Overview

Explore Mongolia’s most of the must-visit places with this small-group adventure tour. Discover Mongolian Gobi desert by camelback ride, and meet nomadic families to experience 3 different way of nomadic life in one time. Relax at a luxury hot spring  between beautiful Khangai Mountains and wandering through the northern part of Mongolia by horseback ride. This Mongolian adventure is an eye-opening yet challenging experience for the solo adventurers. The north of Mongolia will amaze you with its breathtaking alpine landscapes, unique Darkhad nomads’ warm hospitality, their peaceful way of nomadic life, and a hidden gem in the far northern Taiga – the Reindeer herders’ home, and their idiosyncratic traditions.

This Mongolian solo adventure tour begins with the Ulaanbaatar city tour including visits of key spots about nomadic history, tradition, culture & religion and nomadic folk art performances. Then head off from the modern-day crowds into the vast Gobi deseert. Explore Gobi desert and expand your adventure to far northern beautiful Darkhad valley between crystal clear lakes and streams, surrounded by steep sumptuous Khoridol Saridag Mountains. Meet there a nomadic family, spend days with nomads, experience their way of life, and do three-day horse trekking to the hidden gem Taiga forest to find and meet Mongolia Reindeer herders and visit a Mongolian shaman. Book this Mongolian solo adventure tour and escape to the modern-day wilderness here in Mongolia.

Orkhon Valley Mongolia

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, our driver and English-speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and be transferred to your hotel in downtown. After you settled in, we will start a sightseeing tour including a visit to Sukhbaatar’s square. The Square is in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, in front of the Mongolian Parliament House. Across from the central square, we will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, the biggest museum with over 54000 exhibitions from the prehistoric period to the 21st century. Our next stop will be the Gandan Monastery. The monastery is the largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar city with over 200 years old. If time permits, we will visit Zaisan Hill memorial, the hill provides a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Transfer to Hotel from Ulaanbaatar New International Airport, about 35 km, and Ulaanbaatar City tour
  • Meal(s): Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel – Khuvsgul Lake hotel or similar. The accommodation is twin-based. But if you prefer to stay alone just tell us before the tour, we will provide you with no extra single-supplement charge. Also, if you prefer a different type of accommodation, we have more options from a 5-star hotel to a home-stay.
Day 2: Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs - White Stupa in Mongolian Gobi Desert

After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up and begin our journey to the Mongolian Gobi. Today we will visit Tsagaan Suvarga. En route to the Tsagaan Suvarga, we will drive through Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a granite stone formation with an ancient stone temple and a cave and will continue our journey to the Tsagaan Suvarga. Once was an ancient sea, different minerals giving rise to different colours form the face of the cliffs. Enjoy hiking through the colourful natural cliffs. The Gobi sunset offers you an opportunity to shoot incredible photos and take an advantage of the moment. Overnight in a ger camp near the Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs.

  • Travel: 200 km on the asphaltic road and 30-40 km on a dirt road. Approximately 5-6 hours of driving.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: Stay in a local nomadic camel breeder family, one of our long term cooperative families The family offers 3-4 extra “gers” to guests. You will share a ger with 2 guests. Asian style outside long-drop toilet. An option for a (brilliantly engineered) cold shower.
Day 3: Travel to Yolyn Am - the Jevel in the Gobi desert

Today we will head to Dalanzadgad, a provincial town in southern Mongolia. Upon arrival in Dalanzadgad, we will explore ‘Yolyn Am Valley’, a jewel in the middle of the Gobi. The valley has a narrow canyon with a stream that flows through the Zuun Saikhan Mountain. The sheer rock walls stand 200 m, and the canyon has stunning green meadows with a thick glacier layer that is deeply set between the walls. Then we will trek along the canyon, and you may get a glimpse of rarely seen Argali – a mountain sheep, Ibex – wild goat and Lammergeier. After visiting the Yolyn Am, we go to Bayanza – the Flaming Cliffs, a classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, and unbelievable emptiness that has become known to the world as the “Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the American palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first-ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 – discoveries that made world headlines.

  • Travel time: 210 km on the asphaltic road and 60 km on a dirt road. Approximately 5-6 hours of driving. Short photo stops and tea breaks are available en route to the Yolyn Am Valley
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a classic Mongolian eco-friendly ger camp with a low-pressure shower and western toilet.
Day 4: Explore Khongoryn Els - Mongolian sand dunes

This morning, we will have breakfast at the ger camp, and continue our Gobi journey to Khongor sand dunes. En route to the sand dunes, you will enjoy the stunning backdrop as you drive around 5 hours west, towards the vast Gobi landscape. Witness the remarkable desert landscape and explore the sand dunes both by 4WD and on foot. We will visit a camel breeder family and familiarize ourselves with their nomadic lifestyle. Once we visit, we will do a camel trekking through the Khongoryn Els dunes and Khorngyn River. There will always be time for climbing and exploring the dunes – best at sunrise or sunset.

  • Travel time: Approx 160 km on a dirt road. Approximately 5-6 hours of driving, Short photo stops and tea breaks are available en route to Khongoryn Els. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional camel breeder nomadic family, our long term cooperative family The family offers 3-4 extra “gers” to guests. You will share a ger with 2 guests. Asian style outside long-drop toilet. An option for a (brilliantly engineered) cold shower.
Day 5: Visit Bayan Zag - the Flaming Cliffs in Gobi desert

On this day, we will expand our Mongolian adventure tour to Bayanzag, the place is world-renowned for its paleontological remains. Here we will explore the clay hills and saxaul forest, and you can walk around where dinosaurs once roamed. Overnight in a ger camp near the clay cliffs.

  • Travel time: 160 km on a dirt road. Approximately 5 hours of driving. An average pace of 60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a classic Mongolian eco-friendly ger camp with a low-pressure shower and western toilet.
Day 6: Visit Ongy Monastery

Depart to Ongy monastery ruin, a journey of approximately 5 hours driving. Upon arrival, you will explore the ruin of the Buddhist monastery, which once was a bustling pilgrimage area for Buddhists in the 18-19th century, before it was affected by anti-religious purges. En route to the Ongy Monastery, we will stopover at Bayan Zag – the “flaming cliffs” for a photo stop or a coffee break.  After we arrive at Ongy Monastery, you will walk around 30 minutes up a dirt path to the ruins. Also, it is possible for sightseeing excursions between hills, and on the shore of the Ongy river, the main source of drinking water for the Gobi people.

  • Travel time: 200 km on a dirt road. Approximately 5-6 hours of driving. An average pace of 40-60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: We will stay in a ger camp with good facilities including a western toilet, shower and body massage.
Day 7: Visit Kharkhorin town ancient capital of the Mongol Empire

Our team will head to Kharkhorin city. The city had existed as a capital for the world’s largest contiguous empire through over 40 years. In Kharkhorin city, we will visit a museum, has many exhibitions which show the history of Mongolian nomadic life from hunter gatherers’ period till most powerful and consummate empire throughout the world. After the museum, we will visit Erdenezuu monastery, the biggest Buddhist Monastery Museum in Mongolia. Which has many expensive and precious Buddhist artworks from the 17th century including mould deities of gold and silver, thankas, split paintings and manuscripts. In the evening before sunset, you have time to wander on the bank of the Orkhon River. Overnight in a ger camp.

  • Travel time: 260 km on dirt road. Approximately 6 hours of driving, but have photo breaks en route to Kharkhorin.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner 
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional ger camp on the Orkhon River’s shore. The Ger camp has a western toilet & shower. 
Day 8: Relax at Tsenkher Hot Spring

This morning, we will have breakfast at the ger camp, and continue our journey to Tsenkher hot spring. The host spring is the 2nd hottest spring in Mongolia, elevated at 1860 m above sea level. Water from this geological spectacle emerges to the ground at 87°C with a flow rate of 101/sec. The composition of sodium carbonate, hydro-carbonate, sulphur and other chemical ingredients have healing properties for some ailments. Facilities include outdoor pools (separately for men and women), showers, and both cosy gers and houses. In the afternoon, we will drive to a village for visit to Zayan Gegeen Monastery, founded in the 17th century, housed over 1000 monks before its closing in the 1930s. Overnight in a ger camp.

  • Travel time: From Kharkhorin to the hot spring, approximately 120 km on the asphaltic road and 40 km on a dirt road.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation:: We will stay in a hot spring-based Khan Khujirt Resort. (2 guests in a twin room or in a ger). Shower, and western toilet.
Day 9: Nomadic Naadam Festival in Tsenkher Soum

After breakfast at the resort, we will drive to a village near the hot springs to experience nomadic Naadam festival. We will watch horse racing & traditional wrestling competition. After the festival, around 4pm or 5 pm, we will drive back to hot springs and spend overnight there. 

  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation:: We will stay in a hot spring-based Khan Khujirt Resort. (2 guests in a twin room or in a ger). Shower, and western toilet.

 

Day 10: Visit Mongolia's White Lake

On this day we will drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake also called “White Lake, which is elevated at 2,060 m above sea level, and surrounded by an extinct volcano named Khorgo, which contains spectacular combinations of ebony forest-covered mountain scenery and rocky formations formed by volcanic eruptions. The Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is registered in Ramsar’s Convention because many rare species of birds including whooper swan, shelduck, common heron, great white egret, and bar-headed goose gather here. Once we arrive in Khorgo – Terkh National Park, we will climb up to the extinct volcano, and saunter on the shore of the lake for bird watching. Overnight in a ger camp.

  • Travel time: From the hot springs to the Terkhin Tsagaan Lake approximately 190 km on the asphaltic road and 30-40 km on a dirt road.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: We will stay in a community-based eco ger camp on the lakeshore. 2 guests will stay in one ger.
Day 11: Visit a Mongolian nomadic family

After breakfast, we will pack up and head for an off-road journey to the village Shine-Ider in Khuvsgul province. At the end of approximately 5 hours of driving, we will reach a nomadic family. When we are in a nomadic family, you have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle including how they milk cows, how they take care of their herds in the vast pasture land, and also you will get a chance to try what nomadic people do in daily life. Overnight in a ger with a nomadic family.

  • Travel time: From the lake to the nomadic family approximately 160 km on a dirt road. An average pace of 40-60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Today we will be invited by our community-based tour programme member, our long term cooperative family. The host family offers 3 extra “gers”, our group will share a ger with 2-4 other members of the group. Mongolian traditional “ger” – a round-shaped felt dwelling with no separate rooms, and no shower, no water from the wall, and no western toilet. Asian style outside long-drop toilet.

 

Day 12: Travel to Mongolian khuvsgul Lake

Today we will have  breakfast with the nomadic family, and will help their morning activities. After breakfast, we will pack up and head to Khuvsgul Lake. The Lake is the deepest and the 2nd most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia. The lake is surrounded by snow-topped mountain ranges from its west side, and by flat-topped mountains with slopping mountainsides, covered by forest from the east side. Once we reach Khuvsgul Lake, we will check-in to our ger camp on the west shore of Khuvsgul Lake which means you will see the view of the lake just outside of your ger’s door. Overnight in a ger camp on the lakeshore.

  • Travel time: From the nomadic family to Khuvsgul Lake, approx 6 hours drive on a dirt road.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: We will stay in an environment-friendly ger camp on Khuvsgul Lake’s shore. One ger will be shared with 2 guests.
Day 13: A Leisure day on the shore of Lake Khuvsgul

We will have breakfast at the camp, and today you have options for the excursion including a boat cruise of approximately 1 hour in the lake, horse trekking on the lakeshore averagely of 1 hour or kayaking in the lake. In the afternoon, you have time to relax on the lakeshore. Overnight in a ger camp on the lakeshore.

  • Travel time: We will ride a horse around the lakeshore
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: We will stay in an environment-friendly ger camp on Khuvsgul Lake’s shore. One ger will be shared with 2 guests.

 

Day 14: Head back to Murun town

Today we will drive back to Murun town to be prepared for our journey back to Ulaanbaatar. Once we arrive in the town, you have some time to explore this remote town of the Mongol Nomads.

  • Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours on a dirt road. An average pace of 40-60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: 50/100 hotel in Murun town
Day 15: Drive to Uran Crater

On this day, we will expand our journey in Bulgan province. The province is famous for its breathtaking nature with thick forest-covered mountains, magnificent pasturelands and even streams with beautiful banks. Throughout the day, we will hike up to ‘Uran’ extinct volcano, its mountainsides covered with fir and ebony forest from its backside and inside the crater. Also, there is a lake inside the crater. Overnight in a horse bredder family near the Uran volcano.

  • Travel time: From Murun town to the extinct volcano approximately 6 hours on a dirt road. An average pace of 40-60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: We will stay in a horse breeder nomadic family. The family offers additional “gers” to guests. The number of guests in 1 ger will depend on the nomadic family’s possibility. However, if you prefer privacy, we always provide tents for each guest and these can be put up next to the family’s home.
Day 16: Visit Amarbaysgalant Monastery

We will head to Amarbayasgalant monastery, which was the biggest pilgrimage Buddhist centre for Mongols in the 18-19th century. Meantime the monastery had 40 temples and over 6000 monks before it was affected by anti-religious victimization in the 1930s. The architectural complex of the Monastery embodies Manchu-style spatial arrangement in construction planning, Chinese architectural arts, and vernacular architectural elements and knowledge of Mongolian people. The monastery’s restoration has been performed with its original materials and design archive photos, after restoration, the monastery was registered in the Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO.

  • Travel time: Approximately 5 hours on an asphaltic & dirt road. An average pace of 40-60 km/hour, depending on weather and road conditions. 
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: We will stay in a ger camp near Amarbaysgalant Monastery. One ger will be shared with 2 guests.
Day 17: Visit back to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast at the ger camp, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon, and you have time for visiting the world’s number one cashmere store and Mongolian souvenir shops or relax in your hotel until dinner. Overnight in a hotel.

  • Travel time: From Amarbaysgalant monastery to Ulaanbaatar, 360 km on asphaltic road. Approximately 6-7 hours of driving.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel – Khuvsgul Lake hotel or similar. The accommodation is twin-based. But if you prefer to stay alone just tell us before the tour, we will provide you with no extra single-supplement charge. Also, if you prefer a different type of accommodation, we have more options from a 5-star hotel to homestays.
Day 18: A Leisure day in Ulaanbaatar

Today is a free day. Our team would be always happy to help you explore the Ulaanbaatar city. In the evening, our farewell dinner will take place near your hotel.

  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Dinner
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a centrally located 4-star hotel – Khuvsgul Lake hotel or similar. The accommodation is twin-based. But if you prefer to stay alone just tell us before the tour, we will provide you with no extra single-supplement charge. Also, if you prefer a different type of accommodation, we have more options from a 5-star hotel to homestays.
Day 19: Departure

Today is the end of the “Nomadic Mongolia: From Gobi To Taiga ” tour. Our team will transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. Have a nice trip back to your home and thank you for choosing Way To Nomads Mongolia.

  • Meal(s): Breakfast
  • Transport: Transfer to the airport from the hotel by vehicle.

Group size: minimum of 2 & maximum of 6.

  • 2 Guests: $3210 US per person.
  • 3-4 Guests: $2760 US per person.
  • 5-6 Guests: $2540 US per person.
  • Accommodations: 3 nights at a 4-star hotel, 12 nights at superior ger camps, 3 nights at nomadic ger
  • Meals per itinerary: breakfast-18, lunch-18, dinner-17 + drinking water
  • Museums and cultural performance
  • Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
  • Professional tourist guide
  • Vehicle: off-road monster 4×4 furgon with well experienced driver + fuel
  • Transportation; to/from airport.
  • Camping equipment: tent, matt.
  • International airfare(s) to/from Ulaanbaatar
  • Personal equipment
  • Optional activity cost
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance

Personal Information (Lead Traveller)

Tour Information

2-12 years old
Under 2 years old
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Pictures from this tour

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