Mongolia: Nomadic Lands & Desert Wonders

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport by your private Nomadic Expeditions guide and driver. You’ll be transferred to the deluxe Shangri-La Hotel, ideally located near museums, shops, and key city attractions. Along the way, you’ll begin to notice the unique contrast of the city, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries stand alongside modern high-rises. After check-in, enjoy time to unwind or explore the surrounding area at your leisure.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel *or similar

Begin your day with a visit to the Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia’s largest and newest museum, where over 10,000 artifacts span more than 2,000 years of history. Your visit will be guided by Dr. Tsolmon Sodnom, a distinguished historian specializing in the Mongolian Empire, offering a deeper understanding of the legacy of Chinggis Khan and Mongolia’s rich past.

Continue to the Center for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT Mongolia), where you’ll gain insight into the modern revival of Buddhism and the important role women play in spiritual life today. Learn about Dharma teachings, meditation practices, and how Buddhist values are integrated into everyday life through education and community initiatives.

After lunch, enjoy exclusive access to a Paleontology Laboratory. Join a professional paleontologist for a behind-the-scenes tour, where you’ll examine newly excavated dinosaur fossils and explore private collections typically not open to the public.

In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by a special guest speaker, offering a meaningful introduction to Mongolia’s culture and heritage.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After an early breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar and travel to Hustain Nuruu National Park. This protected area is home to the takhi, or Przewalski’s horse, the world’s last remaining truly wild horse species. Once extinct in the wild, these horses have been successfully reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe. Visit the park’s visitor center to learn about conservation efforts and hear insights from a resident biologist before heading out into the landscape to spot the takhi in their natural habitat.

Following lunch at a local camp, continue your journey across the open steppe to Kharakhorum, the former 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Once a thriving center of trade, culture, and religious freedom, this historic city played a key role during the reign of Chinggis Khan and his successors. Upon arrival, settle into your traditional ger camp, where you’ll experience authentic Mongolian hospitality. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful степpe landscape.

Accommodation: Asa Land Resort *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spend the day with a traditional Mongolian horse-breeding family, surrounded by herds of 50–100 horses. Gain insight into the deep-rooted connection between Mongolians and their horses as skilled riders demonstrate traditional techniques, including lassoing with the Uurag and impressive riding skills such as retrieving objects from the ground at full speed. Take part in daily activities alongside the family, with opportunities to try mare milking or assist in preparing a traditional Mongolian barbecue over an open fire.

In the late afternoon, visit Erdenesiin Khuree – Arts and Mongolian Calligraphy Center. Founded by renowned calligrapher Tamir Samandbadraa, the center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of Mongolian calligraphy. Explore beautiful works of traditional script and gain insight into this important cultural practice, with future plans expanding into other traditional art forms such as painting, ceramics, and felt work.

Return to your ger camp for dinner and a peaceful evening immersed in the степpe surroundings.

Accommodation: Asa Land Resort *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, begin your day at the Kharakhorum Museum, where fascinating archaeological discoveries bring the ancient capital to life. Learn how this once-thriving city served as a cultural and commercial hub along the Silk Road, connecting East and West during the height of the Mongol Empire.

Continue to the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, surrounded by 108 stupas. Wander through its peaceful grounds as monks carry out their daily prayers and rituals, and admire the intricate Buddhist art and architecture found within its temples.

Just beyond the monastery, visit ongoing archaeological excavation sites, where discoveries from the former city of Kharakhorum continue to reveal insights into Mongolia’s imperial past.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic walk through the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO-recognized landscape rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This vast steppe has long been central to Mongolia’s nomadic traditions and historical development.

In the evening, visit the Imperial Map Monument, perched on a hill overlooking Kharakhorum. This unique site features detailed mosaics representing three great empires of the region. Arrive around sunset to take in sweeping 360-degree views of the valley, offering a memorable end to your day.

Accommodation: Asa Land Resort *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart Kharakhorum and journey back to Ulaanbaatar, taking in the vast степpe landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check back into the Shangri-La Hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

In the evening, attend a traditional theatre performance showcasing Mongolian culture through music and dance. Experience the captivating art of khoomi throat singing alongside traditional dance performances that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Following the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch)

This morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to the Gobi Desert. Upon arrival, travel to Yol Valley, set within the Zuun Saikhan Mountains of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan range. This striking valley is known for its lush scenery, towering cliffs, and unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for lammergeier vultures soaring overhead, along with other birdlife and small animals such as pikas. Depending on the season, you may even see ice lingering in the valley well into early summer.

Visit the small local museum to learn more about the region’s wildlife before setting out on a scenic hike through the valley, following a stream that winds through the dramatic landscape.

After your exploration, continue to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, located on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Settle into your accommodation and take in the peaceful desert surroundings. The lodge offers a variety of optional activities, from horseback riding and archery to nature walks and wellness experiences at the spa.

Later, gather for an informative session with your guide, where you’ll learn about the Gobi’s unique ecosystem, wildlife, geology, and paleontology. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and a relaxing evening under the vast desert sky.

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Begin your day with a hands-on archery lesson led by a Mongolian Female National Archery Champion. Learn the fundamentals of this ancient sport, one of the “three manly games” of Naadam, as you practice using traditional-style bows and aim for khasaa targets made from strips of cowhide. This interactive experience offers a fun and meaningful connection to Mongolia’s warrior heritage.

Next, take part in a traditional cooking class where you’ll learn how to prepare buuz, Mongolia’s classic dumplings. Discover the simplicity of the ingredients—flour, water, minced beef, onion, and salt—while gaining insight into local culinary traditions.

In the afternoon, watch a documentary in the Snow Leopard Den highlighting Roy Chapman Andrews, whose expeditions led to the discovery of the world’s first dinosaur eggs in the Gobi. Afterwards, set out with a local paleontologist to explore the famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag), known for their striking orange glow at sunrise and sunset. This historic site is one of the most important paleontological locations in the world, rich with fossil discoveries.

Weather permitting, enjoy cocktails while taking in the breathtaking desert sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Ayaldai Valley, a remote and visually stunning region known for its blend of towering sand dunes and dramatic mountainous terrain. This lesser-visited area offers a true sense of isolation and natural beauty, with soft golden sands that glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset—perfect for photography.

Upon arrival, explore the dunes either on foot or by riding a traditional Bactrian camel, taking in the vast, quiet surroundings of the desert. The unique landscape, shaped by wind and time, creates an unforgettable setting.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner before settling into your private tented camp under a sky filled with stars. The camp is thoughtfully set up with walk-in expedition-style tents, comfortable bedding, and a separate dining tent for meals. Basic shower and toilet facilities are also provided, offering a comfortable yet authentic desert camping experience.

Accommodation: Private Tent Camp *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Hongoryn Els sand dunes, among the largest and most spectacular in Mongolia. Stretching for over 60 miles along the Gobi Altai Mountain range and rising up to 600 feet, these towering dunes are known for their striking pale golden color and sweeping desert views. Spend time exploring this incredible landscape, whether walking along the dunes or simply taking in the vast scenery.

Following your visit, begin the return drive to Three Camel Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure with a range of lodge-based activities available. You may choose to go horseback riding around the surrounding area after a safety briefing, with options suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders, or explore by bike or on foot.

Unwind back at the lodge this evening and enjoy dinner surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Gobi.

Accommodation: Three Camel Lodge *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax, revisit favorite spots, or explore local shops and markets for souvenirs and handcrafted goods.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on your journey through Mongolia’s incredible landscapes and cultural experiences.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, depart Ulaanbaatar for Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located within the southern Khentii mountain range. Along the way, stop at the impressive Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue at Tsonjin Boldog. This विशाल stainless-steel monument offers panoramic views of the surrounding steppe, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the base and ascend to the viewing deck.

Continue into the national park, a beautiful region of forested mountains, open степpe, and unique rock formations, home to diverse wildlife. Enjoy lunch at a local camp before setting out on a hike to Aryabal Monastery. Cross the symbolic “Bridge that leads to wisdom” and climb the 108 steps to reach the temple, where sweeping views of the valley await. Along the path, discover Buddhist teachings displayed throughout the journey.

Next, visit the iconic Turtle Rock, a natural formation shaped like a turtle, before returning to Ulaanbaatar.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the unforgettable experiences of your Mongolian adventure.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel *or similar (Breakfast, Lunch)