This 16-day guided journey is crafted for travelers seeking the epic scale and profound contrasts of Mongolia. After the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar, travel from the central dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai to the western frontier. Cross the vast Great Lakes Basin, witness the immense salt lake of Khyargas Nuur, and delve into the heart of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Here, ride sturdy horses, hike glacial valleys, and connect with Kazakh eagle-hunting traditions. Camp under endless starry skies and in authentic family homes, with our team handling all logistics, meals, and transportation in rugged 4x4 vehicles. After exploring ancient stone monuments on the steppe and revisiting the historic capital of Kharkhorin, return to Ulaanbaatar with a deep understanding of Mongolia's majestic landscapes and enduring cultures.
Day 1 – Ulaanbaatar
Begin your Mongolian adventure with the country's greatest celebration: the Naadam Festival. Experience the excitement of wrestling matches, horse races on the open steppe, and skilled archers. This vibrant day provides a powerful introduction to Mongolia's proud traditions. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 2 – Elsen Tasarkhai & Kharkhorin
Ride a camel across the golden dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, a desert landscape where sand meets grassland. Continue to Kharkhorin, the historic heart of the Mongol Empire. Visit the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery before spending the night with a local nomadic herder family.
Day 3 – Tsenkher Hot Springs
A day to unwind and relax. Soak in natural hot springs set among forested hills and fresh mountain air. The warm, mineral-rich water is perfect for soothing tired muscles and offers a peaceful retreat for your body and mind. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable ger camp.
Day 4 – Tosontsengel
Your journey to western Mongolia begins. Travel deep into the country's interior, watching the landscape shift from rolling steppe to distant mountains. With long open roads, endless skies, and quiet villages, you'll feel the vastness and remoteness of the land. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable ger camp near Tosontsengel.
Day 5 – Khar Nuur
Enter the Great Lakes Basin and arrive at the beautiful Khar Nuur. Its calm waters mirror the wide sky and surrounding hills. This peaceful lakeside setting introduces the unique landscapes of western Mongolia, where water, desert, and steppe exist side by side. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable ger camp.
Day 6 – Khyargas Nuur, Uvs
Explore the immense Khyargas Nuur, a vast salt lake stretching across the desert steppe. Here, silence feels infinite. Camp in tents under a sky full of stars for your first true wilderness night—far from towns, noise, and modern life. Dinner and overnight in a tent by the lake.
Day 7 – Khovd City
Arrive in Khovd, a provincial capital in western Mongolia. Enjoy the comfort of a local hotel, hot meals, and time to rest. Stroll through the town, resupply, and observe daily life shaped by trade, tradition, and the surrounding mountains. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 8 – Bayan-Ölgii / Tsengel
Travel to Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia's westernmost province and home to Kazakh culture. The landscape grows more dramatic as the Altai Mountains rise ahead. Stay near Tsengel village and experience the shift in language, customs, and hospitality. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable guest house with private facilities.
Days 9–11 – Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Immerse yourself in the majestic Altai Mountains. Over three days, explore this pristine wilderness of towering peaks, vast glaciers, and sweeping valleys. Navigate the landscape on sturdy Mongolian horses, trek to the immense Potanin Glacier on foot, and discover ancient rock carvings left by early nomads. Spend time with local Kazakh eagle-hunting families, learning how their ancient traditions thrive in this rugged terrain. Your days blend horseback riding, hiking, and cultural connection, while nights are spent camping under clear skies or in a Kazakh family's home, surrounded by profound peace.
Day 12 – Bayan-Ölgii Center
Return to Ölgii town after days in the mountains. Enjoy the comforts of a hotel, hot showers, and warm meals. Take time to rest, reflect, and appreciate the remote and powerful landscapes you've journeyed through. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 13 – Gobi-Altai Province
Begin the long journey eastward. Drive across dramatic terrain where mountains gradually give way to dry plains. Small settlements appear briefly along the road, highlighting the vast scale of Mongolia—where nature always leads the way. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 14 – Bayankhongor Province
Visit the mysterious Shatar Chuluu, ancient stone formations standing silently on the steppe. Their purpose is still debated, adding to their intrigue. Camp nearby under open skies for a quiet night surrounded by history and endless grassland. Dinner and overnight in a tent.
Day 15 – Kharkhorin
Return to Kharkhorin, the historic heart of Mongolia. Spend the day reflecting on your journey, revisiting familiar sites, or simply resting. The past feels close here, offering a calm and thoughtful pause before returning to the modern world. Dinner and overnight in a guest house with shower facilities.
Day 16 – Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, where your journey comes full circle. The bustling streets feel different after weeks in nature. Bid farewell to Mongolia with memories of mountains, deserts, nomads, and a land that leaves a deep impression. Enjoy a farewell dinner together. Overnight in a hotel.
Our price is all-inclusive and based on a group of 8 - 12 guests.
Please see below for more information in terms of what is included and excluded in the tour package.
Price per person:2,586 USD | 2,235 EUR (incl. taxes and fees)