Travel Type
Private Tours
Duration
13 Days/12 Nights
Country
Mongolia
Embark on a unique journey to the heart of Mongolia, across endless steppes, lush mountains, and wild deserts. From the vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar to the legendary Orkhon Valley, discover a land where nature reigns supreme, and nomadic culture is passed down through generations. Meet nomadic families, share in their ancient traditions, and observe the wild Przewalski horses in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of centuries-old monasteries and Buddhist temples, admire the spectacular landscapes of the Little Gobi and the Arkhangai mountains, and relax in natural hot springs nestled in pristine surroundings. Between adventure, cultural immersion, and moments of contemplation, this journey promises unforgettable memories and an authentic encounter with the soul of Mongolia.
Inclusions
– 12-night accommodation in 4* hotels or superior ger tourist camps with private toilet and shower (except for 3 camps in Orkhon Valley and Tsagaan Sum)
– 36 meals: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners
– English-speaking guide
– Transfers and land transportation in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser 200 with an experienced driver
– Entrance fees to the cultural sites and museums mentioned in the itinerary
– Bottled water
– Sleeping bag
Exclusions
International flights and airport taxes – Visa, if required – Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides and drivers – Meals and beverages other than those mentioned – Optional excursions – Personal expenses – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN ULAANBAATAR
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in and enjoy a well-deserved rest. At lunchtime, you will head to a traditional Mongolian restaurant to savor an authentic meal. In the afternoon, you will take part in a city tour of the capital. Begin with a 1.5-hour visit to the famous Choijin Lama Museum, where you will discover Zanabazar’s Buddhist art and stunning papier-mâché decorations. Later in the day, attend a traditional singing and dance performance presented by the internationally renowned Tumen Ekh group. The show lasts approximately one hour and will immerse you in Mongolian cultural richness. To conclude the day, stroll through the center of Ulaanbaatar and explore the impressive Chinggis Khaan Central Square as well as the parliament, surrounded by the imposing statues of Chinggis, Ogodei, and Kublai Khaan. Your day ends with a dinner in a restaurant near your hotel, offering one last taste of the local cuisine.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Ulaanbaatar for 1 night
2
DAY 2 ULAANBAATAR – GANDAN MONASTERY – SAIN NOMUN MONASTERY – 13TH CENTURY COMPLEX
In the morning, before leaving Ulaanbaatar, you will attend the monks’ morning prayer in one of the temples of Gandantegchinlin Monastery, famous for its Tibetan-inspired architecture. You will then have the opportunity to explore the entire site and admire the main pagoda, which houses the largest standing Buddha statue inside a building in the world. Next, you will take the road to the village of Nalaikh. Lunch will be served in a small, unique restaurant located within Sain Nomuun Monastery. The final visit of the day will take you to the equestrian statue of Chinggis Khaan, located at the Tsonjin Boldog Complex, east of Ulaanbaatar. At the end of the day, you will experience your first stay in a tourist ger camp at the “13th Century Complex,” an immersive theme park dedicated to the 13th century. The journey to the camp takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, combining 27 km of road and 18 km of track through the heart of the steppe.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp 13th Century Complex for 1 night
3
DAY 3 GUN GALUUT NATURE RESERVE
In the morning, wake up in the heart of the Mongolian plains, with the vast steppe landscapes stretching out before you. After breakfast at the camp, set out eastward to reach the Gun Galuut Nature Reserve. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, combining 76 km of road and 18 km of track through the heart of the steppe. Before arriving at the next camp, you will make a stop at the Ayaga Marsh, a rich ecosystem home to numerous animal species and migratory birds. You will then arrive at the Steppe Nomads tourist ger camp in time for lunch. After settling in, your meal will be served, followed by a short break to enjoy your new surroundings. Later in the day, accompanied by a local guide, you will set out to encounter the argalis, Mongolia’s majestic wild sheep. You will also have the chance to observe herds of yaks and horses grazing south of the camp. Dinner will be served upon your return to the camp. The evening continues with a magical moment under the starry sky, in the heart of the Mongolian steppe.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp Steppe Nomads for 1 night
4
DAY 4 TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
After a morning immersed in nature, enjoy your breakfast at the camp before setting out for Terelj National Park. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to cover 110 km. Lunch will be served after you settle in at the tourist camp, followed by a short relaxation break. In the early afternoon, set out to discover Aryaval Temple, a mysterious gem in the heart of Terelj National Park. To reach it, a path will lead you across a suspension bridge flanked by panels engraved with inscriptions reflecting the precious teachings of Buddhism. Dinner will be served upon your return to the camp.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp or Hotel Bolor Resort for 1 night
5
DAY 5 NOMADIC MONGOL CAMP
After a gentle morning and breakfast, you will set out for the Nomadic Mongol tourist camp, located approximately 55 km from Ulaanbaatar. The journey takes about 2 hours to cover 130 km. Upon arrival, you will meet a nomadic family who continue to preserve traditional ways of life, and you will discover their unique lifestyle through authentic demonstrations of the daily activities of Mongolian herders. You will also witness a reenactment of their seasonal migration, with ox-drawn carts and camel caravans transporting their belongings. Finally, you will observe traditional techniques for felt-making and leather tanning, skills passed down through generations. Lunch will be served at the camp. Enjoy your final afternoon in the heart of the Mongolian steppes, relaxing amidst these enchanting landscapes. After dinner, immerse yourself in a unique experience: a shamanic ceremony.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp Nomadic Mongol for 1 night
6
DAY 6 KHÖGNÖ KHAN NATIONAL PARK (LITTLE GOBI)
After breakfast at the camp, set out early in the morning for Khögnö Khan National Park. You will discover a park of striking contrasts, alternating between semi-desert steppes, granite massifs, and a long stretch of sand about 80 km in length. This diversity has earned it the nickname “Little Gobi.” It is an ideal first immersion to appreciate the transition between steppe and desert and to grasp the natural richness of this arid region. The journey takes approximately 3 hours to cover 230 km. Upon arrival at the camp, lunch will be served, followed by a short relaxation break. In the early afternoon, explore Khamba Monastery, built in the 17th century in the mountains by Zanabazar in honor of his spiritual master, the monk Erdene. In the early evening, experience an unforgettable camel ride through the dunes of Elsentasarkhai. At the gentle pace of this iconic animal, you will traverse the rolling dunes for about 40 minutes. Enjoy a relaxing moment at a nomadic family’s camp, with an aperitif served as you admire the peaceful view over Khögnö Khan National Park and its surrounding dunes, before returning to the camp for dinner.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp in Khögnö Khan National Park for 1 night
7
DAY 7 ORKHON VALLEY
After breakfast at the camp’s restaurant, you will begin a day of transition between two ecosystems: you will leave behind the semi-desert landscapes of the Little Gobi and head toward the lush mountains of Arkhangai. The journey takes approximately 3 hours to cover 160 km. Upon arrival at the new tourist camp, lunch will be served, followed by a short break. In the afternoon, set out to discover the “Orkhon Gate,” the spectacular entrance to the canyon carved by the Orkhon River. Your camp, ideally located on the edge of the canyon, offers breathtaking views of the region’s volcanic landscapes. A pleasant walk along the river and canyon will allow you to enjoy a calm and preserved environment. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by a peaceful evening in the heart of the valley.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp in Orkhon Gate for 1 night
8
DAY 8 ORKHON VALLEY
After a gentle morning and breakfast at the camp, set out to meet a nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley for a moment of cultural exchange and sharing. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley is a land of nomadism where many herders set up their summer camps each year. A round-trip hike of approximately 8 km will allow you to explore the landscape over about 3 hours. You will witness the preparation of a Mongolian barbecue, which you will then share with your hosts at lunchtime. In the afternoon, a scenic horseback ride will take you to the Orkhon Falls. Rising 20 meters high and about 10 meters wide, these impressive waterfalls offer a breathtaking sight and are also a traditional sacred site for reflection and prayer. You can choose to explore the falls on horseback or on foot (the horseback ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cover approximately 7 km). It is also possible to reach the falls by vehicle if you prefer a gentler option. After this beautiful discovery of the Orkhon Falls, you will return to the ger camp where dinner will be served.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp in Orkhon Waterfall (yurt or wooden chalet) for 1 night
9
DAY 9 TÖVKHÖN MONASTERY – TSAGAAN SUM HOT SPRINGS
After a morning immersed in nature, enjoy breakfast at the camp before continuing your journey to Tövkhön Monastery. Perched atop the sacred Shireet Ulaan Mountain at 2,312 meters, this deeply spiritual site is surrounded by volcanic rocks and larch forests. A hike to the summit allows you to admire the full beauty of the area and enjoy a peaceful moment. (The hike requires very good physical fitness and is entirely optional.) At lunchtime, you will arrive at the Tsagaan Sum tourist camp. After settling in, your lunch will be served. In the afternoon, relax in the soothing natural setting of the Tsagaan Sum hot springs. Nestled in a wooded valley, these mineral-rich springs are renowned for their restorative properties, particularly for relieving joint pain and certain nervous system disorders. Dinner will be served at the yurt camp, in the tranquility of nature.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp in Tsagaan Sum for 1 night
10
DAY 10 KARAKORUM
After breakfast at the camp, set out for Karakorum, the ancient capital founded in 1235 by Ögödei, son of Chinggis Khaan. A key stop along the Silk Road, this city was the political heart of the Mongol Empire before Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Today, its ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and history of this legendary city. The journey takes approximately 3 hours to cover 120 km. You will arrive in Karakorum in time for lunch, which will be served in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomadic prince just outside the ruins of the ancient capital. It is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its buildings, blending Chinese and Tibetan architecture, are surrounded by 108 sacred white stupas, and its preserved temples reflect the introduction of Buddhism as the state religion. The discovery continues with a visit to the Karakorum Museum, which houses Mongolia’s richest collection of Turkic artifacts. You will see numerous relics and objects that trace the history of the peoples who inhabited the region during the first millennium. Finally, you will check-in at the Secret of the Silk Road Resort and enjoy a free evening in the historic town of Karakorum.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp Secret Silk Road Resort in Karakorum for 1 night
11
DAY 11 KHUSTAI RESERVE
After breakfast at the Karakorum tourist camp, set out for the Khustai Reserve, famous for its wild Przewalski horses. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to cover 270 km. You will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. You will arrive in the early afternoon at the Khustai Reserve tourist camp, where you will have some free time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Twilight is the best time to observe the Przewalski horses. Genetically different from domestic horses (66 chromosomes versus 64), these small, sturdy, and completely wild horses represent the last truly wild horse breed in the world. About 200 individuals now roam freely in the reserve, alongside rare species such as the maral (Central Asian deer) and steppe gazelle. You will take a walk near the watering area where they gather, allowing you to observe them without disturbing their natural behavior. You will then return to the tourist camp for dinner and enjoy a peaceful evening in this pristine natural setting.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Tourist ger camp in Khustai Reserve for 1 night
12
DAY 12 ULAANBAATAR
After your final wake-up at the camp and breakfast, set out for Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, the last herds of horses crossing the tracks and the distant yurts will accompany you to the outskirts of the capital. The journey takes approximately 2 hours to cover 50 km, depending on traffic. Before reaching the heart of the city, make a stop at the Gobi cashmere factories, a chance to discover and appreciate the exceptional quality of Mongolian cashmere (optional). You will then continue to the city center and check-in at your hotel, where lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum to explore the fascinating history of the great conqueror and the Mongol Empire. In the evening, share a final convivial moment and celebrate your journey over dinner at a restaurant in the capital.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Ulaanbaatar for 1 night
13
DAY 13 DEPARTURE FROM ULAANBAATAR
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your return flight.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Ulaanbaatar
Hotel 9 4* (according to local standards)
13th Century Complex
Tourist ger camp
Gun Galuut Reserve
Steppe Nomads tourist ger camp
Terelj National Park
Bolor resort, yurt or hotel room
Nomadic Mongol
Tourist ger camp
Khögnö Khan (Little Gobi)
Burd Star tourist ger camp
Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Gate tourist ger camp (day 7) and Orkhon Waterfall camp, yurt or wooden chalet (day 8) – Please note that these two camps do not offer private toilets or showers due to weather conditions.
Tsagaan Sum National Park
Tourist ger camp. Please note that this camp does not offer private toilets or showers due to weather conditions.
Karakorum
Secret of the Silk Road Resort, in yurt
Khustaï Reserve
Tourist ger camp
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting at, in double occupancy | Land package | ||
| Daily Departures 2026 | Private for 2 passengers | Private for 4 passengers | Private for 6 passengers |
| January 1 – December 31 | 9419 | 7439 | 6899 |
Product Code: AZU
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Mongolia: a Land of Contrasts – Detailed itinerary
Mongolia: a Land of Contrasts – Detailed itinerary
