Enigmatic Gobi + Central Mongolia + Terelj National Park (11 Days)

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Duration

11 Days, 10 Nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

18 people

Languages

English, Korean

About this tour

The Gobi Desert is a vast and iconic desert region spanning parts of northern China and southern Mongolia. Known for its striking landscapes of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and barren plains, the Gobi is one of the world’s largest deserts. It’s a land of extremes, with scorching hot summers and bitterly cold winters, yet it supports a surprising diversity of flora and fauna, including Bactrian camels, wild ass, and elusive snow leopards. The Gobi is also rich in archaeological treasures, with ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur fossils, and the remnants of Silk Road settlements dotting its arid expanse. Adventurers and researchers alike are drawn to the Gobi’s stark beauty and fascinating history.

Highlights

  • Baga Gazariin Chuluu
  • Tsagaan Suvraga - The White Stupa
  • Yoliin Am - The Vulture's Mouth
  • Khongoryn Sand Dunes
  • Flaming Cliffs
  • Ongi Monastery
  • Orkhon Valley
  • Karakorum
  • Terelj National Park
  • Ulaanbaatar

Included/Excluded

  • 4-wheel-drive car & driver
  • English speaking Guide
  • Guide and driver’s meals and accommodation
  • Meals and accommodations
  • Entrance to museums, national parks, and monasteries
  • Horse and camel riding to be arranged and paid for locally
  • Airport/train station pick up & drop off service
  • Travel/health insurance
  • Snacks, alcohol beverages

Itinerary

Kick off your day bright and early at Zaya Hostel, where you'll meet your guide, driver. Today marks the beginning of your Gobi adventure, starting with a scenic drive to Baga Gazariin Chuluu, a majestic granite rock formation stretching over the Dundgobi landscape. Discover its turbulent history and the remains of Buddhist monasteries. For those seeking adventure, climbing the granite towers offers a fitting conclusion to your journey. Tonight, enjoy one last under the stars in Gobi.

 
 
Kick off your day bright and early at Zaya Hostel, where you'll meet your guide, driver. Today marks the beginning of your Gobi adventure, starting with a scenic drive to Tsagaan Suvraga, known as the White Stupa. Marvel at the east-facing cliff that resembles ancient ruins from afar. Millions of years of wind erosion have sculpted breathtaking rock formations. Venture down the sandy slopes to witness the Earth's colorful history layer by layer. Aim to reach the bottom to behold the stunning array of pinks, oranges, and whites. Tonight, immerse yourself in Mongolian nomadic culture by staying with a local herder family in your private traditional ger.

 

Embark on a journey to Yoliin Am, also known as the Vulture's Mouth, within the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. This oasis in the desert surprises with its lush greenery and year-round ice fields, a stark contrast to the surrounding Gobi landscape. Trek through this deep canyon, where sunlight barely reaches, preserving the ice even in summer's heat. Note: The ice may melt by summer's end due to climate change. Options for exploration include hiking or horseback riding. Spend another night in a ger, enjoying stories and hot milk tea with a local herder family under the mesmerizing Mongolian night sky.

 

Rise early for a drive to the spectacular Khongoryn Sand Dunes. The journey offers incredible views of the desert's vast expanse. Climbing the dunes presents a challenge but rewards with breathtaking vistas of the desert landscape, especially at sunset. Although not included, a camel ride is highly recommended for the full Gobi experience. Tonight, relax at a tourist ger camp, where a hot shower awaits.

 

Today, head to the Flaming Cliffs, a sight to behold, especially at sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows. Known for significant dinosaur discoveries, including the first find of fossilized dinosaur eggs, the cliffs offer a glimpse into the past in the heart of the Gobi Desert. The afternoon is yours to explore this remarkable location. Spend the evening at a ger camp, enjoying the comfort of a hot shower.

 

Today's journey takes you to the ruins of Ongi Monastery, decimated in 1939 during anti-religious campaigns. Despite its tragic past, the site's history is captivating, reflecting Mongolia's religious evolution. The day includes all meals, offering a taste of local cuisine.

 

Depart Ongi Monastery and embark on the scenic drive to the Orkhon Valley. Enjoy the changing landscapes and glimpses of nomadic life. Settle into your ger. Visit the Orkhon inscriptions, significant ancient stone monuments that mark the legacy of the Turkic and Mongol empires. Hike to the Orkhon Waterfall, also known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, and learn about the geological forces that shaped the valley's landscape. Participate in a cultural exchange session with local nomadic families. Learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and the modern challenges they face.

Nestled among lush, forested hills, the Tsenkher hot springs serve as an inviting diversion from the main thoroughfare. They provide a delightful interlude on your journey, allowing you to unwind in the warmth of the natural hot spring pools. Indulge in the comfort and take the opportunity to spend an entire day at the resort, embracing a state of total relaxation. For an experience that's both intimate and serene, we suggest enjoying the pools in the evening when they are less populated. This setting offers a unique, romantic ambiance. As you retreat for the night, prepare yourself for the upcoming adventure that awaits you tomorrow.

Travel to Kharkhorin, Mongolia's ancient capital, and delve into the nomadic roots and spiritual heritage at Erdenezuu Monastery, with a history of fluctuating fortunes. Visit the Kharkhorin Museum for insights into Mongolia's grand history. Your stay will be at a tourist ger camp, combining comfort with cultural immersion.

Morning: Set off from Elsen Tasarkhai early to maximize your time in Terelj National Park. Enjoy the picturesque journey, showcasing Mongolia's beautiful landscapes and rural life.

First stop is Turtle Rock, a magnificent natural formation resembling a turtle. This spot is perfect for capturing photos and appreciating the expansive views of the park. Venture to the Aryabal Meditation Temple via a scenic hike. The path offers stunning vistas of the mountains and valleys, leading to a tranquil spot for meditation. Settle into your ger camp and savor a traditional Mongolian dinner, immersing yourself in the local culture.

 

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning. Opt for a brief walk or simply unwind amidst the park's peaceful surroundings.

Afternoon: Start your return trip to Ulaanbaatar visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, a tribute to Mongolia's legendary ruler, en route.  Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your plans, you might explore the city further or get ready for your next journey.

Durations

+8 Days

Languages

English
Korean

Frequently asked questions

Airport transfers are not included in the price of this tour, however you can book for an arrival transfer in advance. In this case a tour operator representative will be at the airport to greet you. To arrange this please contact our customer service team once you have a confirmed booking.

All requests for registration must be made by e-mail from the Local Agency, directly online from the Customer Area accessible from the website of the Local Agency, or the website of our group www.nomadays.fr. To connect to the Customer Area, simply enter the login and password set during the first connection. Registration is considered final once the online booking form is completed and upon received payment of the deposit and/or balance depending on the date of registration. Depending on the services chosen and the regulations of the country, a photocopy of the passport may be requested by the Local Agency. In case of not sending the photocopy of the passport within the time indicated by the Local Agency, it cannot guarantee the proper performance of the reserved services. Once payment has been made, a confirmation email is sent to the Customer. It includes the confirmation of the regulation as well as the electronic downloadable invoice. A confirmation letter is sent to the Customer electronically. If the Customer does not receive the confirmation letter, the reservation would nevertheless be definitive as if it is confirmed by the Local Agency.

Registration made more than 30 days before the departure date The Customer must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount of the reserved services. The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the date of the beginning of the stay. Registration made less than 30 days before the departure date The Customer must pay the full amount of the trip at one time.

Upon confirmation of your reservation, your local agent will prepare your electronic invoice, hosted on the platform of Nomadays under your own account. Payments are made either: By credit card online, free of charge, from the payment links available on the electronic invoice. By bank transfer to the account of the travel agency. The electronic invoice is updated with each payment received and can be consulted at any time from the Customer Area. The electronic invoice is downloadable and printable.

Bulk discount (by Amount)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
4 1 PAX 1 1 $1,154
3 2 PAX 2 2 $700
5 3 PAX 3 3 $549
6 4 PAX 4 4 $474
7 5 PAX 5 5 $428
8 6 PAX 6 6 $398
From: $1,154

Owner

mongoltrips

Member Since 2022

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