Tours

Transfer to the airport for short flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi province. After arrival drive to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. The park's landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs, ravines, salt pans and oases and we will visit the spectacular Yolyn Am, valley. Yolyn Am means Vulture's Mouth and is a deep canyon where winter ice can remain even in the height of summer. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species can be found here, including Khulan, Ibex, Argali and Snow Leopard. It is rare that you will see them but keep your eyes open and you might be lucky.

We explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and overnight.

Overnight Ger camp

Drive to the Khongoryn Els sand dunes. These spectacular dunes, which stretch for 180km and, in some places, reach heights of 300 meters in places are known as the 'Singing Dunes' because of the beautiful sound that resonates on a windy day.

These dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongoriin gol and we are sure to meet herders with some of the 100,000 Bactrian camels which inhabit the South Gobi 

Overnight Ger Camp

We have a full day to explore dunes and the striking desert scenery. We will also visit to visit a camel breeding family and learn about the way of life of the these ?? The these nomadic herders. For those that wish there will be an opportunity to take a camel ride.

Climbing the dunes to witness the evening sunset is often a highlight

Overnight Ger camp

After breakfast head to Bayanzag known as the “Flaming Cliffs” due to the varied colors of red, yellow, and orange. This is a world-renowned site for dinosaur fossil exploration where dinosaur eggs were found in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews.

We will have time to discover the area and enjoy the dramatic landscape. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the indigenous Gobi desert tress.

Drive to Ongiin Khiid monastery which lies in two halfs /??/on the bank of the Ongiin river. The monastery, which once served as a stopping point for Buddhist pilgrims travelling to Tibet, was destroyed by the communist purges of the 1930’s but is now undergoing partial restoration.

We have an opportunity to look around the site and visit a small museum before continuing our journey towards the central heartland of Mongolia.

Overnight Ger camp

Today we drive through ever greener lands to Kharkhorin town, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongolia in the 13th century. It was from here that the Mongol Empire was governed until Khublai Khan, the grandson of Chinggis Khan, moved the capital to Beijing. It was from the ruins of this once great city that Erdene Zuu Monastery, the largest monastery in Mongolia, was built in 1586.

Overnight Ger camp

In the morning we will visit the site of Erdene Zuu Monastery.  Much of the monastery was destroyed at the time of communist rule in the 1930’s but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. There are numerous unusual cultural and religious exhibits to be seen as well as an active Tibetan-style monastery in the Erdene Zuu which is still considered as one of the leading religious’ centers of Mongolia.

We will also visit the monument of the Great Khans of Mongolia and an interesting museum containing artifacts and remains from the ancient city before continuing our journey.

Overnight Ger camp

We travel east to Khustai Nuruu National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth. The Takhi, also known as Przewalski's horse, was once native to Mongolia but almost became extinct earlier this century due to habitat loss and poaching. However, a few survived in European zoos and, following a successful programme of breeding and re-introduction, there are some 250 horses in the park, half of which have been born in the wild.

We will visit the Project Information Centre and drive out with a ranger to see these magnificent animals.

Overnight Ger camp

Return to Ulaanbaatar where you will have time to relax and do some last minute souvenir shopping - cashmere, leather goods and traditional handicrafts are all good options and the guide will recommend the best places to go for these.

In the evening a concert of traditional Mongolian music and dance including throat singing followed by a dinner.

Overnight hotel

Today we drive 54km east of the city to visit the giant Genghis Khan statue at Tsonjin Bolog. The Secret History of the Mongols recounts that this is the place where Genghis Khan found a golden whip. Standing 40m tall, the steel statue depicts the Mongolian ruler astride his horse and visitors can take an elevator to the viewing deck on the horse’s head where they will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

We then continue northwards to the beautiful Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to see fascinating rock formations including the famous Turtle Rock against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at another of our favourite restaurants in the city

Overnight Hotel

Transfer to the airport for departure