Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley Tour Mongolia

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital, and transfer to your hotel to rest after your journey. After lunch, enjoy a short city tour to discover Mongolia’s culture and history. Visit Gandan Monastery, the country’s largest Buddhist center, where monks perform daily prayers and a magnificent 26-meter Buddha statue stands inside the main temple. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolia, which presents the country’s history from ancient nomadic empires to modern Mongolia. Later, stroll through Sukhbaatar Square, the historic heart of the city surrounded by important government buildings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

Drive south across the wide Mongolian steppe toward Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a striking granite mountain rising dramatically from the open plains. This rugged landscape of weathered rocks, small caves, and hidden valleys offers a beautiful introduction to Mongolia’s desert-steppe scenery. After arriving at the ger camp, explore the surrounding rock formations on a short walk and enjoy panoramic views of the vast steppe stretching in every direction. 

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive deeper into the South Gobi to reach Yol Valley (Yoliin Am) in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. This dramatic canyon, also known as Eagle Valley, is famous for its narrow rock walls and beautiful alpine scenery. Because the steep cliffs block direct sunlight, parts of the valley often remain frozen even during summer months. Walk through the canyon while observing wildlife such as eagles, vultures, and wild mountain sheep.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive to the spectacular Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest and most impressive dunes in Mongolia. Known as the “Singing Sands,” these dunes can reach heights of 80 meters and stretch nearly 180 kilometers across the desert. Climb the dunes for breathtaking views of the desert landscape and enjoy sliding down the soft sand slopes. Visit a local camel-breeding family and experience a short camel ride through the desert.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Travel to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, one of the most famous paleontological sites in the world. In 1922, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs here, making the area internationally famous. The red sandstone cliffs glow dramatically at sunset, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in the Gobi Desert. Explore the cliffs, walk through the desert vegetation, and visit the small local museum displaying information about the discoveries.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive north toward Central Mongolia and stop at the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of the largest monastic centers in Mongolia. Located along the quiet Ongi River, this historic site is the perfect stopover between the Gobi Desert and the Orkhon Valley. Destroyed during the political purges of the 1930s, the remaining monastery walls and foundations still tell the story of Mongolia’s Buddhist past. Explore the peaceful ruins and enjoy the wide open steppe landscape surrounding the site before overnight at a nearby ger camp. 

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Today travel into the heart of the beautiful Orkhon Valley, one of Mongolia’s most scenic and historic landscapes. Visit the impressive Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaantsutgalan), where water cascades nearly 20 meters into a volcanic basalt canyon formed thousands of years ago. The surrounding valley is peaceful and green, making it an ideal place to meet a local nomadic family and experience their traditional lifestyle firsthand. Enjoy walking around the waterfall and, if you wish, ride horses across the wide and peaceful meadow.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive to Kharkhorin (130 km), the site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Ögedei Khan in 1235. Situated along historic trade routes, the city once served as a vibrant political and cultural center where envoys, merchants, and travelers from across Asia gathered at the court of the Mongol rulers.

Today visit the Karakorum Museum to gain deeper insight into the history of the Mongol Empire. Afterwards explore the peaceful Erdene Zuu Monastery, admire its traditional Buddhist architecture, and see historic sculptures created by local artisans in the classical style of the great Mongolian master Zanabazar. While visiting the monastery, you may hear monks chanting their daily prayers and observe local pilgrims quietly offering prayers. Behind the monastery stands the famous Turtle Rock, one of the surviving stone monuments from the ancient city of Kharkhorin.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive to Hustai National Park (190 km), home to the rare Takhi, also known as Przewalski’s horse, the last truly wild horse species in the world. Once extinct in the wild, these horses were successfully reintroduced to Mongolia from international zoos and breeding centers. The park protects a rich steppe ecosystem with rolling hills, springs, birch forests, and rocky outcrops. The park is home to diverse wildlife including more than 46 species of mammals and over 170 species of birds. After arriving at the park enjoy wild horse watching, short nature walks, and opportunities for wildlife photography while exploring the beautiful steppe landscape.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for shopping or exploring the city before attending a traditional Mongolian folk performance in the evening. 

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast