Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley Tour in Mongolia

10 days from $1590

The most popular places to go in Mongolia for travelers are to visit two major important highlights of the country: the Gobi Desert and Kharkhorin. Indeed, this itinerary could be classified as a CLASSIC by presenting the true essence of Mongolian nature and culture with visits to a hospitable nomad settlement, active Buddhist monasteries, historical sites, and natural parks. Nature along this tour will be changing dramatically: from the golden dunes of Gobi to the open green valleys dotted with wildflowers, through vast steppes, a great waterfall, and charming lake Ugii!

On this trip, you are available to see "Takhi", Mongolian wild horse, or best known Prjewalski's horses which are the last remaining species of the truly wild horse in the world. The takhi is being reintroduced in Khustai National Park which covers the steppe and forest mountain area with abundant wildlife.

Highlights

  •  Legendary Orkhon Valley
  •  The ancient capital of Mongolian Empire - Kharkhorin
  •  Erdene Zuu Monastery
  •  Beautiful Gobi Desert
  •  Khongor Sand Dunes
  •  Yol valley - Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Key Info

Physical level: Moderate Physical level: Moderate
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar.

Short city tour. Gandan monastery and the Museum of national history. Prepare for the trip. 

in the hotel

Day 2.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu mountain area

Drive to Baga Gazriin Chuluu in Dundgobi province. this is another granite rock formation in the middle of the steppe plains. Five km away, the highest peak 1768 meters in the area; Baga Gazariin Uul mountain will take about 5 hours to climb. Leisure time for rock climbing and hiking activities. 

in the camp 5 hours

Day 3.

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Drive to South Gobi and Yol Am known as Eagle valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan mountain -this sunless canyon located in the middle of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan mountain has a particular beauty with narrow paths broadening in places between rocks, while buzzards and eagles wheel and glide in the blue skies above. The cliffs of the canyon block the sunlight from the rivers below, so that they remain frozen throughout the year. 

in the camp

Day 4.

Khongor sand dunes

Drive to Khongor Sand Dunes (195km) - the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. Dunes of Khongor is known as the « singing sands » and rise from the plain reaching a height of 80m and extending for about 180km long. The spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river, named Khongor. Hiking and sliding through the sand dunes. Visit camel breeding family and experience short camel riding. 

in the camp 1 hour

Day 5.

Bayanzag - The red stone cliffs and canyons

Drive towards Bayanzag (140 km) - classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, sun and unbelievable emptiness has become known to the world as "Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 - discoveries which made world headlines. Nowadays there is a local museum which displays important facts and some exhibits of this famous area. 

in the camp

Day 6.

Ongi monastery ruins

Drive to the north towards Central Mongolia. Overnight stop in Middle Gobi province, at the Ongi monastery ruins.

 

in the camp

Day 7.

Erdene Zuu monastery in Kharkhorin

Drive to Kharkhorin – ruins of ancient capital of Mongolian Empire built by Ugudei Khaan in 1235. The city was strategically located at the crossroads of traditional routes, creating a staging post for migrating nomads and merchants caravans. Foreign envoys and prominent clerics travelled to this city for an audience with kings of Mongolian Empire. Far after when the king Hubilai has ordered to move  the capital to Beijing in 1264, Kharkhorin was raised to the ground by Manchu soldiers. However the bricks and stones from the ruins of this ancient city were used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery nearby, so in that way the old city lives on till today. 

in the camp

Day 8.

Hustai National Park

Drive to Hustai National Park /190 km/ to watch wild horses takhi, widely known as “Przewalski horse ”. Przewalski horses are the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within Hustai National Park in 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar. Hustain Nuruu has good vegetation, springs, birch forest and rocks which are suitable for many wild animals including 46 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. 

in the camp

Day 9.

City tour

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. After lunch visit Bogd Khaan winter Palace museum and State department store. Amazing performance of traditional dance and folk in the evening. 

in the hotel

Day 10.

Departure

Transfer to the Airport & Departure. 

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size Price/Per person
2 PAX 2240$
3-4 pax 1980$
5-8 PAX 1780$
9-12 PAX 1650$
13-15 PAX 1590$

Includes

Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Camel riding
Horseback riding /optional/

Not Includes

International airfare 
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews
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