14-Day Classic Mongolia Expedition
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Ulaanbaatar β Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Depart Ulaanbaatar and drive south towards the Gobi. Your first encounter with Mongolia's raw beauty is Tsagaan Suvarga, a striking limestone cliff formation rising from the desert floor. Once an ancient seabed, these White Stupas display layers of pink, red, and white sediment that create a stunning geological palette. Hike along the edge of the cliffs and witness the landscape change colors in the setting sun.
Tsagaan Suvarga β Yol Gorge (Eagle Valley)
Drive to Yol Gorge (Eagle Valley), nestled within the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. This deep, narrow canyon is a hidden oasis in the desert. Hike into the gorge, where ice often remains until late summer, creating a surreal contrast with the surrounding arid landscape. Keep an eye out for the bearded vultures (lammergeyers) that soar overhead.
Yol Gorge β Khongor Sand Dunes (Singing Sands)
Travel to the Singing Sands, Mongolia's largest and most spectacular sand dunes. Climb to the top of these massive dunes for an unforgettable panoramic view of the endless Gobi Desert. Enjoy a camel ride along the crests, led by a local herder, and visit a nomadic family in the nearby oasis to learn about their traditional way of life.
Khongor Sand Dunes β Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Explore Bayanzag, a red sandstone formation known worldwide as the Flaming Cliffs. This is the site where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered. Walk through the ancient riverbed searching for fossils and imagining a time when dinosaurs roamed this land, as the cliffs glow with intense fiery colors at dusk.
Bayanzag β Ongi Monastery
Travel to the ruins of Ongi Monastery, a once-great Buddhist university that was destroyed in the 1930s. Explore the ruins set along the banks of the Ongi River, offering a quiet, reflective atmosphere, then hike the surrounding hills to see the full extent of the monastic ruins and their scenic setting.
Ongi Monastery β Karakorum
Arrive at the historic heart of Mongolia: Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built from the ruins of Genghis Khan's ancient city, walk around the impressive complex of 108 stupas, and explore the Karakorum Museum.
Karakorum β Orkhon Waterfall (Orkhon Valley)
Journey into the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a horseback ride through the lush valley to reach the Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, a spectacular cascade plunging into a volcanic canyon, for an authentic taste of the nomadic lifestyle.
Orkhon Valley β Tsenkher Hot Springs
Travel to the forested hills of Tsenkher to soak in the natural hot springs, rich in minerals and renowned for their therapeutic properties. The water emerges from the earth at 86Β°C and is cooled in outdoor pools where you can relax under the open sky.
Tsenkher Hot Springs β Khorgo-Terkh National Park (White Lake)
Explore the fascinating volcanic terrain of Khorgo-Terkh National Park. Hike the cinder cone of the extinct Khorgo Volcano for a 360-degree view of the black lava fields and the pristine, azure waters of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, then enjoy a walk along the lake's shore.
White Lake β Shine-Ider (The Green Route)
Drive north along the Green Route, traveling through high mountain passes and lush river valleys. This is a day of slow travel, offering some of the most beautiful pastoral scenery in Mongolia. Visit with nomadic herders along the way before arriving in the small sub-province of Shine-Ider, your gateway to the north.
Shine-Ider β Lake Khuvsgul (The Blue Pearl)
Arrive at the crown jewel of Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul. One of the world's oldest and largest freshwater lakes, it holds nearly 1% of the planet's fresh water and is surrounded by dense taiga forest and the snow-capped peaks of the Sayan Mountains. Spend the afternoon enjoying the stunning crystal-clear waters and lakeside scenery.
Lake Khuvsgul β Tsaatan Reindeer Herder Visit
Embark on a deep cultural immersion to meet the Tsaatan, the Reindeer People. Ride horses through the dense Siberian taiga to reach their remote camp, and learn about their ancient shamanic traditions and nomadic lifestyle, which is centered entirely around their reindeer, in a rare and intimate experience.
Return South β Uran Togoo Volcano
On your return journey south, stop at Uran Togoo Mountain, an extinct volcano that rises perfectly from the surrounding steppe. Hike to the rim of the crater, which is filled with a small, forested bowl, for a sweeping view of the surrounding valleys from the summit.
Uran Togoo β Ulaanbaatar
Travel back to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. The drive takes you through the beautiful central Mongolian countryside, and upon arrival you'll transfer to your hotel or the airport for your departure flight.