8 days in eastern Mongolia's wetlands & rare-bird country
Wetlands, rare cranes and Argali sheep — a soft-adventure week in eastern Mongolia.
An eight-day soft-adventure trip into Gün-Galuut Nature Reserve — Mongolia's little-visited reserve of wetlands, rolling steppe and the impressive Khentii foothills, just 130 km east of Ulaanbaatar.
Expect rare white-naped cranes, Argali wild sheep, fishing in Kherlen river, and quiet days with a ger-camp host family.
A sample from previous Gün-Galuut Wildlife Trip trips — most photos by our guides and travelers.
6 photos
Route: Eastern Steppe. Open in Google Maps ↗
From · per person
$1,850
per person · 2+ sharing · 8 days all-inclusive in Mongolia
Price per person, in USD. All-inclusive for the 8 days inside Mongolia (excludes international flights and personal travel insurance).
| Start date | End date | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Aug 2026 | 12 Aug 2026 | Open · 10 seats | $1,290 | Book |
Full transparency on what your trip price covers — and what it does not.
All days expanded by default — tap any day header to collapse it.
Welcome to Mongolia
Meet at the airport and transfer to a hotel. After being refreshed, take a short city sightseeing tour if the time permits.
Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Temple
After breakfast, we depart for Gorkhi–Terelj National Park. Today we explore the park’s stunning scenery, characterised by unique rock formations and open valleys. We stop at the iconic Turtle Rock before visiting Ariyabal Temple, a peaceful meditation site with beautiful views over the park. The remainder of the day is dedicated to enjoying the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of Terelj.
Into the nature reserve
Drive approximately 3 hours, hiking for 3 hours.
We will pass the Chingis monument first. The gigantic steel equine statue mounted by Genghis Khan himself is the largest statue of an equestrian in the world.
Drive east to Gun Galuut Nature Reserve (NR), a protected area for conservation of globally threatened species. Welcome lunch at the “Steppe nomads” tourist ger camp. Hiking for 1-2 hours in the vicinity after lunch, enjoying the wilderness and seeing birds and (if we are lucky) some wild animals.
Kayaking, riding and a nomad family
After breakfast, kayaking is optional: if you are good at swimming and kayaking, you can take a kayak trip. Horseback riding to the mountain Baits, where Argali (wild sheep) live.
We will visit a nomad family: explore their unique lifestyle, have a talk with nomads, taste their home-made products.
Short local drives only. Hiking for 1-2 hours.
Life as it was 800 years ago
After breakfast, drive to the 13th century complex. The 13th century complex theme park offers insight into lifestyle, art and crafts of the 13th century.
The complex has 6 different camps and tribes, located at a distance of 1-3 kilometers from each other, where you can experience the way of living and working in the 13th century. It is needed to drive between the camps or we can do hiking over rocky and uneven surfaces. The area that surrounds the park is rugged with picturesque open valleys day time and the nights are amazing with countless bright stars. As the complex imitates the 13th century, there is no internet, shower, phone reception (there is G-mobile signal at a certain point) and electricity to disturb you enjoy the nature, nomad living and stargazing.
Back to the city
Drive to UB for 2 hours. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace. You may visit local shops for souvenirs or cashmere items if you wish.
Optional sights and the Tumen Ekh show
There are optional sites and activities you can discuss with your guide. In the evening, experience the vibrant Tumen Ekh Folk Show, featuring traditional Mongolian music, dance, and cultural performances.
Airport transfer
Transfer to the airport for departure.
If your question isn't here, write to us — every email gets a real answer within 24 hours.
It depends on the tour. Cultural and Gobi tours require only normal walking ability. Horse riding and trekking tours assume a basic level of fitness — you should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours per day. High-altitude treks like Tavan Bogd require good fitness and prior trekking experience.
Our scheduled departures run with 4–12 travelers. Most tours can also be arranged as private trips for couples, families or small groups of friends. We do not run "big bus" tours — our maximum is 12.
Send us an enquiry through the contact form or email info@tuultravelmongolia.com. We'll reply within 24 hours with availability, pricing and a draft itinerary. You can also book directly from any tour page. A 40% deposit (or full payment) confirms your booking; we then contact you to arrange the remaining balance, due 30 days before departure.
All in-country transport, accommodation (hotels, ger camps, family stays), all meals, English-speaking guide, park fees, internal flights when applicable. Not included: international flights, travel insurance, visa, alcoholic drinks, tips.
Most of what we do is custom. Tell us your dates, group size, interests and rough budget — we'll build the trip around you. There's no extra fee for customization; the itinerary just needs to be locked in 60+ days before departure.
Cancel 46+ days before departure: full refund (less bank charges and any domestic flight tickets already issued). 45–31 days: 20% of the total cost. 30–15 days: 50%. 14–8 days: 75%. 7 days or less: 100%. Full details are in our booking conditions. This is why travel insurance with trip cancellation cover is essential.
Tuul Travel · Sep 2025
★★★★★
Two weeks in the Altai with Tuul Travel was the most honest, unhurried trip we have ever taken. We left as friends, not customers.
Adventure traveler · Canada
Tuul Travel · Jul 2025
★★★★★
Maamkhuu built a trip around exactly what I asked for and surprised me at every turn. The nomad families welcomed me like family.
Solo traveler · United Kingdom
Tuul Travel · Nov 2025
★★★★★
Naadam in Ulaanbaatar, then the Gobi by 4x4 — perfectly organized, never rushed. Easily the best operator in Mongolia.
Cultural tour · Germany
Tuul Travel · May 2025
★★★★★
Traveled with two kids (8 and 11). The team picked routes that worked for everyone. The reindeer trip was the highlight of their childhood.
Family of four · France
