Essential Mongolia: 13 Days of Discovery

After your arrival at Ulaanbaatar airport our tour representatives will meet you and you will have a transfer to your hotel. At the hotel you will have some time for a rest before a sightseeing tour. Some time later the sightseeing tour around Ulaanbaatar will start. First you will enjoy panoramic views of the city from Zaisan Hill, dedicated to Soviet-Mongolian friendship. The tour will continue to the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, once the residence of Mongolia's last king, the Bogd Khan, and a symbol of the country’s spiritual and royal heritage. The next sight to visit is Gandan Monastery – the center of Buddhism in Mongolia. Afterward, a lunch at a traditional Mongolian restaurant will be arranged. Next you will get acquainted with the history of Mongolia at National History Museum featuring exhibits from ancient times through Genghis Khan's empire to the modern era. The tour will end with a visit to Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of Ulaanbaatar.

Your second day will start with a trip to famous granite formations known as Baga Gazariin Chuluu. That is an area covering 300 sq. km. This amazing site is located in Dungobi Province – the second least populated province in the south of the country. As we explore the area, you’ll have a chance to see the ruins of a 17th-century temple and a deep, narrow hole containing rainwater that has long been believed to possess healing properties, especially for eye ailments.

This day you will explore the other gem of Dungovi Province – Tsagaan Suvarga, which is a colorful limestone formation with the highest point of 60 m. This sheer cliff has been forming by the relentless winds over thousands of years. The area offers two captivating sites for exploration. The first is Khevtee Bosoo Agui, or the "Lie and Stand Cave," a fascinating 70-meter-long cavern just a short drive away. The second is Del Uul, or "Back Mountain," home to an extensive collection of Bronze Age rock carvings. So, that will be a day of amazing natural discoveries!

This morning, you will head to Yol Valley – a beautiful natural sight located within the Gurvansaikhan Mountains known as the "Three Beauties." After reaching the canyon you will start a two-hour hike. Along the way, you will stop to visit the local Natural History Museum featuring exhibits such as dinosaur eggs and bones, petrified trees, and even a preserved snow leopard – the region’s rich prehistoric and ecological heritage. After the excursion you will also have an hour-long horseback ride (optional), guided by an experienced horseman. This ride will let you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

After breakfast at the hotel you will set off an exciting journey to the Khongor Sand Dunes – an awe-inspiring natural wonder of Gobi Desert. These dunes are also called "Singing Dunes" and are among top attractions of Mongolia. This name was not given by chance – if you try to climb the dunes you will be able to hear melodic sound of the sand shifted by the wind. That will not the last adventure of the day as next you will have a camel ride (optional) along the golden sands.

The day will start with a trip to amazing Bayanzag area known as the Flaming Cliffs. This sight is known due to its paleontology discoveries of 1922. As it was here that the first nest of dinosaur eggs was found. After arrival you will visit the local museum for exploring its paleontological exhibits. This journey promises a blend of natural beauty, history, and scientific marvels, making it an experience to remember.

This morning, after breakfast, you will head to the historic ruins of Ongi Monastery located among mountains of Gobi Desert. Those are ruins of two monasteries established to honor the first visit of the Dalai Lama to Mongolia. After construction hundreds of monks lived there, but it was tragically destroyed during the purges of the 1930s, the surviving ruins still echo its former grandeur.

In the morning you will head to beautiful Orkhon Valley that is under protection of UNESCO as it represents the development of nomadic pastoral traditions spanning more than two millennia. While exploring this beautiful valley, you will have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family and learn their traditional way of life. You will also enjoy a scenic horse ride through the valley for an hour, enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscapes from a unique perspective.

This day you will visit one of the oldest Mongolian Buddihst monasteries Monastery, which is located high in the mountains. This monastery was founded in 1648 by the first spiritual leader – a 14-year old boy named Zanabazar. He discovered this beautiful location and decided to build a small cabin there for meditation. Thus the beginning of Tuvkun Monastery was laid.

The day will start with a trip to Kharkhorum which was the capital of the Mongol Empire between 1235 and 1260. In the second half of the 14th century, Chinese soldiers devastated much of this city, leaving behind only remnants of its grand structures. These ruins were later repurposed in the 16th century to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. In Kharkhorum you will see impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery, standing as a testament to the area’s spiritual and historical significance. You willl take time to explore the site, visit the museum, and plunge into the stories of this ancient city and its cultural heritage.

This day you will have a trip to Hustai National Park home to the rare and endangered Przewalski’s horses - the only species of wild horses in the world - as well as many other internationally-important plants and animals. On the way you will have a stop at semi-desert region called Elsen-Tasarkhai. This area is known for its mix of beautiful landscapes from sand dunes to hills and rivers. Afterward the tour will continue to Hustai National Park. During the visit, we will stop by the local museum to learn more about the fascinating history of the Przewalski’s horses, the park's wildlife, and the ongoing efforts to protect these incredible animals and their environment.

The first destination of this day will be grand 40-meters high Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue located 54 km east from Ulaanbaatar. Visitors can go up to the observation area located on the head of statue’s horse to enjoy panoramic views. Then we will drive to Terelj National Park known for its beautiful sceneries including forests, meadows with wildflowers, and velvet hills. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the Aryabal Buddhist Meditation Temple. Perched high above the park, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. After enjoying beautiful nature you will return to Ulaanbaatar for a farewell dinner to celebrate the unforgettable journey we’ve shared.

Transfer to the airport, departure.