rich is  one of our most experienced tour leaders . He has led tours worldwide since 2004, specialising in Mongolia , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , and the surrounding area. Currently living in Mongolia , he leads multiple specialised trips annually and has over 20 years of experience running and designing tours of the region. 

On this adventure, we’ll cross the vast steppe of Mongolia; traversing mountains and rivers, perilous ravines, and vast open lakes. All in search of Mongolia’s most majestic, and elusive creature – the Golden Eagle.

This trip will culminate in a visit to the Golden Eagle Festival in the far west of the country. A celebration where eagle hunters from across the region come together to compete in various challenges; using their magnificent hunting birds to catch artificial bait, dive from incredible heights, and return to their hunters on the mountaintops.

This is really an experience which must be seen to be believed, and an incredible reward for our multi-day expedition across some of the most beautiful landscapes the country, and the world, has to offer.

Experience the Kazakh Golden Eagle festival -- the biggest festival of the year for Kazakhs  Visit Mongolian Kazak and Tuva nomadic families Enjoy camel trekking and horseback riding Hike the great mountains (with views across to Russia and China ) Explore the Altai and Bayan Ulgii region of Mongolia Marvel at the skill of local eagle hunters . We'll stop at glaciers , mountains and  waterfalls all the while sleeping in Tents, gers and yurts 

Day 1 of 14

11th September

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Arriving in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll have the morning to relax before our exploration of the city centre begins.

Just a stone's throw from our hotel lies the central Sükhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary hero Damdinii Sükhbaatar, whose statue proudly marks the centre of this grand square. At the northern end of the square, the towering statues of Genghis Khan, his son, grandson, and his generals watch from a commanding position.

Five minutes from Sükhbaatar Square, our next stop beckons. The well-appointed National History Museum; museums may not be everyone's cup of tea, however, this one helps bring some semblance of Mongolian history, providing some useful context before we set out.

Departing the museum, we leave on foot. Walking through the city is a perfect way to travel as when Ulaanbaatar was planned and built in the 1950's it was designed to be a city without cars and so, these days, some journeys are quicker on foot. Our destination is the famed State Department Store, a remnant of the Soviet period but still a national institution visited by tourists and locals alike.

We’ll then head off for dinner and our pre-tour briefing where we’ll explain what you can expect on the adventure ahead!

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel Included Meals: Dinner Meals |  Dinner Overnight |  Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar. A local hotel situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, within 5 minutes walk from the main square. This hotel offers a great location from which to step out and explore the city.

12th September

Explore Ulaanbaatar

Before our adventure begins, we’ll spend a day in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar.

Heading out from our hotel, we’ll cross over Sukhbaatar Square once again, passing the great bronze statue of Chinggis Khan on our way to the

Chinggis Khan Museum, housed in a great domed marble building just north of the central square.

After spending time learning about the great, historical leader of the Mongol Empire, we’ll head for a relaxing walk down one of the city’s many boulevards towards the great Gandan Monastery, the city’s main Buddhist centre and home to some beautiful architecture, stunning statues, and hundreds of monks.

After lunch, we’ll make our way to Narantuul Market – a bustling hub for market traders selling everything from solid gold jewellery and silver medallions to bicycle chains and suitcases. We’ll spend our afternoon bartering with local traders, buying weird and wonderful objects, and generally enjoying the hustle and bustle of market life in Ulaanbaatar.

With all that adventure, we’ll have worked up an apetite – and so we’ll make our way to Zaisan, an upmarket part of the city home to some more intriguing and interesting sites.

Before we enjoy our dinner, however, we’ll climb the huge Soviet tower, the Zaisan Monument, which towers over the district, providing fantastic views over Ulaanbaatar.

After heading down, past the odd statue of a giant Golden Buddha, we’ll enjoy our group meal and discuss plans for our forthcoming expedition!

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13th September

Mongolia's Wild Horses

We’ll wake up this morning and finally leave the city, heading west through the outskirts and industrial regions before bursting out of the urban centre and out into the wilderness of the Mongolian countryside.

Our destination for today is the famous Hustai National Park, home to the only truly wild horses in the world – known as the Przewalski's Horse, or Takhi Horse.

Arriving in time for lunch, we’ll visit the on-site museum and learn about the different animals we’ll have the chance to spot whilst in the national park and then head inside for a hearty meal before we leave the visitors centre and venture out in search of wild horses in time for them to head down from the mountains to drink at the river.

These horses are a wonder of conservation as they were once considered near-extinct before being protected in Hustai National Park where they have truly begun to thrive.

After an afternoon of horse-related safari, we’ll return to our accommodation near the entrance of the park for a delicious dinner as we watch the sunset over the mountainous peaks and head to bed in our traditional Mongolian gers.

14th September

The Capital of an Empire

This morning we’ll wave goodbye to Hustai National Park and continue west, making our way towards the ancient city of Kharkorum.

Kharkorum was the former capital of the Mongolian Empire. At the height of the empire, it was from Kharkorum that Chinggis Khan's son, Ogedei Khan, would rule the largest land empire the world has ever known.

During Kharkorum's golden age, much of the city was comprised of tents, and as the Mongolian empire declined, the city's decay was rapid.

These days, all that remains of this once-great settlement is the impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery, as well as a few scattered but not unimpressive archaeological finds.

As we go, we will stop at the Mongol Els Dunes, a small dune system that offers a picturesque stop and the possibility of meeting with a camel herder or two.

Once we arrive at Karakorum, our first stop will be Erdene Zuu Monastery; it may be a shadow of its former self; however, it is still impressive.

We'll hopefully catch the resident monks in their afternoon prayer. Following our monastery visit, we will call at the unique archaeological museum to see some recent historical finds.

Accommodation: Urguu Ger Camp Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15th September

Ancient Capital to Volcanic Landscapes

You may not want to leave the confines of our romantic accommodation this morning; however, the journey continues. After breakfast, our first stop is the local market to sample a little of resident life here in this remote town. Kharkorum Market trade is mainly conducted from disused shipping containers making for some great photography and local interaction.

Once we have stocked up on supplies for the journey, we continue onwards to the west, following Mongolia's ever-changing scenery. Our course begins trailing the country's famed Orkhon River and its UNESCO listed valley.

Today we are genuinely in Mongolia's heartland, passing local nomads making this beautiful yet harsh landscape their own. Today's destination will become obvious as we drive past evidence of this region's active, volcanic past, including the impressive Chuluutiin Gol Gorge.

Chuluutiin Gol is a 30-metre-long fault line that runs the length of the aptly named River of Pearls; this deep-sided canyon is a real treat. From the canyon we push onwards; our eventual destination for today is the Khorgo Mountain. Khorgo Mountain is not just any mountain but a dormant volcano, one of a handful in the region. Khorgo makes for an exciting visit, as it's possible to climb its treelined slopes and peer into its sulphurous cone. We will have the perfect evening view from the top of the mountain before heading to our night's accommodation.

Accommodation: Khorgo Ger Camp Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

16th September  

Into Mongolia's Changing Terrain

As we leave Mongolia's volcanic heartland, you may think that the scenery cannot get any better, although you'd be wrong. As we move on from the stunning craters, canyons, and lakes, we make our way into the domain of granite mountains, pine forests and alpine fields, punctuated by the ever-present tented dwelling of the Mongolian Ger.

Stopping for those all-important pictures and local interaction, we will be sure to visit some of the country's remoter towns to stock up on supplies and see how people live in these far-flung habitations. Some villages may indeed look like something from a wild west movie, but it's still someone's home, and we will see how proud Mongolians are of these areas.

Our aim for today, aside from enjoying the views and drive, is to locate a beautiful area for our first night's camp. In somewhere like Mongolia, the problem isn't a lack of suitable sites but being spoiled for choice. All being well, today's drive will be limited to allow a little more time to relax and enjoy a pleasant camp.

Accommodation: Camping Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

17th September

Visiting Mongolia's Inland Sea

After breakfast, we're on the road again; continuing our adventure, we head into the remote province of Uvs, a land of lakes, mountains and dunes. Our destination is Mongolia's answer to an ocean in the form of Khyargas Lake.

Khyargas Lake was formed many thousands of years ago by glacial action; today, its high salt content and sheer size mean it's much like an inland sea. The area is a popular destination for locals to holiday but is rarely visited by western tourists.

As we journey through Uvs Province, we will stop to photograph the stunning scenery and make a few impromptu stops to visit local Nomadic families. As Uvs Province is so remote and not well connected to the rest of the country, many of its inhabitants have never met and interacted with foreign visitors, making it an exciting and unique visit.

Upon reaching Khyargas Lake, we will be sure to stop for a plunge into its salty waters and experience an ocean swim about as far away from the sea as you can imagine!

It may be a little bracing at this time of year, but a perfect wash before we set camp and enjoy an evening BBQ, hopefully catching the setting sun on the lake's shimmering surface.

Accommodation: Camping Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

18th September

Off-Road Adventure to Khovd

As we bid farewell to Khyargas Lake, we also say goodbye to the comfort of a tarmac road for the morning as today we're off towards Khovd town.

While Khovd may be the Khovd Province's regional capital, like most settlements in Mongolia, it still has a pleasant small-town feel. We will make Khovd our home today and enjoy a little luxury as we stay in the town's newest hotel.

Whilst in Khovd, we will join a local shaman and view one of his traditional rituals. Shamanism has long been practised in Mongolia, and many Mongolians still hold dear this fascinating religion.

Following our meeting with the Shaman, we'll visit the town to see more of this far-flung settlement. We will call at the city square the bustling market and even take a quick look at some small shops surrounding the area. While exploring, we will call the local textiles shop and see where many locals still have their local dresses made (the Mongolian deel).

Before dinner, we will stop at the opera house for a private visit from where we will also view one of Mongolia's famed throat singers. Throat singing in Mongolia dates back many centuries past the time of Genghis Khan. Throat singing is a unique art that has to be viewed to be believed it's fitting that we see it here in Hovd; as many singers from the region win national competitions, the main event is held in this very spot every June.

This evening before bed, we make one final stop at a local family to enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal. This time we sample the delight known as Khorkhog (authentic Mongolian barbeque).

Accommodation: Steppe Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

19th September

Discover the Remote City of Khovd

This morning we’ll wake up in the remote city of Khovd, capital of Khovd Aimag in the far west of Mongolia.

After our incredible expedition across Mongolia, we’ll take a day to relax and spending some time exploring this fascinating city, beginning with a later than usual start before heading out to Khovd Market – a small market made up small brick and concrete buildings mixed with covered market stalls and other temporary stands selling everything from clothes and hats to odd souvenirs and old russian knives – a real adventure for any shopaholics amongst you!

After enjoying lunch, we’ll make our way to the local Buddhist Temple to explore this beautiful example of a more local temple, and perhaps meet some local monks.

To contrast the religions which dominate the Mongolian countryside, we’ll leave the city in search of a shaman. Shamanism is an important belief system across Mongolia, and so we’ll venture out to find a practioner for ourselves and get a taste of how these spiritual healers operate.

After returning to the city, we’ll head to a beautiful spot nearby to enjoy some traditional Mongolian throat singing before enjoying our dinner and heading to bed in preparation the day ahead.

20th September

Drive to Bayan Ulgii & Visit Eagle Hunters

This morning we’re up and out early as we make our way north towards the city of Bayan-Ulgii, the site of the forthcoming eagle festival. However, we’ll arrive a day early in order to get settled, and meet one of these majestic hunting birds, and it’s owner, close-up before we see him perform the following days.

Our drive between Khovd and Ulgii will give us a chance to see some of the most stunning natural beauty in the whole of Mongolia, from steppe, to rugged hills, and finally into the craggy mountainous peaks and distant snow-capped mountains that define the landscape in this part of Mongolia.

Enroute, we’ll stop at the beautiful crystalline waters of Tolbo lake for a chance to strech our legs and take photos, after which we’ll pay a visit to a local nomadic eagle hunting family to learn a little more about the culture surrouding these eagle hunters, and how they train their beautiful birds.

Upon arrival in the city, we will visit the local Ulgii market for a chance to peruse some of the various Kazakh goods on sale – from hats and musical instruments to, perhaps if we’re lucky, some eagle hunting paraphanelia.

After the market, we’ll make our way to our get camp which overlooks the city and the surrounding mountains before having dinner and getting some sleep as we prepare for an action packed day tomorrow as the Eagle Festival begins.

Accommodation: Ger Camp Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

21st September

Eagle Festival Day 1

We’ll leave our camp early and head over to the site of the Eagle Festival where we’ll locate the food tents and explore some of the other oddities of the festival area as the various eagle hunters and spectators arrive.

As we wait for things to kick off, we’ll be able to check out the local souvenir shops and local traders who travel from far and wide to sell art, antiques, and other intruiging handmade crafts to the festival-goers.

As we wander around this beautiful, busy, bustling area, we’ll slowly make our way towards the main arena where we’ll catch the opening ceremony. Eagle hunters from Mongolia, as well as nearby Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will ride on horseback at speed carrying their eagles and showing off their magnificant costumes as they celebrate the beginning of this annual festival.

As the day continues, we’ll see a series of exciting activities beginning with a display in which eagle hunters will call their eagles from the nearby mountain peak and the birds will dive at incredible speeds to land with their owner. For the adventurous amongst you, you may wish to climb the mountains along with the eagles and their handlers to watch the birds rise from the mountaintop and dive to the arena down below you. This makes for some incredible photos!

After the day’s festivities have ended we’ll return to camp for a chance to shower, perhaps have a drink or two, and watch the sun set.

22nd September

Eagle Festival Day 2

We’re back at the festival again today, watching the eagles perform.

Today, the main event will be a performance in which the eagle must swoop down from the mountain to the ground where the hunter must drag an artificial lure along the ground which the eagle must swoop down to catch – a great chance to watch the eagles in action.

As the day continues, we’ll experience some more bizarre celebrations. From Kazakh husbands and wives chasing eachother on horseback, to two burly Kazakh men horseback wrestling.

We’ll also get the chance to see a camel beauty contest, something which I’m sure you’ve all seen many times before, and finally the closing ceremony in which the hunters will ride with their eagles and provide us a great chance to get closer to the hunters and take some fantastic photos of the participants in all their finery.

As the event closes, we’ll make our way to a local musician’s family yurt to meet a Kazakh folk band who will perform traditional music for us after we’ve enjoyed a hearty traditional Kazakh meal.

23rd September

Return to Ulaanbaatar

This morning we’ll depart the city and head out to the airport, waving goodbye to the majestic scenery of western Mongolia as we head back to the hustle and bustle of Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival, we’ll return to the hotel where you’ll have the option to enjoy a free afternoon in the city or, for those still yearning for beautiful scenery and more adventure in the Mongolian countryside, we can take you out to the Bogd Khan Mountain National Park where we’ll enjoy a hike through the alpine hillsides of the Bogd Khan Mountain and enjoying the fantastic views over the city.

Alternatively, should you wish to spend your free time in the city, your tour leader will gladly point you in the direction of anything you might want to do; picking up camel wool socks in the market, finding bargains in the State Department Store, or exploring any of the temples and palaces around the city.

That evening, we’ll regroup for a farewell dinner as we remenisce about our expedition. Our choice of restaurant tonight will be the Mongolian Barbeque Grill where we’ll enjoy a delicious final meal together.

Accommodation: 3-star Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

24th September

Departure Day

This morning, we’ll transfer you to the airport, whatever time your flight, and bid you goodbye as you leave Mongolia, hopefully leaving with a head full of memories and a bag full of souvenirs!

END OF TOUR

Included Meals: Breakfast

What is / is not included?

• English speaking guide
• Western tour leader
• All meals outside Ulaanbaatar
• Camels for luggage
• Internal flights 
• All included sight seeing
• All taxes & entrance fees to protected areas
• All camping equipment (not sleeping bags.)
• Airport Transfer (only on trip start/end dates)
• Sleeping bags
• International flights
• Any alcoholic beverages
• Meals where specified
• Medical insurance (can be arranged.)
• Visas (if needed)
• Airport pick up 25 USD one way 
• Sleeping bag hire (incl cleaning 30 USD for tour)
• Items of personal nature
• Airport Transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) 30 USD

Please note! This tour has been specifically arranged to visit these areas; it may have elements of an expedition about it due to the nature and ruggedness of the terrain. As such, any change in the itinerary at the time cannot be helped. We will keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible, although please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter extreme weather conditions. Along the way, all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and an expedition leader. We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground whose expertise will far exceed our own.

If fewer than 5 passengers book, this tour will be led by a local leader only.

For those who have booked international flights, should there be any change in the scheduling of these or route cancellation, Koryo tours can not be held liable; however, our crew on the ground will do all they can to help find an alternate flight or make your stay as a little easier.

We insist that with all of our tours, you book comprehensive travel insurance not only to cover your dates of travel but your departure and return. 

October 2024 — 1 tour

October 19 - october 25 2024.

Soviet Mongolia October Tour

Exploring abandoned Soviet sites around Mongolia: Airbases, abandoned towns, and more!

This 6 night tour is an exploratory adventure looking at remains left from the Soviet period in Mongolia. From 2100 USD per person

Please apply by 1st October, 2024 .

Exploring Mongolia's Soviet past.

A new Mongolia tour in 2023, now improved for 2024!

Mongolia was never part of the Soviet Union. But as a Soviet satellite, it received guidance, money, expertise, and infrastructure. The latter of which remained long after the country's independence.   

This adventure takes us in and around Ulaanbaatar as well as down to the Gobi desert, looking at the Soviet history of Mongolia.

We start within this nomadic nation's capital Ulaanbaatar where we'll explore dusty Soviet-era museums, wonder at bold 1950s architecture, and gaze at statues erected to red heroes and Russian giants. 

Travelling on part of the trans-Mongolian railway, the tour will trundle south and explore abandoned apartments and once-sprawling Soviet bases. Built at the time of the Sino-Soviet split these large military installations were prepared for a war that was never to happen.

Read more on the tour here . 

• Experience Mongolia's little-known communist past. 
• Wander around deserted Soviet-built apartments, explore abandoned military bases, and peer behind Ulaanbaatar's rapidly growing modern facade. 
• Find hidden statues of Lenin, Marshal Zhukov, and the Mongolian leaders of their day. 

Saturday, October 19th

For all of those joining this adventure, you will be met at the airport upon arrival and transferred to our group hotel. The meeting time is 18.00. For those of you who arrive early, we will meet for an orientation walk.

• Hotel Ulaanbaatar |  Built in 1961, this is a hotel of many firsts constructed during the Communist period. It was the first hotel in the country, the first public building with running hot water, and the first 5-star hotel in Mongolia too. Designed by the wife of Mongolia's then communist leader Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal.
• Sükhbaatar Square |  This square is named after Mongolia's revolutionary hero Damdin Sükhbaatar shortly after his death in 1923. In 2013, the square's name was briefly changed to Chinggis Square much to the ire of many local people. 2016 saw a change back to the original title which has remained. In the centre of the square stands an equestrian statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar himself. A large monument dedicated to Genghis Khan sits atop the steps of the government palace.
• National University of Mongolia |  It was established in 1942. We pay a visit to view its Soviet architectural style and to catch a glimpse of the statue of Khorloogiin Choibalsan. Choibalsan was referred to by some as the 'Stalin of Mongolia' as he oversaw the purges of the 1930s. It’s estimated over 35,000 people were killed.
• State Department Store |  Established in 1921, this relic from the Soviet period has seen many changes. But is worth the visit as it still has a few older retro corners to be visited. As well as its history, it houses everything you may need. From money changers to a supermarket and souvenir vendors.  
• The Beatles Statue |  The Beatles never visited Mongolia. But there is indeed a beautiful statue erected for them. The story goes that local people raised money to have it built after the Soviet period, in memory of the music they illegally listened to during that period.  
• As we walk back to the hotel, we will pass the National Academic Drama Theater , the  Mongolian Stock Exchange and The National Theater. All are excellent examples of Russian design and construction.

Hotel |  Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Meals |  Dinner

Sunday, October 20th This morning, after breakfast, it is straight out as we explore the city on foot and by bus.

• Mongolian Military Museum |  This ageing museum is home to Russian MIGs, rocket launchers, anti-aircraft guns, and tanks. And that's only on the outside! The museum interior covers history from the Mongol empire right the way through to its more recent Soviet past. After our visit, it's on to the former home (now a museum) of Marshal Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov.
• Marshal Zhukov House Museum  | This small but exciting museum opened in 1979. It is the same house where Zhukov stayed from 1939 -1940 as he directed Soviet troops in the battle of Tavan Gol. We get to view his living quarters as well as pictures, maps and weapons. All from around the time of the Soviet defeat of the Japanese army at this little-known but crucial battle.
• Marshal Zhukov Statue |  Located in a small square next to the Zhukov Museum is a rather splendid figure of the man himself.
• Lenin Statue |  For those interested in Lenin statues, we have quite a treat. We pay a visit to the Lenin statue once located in front of the Ulaanbaatar hotel. This statue, commissioned in 1951, stood for many years. It was taken down in 2012 by the then-mayor of Ulaanbaatar. It has found a few homes since that time and now resides within a local residential area.  

After lunch, we continue with our tour as we visit further into the city. We stop at local apartments to view mosaics found still in place at the end of traditional Soviet apartment blocks. Our last visit of the day prepares us perfectly for our overnight train

• Ulaanbaatar Open Air Railway Museum   |  This pre-dinner visit sets us up perfectly for tonight's overnight train journey. The museum houses six locomotives used throughout the last 65 years. Many of the engines still have their soviet detailing and imagery, including a large image of Joseph Stalin.
• Ganden Monastery |  One of the few remaining Buddhist Temples which survived the Soviet purges of the 1930s and 40s. Today, it is the largest monastery in the city. It is home to enormous statues, hundreds of monks, and some beautiful traditional Mongolian architecture.

After an early dinner, we board our local train to SainShand town, Dornogovi province . We have four-berth cabins as we trundle along part of the trans-Mongolian railway .

Hotel | Overnight train

Meals |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday, October 21st

• Sainshand Town | We’ll arrive in the early morning at Sainshand Town. After alighting the train, for those awake enough, we will pause to view the small, but well-appointed Soviet outpost train station before heading into town for a basic breakfast.  
• Sainshand Town is the capital of Dornogovi Province. It lies due southeast of Ulaanbaatar, sitting to the east of the Gobi desert surrounded by scrub and flat arid terrain. This remote town is a real mix of old and new. Only 130 miles from the Chinese border, this position made Sainshand an essential military base during the Sino-Soviet split.  
• Sainshand was once home to the air-missile intelligence stations of the Soviet Union. These would protect the underbelly of Russia from possible attack from a hostile China. The town was separated into three distinct areas: north, south, and east. Unfortunately, in modern times, the northern section has been destroyed and used to construct newer buildings. The east was sealed off for use by the Mongolian Air Force.  
• Soviet Past | Following breakfast, we will see what remains of the town’s Soviet past. We look to the southern area of this frontier settlement. Luckily for us, a little still remains. Mainly used for habitation and business for local people.  
• Shivee-Ovoo |  After lunch, we drive 2 hours north to the village of Shivee-Ovoo. This small habitation was once home to the Soviet motorised rifle division. Believe it or not, there were up to fifteen thousand soldiers once here. These days all that remains in this desolate windswept area are the former homes built for the servicemen and their families and the officer’s mess. A little exploring will also reveal a few fascinating mosaics.  
• Choir | Once we have finished our Soviet exploration for the day, we have our final drive to the provincial capital, Choir. Once here, we locate a local restaurant for our evening meal and then head to our hotel for tonight situated in one of the former Soviet district block apartments.

Hotel | Art Hotel

Included Meals |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, October 22nd

• Choir | After breakfast, we’re ready to continue our exploration of Choir. We will head to the Soviet-style Choir Railway Station. Outside here there is a Statue of Yuri Gagarin. It was built to commemorate the flight into space of Mongolia’s first cosmonaut Jügderdemidiin Gürragchaa in 1981.  
• During the Soviet period, Choir housed the most extensive military base for the Soviet Union. But that has long gone with many of the buildings dismantled. We will explore what is left and make sure to visit the 25-meter high statue erected in honour of the USSR’s war heroes.  
• Former Airbases | Upon leaving Choir, we’ll continue north. After a while, we’ll make a stop at one of the region’s former airbases. Here it gets even more interesting as we have the opportunity for a bit of ‘urbex’ (urban exploration) and see one of the abandoned MiG monuments. (A former MIG fighter jet raised pointing skyward). We will also be permitted to enter the former base to see some of the remaining airfield buildings if we’re lucky.  
• Bagakhangai | From here, we’ll drive onwards to check on another former Soviet airbase located in the town of Bagakhangai. We plan to access the area and its abandoned aircraft hangers. Around the town, there are also some derelict buildings worthy of our time and attention for a bit more exploring.  
• Baganuur | Next, we drive across the rolling countryside to the city of Baganuur. Baganuur was created to serve the Soviet military base, which was home to the 12th Motor Rifle Division. The Russians have gone now, but the city retains much of its former Soviet design and currently serves the nearby Baganuur coal mine.  
• As we arrive late today, we head straight to our hotel for dinner and then some well-deserved rest.

Hotel |  TBC

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday, October 23rd

• Urbex 12th Motor Rifle Division | We’re up and out early today. We drive out of Baganuur further east to have a look at what remains of the base that once belonged to the 12th Motor Rifle Division. Much of this has now gone. It has been taken down and recycled, although some of the living quarters remain and offer us a little more ‘urbex’.  
• Ulaanbaatar | Once we have finished exploring the remains of the Soviet base, we board our vehicles and begin to make our way back to the Red Hero City, Ulaanbaatar. As we journey back, we will stop at one of the small towns that serve the still functioning aerodrome. The MiG 21 in the children’s play area here is a particular highlight!  
• Genghis Khan Statue | As we make our way back, we’ll stop at a more modern statue built for the ancient leader, and most famous Mongolian; Genghis Khan. Finished in 2008, the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue makes for a great visit, offering views over the surrounding countryside.  
• Ulaanbaatar Resident | Once we return to Ulaanbaatar, we will visit the home of a resident who has, over the years, amassed an impressive array of Lenin statues and memorabilia. He loves to meet interested visitors to show off and talk about his collection proudly.  
• Once we’ve arrived and checked back into our hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to rest and relax.

Hotel |  Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

Thursday, October 24th

• Mongolian National Gallery | Today is another day of exploring the nation’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. This morning, we’re out on foot to visit the nearby Mongolian National Gallery. This impressive building houses many of the artworks of Mongolia. As well as the art, the architecture here is terrific. It incorporates some fantastic mosaics and stained glass windows from the country’s communist past.  
• From art to dinosaurs. We’ll walk further into the city to view some of the small city squares that would have once been adorned with monuments commemorating Mongolia’s socialist neighbour. They have since been replaced with more nationalistic Mongolian figures and symbols.  
• Mongolian Dinosaur Museum | Our destination is the Mongolian Dinosaur Museum. This building once housed the nation's Lenin Museum built especially for the father of communism. The outside is adorned with brass reliefs depicting the great man himself as well as Engels and Marx. Although once inside, you may need to use your imagination a little! The architecture remains. Although where Lenin's statue once stood now stands Mongolia’s very own T-Rex!  
• Zaisan | After a spot of lunch, we’ll head across the city to the upmarket Zaisan area. We’re not here to drink an overpriced coffee but to climb the 612 steps up the hill to the famed Zaisan monument. Built in 1956, the monument commemorates the friendship between the USSR and Mongolia.  
• Revolutionary Mongol Tank Brigade Monument | The lower reaches of Zaisan incorporate the Revolutionary Mongol Tank Brigade Monument. This monument combines an original T-34 tank and a map of its journey from manufacturing in the Soviet Union to Berlin. Following our tour of the remaining Soviet sites in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll return to our hotel before heading out into the city for our last group meal.

Hotel |  Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Friday, October 25th

Departure day

We end our adventure in the morning, with transfers to the airport for international flights. Pack your souvenirs, your dirty clothes, and your memories, and have a safe trip home!

Included Meals |  Breakfast

• All Listed Meals
• All Listed Accommodation
• Local Guide / Tour Leader
• Visa Assistance
• Transport & Driver
• National park entrance fees 
• Site entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights to/from Mongolia
• Travel Insurance
• Snacks/Drinks/Extra Expenses
• Tips for crew 
• Meals not listed

January 2025 — 1 tour

January 2 - january 18 2025.

Mongolia Snow Leopard Tour

An Expedition to Discover and observe the endangered Snow leopard in Mongolia

Travel with us as we journey to Mongolia's far west in search of the elusive snow leopard and other endangered yet fascinating species. From 4750 USD per person

Please apply by 1st January, 2025 .

Travel with us as we journey to Mongolia's far west in search of the elusive snow leopard and other endangered yet fascinating species. From 4750 USD per person

Venture into western Mongolia as we explore the heart of Mongolian wildlife, discover the vast array of creatures that call this region home, and search throughout the mountains for the elusive Snow Leopard.

On this adventure, we’ll fly out from the bustling capital, Ulaanbaatar , and head out to the far west of Mongolia.

The province of Khovd sits near the border with China and Kazakhstan and is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country if not the continent. We’ll set out aboard our trusty 4x4s into the wilderness of this region in search of some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.

On our journey, we’ll search for wild horses, track down Saiga Antelope, and, of course, the elusive and majestic Snow Leopard. Whilst these beautiful cats are notorious for being difficult to track down, our local friends in the region have an incredible track record of catching a glimpse of Snow Leopards, so we’re in good hands on our adventure.

In addition to Snow Leopards, we may also catch a glimpse of the extremely rare Palla’s Cat, the Mongolian Gazelle, and the plethora of other flora and fauna which grace these incredible peaks and deep mountain valleys.

See below for more information on our Mongolia Snow Leopard Tour itinerary and highlights. 

Interested in Mongolian Golden Eagles? Check out our Mongolian Golden Eagle and Snow Leopard Tour combining both of these Mongolian beauties. 

• Experience Mongolia's true nomadic wilderness.
• Spend time observing the rare and elusive snow leopard whilst staying in the Altai Mountains.
• The beautiful Przewalski's (Takhi) horse and other possible rare animal sightings of Saiga Antelope, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, and Henderson’s Ground Jay.

Day 1 of 13

Monday 6th January 

Arrive into Ulaanbaatar

• Meet at Hotel | Whenever you arrive, we'll be there to meet you at Chinggis Khan International Airport and drive you into downtown Ulaanbaatar to your hotel.  
• Central Ulaanbaatar | Our adventure will begin with a walking tour around Mongolia's capital city, starting with the central square. Sukhbaatar Square is the beating heart of Ulaanbaatar – named after the titular Damdin Sukhbaatar, a leading revolutionary in the early 1920s, the square is surrounded by some of the most important buildings in the city – from the government palace, hosting statues of Chinggis Khan and his descendants, to the Cultural Palace, Art and Drama Theatre, Post Office, and City Government Offices.  
• Natural History Museum | Skirting around the side of the Soviet-Era Government Palace, we'll take a walk down one of the city's tree-lined boulevards towards the Natural History Museum. Formerly the Museum of Lenin, today this grand building houses exhibits about the prehistory of Mongolia. It includes a vast room filled with stuffed animals that we hope to see out in the West (where they'll ideally be alive!).  
• State Department Store | Following on from our museum trip, we'll make our way through the bustling back streets to the State Department Store – the perfect chance to exchange currency for the local Mongolian Tugrik, find weird and wonderful souvenirs, and stock up on any snacks you might want for the upcoming adventure.  
• Beatles Statue | Near the State Department Store is an intriguing, yet charming, statue dedicated to the Beatles – so we'll head over here to discover why this Liverpudlian band is commemorated so far away from the UK.  
• Evening Briefing | Finally, we'll head to our first group dinner, where we'll also have our pre-tour briefing. This is the chance to ask any pressing questions, find out about the imminent adventure, and make sure you know how to stay safe during the trip.

Accommodation: Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar

Included Meals: Dinner

Tuesday 7th January

Flight to Khovd/Drive to the Snow Leopard encampment.

• Internal Flight | It's up and out early this morning as we head out of the city to board our domestic flight from Chinggis Khan International Airport to the far western city of Khovd.  
• Ovoo | Leaving Khovd, we'll make a stop at a lookout point just outside the city. This will give us a chance to see the Ovoo, which sits atop the mountain outside of Khovd. These Ovoos may look like piles of rocks, often with prayer flags sticking out the top, but they are an artefact of pre-Buddhist Mongolia. Many people here still believe in shamanism, and these Ovoos are home to spirits. Locals will walk around them three times, throwing stones at them to bring themselves good luck. Something we will need for our adventure!  
• Local Shaman | It’s here where we’ll visit a local shaman. Shamanism continues to be an important aspect of life in Mongolia, and these traditional figures are considered to be finely tuned with the natural environment and the wildlife that surrounds them.  
• Mountains & Forests | After we’ve had our journey blessed by the shaman and been granted luck for the coming days, we’ll leave the city and make our way east towards the mountains, forests, and valleys which serve as home for the elusive snow leopard.  
• Snow Leopard Camp |  Over the next week, we’ll traverse the area we’re now driving through hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic mountain cats, and hopefully get some stunning photos in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Snow Leopard Camp

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday 8th January

Search for the Snow Leopards Day 1

• Snow Leopard | This morning, we will head out in search of Mongolia’s elusive mountain beast – the Snow Leopard. There are an estimated 35-40 Snow Leopards in this local region of the Altai Mountains, and we’ll spend our day attempting to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.  
• Altai Mountains | Our local friends in the mountains have a series of observation points scattered throughout the area which we’ll be able to drive to, followed by a short walk up to the final point. These observation posts are perfect for a snow leopard search, as well as watching for some of the other local wildlife which populates these high mountains and deep valleys.  
• Observation Posts & Local Spotters | In addition to their observation posts, our local friends have a team of trackers who spend their time in the mountains tracking these majestical creatures and keeping us updated on any opportunities to catch a glimpse.  
• Over the next six days, we’ll be traversing five total peaks in the surrounding area, each with dedicated observation posts in search of Snow Leopards and other incredible wildlife.  
• Back to Camp & Rest | After our day of mountainous searching, we’ll head back to camp for a well-deserved rest.

Thursday 9th January

Search for the Snow Leopards Day 2

• Snow Leopards | This morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and set out for our second day of searching amongst the peaks and valleys of the region.  
• Viewpoints | Depending on our success so far, we’ll head further afield to different viewpoints in our ongoing search for Snow Leopards. In addition, we will keep an eye open for some of the regions' other aforementioned wildlife.  
• Other Wildlife | If we’re really lucky, we may catch sight of the extremely rare Palla’s Cat. Mongolia is home to the largest population of Palla’s Cats in the world, however, they are hard to spot as they have extremely expansive territories. Ground squirrels are their favourite food, and the best chance to spot these predators is while they’re waiting for these small rodents to pop out of their holes.

Friday 10th January

Search for Snow Leopards Day 3

• Snow Leopards | This morning, we’ll venture back out into the wilderness in our continuing search for Snow Leopards.  
• Depending on our success so far, our spotters will hopefully have worked out the ideal spot for our observations today.  
• Steppe Eagle | As we head off into the mountains, we’ll no doubt catch a glimpse of the steppe eagle. At this time of year, the eagles have begun to malt their summer coats and instead are a lighter, more camouflaged colour. This makes them harder to spot on their rocky perches, but no less beautiful to witness gliding silently above us.

Saturday 11th January 

Searching for Snow Leopards Day 4

• Today marks the halfway point of our hunt in the wilderness. For those that wish, there is always the option to spend the day relaxing at the camp, taking in the surroundings, and spending some free time taking a break from our wild escapades.  
• Wildlife | However, for those keen to continue to search, we’ll head out once more, following the path of wolves, ibex, and gazelles as we make our way to today’s viewing point in the hope of catching that glimpse of silver fur that is unmistakably a Snow Leopard.

Sunday 12th January

Searching for Snow Leopards Day 5

• Penultimate Day | The hunt continues on our penultimate day at the camp.  
• Adaptive Search Tactics | Today, we’ll be able to adapt our search tactics based on our experiences over the past few days to maximize the chance of a Snow Leopard encounter.  
• Trekking | Once again, we’ll depart the camp in our trusty vehicles, and spend our day trekking amongst the wildlife of Khovd Province to our observation spot. After which, we’ll return for a relaxing evening.

Monday 13th January 

Searching for Snow Leopards Day 6

• Final Snow Leopard Trip | Whether or not we’ve seen Snow Leopards so far on the trip, we’ll head out one final time with all the experiences of the past few days behind us, hoping for an encounter with these incredible creatures.  
• Evening at Camp | In the evening, we’ll enjoy one final evening at our camp, reminiscing about the various creatures we’ve seen, and hopefully sharing our leopard photos!  
• Finally, it’s off to sleep in preparation for a long journey tomorrow. As we depart the home of the Snow Leopard, it’s not quite yet time to pack away your cameras and binoculars as our next stop offers more chances to view Mongolia’s incredible wildlife.

Tuesday 14th January

Drive to the Wild Horse Camp

• Khomyn Tal National Park Drive | Today we’ve got a long journey ahead of us as we depart the Snow Leopard Camp and make the roughly 100km drive off-road to the Khomyn Tal National Park.  
• Landscapes | As we drive, we’ll traverse some incredible landscapes. Distant steppe, the edges of the Gobi Desert, frozen rivers, and mountains which rise to pierce the open blue sky above us.  
• Today is mostly a day of travelling, an unfortunate by-product of Mongolia being so massive. However, when we arrive we’ll have a late afternoon and evening free to rest, relax, take a short walk, or enjoy a drink as we prepare for the day ahead where we will go in search of another of Mongolia’s wild beasts.

Accommodation: Khomyn Tal National Park

Wednesday 15th January 

Searching for Wild Horses

• Khomyn National Park | Today we’ll set out into the Khomyn National Park. The national park is home to the rare Mongolian wild horse known as Perzevalski or Takhi. Once extinct in the wild, the Perzevalski Horse is a true conservation success story with captive breed horses released into, and then surviving in the wild.  
• Initially, these horses were only extant in the Hustai National Park, near Ulaanbaatar. However, their incredible success and growth in numbers means many have been relocated here, to this much more remote park where they continue to live wild. The only such example in the world.  
• Takhi Horses & Wildlife | Mid-afternoon offers us the best time to catch a sighting of the beautiful Takhi horses, so we’ll pile into our trucks and drive out into the rolling terrain to spot them coming down from the mountains for water at the nearby river. As well as the famed Perzevalski horse, it is also possible to see foxes, red deer, roe deer, eagles, and other various animals.  
• Complete Safari & Return to Camp | After our safari is complete, we’ll head back to the camp for a relaxed evening sharing wildlife photos.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  

Thursday 16th January 

Return to Khovd.

• Early Start | Today it's up and out early, bidding goodbye to our remote surroundings we're offroad as we make our way back to Kovd town.  
• Khovd Monastery | Once we arrive, we grab some lunch, we'll make a stop at the Khovd Monastery. A typical small-town Buddhist monastery with some truly incredible architecture and filled with brightly coloured artefacts and immaculately kept by the resident monks.  
• Steppe Hotel | We'll stop at the hard-to-miss Steppe Hotel for a late lunch. One of the most modern buildings in the city. This restaurant is also our hotel for the night, so we'll drop off our gear, enjoy some local delicacies, and head out for an adventure in Khovd.  
• Local Market | Our first stop is the market. The perfect chance to rub shoulders with locals and also an opportunity to pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Khovd market has everything. Whether you need wellington books, a tennis racket, or 500 metres of string. This is the place to go. Grab the phrasebook. This is your chance to try out a little Mongolian language, something which always elicits a happy response from the market vendors.  
• Khovd Museum | After the market, we'll head over to the Khovd Museum – dedicated to the surrounding province. This Soviet-style museum hasn't yet got the memo from the modern age and is still very much a communist-era highlight. It'll be our chance to learn about the province we've spent our last few days.

Friday 17th January

• Today, we say goodbye to our amazing team in Khovd and catch our flight back to the capital, Ulaanbaatar.  
• Ulaanbaatar City | This afternoon offers us the chance to explore some of the city alone, whether shopping, visiting a few extra museums, or just relaxing. Make sure to meet this evening for a well-deserved last group meal where we can reminisce about our adventures.

​​​ Accommodation: Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar

Saturday 18th January 

We end our adventure in the morning, with transfers to the airport for international flights. Pack your souvenirs, your dirty clothes and your memories, and have a safe trip home!

Accommodation: N/A

• All Listed Accommodation 
• Drivers and Vehicles
• Local guide
• Tour leader
• Internal Flights
• International Flights
• Mongolian Visa
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Airport Transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) 30 USD

Please note! This tour has been specifically arranged to visit remote areas. As such it may have elements of an expedition about it, due to the nature and ruggedness of the terrain. Due to this, any change in itinerary at the time cannot be helped. We will do our best to keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible. However, please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter any extreme weather conditions. Along the way all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and an expedition leader. We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground whose expertise will far exceed our own. The team we use to visit the snow leopards have a very high success rate although sightings can never be 100% guaranteed.

May 2025 — 1 tour

May 17 - may 23 2025.

Soviet Mongolia May Tour

Please apply by 1st May, 2025 .

A unique tour exploring Mongolia's Soviet past.

Saturday, May 17th

Sunday, May 18th This morning, after breakfast, it is straight out as we explore the city on foot and by bus.

Monday, May 19th

Tuesday, May 20th

Wednesday, May 21st

Thursday, May 22nd

Friday, May 23rd

July 2025 — 2 tours

July 1 - july 13 2025.

Naadam Festival Mongolia Tour: Beyond the Steppe 2025

Ulaanbaatar to Hovd and Bayan Olgii in far western Mongolia

Explore Mongolia’s Wild West over the Naadam Festival. Meet Kazakh eagle hunters, hike in the stunning Altai Mountains, and experience Mongolia’s largest holiday celebration. Go beyond the Steppe! From 2950 USD per person

The summer Naadam Festival is one of the best times to travel to Mongolia for the annual games of horse racing, archery, and wrestling. It is also the busiest time to visit the country. We’ll get you to Mongolia’s far west to see how the Naadam Festival is celebrated away from the crowds. Starting in Ulaanbaatar , we’ll fly west to Hovd and travel overland to Bayan Olgii . Along the way, we’ll experience not only traditional Mongolian life but also the culture of the Kazakh and Tuvan people. Meet and chat with eagle hunters, shamans, and nomads who live in the region.

Travelling off-road and sleeping in ger and tents, we'll also get our hands dirty in the great outdoors of the Altai mountains and have the chance to try out horseback riding. Come along for 12 unforgettable Mongolian summer nights over the Nadaam festival.

✍️ Read more about the Naadam Festival in Mongolia .  

Looking to see more of Mongolia? Come along for Koryo Tours’ Gobi Explorer right after Naadam.

See below for highlights, a full itinerary, and additional information about the Naadam Festival Western Mongolia Tour - Beyond the Steppe.

Experience Nadaam -- the biggest festival of the year for Mongolians Visit Mongolian, Kazak and Tuva nomadic families Enjoy horseback riding Hike the high mountains (with views across to Russia and China) Swim in mountain lakes and rivers Explore the Altai and Bayan Ulgii region of Mongolia Construct and sleep in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt) Marvel at the skill of local eagle hunters Stay with and learn from local Yak herders

Tuesday 1st July

• Check-in | Upon landing in Mongolia’s capital, we make our way to our centrally located hotel to recharge before our adventure begins. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take our optional walking tour to get your first taste of this fascinating city before returning for our 4 pm hotel briefing.  
• Introduction | Here, we’ll give you an overview of the country and culture along with some etiquette tips for visiting the homes of the Shamans, Kazakhs, and Tuvan people we’ll meet along the way. Then join us for a city walk, this time by night. Get a glimpse of Sükhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary hero Damdinii Sükhbaatar; the statues of Genghis Khan and other Mongolian generals are even more impressive when lit up at night.

Meals |  Dinner Overnight |  Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar. A local hotel situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, within a 5-minute walk from the main square. This hotel offers a great location from which to step out and explore the city.

Wednesday 2nd July

Tour of the city, and then fly to Bayan Olgii

• Gandantegchinlen | We start our day with a visit to Gandantegchinlen, Ulaanbaatar’s largest Buddhist monastery, where we can see practising monks and learn about the role of Mongolia’s largest religion.  
• State Department Store | After visiting Ganden Monastery, we’ll head back to the city’s heart, stopping for supplies at the State Department Store. Today privately owned, this is a throwback to the old Soviet sales system where everything is under one roof and you pay with multiple receipts before returning for your purchases. This is an ideal opportunity to stock up on trip supplies, even outdoor gear, so if you’ve discovered your sleeping bag has a hole, now’s the time to upgrade.  
• Internal Flight to Bayan Olgii | After lunch, we’ll take a two-hour flight to Bayan Olgii and pile into our UAZ 452s. We’ll begin our drive as soon as we arrive, heading out into the Altai Mountains to Khar Us Lake.  
• Bayan-Olgii (or Ulgii) Province, known locally as the ’Roof of Mongolia’, is a remote land of glaciers and mountain peaks; travellers can go for days without seeing a soul. This area is home to the Kazakh people, practising Muslims and Mongolia’s most significant ethnic group; here, we’ll learn how nomadic life in the mountains differs from that on the steppe.  
• We’ll stop by mud-brick winter houses that Kazakhs use when the temperature drops below -30*C in the winter months and the famed Kazakh yurts can’t keep out the cold. As we journey, we will cross high passes and trundle through beautiful picturesque summer valleys made all the more stunning as herds of yak frolic in the sun.  
• Arrive at Host-Family | We will arrive at our host eagle-hunting family in the late afternoon in time to pitch our tents before learning a little more about the Kazakh way of life.  
• Most families keep their golden eagles for hunting rabbits, hares, and even small deer; it is even claimed that many eagle hunters treat their eagles as well as their children.

Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight |   Camping / Tent. We will build tents as a group next to a local family on this night with the assistance of our local team. 

Thursday 3rd July

Khurgan and Khoton Lakes

• Western Mongolia | Today’s journey takes us through the western Mongolian wildlands, over moraines (glacial debris) and ancient burial sites, with stone-age rock carvings of animals and hunting scenes covering the mountainside. The spectacular Khurgan and Khoton Lakes lie at an altitude of 2,073 metres, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.  
• Camp at Khoton Lake | We’ll set up camp not far from the shore of Khoton Lake amongst the trees of the high alpine forest alongside a local family. Once the tents have been erected and our friendly hosts have greeted us, it’s time to relax.  
• You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring, or swimming in the crystalline waters of the nearby lakes. After dinner, should you wish, we will interact a little more with our Kazakh hosts, enjoying their hospitality around an evening bonfire all the while the mighty snow-capped Altai mountains silhouette our stay.  
• The Altai Mountains | A rocky border that divides the untamed nomadic lands of Mongolia from its vast southern neighbour, China.

Meals |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight | Camping / Tent. We will build tents as a group next to a local family on this night with the assistance of our local team.

Friday 4th July

Exploring the Khoton Lake region

• For some, today may be a day of leisure and further relaxation whilst for others a day of exploration, adventure and excitement in this beautiful yet secluded part of the world. For those who wish, it’s an early wake-up to help our host family round up the herd to complete the morning milking.  
• Hiking | After breakfast, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some independent hiking in the surrounding hills, go for a dip in one of the glacial streams that run past the family’s yurt, or head back to the lakes with one of the drivers and try your hand at a spot of fishing. (If you don’t catch anything, don’t worry, neither do they!)  
• Mongolian Horse Riding | For those who wish, this afternoon is your opportunity to ride the Mongolian horse most famed of all Mongolian animals. Our journey takes us on a three-hour round trip as we ride up into the foothills of the Altai mountains. We’ll pass local nomadic encampments, bubbling brooks and raging rivers, our destination, one of Mongolia’s largest waterfalls, ­­­Turgen Falls.  
• Turgen Falls | The falls sit in a most picturesque setting surrounded by alpine forests, lush green summer meadows, and framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Altai range. If the weather is good, you may feel that you have just entered a chocolate bar commercial.  
• After returning to camp we’ll have a chance to repack and prepare for tomorrow’s long drive to Tavan Bogd National Park. ­­­

Meals |   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight |  Camping / Tent. We will build tents as a group next to a local family on this night with the assistance of our local team.

Saturday 5th July

Tsagaan Gol and Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain

• Tsagaan Gol | After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our host family and work our way through the mountains to reach the mouth of Tsagaan Gol (White River), a mighty water source with enough limestone deposits to give the Milky River its name.  
• Shiveet Khairkhan | We’ll stop for pictures at the stunning Shiveet Khairkhan, home to some of the best rock carvings in Mongolia. Shiveet Khairkhan is an important mountain, especially to the indigenous Tuvan people and the wide variety of animals that call this remote mountain their home. Each year Tuvan shamans climb to Shiveet’s summit and perform various rituals, making offerings to the local ghosts and paying ancestral respects. The Tuvan are traditional herders found across the region renowned for their archery skills.  
• Tavan Bogd | As we draw nearer to the National Park entrance, we’ll begin to catch glimpses of Tavan Bogd (Five Saints), a mountain massif on the border of Mongolia, China and Russia, our destination.  
• Once we have passed through the park entrance, completing the formalities as needed, we’ll build our camp for the night. The area is beautiful, surrounded by the region’s most beautiful peaks, along with the roaring sound of the white river. After a bit of exploration and a visit to a local Tuvan family, we will tuck into another fine meal, served up in the warmth of our very own Ger.

Overnight | Camping / tent.   Camping on this night will be based around a pre-booked ger , offering us the chance to prepare meals and equipment ready for tomorrow's hike. The scenery here is amazing, surrounded by snow-capped mountains while listening to the roar of the white river.

Sunday 6th July

Hike to the base camp of Altai Tavan Bogd

• Trek up Tavan Bogd | We’ll leave our vehicles and non-essential luggage at the foot of the mountains today. The kit needed for our overnight stay is to be carried by our camels. We will then begin our trek up Tavan Bogd with the help of our local Tuvan guide.  
• Potanin Glacier | The journey to the camp is around 15 kilometres, located next to the stunning Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest. The hike is truly unique as we walk across lush alpine tundra, through mountain valleys and cross bubbling mountain brooks, all the while rewarded by views of untouched mountains. Once at our camp, we can relax and soak up the area’s ambience; the distant rumble of mountain avalanches and the crackling can be heard in the distance.  
• After lunch and a good old cup of tea, we’ll follow our local guide for a hike up over the moraines to look at the natural marvel of the Potanin Glacier. From a distance, the moraines look small, but it will take over an hour to reach the glacier. Once there, should you wish, we would only advise walking on its frozen surface with the assistance of the local guide. Around the glacier, the ring of mountains makes this breathtaking journey truly awe-inspiring.  
• Once we have finished our exploration, it’s back to camp for a well-deserved meal and rest as we bed down early, making use of our warm sleeping bags before the evening chill sets in.

Meals |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Overnight | Camping / tent. Camping at the Tavan Bogd base camp. Toilet facilities are provided, and we will build a restaurant tent for dinner and breakfast. This area is remote, yet beautiful being at the base of the main mountain range and only a stone’s throw from the main glacier.

Monday, 7th July

Return trek to Tsagaan Gol (White River) and on to Tsengle

• Today we’ll make the journey back down the valley. For those who rented horses yesterday, you have the option again today, or you can walk with the others back to the Tsagaan Gol ranger station, where our trucks and drivers will be waiting.  
• As we walk down through these mountain valleys, it is truly amazing to see the small rivers and streams from the glacier forming into the mighty White River. Once repacked and refreshed, we’ll continue the adventure and board our UAZs.  
• We’ll retrace some of our journeys down the long valley, eventually passing small local villages, now sparsely populated if at all. At one of these small habitations, we will stop to visit one of the caretaker families, with whom we will enjoy a cup of tea and see his central ward, the local school. We’ll drive on to make camp in the beautiful Tsengle Valley tonight, close to the Khovd River, where we camp near another local family we have known for several years.  
• Tonight, our host family are locally known wrestlers, so should you be thinking about entering Naadam as a wild card entrant, I am sure our host will oblige with a few tips and pointers.  
• Before dinner tonight, there is the possibility of washing and freshening up in one of the small tributaries and enjoying a few drinks or snacks from the nearby village.

Overnight |  Camping / Tent. Tonight we pitch tents with another local family located near to the town of Tsengle in a low river valley. We look at life here and experience yet another regional variation in hospitality.

Tuesday 8th July

Drive through Bayan Olgii

• Kazakh Tourist Camp | We bid farewell to our Nomadic friends and take a scenic drive back to Olgii, where we’ll spend the night in a Kazakh Tourist Camp, stopping for pictures and greeting nomad families along the way. We may also catch a local festival nestled in this mountainous region if we’re lucky. This afternoon we will have time to explore Bayan Ulgii’s capital, Olgii city. Olgii is an exciting place with a mix of Soviet-period architecture and more recent builds.  
• Olgii Market | A perfect site to pick up a few bargains and souvenirs and if you don’t need to shop, then people-watching and photography is also an excellent option.  
• Central Mosque | From the market, we will continue to the Central Mosque, a great way to learn a little about the religion in this region. The Central mosque is a newer building, brightly coloured and welcoming, a true reflection of the people in this part of remote Mongolia.  
• The city centre is also interesting to explore the home to an ageing yet interesting Soviet period history museum and numerous newer built but refreshing coffee shops. After exploring the town, we will make one final stop at an impressive mountain viewpoint offering views over Olgii city and the surrounding countryside.  
• Our ger camp tonight is a real treat after the past few days under canvas – hot and cold running water, showers, and beds. This evening after an authentic regional Kazakh meal, we’ll have the chance to listen to some traditional Kazakh music from a group of musicians trying to keep part of their Kazakh culture alive. They will serenade us by playing Dombra and Jetigen.

Overnight | Tourist Ger (yurt) Camp.   We'll stay in one of the tourist ger areas found on the outskirts of Ulgii city. This camp offers a shower block with warm running water and wash facilities as well as a restaurant area from where our chief can provide some more delicious food.

Wednesday 9th July

Drive to and enjoy Tolbo Lake

• Tolbo Lake | We’ll leave Olgii City at a more leisurely pace, our drive made all the easier on one of the country’s newer roads as we head east to the picturesque Tolbo Lake. Tolbo sits at an altitude of 2,080 meters. It is famous for its remote beauty, and as the site of a crucial 1921 battle between the Bolshevik and White Russian forces – the locals still find belt buckles and buttons in the field.  
• We will not only spend the night in gers by the side of the lake but have the chance for further enjoyment of the area. You’ll have time to swim or bathe in the lake’s clear waters, or just unwind and take in the mountain views. The site also boasts lovely hiking routes around the shoreline and over the protruding rocky outcrops, perfect for a bit of exercise or to catch some fantastic photos of the gorgeous surroundings.  
• In the evening our team will provide another delicious meal, after which you may choose to visit the on-site sauna or take an early night before tomorrow’s adventure.

Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Overnight |  Tourist Ger (yurt) Camp. We'll stay in a tourist ger camp found on the shores of the lake where you may swim relax or enjoy a sauna. 

Thursday 10th July

A morning swim, a Shaman visit and an afternoon around Hovd market

• Khovd | This morning, the hardy amongst you may want to take a chilly early morning dip in the lake or sip on a coffee and watch the sunrise above Tolbo; no matter your choice, after breakfast it’s back into our trucks as we journey on to the last leg of our adventure. We’ll head east, leaving Bayan Olgii behind us and entering Khovd, our destination is Khovd city which will be our home for the next few nights.  
• Khovd city is the province’s capital, established in the early 17th century. Khovd has a rich history and it is home to 10 ethnic groups and not commonly on the tourist trail so it makes for an interesting stop on our adventure.  
• Uriankhai Shaman | Once we have pulled into town and checked into our gers, we’ll immediately use our time by visiting the local Uriankhai Shaman.  
• Although predominantly a Tibetan Buddhist country, Shamanism is still an essential part of many people’s everyday life in Mongolia, especially in these more rural parts. We will witness some of the ancient and mysterious rituals that the community still holds dear such as mirrors that repel evil spirits or sacred fire and water.  
• Monestary | Following our Shamanistic introduction to Khovd, we will also call at the local monastery, which is in a picturesque setting on the city’s outskirts, home to a few resident monks, and a perfect stop to learn further about the religion of the region.  
• Khovd Market | From temple to market we go as we stop at another important local institution; Khovd Market is found at the heart of the city and will likely be busy as many locals prepare for tomorrow’s big holiday, Naadam. Naadam sees most locals wanting to look their best, opting to wear their traditional dress, the Deel, and prepare a few meals for friends and family from afar. We will call at the local market and check out the best dress shop in town, perfect for photographers and those into local traditions alike. They may not have time to suit and boot you, but it's great to see.  
• After our slice of local life, we’ll return to our ger camp in time to charge those all-important batteries ready for tomorrow’s big day, Nadaam!

Overnight |  Tourist ge r (yurt) Gamp. One of only two camps found around the city of Hovd. This camp has fantastic views over the surrounding countryside while being situated on the outskirts of the central city. It has a separate shower block and facility for our chef to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Friday 11th July

Experience the local Mongolian Naadam Festival

• Naadam Festival | Although there have already been many highlights on this adventure, today is an important one as it is the Naadam Festival; this annual event takes place all across the country drawing many nomadic folk from their isolated existence to designated hubs to celebrate.  
• Naadam is held in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, provincial capitals, small towns and even pre-arranged points out in the middle of nowhere.  
• Ulaanbaatar’s Naadam is the most widely known, but that is now the domain of overcrowded tour buses, overpriced tickets and a tad sterile. For us, a world-famous cultural event such as this should be celebrated at its roots with the real, local people. Khovd’s Naadam is still a truly local affair, virtually unchanged over generations. Khovd town is a rural town for many Mongolians gather for this fantastic event.  
• Naadam in Khovd draws people from all over the region, with some locals even returning from overseas. To compete in traditional events is a real honour – especially wrestling, horse racing, archery and even lesser-known events such as ankle bone shooting.000 Naadam is also a time for families and friends to reconnect, share their news eat their favourite foods, and maybe even find a future husband or wife.  
• Whilst attending, we’ll learn a lot more about the events, such as the unusual wrestling costume of undershorts and an open waistcoat. Legend has it that a woman in disguise once outwrestled all the men and so, to prevent future humiliation, the outfits were altered.  
• Our aim today is to view the opening ceremony and watch the wrestling, archery and ankle bone shooting which all take place in the same location. Following a local Naadam lunch, we will head out of town to catch a few of the long-distance horse races.  
• Once all of the excitement is over, we will head back to our ger camp for one more treat of local Mongolian Throat Singing.

Overnight | Ger (yurt) Tourist Camp.

Saturday 12th July

Fly to Ulaanbaatar

• Internal Flight to Ulaanbaatar | Leaving our horses, camels, and Russian jeeps behind for good, we’ll board our plane and return to Ulaanbaatar. The flight takes us out across central Mongolia, from where the views from the plane will drive home how vast this country is.  
• We should arrive back in Mongolia’s capital around lunchtime; after we have transferred to our hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free.  
• State Department Store | This afternoon, time permitting, you can shop ’til you drop at the city market, the State Department Store or search out one of the many souvenir shops. Cheap cashmere, felt curios, leather bags and purses, and Soviet antiques are often the pick of the day.  
• Museums | History lovers can stop by one of the many museums found in the capital or walk to the beautiful Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan (1869-1922), who became Khagan (theocratic ruler) when the country split from China in 1911.  
• If none of the above appeals after our nomadic expedition, you may just wish to chill and relax with a coffee or cocktail at an outdoor café and watch this fascinating city unfold before you.  
• Before we say goodbye, we’ll have one more meal together at one of Ulaanbaatar’s popular haunts, where we will enjoy a mix of food and a few goodbye drinks to boot.  
• Meals |  Breakfast, Dinner with a city family

Overnight |  Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar. 

Sunday 13th July

• We end our adventure in the morning, with transfers to the airport for international flights. Pack your souvenirs, your dirty clothes and your memories, and have a safe trip home!  
• For those adventurous souls who can’t stop travelling, you can also add the option to join our Gobi Explorer Tour . If you wish to add this, please contact your tour manager for more information. 
• Internal flights
• Horse riding
• All included sightseeing
• All camping equipment (not sleeping bags)
• All tents are on two-person bases, but single options are available upon booking
• Airport Pickup
• Extra horse riding 30 - 60 USD
• Meals (specified)
• Helmet rental 30 USD
• Airport Transfer (outside of trip start/end dates) 30 USD

Please note! This tour has been specifically arranged to visit remote areas. As such it may have elements of an expedition about it, due to the nature and ruggedness of the terrain. Due to this, any change in itinerary at the time cannot be helped. We will do our best to keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible. However, please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter any extreme weather conditions. Along the way all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and an expedition leader. We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground whose expertise will far exceed our own.

If fewer than 5 passengers book, this tour will be led by a local leader only.

July 12 - July 19 2025

The Gobi Explorer

Mongolia Gobi Desert Explorer

This tour into the vast Gobi Desert offers a great insight into local life, geology and scenery. From 1600 USD per person

Please apply by 1st July, 2025 .

A short adventure for those who wish to see the great Gobi Desert in a short space of time. During this short but intensive tour, we delve deep into the Gobi Desert and become true explorers. Our first stop is at Mandalagovi .

This desert town was once home to factories during the Soviet Union period. Heading further south, we will check out the Yol Am Valley . This is located in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range. Before setting off on our hike, we will pay a visit to the small local natural history museum which includes strange exhibits and 10 million-year-old dinosaur eggs. During this Gobi Desert tour, we also visit the Khongor Sand Dunes , also known as the ‘Singing Dunes’ for the eerie noise they make when swept by the wind, as well as visiting Bayanzag .

This is otherwise known as ‘Flaming Cliffs' due to the rich red colouration of the clays and rocks which have been pushed up to form this landscape. All this, whilst checking out the herds of camels as we go, hiking through untouched and unexplored areas, enjoying breathtaking sunrises, and experiencing life in a Mongolia Ger   tent. 

If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, head to Mongolia for the Naadam Festival which directly precedes this Gobi Desert Explorer Tour.

See below for the Gobi Explorer Tour highlights, itinerary, and notes.

• The Gobi desert, one of Mongolia's must-see locations - enjoy the peace and tranquillity in this rugged yet beautiful terrain.
• Visit the awe-inspiring Khongor Sand Dunes some of the biggest in Asia.
• Hike through the exciting Vulture Gorge Visit Bayanzag this once home of dinosaurs such as the T-rex is now their encased in its beautiful red cliffs.

Sunday, 13th July

Ulaanbaatar  .

• No matter your arrival time, as with all our tours, the Koryo representative will be there to meet you and escort you to your hotel.  
• Once you’ve had a chance to relax, we’ll head out into the city for a bit of light exploration before heading to our first group meal.

Meals |  Dinner Overnight |  Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar. A local hotel situated in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, within a 5-minute walk from the main square. This hotel offers a great location from which to walk out and explore the city.

Monday, 14th July

Into the Gobi Desert

• We’ll start our adventure early as we have a long drive south towards the Gobi Desert. On the journey, we will see the lush green rolling hills of Ulaanbataar open up to the semi-arid middle Gobi region.  
• Mandalagovi | For lunch, we will stop at a local restaurant in the regional capital, Mandalagovi. This desert town expanded and grew during the Soviet Union period becoming a centre of manufacturing and industry, which unfortunately declined following the collapse of the Union. These days the town is home to a large agricultural college with farming also providing the primary income regionally.  
• Continuing our drive southwards, we will see more signs of desertification and herds of camels roaming the desolate desert plains.  
• White Stupa Cliffs | We’ll cross from the middle Gobi region into the south, turning off the main highway and heading out across the desert scrub to our destination, the White Stupa Cliffs (Tsagaan Suvarga). The White Stupa Cliffs are located in the rocky Tsagaan Suvarga National Park; they are an impressive geological rock formation. Millions of years of wind, rain, and tectonic shifts have sculpted this ancient sea bed. The cliffs that have been formed, as the name suggests, resemble crumbling white Buddhist pagodas (stand even further back, and they look like a deserted city).  
• Not far from the fantastic White Stupa Cliffs, we find our ger camp accommodation tonight, out in the desert; once we have checked in, you’ll be able to enjoy a welcome drink and view your first Gobi sunset.

Overnight |  Tourist Ger Camp. We stay in gers out in this desert region. We have access to the restaurant area as well as bathroom facilities with hot showers and Western-style toilets.

Tuesday, 15th July

An Adventure in Eagle Valley

• For those who watched the sunset the previous day, you may wish to complete the set and wake for the desert sunrise; alternatively, snuggle up in your duvet and enjoy the warmth of your ger.  
• Dalanzadgad | After breakfast, we’ll depart the camp and continue southwards to the city of Dalanzadgad. Dalanzadgad is the regional capital at the heart of South Gobi Province and the region where we will be spending much of the following days.  
• Dalanzadgad has a population of around 70,000, although it never feels like it since this settlement in the desert always appears empty with a wild west frontier feel to it. We’ll stop for a spot of lunch and stock up on road snacks before driving on to our main highlight of the day Yol Am Valley.  
• Yol Am Valley |  A relatively short drive from Dalanzadgad finds us at the famed Yol Am Valley (Vulture Valley); this narrow canyon is located in southern Mongolia’s Gurvan Saikhan Mountain Range. Before beginning our hike, we will visit the small local natural history museum; this quirky museum is quite interesting as it houses some of the region’s paleontological finds in the shape of ten million-year-old dinosaur eggs.  
• We begin our adventure at the valley’s wide entrance, following the small river into the canyons, narrowing cliffs eventually. As the step-sided walls cut the sun from the canyon’s bottom, we will catch a glimpse of the locally famous frozen river. Over the winter months, the river builds up a thick layer of ice, which thaws slowly and, at times, remains long into the summer months. As you follow the winding path, eagles rise to circle in the thermals high above the canyon whilst wild goats can be seen perched on the high valley walls and picas scurry amongst the rocky terrain.  
• For those who may have used all of their energy climbing the dunes yesterday, there are plenty of horses for rent at the entrance of the canyon.

Overnight |  Tourist Ger Camp. 

Wednesday, 16th July

The Singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els

• Khongor Sand Dunes | The adventure continues as we board our vehicles and journey onwards through the wilds of the Gobi Desert heading deeper into its sandy clutches to the Khongor Sand Dunes (Khongoryn Els), also known as the Singing Sands. We pass some of the typical Gobi terrain along the route, a mix of loose pebbles, gravel, and fine sand. As we journey, we will cross a fertile area of the steppe where we’ll be sure to visit one of the traditional nomadic families who call this desolate region home.  
• The Khongor Sand Dunes, as the name suggests, are a dune system found within the Gobi; as only around 3% of the Gobi desert is covered in sand, the sight of these 300-metre-high gigantic dunes is something to behold. The shifting sands of Khongoryn Els stretch out for over 180 km, although we arrive in the most impressive area and stay at a Ger camp with views across these giants.  
• Once we have eaten lunch and waited for the day to cool a little, we’ll continue our adventure and visit one of Khongor’s resident camel herder families. Although most of these herder families are now in this region to supply camels to tourists, we can think of no better way to approach these monstrous sandy giants. After arriving, we will have time enough to climb and explore the dunes; it may take a little longer than you think to climb the impressive dunes.  
• If you are fortunate, you may also experience why they have been named the singing dunes, as when the wind blows across the sand’s surface in the right direction, an eerie sound is emitted, sounding like an aircraft to some and a hidden being to others.  
• Another day nearing its end, but as with much of the Gobi Desert’s natural scenery, the Khongor Dunes come alive at sunset. Perhaps view the area from the top of the dunes or the comfort of our relaxing Ger camp while enjoying a cold drink after dinner.

Overnight |  Tourist Ger Camp 

Thursday, 17th July

To the Flaming Cliffs

• Aimags | The Gobi Desert is vast and our foray onto its plains today only gives us a snippet of its actual size; the Gobi Desert reaches into six Mongolian provinces (Aimags) and even crosses into China. The Gobi is the sixth-largest desert globally and the second in Asia. A wide-open place of extremes; our stop for today is perhaps one of the most well-known.  
• Flaming Cliffs | Our main destination for today, Bayanzag – (the Flaming Cliffs), is stunningly beautiful with its flame-coloured sandstone cliffs and canyons. Aside from its obvious wow factor, Bayanzag is also where American palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered the world’s first-ever fossilised dinosaur eggs and a mightly haul of various other fossils. A walk along the cliffs here is a walk in the footsteps of the man whom Indiana Jones was modelled on!  
• Bayanzag | We will also take a walk amongst the lower regions of Bayanzag, nicknamed by some as Mongolia’s answer to the Grand Canyon; they haven’t visited the canyon however since Bayanzag doesn’t resemble the Grand Canyon but is truly a marvel in its own right. The lower areas of the cliffs offer us breathtaking views of the enflamed rock face and reflect the cliff’s more local name, Bayanzag. Bayanzag translates to “rich in saxaul shrubs” which sounds a little odd until you find these peculiar spindly shrubs sprouting from the desert floor, creating a strange and otherworldly feel to the area.  
• Once we have finished our exploration, it’s off to the nearby Ger camp where we can relax, drink, and maybe return to the cliffs to catch the changing colours as sunsets, making a perfect end to an exciting day.

Overnight |  Tourist Ger camp

Friday, 18th July

A Nomadic drive 

• For those early risers today, you may wish to view the changing colours of the flaming cliffs once again; this time, sunrise offers the opportunity and is said to be the best time, to see the true beauty of this famous geological formation.  
• Baga Gazriin Chuluu | Following breakfast, we make our way across the country, continuing our journey to an area known as Baga Gazriin Chuluu. The trip will take us across typical Gobi scrub, transitioning into the more famed and well-known traditional Mongolian steppe.  
• As we approach Baga Gazriin Chuluu, it comes as a real surprise a red granite outcrop of rocks rises to 1768 metres above sea level in the middle of the flat, featureless Mongolian steppe.  
• Baga Gazriin Chuluu is designated a national park home to 20 rare species of plant, ibex, marmot and mountain sheep. The area offers us impressive geology and the chance to explore this and more with some good hikes, which also encompass some of the ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds found in the area.  
• Nomadic Herders | Should time permit on our journey, we will also have time to interact with a few more local nomadic herders who will also be passing through the region (just on a longer journey). Time permitting, we’ll stop for the ubiquitous cup of milky tea before continuing on our own adventure.  
• Once at the ger camp, for those who wish, there may be the opportunity for some optional horse riding, a great location to experience a ride out on a true Mongolian steed.

Saturday, 19th July

• Drive to Ulaanbaatar | After an early morning start, we say a fond farewell to Mongolia’s southern region and drive back to the bustling capital Ulaanbaatar.  
• Gandan Monastery | However, our tour isn’t over as we’re off into the city to explore some of Ulaanbaatar’s must-see sites, the first stop at Gandan Monastery.  
• Gandan Monastery is Ulaanbaatar’s largest and most impressive Buddhist monastery; the complex is comprised of varying temples from different periods; one of the highlights is viewing the 26-meter-high gold-coated indoor Buddha.  
• National Museum of Mongolian History | From temple to museum, we’ll head further into the city and stop at the National Museum of Mongolian History to see artefacts from Mongolia and Central Asia dating as far back as the Stone Age to the present day. From there, it’s a short jaunt back across the square to the comfort of our hotel, where you’ll have the chance to wash the Gobi sand from your hair before relaxing, shopping and preparing for our last group meal together.

Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight |  Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Sunday, 20th July  

• 2 nights hotel in Ulaanbaatar
• Transportation in Japanese 4X4 airconditioned vehicles
• 5 nights Ger camps
• Entrance fees and national park taxes
• All meals included
• English speaking local guides
• Airport Transfer (on the trip start/end dates)
• Medical insurance

Please note! This tour has been designed to visit not only a few of the more remote areas but also those must see sites that are firmly on the tourist trail. Although with any tour to Mongolia there is still an element of nature and ruggedness of the terrain. Due to this, any change in itinerary at the time cannot be helped. We will do our best to keep to the advertised itinerary as closely as possible. However, please be aware that things are subject to change, especially if we encounter any extreme weather conditions. Along the way all tour decisions will rest with Rich (tour manager) and an expedition leader. We will also be taking advice from local people on the ground whose expertise will far exceed our own.

September 2025 — 1 tour

September 11 - september 24 2025.

Please apply by 1st September, 2025 .

October 2025 — 1 tour

October 18 - october 24 2025.

Please apply by 1st October, 2025 .

Saturday, October 18th

Sunday, October 19th

This morning, after breakfast, it is straight out as we explore the city on foot and by bus.

Monday, October 20th

Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, October 21st

Hotel | TBC

Wednesday, October 22nd 

Hotel | Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Thursday, October 23rd

Friday, October 24th 

Next tour departure dates

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The Mongolian Tourism Association (MTA) plays an important role in the promotion of Mongolia as a travel destination on both the international market and domestic market. Its activities include the development of new marketing strategies and concepts based on specific themes, events, and attractions. The MTA also brings together and optimizes the diverse marketing activities of partners in the Mongolian travel industry.

Tourism Opportunities in Mongolia

Tourism attractions /cultural, environmental, social/, events and festivals, facts and statistics, facilities and services for business visitors, discounted training opportunities for staff, annual “tourism cup” sports competition, international tourism fair and exhibition organization and assistance, educational and promotional materials, social media networking, www.travelmongolia.org official website providing mta activities and mongolian tourism, voting rights in annual meetings and ability to serve on mta board of directors, direct marketing of member services and advise on website brochures, itineraries and various advertising methods, use mta logo exhibition stand rentals.

• About association
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Nomadic Traditions and the Great Gobi Desert

Mongolia’s golden eagle festival.

From $8,495

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Arrive: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Depart: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

• See eagle hunters and huntresses parading with their huge golden eagles, and watch the eagles hunt their prey
• Enjoy the stunning setting of the renowned Three Camel Lodge, with its well-appointed ger tents
• Sip sundowners and watch the magical sunset at the Gobi's Flaming Cliffs
• Walk in the Moltsog Els dunes, ride a Bactrian camel
• Watch a wild horseback game called kukbar
• Visit Gandan Monastery, seat of Buddhism in Mongolia

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 150 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 151 days: no penalty 91-150 days: 25% of trip cost 61-90 days: 50% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader
• Accommodations in ger camps and hotels
• All meals included except 2 lunches and 2 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from arrival until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance (required)
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Days 1-2 (2 nights)

Three Camel Lodge

The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Days 3-5 (3 nights)

Day 6 (1 night)

Mongolian Ger Camps

Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Days 7-9 (3 nights)

Days 10-11 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Azaa Choijoo

Amarbuyan Yura

What the Trip is Like

In Ulaanbaatar, our overnights are in a well-located hotel with modern amenities. Our ger camps at the Golden Eagle Festival are simple two-person gers with beds, sheets and blankets, and small stoves for heat. Toilet and shower facilities are separate from the gers and shared by all participants. The shower water is solar heated and may not be available daily. Please be prepared for limited shower use. In the Gobi, we stay at the Three Camel Lodge, with its setting in the stunning landscape of the Gobi's Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Gers at this lodge have private bathrooms and the main lodge building has a central fireplace and large wooden porch for enjoying the serenity of the Mongolian outback.

Roads outside Ulaanbaatar are unpaved and often very bumpy and dusty. In most cases, travel on these roads will be done in Russian four-wheel drive vans, which are not up to western SUV standards, but are reasonably comfortable.

A Special Note on Travel to Mongolia

Mongolia is an exciting destination, and while tourism is growing rapidly, the infrastructure remains limited. The country is modernizing quickly from its Soviet-era standards, but they are not yet up to the level of many countries (particularly felt by travelers on the bumpy roads!). Essential requirements for travel in Mongolia are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.

Client Testimonials

"The festival was fantastic. The locations of the eagle camp and Three Camel Lodge were beautiful. We were thrilled to experience the mini-Nadaam in the Gobi, and we really enjoyed the hike to see the petroglyphs in the Gobi."

Chandler, AZ

"Loved the trip, guide and all crew members. Everything worked very well and was well organized. The cultural performance in Ulaan Bataar was unexpectedly excellent. Food at both camps was yummy—we ate too much! As always, we enjoyed the fellow WT guests."

Cincinnati, OH

"The trip was an amazing immersion into the Mongolian culture! And our guide, Azaa, did a masterful job of guiding through this adventure! I came away with a far better understanding of this incredibly unique country—with a very unique and significant history than I ever thought I would! Also, the opportunity to meet and spend some time with a wide cross-section of Mongolian people (the Gobi and the mountains) was priceless. The balance between the ancient nomadic and modern cultures was amazing, and will definitely stay with me! I cannot recommend this adventure more!"

Ronkonkoma, NY

"This was a fantastic trip, and not one we could have managed on our own."

"We had a really great time—the Golden Eagle Festival and the Gobi were both truly spectacular. The Three Camel Lodge was superb in every way, and the ger camp near Ulgii was a lot of fun and in a great location. We enjoyed being in the Kazakh gers with their rugs and decorations."

Margaret A.

Seattle, WA

"The trip was amazing. I'm already thinking about my next one!"

"Spectacular! Thrilling! Unique! To those considering this trip: You will see more than 100 eagle hunters and huntresses parade in front of you with huge golden eagles on their arms. You will watch the eagles circle overhead until they spot their target, then swoop down at a dazzling speed. You will get to meet the hunters, and you will have the thrill of holding the eagles!"

Oakland, CA

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!