Overview
Mongolia is magnificently remote, its unfenced grasslands dotted with nomad camps and herds of yaks and horses. In this mesmerizing realm, we’ll see the wild horses of Hustain Nuruu National Park and explore the ruins of Karakorum, once the capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. In the Gobi, we hike in the deep Yol Valley, watch sunset over the fabled Flaming Cliffs, and even ride a Bactrian camel. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a warm welcome into an authentic nomadic culture as we spend nights in our cozy traditional gers (yurts) and experience a local Naadam festival, a quintessentially Mongolian celebration with archery, wrestling, and cross-country horse races.
A comprehensive journey into Mongolian culture, with absolutely delightful guides. The high level of amenities did not go unnoticed: food was very good and far more varied than we'd expected, and the accommodations were incredible! The hotel is 5-star, and even the ger camps were remarkably luxurious—we did not anticipate showers and western restrooms in remote camps, but they provided these and many more creature comforts.
— Scott S., Freestone, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Ulaanbaatar / Hustain Nuruu
We explore the sites of the capital, including the thriving Gandan Monastery, home to several hundred monks, then head out across the grasslands to Hustain Nuruu National Park, established for the takhi, the last remaining species of wild horse. Extinct in the wild in the 1970s, this sturdy native is making a comeback here through international conservation efforts. One of our hikes brings us to the great standing stones at Ongot, a site that dates back to 500 AD. Each departure of our journey will feature a day at a Naadam Festival (the actual day varies with each trip), where we watch traditional Mongolian sports dating back to Genghis Khan’s time.
Days 5-6
Erdene Zuu Monastery / Karakorum
In the Orkhon Valley, the cradle of Mongolian civilization, we are welcomed into the home of a nomad family, and we visit the chanting halls at 16th century Erdene Zuu Monastery, the “Jewel Temple,” built over the ruins of Karakorum, capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. This has been a place of Buddhist worship for over 500 years.
Days 7-13
Gobi Desert / Gorkhi-Terelj / Ulaanbaatar
In the vast Gobi Desert, we walk the trails of Yol Valley National Park and visit the renowned site of the “Fighting Dinosaurs,” where fossils of a Protoceratops and Velociraptor locked in combat were discovered. We can ride a Bactrian camel in this dramatic desert, and explore the legendary fossil site of the Flaming Cliffs—stunning when illuminated by the oranges and golds of sunset. Flying back to the capital, we overnight in a traditional ger camp amid the rock formations and alpine mountains of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a wonderful chance to experience local nomad hospitality on the steppes. Depart on Day 13 via Ulaanbaatar.
In the Realm of Genghis Khan
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Land of Genghis Khan
Discover the inspiring landscapes of Mongolia, from the legendary Gobi Desert to the vast steppes of the heart of Mongolia, visit thriving Buddhist monasteries, ride horses (and camels!), and experience the hospitality of traditional nomads.
