Available spots: 7
Brief description
Experience the stunning landscapes of central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert on this extraordinary journey. We'll travel in UAZ off-road vehicles and stay in traditional yurts with nomadic families, immersing ourselves in Mongolian nomadic traditions, culture, and way of life. You'll ride horses and camels alongside locals, enjoying meals with families or prepared by our guide.
Our adventure begins in the Gobi Desert, where we'll explore the Baga Gazariin Chuluu rock formations—the "Small Stones of Middle Gobi." Next, we'll visit Bayanzag, known as the "Flaming Cliffs," famous for its dinosaur fossil discoveries and small museum. A full day is dedicated to Khongor, home to some of the Gobi's largest sand dunes. We'll then venture into the mystical Yolyn Am Valley (the "Vulture's Mouth"). Our journey continues to Kharkhorin, Mongolia's ancient capital, where we'll visit Erdene Zuu, the country's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery. In Terelj National Park, we'll discover sacred Ovoo stone formations, the "Eagle" area, the Cave of 100 Lamas, and the distinctive "Turtle Rock." Finally, we return to Ulaanbaatar for flights back to Europe.
All photos and videos are from our journey following this program in Mongolia.
Basic Information
Dates: August 1–13, 2025
Duration: 11 nights/13 days
Group size: 7 people
Price for Mongolia program only without flights: EUR 2,050/person (group of 7 people).
Price includes:
Guides: Company and local guides
Transportation: Ulaanbaatar airport transfers; in-country transportation with 2 Russian UAZ vans
Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar (double rooms with breakfast); 9 nights in traditional Mongolian yurts. Meals: All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (except in Ulaanbaatar); traditional Mongolian barbecue; 1.5L water daily
Price does not include: airfares (1), lunches and dinners in Ulaanbaatar, travel insurance (which can be arranged by you or through us), and personal expenses.
(1) Flights with Lufthansa and Mongolian Airlines:
We can meet at Frankfurt Airport or at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We can arrange your airfares from your home country to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Please contact us for the available options.
Outbound:
Frankfurt 14:20 → Ulaanbaatar 05:10 (+1) (Mongolian Airlines)
Return:
Ulaanbaatar 10:10 → Frankfurt 12:50 (Mongolian Airlines)
Price: Price may vary at time of booking.
Alternative flight options may be offered once the group is formed.
EU citizens do not need a visa for Mongolia.
This program provides an overview of the trip’s key details. If you need a solution tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to the trip’s starting point, as well as airport/hotel transfers and any required documents. Our team will support you throughout the entire planning process. Feel free to reach out via email!
Program
Day 1: Flights to Mongolia
Today we fly to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. See schedule.
Day 2: Arrival in Mongolia
We arrive in Ulaanbaatar this morning, followed by transfer and hotel check-in. In the afternoon, we'll explore the city center. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, lies at the foot of Mount Bogd Khan along the Tuul River, a tributary of the Selenga. The city began in 1639 as a Buddhist monastery and grew into Urga, a vibrant trading hub on the tea route between Russia and China. In 1924, when it became the capital of the new Mongolian People's Republic, it was renamed Ulaanbaatar (meaning "red hero") to honor Sukhbaatar, a key figure in establishing Mongolia's communist regime. His statue now stands in the city center. Optional visits include the Natural History Museum, Sukhbaatar's Mausoleum, the Gandantegchinlen Monastery featuring its impressive 25-meter Migjid Janraisig statue, and the Bogd Khan Winter Palace. The day ends with dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar;
Meals: no meals included today;
Day 3: Entering the Gobi Desert—Baga Gazariin Chuluu Rock Formations
Today we venture into the Gobi Desert, stopping frequently for photography and exploration. Our main destination is Baga Gazariin Chuluu—the "Small Stones of Middle Gobi"—an area studded with striking rock formations. These granite massifs rise dramatically from the vast desert sands. We'll spend our time here enjoying light hikes among the formations.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Day 4: The White Stupa
We continue our journey through the Gobi Desert to reach the White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga), a stunning natural formation that was once an ancient seabed. Named for its resemblance to a Buddhist stupa, this impressive cliff formation stretches 400 meters in length and rises 60 meters high with a sheer 90-degree slope.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Tsagaan Suvarga in Gobi desert, Mongolia - a photo story
Day 5: Yolyn Am Valley (The Vulture's Mouth)
Today we'll explore Yolyn Am Valley, known as "the vulture's mouth." Beginning at Mount Zuun Saikan in the Gurvan Saikan mountain range, this dramatic valley extends over 10 kilometers, featuring towering rock walls that create spectacular natural formations. We'll spend the night with a local family in traditional gers.
Day 6: The Khongor Sand Dunes
Today we journey to the Khongor sand dunes, situated along the northern edge of the Sevrey and Zoolun mountain ranges. We'll explore the area through light treks and rock climbing, discovering viewpoints that reveal a stunning sea of multicolored dunes. After enjoying lunch amid the dunes, we'll continue our exploration of this enchanting landscape. The day includes an hour-long camel ride through the dunes and culminates in a sunset viewing from the highest dune. We'll spend the night in gers near the dunes.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Day 7: Bayanzag—The Flaming Cliffs and Dinosaur Fossils
Our journey through the Gobi Desert continues. We'll visit nomadic families to learn about their traditions and taste local drinks like tea and airag (fermented mare's milk).
We'll then explore Bayanzag, known for its striking reddish rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. This significant paleontological site has yielded numerous dinosaur fossils, including skeletal remains and eggshells. Our visit includes a stop at a unique dinosaur museum housed in a traditional yurt.
The day's highlight is the "flaming cliffs," so named for the stunning way sunlight plays across their colored surfaces. We'll take our time here, walking through this remarkable landscape and soaking in its natural beauty. Our night will be spent in yurts near Bayanzag.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
The Flaming Cliffs - a photo story
Day 8: The Ruins of Ongi Monastery
Founded in 1660, Ongi was one of Mongolia's grandest monasteries. The complex spans both banks of the Ongi River, with two distinct temple compounds. The older southern section features 11 temples alongside various administrative buildings. The northern complex, constructed in the 18th century, houses 17 temples—including what was once Mongolia's largest temple. We'll spend the night with a nomadic family near these historic ruins.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Day 9: The Orkhon Waterfall and Valley
After breakfast, we'll journey to the magnificent Orkhon Valley, a region of profound historical significance. The valley features the impressive Orkhon River, which stretches 1,120 kilometers northward until it joins the mighty Selenga River. Our destination is the spectacular 20-meter waterfall, formed by intense volcanic activity and powerful earthquakes some 20,000 years ago.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Day 10: Erdene Zuu Monastery and Kharkhorin City
Today we journey to Kharkhorin, Mongolia's ancient capital founded in the 13th century. Here we'll explore Erdene Zuu, the country's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Visiting Pastoralists in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Day 11: Terelj National Park
We journey to Terelj National Park today, making several memorable stops along the way. Our route takes us to the sacred Ovoo pilgrimage site with its distinctive stone formations, the majestic "Eagle" area, the historic Cave of 100 Lamas, and the iconic "Turtle Rock." The day includes time for horseback riding through this stunning landscape.
We'll also take a short hike to the Aryabal Monastery, where a magnificent panoramic view of the entire National Park awaits at the summit.
Accommodation: in gers with a nomadic family;
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner;
Day 12: Return to Ulaanbaatar
We make our way back to Ulaanbaatar today. For our final evening, we'll return to the same hotel where our journey began.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar;
Meals: breakfast, lunch;
Day 13: Departure from Mongolia
Return flight back home.
Accommodation: no overnight stay;
Meals: breakfast;
Mongolian child jockeys - tradition vs business - a photo essay
How to join us
Please email us for information about this trip or to reserve your spot. We'll respond promptly and keep you updated on all trip details and arrangements. If you have a group of 5–8 people ready to travel, we can discuss dates that work for you. You can also join our waiting list for future planned trips by simply sending us your names.
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