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From Valleys to Gobi

This journey begins in the scenic Mini-Gobi region of Khogno Khan and explores the ancient capital of Kharkhorin. Relax in the natural warmth of Tsenkher hot springs before heading into the green Orkhon Valley, rich in nomadic culture and history. Continue south to visit the ruins of Ongi Monastery, the red cliffs of Bayanzag, the towering dunes of Khongor, and the surreal white formations of Tsagaan Suvarga. A well-balanced itinerary combining cultural heritage, nomadic lifestyle, and the striking landscapes of the Mongolian steppe and Gobi desert.

Day 1
Ulaanbaatar city tour
Location
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
47km -1h
Ulaanbaatar city

Upon arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver. Transfer to the Ulaanbaatar city center and check in at your hotel.

Visit the national museum of history, the largest museum in Mongolia, and discover the country's rich history.

Walk around the city center of Ulaanbaatar and visit Chinggis Khan Square.

The fabulous traditional Mongolian show of Tumen ekh will introduce you to Mongolian instruments, traditional dances, religious dances, traditional songs, overtone songs, and contortions in the evening.

Check-in at a clean and simple 2-star hotel, located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to all the main attractions.

Note: Our hotel is right in the city center, so we’ll enjoy walking around. With Ulaanbaatar’s busy traffic, walking is often the best way to explore.

Day 2
Journey to the Mini-Gobi
Location
Ulaanbaatar city
285km -3h 42m
Khogno Khan National Park

Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, we visit Gandan Monastery, a major religious site in the city. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and a 25-meter-tall Buddha statue, it offers a glimpse into Mongolian Buddhist life.

We head to Khogno Khan National Park, also known as Mini-Gobi. This park offers a diverse range of landscapes, including a lake, trees, mountains and 80km long sand dunes. Once we arrive and settle into our ger camp, we will get the chance to explore the 18th-century Erdene Khamba Monastery and take a leisurely stroll through the sand dunes.

Camel ride on the sand dunes of Khogno Khan National Park, also called the Mini-Gobi, takes about 30 minutes.

Check-in at Bayan Gobi Camp, located in the heart of the sand dunes.

Breakfast
-

Hotel 2 star

Lunch
-

Local restaurant

Dinner
-

Bayan Gobi camp

Day 3
Relaxing Day at Tsenkher Hot Springs
Location
Khogno Khan National Park
78km -58m
Kharkhorin city
120km -2h 15m
Tsenkher Hot Spring

Arrival at Kharkhorin city , the ancient capital of Mongolia. Once the heart of the Mongol Empire, now a place of historical landmarks, wide steppe views, and cultural heritage.

Visit to the Kharkhorin museum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. In 1235, Ögedei Khan, son of Chinggis Khan, built the city in the Orkhon Valley to honor his father’s vision.

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by Abtai Khan, a descendant of Chinggis Khan. Following the advice of the 3rd Dalai Lama, he chose the site of the ancient Mongol capital for its construction.

Then we go to the Tsenkher hot springs, a popular natural retreat in central Mongolia. These hot springs are known for their therapeutic mineral waters, which flow at a temperature of around 86°C from underground. Surrounded by forested hills and green valleys, the area offers a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can soak in open-air pools and enjoy the peaceful nature.

Check-in at Duut Resort.

Breakfast
-

Bayan Gobi camp

Lunch
-

Duut Resort

Dinner
-

Duut Resort

Day 4
Nomadic life in Orkhon Valley
Location
Tsenkher Hot Spring
120km -2h 30m
Tovkhon Monastery
50km -1h 20m
Orkhon Valley

Visit Tovkhon Monastery, founded by Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar in 1648. Located at 2,312 meters, the site includes temples, a meditation cave, and a sacred footprint. Further up is Ekhiin Khevlii, or “Mother’s Womb,” where pilgrims crawl inside for symbolic rebirth. At the top, an ovoo and a flat rock mark the place where Zanabazar created famous works. The round-trip hike takes about 1.5 hours through quiet forest paths.

We head into the heart of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich nomadic traditions. Each summer, herders settle here with their animals, offering a glimpse into Mongolia’s timeless way of life. Surrounded by rivers, mountains, and wide green steppes, we will spend the next three days in this beautiful valley.

Arrival at a nomadic family. During our stay, we can help with daily activities such as milking cows, making traditional dairy products, and gathering firewood. This hands-on experience offers a unique insight into the nomadic way of life and helps us appreciate the simplicity and beauty of living close to nature.

Breakfast
-

Duut Resort

Lunch
-

Local restaurant

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 5
Nomadic life in Orkhon Valley
Location
Orkhon Valley
4km -1h
Orkhon Waterfall
4km -1h
Orkhon Valley

Today is a quiet day with time to rest and enjoy the peaceful life in the valley. We can relax or join the family in some activities like milking animals cooking or collecting firewood. A calm day close to nature.

Horseback ride to the famous Orkhon Waterfall, a 24-meter drop surrounded by nature. Peaceful riding across the open steppe, with wide grasslands and beautiful views along the way.

In the evening, our generous host will prepare a traditional Mongolian dish called Khorkhog , also known as “Mongolian barbecue made with hot stones.” This unique culinary experience involves cooking meat and vegetables on heated stones inside a sealed container, resulting in a rich, smoky, and flavorful meal.

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 6
Nomadic life
Location
Orkhon Valley

Today it is a free day to spend with the nomadic family. Guests can observe and take part in their daily life such as milking cows, herding animals, bringing wood from the forest, and cutting it for the stove. They can also help prepare traditional dairy products including aaruul, which is sun-dried curd, and urum, a rich cream collected from boiled milk. It is possible to ride a horse across the open steppe or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nomadic life. Meals are shared in the family ger, and tea is always served with warm hospitality. A day filled with simple moments and meaningful cultural exchange.

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Prepared by the family

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 7
Travel to the Great Gobi Desert
Location
Orkhon Valley
170km -3h
Arvaikheer City
149km -3h 22m
Ongi Monastery

We’ll make a stop in Arvaikheer city to stock up on essentials like water, snacks, and other supplies from a supermarket.

We leave the green valleys of Khangai and enter the dry, wide land of the Gobi. The change in landscape shows Mongolia’s natural diversity. In the afternoon, We arrive at Ongi valley and visit Ongi Monastery.

Ongi Monastery is a remarkable historical site in southern Mongolia. Built in the 17th century, it was once one of the largest monasteries in the country and served as one of Mongolia’s first universities. At its peak, it housed up to 2,000 monks and played a major role as a religious and educational center. Today, only the ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse into Mongolia’s cultural and spiritual past.

Check-in at Secret of Ongi Camp.

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Local restaurant

Dinner
-

Secret of Ongi Camp

Day 8
Bayanzag: Flaming Cliffs and Dinosaur Land
Location
Ongi Monastery
170km -4h
Bayan Zag Flaming Cliffs

After breakfast, we will head to Bayanzag cliffs, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. These red formations are famous for their beauty at sunset and for the discovery of many dinosaur fossils. In 1922, Roy Chapman Andrews found the first fossilized dinosaur eggs at this site. Often called the Cemetery of Dragons, Bayanzag combines natural beauty, historical importance, and scientific value. It is one of the highlights of any journey through Mongolia.

Check-in at Gobi Mirage Lodge.

Breakfast
-

Secret of Ongi Camp

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Gobi Mirage Camp

Day 9
Sand dunes of Khongor
Location
Bayan Zag Flaming Cliffs
200km -4h 20m
Khongor Sand Dunes

Today we will start our day with Khavtsgait Petroglyphs , a rocky hill known for its ancient carvings. These prehistoric artworks show scenes of daily life, animals, and beliefs of early nomadic people in the Gobi region. The round-trip hike takes about one hour, with petroglyphs to discover along the way and open views across the desert.

We arrive at Khongor Sand Dunes, stretching 130 km across the Gobi — vast, golden, and breathtaking. In this area, nomadic families settle near oases and rivers, where water supports their livestock and way of life.

Arrival at a nomadic family living in the Gobi Desert.

Breakfast
-

Gobi Mirage Camp

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 10
Camel riding and climbing to the dunes of Duut
Location
Khongor Sand Dunes

We will climb the highest dune of Khongor, which reaches about 300 meters in height — an unforgettable experience. From the top, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the endless sand dunes. When the sand moves with the wind or shifts in small avalanches, it creates a deep, echoing sound, which has earned these dunes the name “Singing Sands.”

Going on a camel ride is a fun and relaxing experience. The ride offers views of the surrounding landscape and leads to a quiet spot near the hills, where saxaul bushes grow.

And the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beauty of the Gobi Desert.

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 11
Journey to Yoliin Am Canyon
Location
Khongor Sand Dunes
170km -4h
Yoliin Am Canyon

We will go to Yoliin Am Canyon through Dungenee Canyon, a remote and peaceful area that is home to wild animals such as ibex and gazelle. These animals are rarely seen, moving cautiously through the landscape, and offer a quiet thrill when spotted in their natural habitat.

We arrive at the stunning Yoliin am Canyon, a breathtaking destination for nature lovers. Also known as the Canyon of Eagles, it is home to wild birds such as eagles and vultures.

A two-hour walk deep in the canyon — a peaceful trail between high cliffs, with chances to see birds, wildlife, and patches of ice. A cool, mysterious atmosphere in the gorge."

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 12
Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs
Location
Yoliin Am Canyon
45km -50m
Dalanzadgad city
156km -2h 10m
Tsagaan Suvarga

We pass through Dalanzadgad city, the capital of Umnugovi province and often called the capital of the Gobi. This city has grown rapidly in recent years, as the nearby Oyu Tolgoi mine, one of the world’s largest gold and copper deposits operated by Rio Tinto, has attracted many people to settle and work in the region.

Arrival at Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs in the afternoon, where we take time to explore the striking white formations sculpted by wind and time. We enjoy panoramic views and take in the remarkable colors of this natural wonder, especially breathtaking at sunset.

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Prepared by the family

Day 13
Granite mountains of Baga Gazariin Chuluu
Location
Tsagaan Suvarga
240km -3h 30m
Baga Gazariin Chuluu

Arrival at the granite mountains of Baga Gazariin Chuluu, known for their striking rock formations shaped by wind and time. In the 19th century, two revered lamas lived here, leaving inscriptions still visible today. Legend says Chinggis Khan once stayed in this scenic and peaceful place, ideal for a pleasant walk.

Check-in at Khanbogd camp

Breakfast
-

Prepared by the team

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Dinner
-

Khan Bogd Camp

Day 14
Back to city
Location
Ulaanbaatar city

We leave behind the beautiful countryside of Mongolia as we return to the city. Open landscapes, wild animals in their natural habitat, and the quiet presence of nomadic families have created a memorable experience. The connection with nature and the peaceful rhythm of nomadic life remain with us.

We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we head to the city center for some final souvenir shopping. We can look for cashmere, traditional crafts, and small Mongolian gifts, with help from our guide to find the right shops.

Check-in at a clean and simple 2-star hotel, located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to all the main attractions.

Breakfast
-

Khan Bogd camp

Lunch
-

Prepared by team

Day 15
Safe journey back and looking forward to meeting again next time
Location
Departure
45km -48m
Chinggis Khaan International Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport or train station will be arranged according to each traveler’s departure schedule.

Breakfast
-

Hotel 2 star

Departures and price

I want to privatise this tour for me and my friends / family

Participant(s)
Price per person
2
2,790 $
3
2,390 $
4 - 6
1,990 $
7 - 8
1,690 $
9 - 10
1,590 $

Included

Local guide

Driver

Vehicle + Gasoline

Cook for group of 5 or more travelers

Equestrian guide + saddle + bomb

Transfer + airport + hotel + airport

2 nights in 2 star hotel

5 nights in comfortable ger camp

7 nights in Nomadic family, in a guest ger

Horse riding fee

Camel riding fee

National park entrance fees

Tickets of the monasteries and museums mentioned in the itinerary

Traditional show in Ulaanbaatar

Mineral water during a trip

All the meals (except in Ulaanbaatar)

Equipments for camping

Not included

International trasport

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Meals and drinks in Ulaanbaatar

Extra drinks / alcohol

Any excursion that is not indicated in the program

Phone calls

Accommodation

Bayan Gobi Camp - Khogno Khan National Park

Bayan Gobi Camp - Khogno Khan National Park
Bayan Gobi Camp - Khogno Khan National Park
+9

Bayangobi Camp is located in a beautiful area where the sand dunes, grasslands, and rocky hills come together. It’s a peaceful and comfortable place to stay for people who want to enjoy both nature and nomadic life. The camp is close to Khogno Khan National Park and is perfect for camel rides, short hikes, and relaxing in the quiet countryside.

General Information

  • Located between Kharkhorin and Ulaanbaatar
  • Traditional gers with comfortable beds and clean facilities
  • Surrounded by sand dunes, mountains, and open steppe
  • Easy to reach when traveling through central Mongolia

What to See & Do

  • Ride a camel on the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes
  • Walk to the old Erdene Khamba Monastery nearby
  • Climb the hills of Khogno Khan mountain
  • Meet and spend time with local herder families
  • Watch traditional Mongolian music and dance shows (on request)

Food and Services

  • Meals include Mongolian and simple Western dishes
  • Hot showers and eco-friendly toilets are available
  • Campfire and Mongolian games can be arranged in the evening

Best Time to Visit

  • From May to October
  • Spring and autumn have nice weather and fewer tourists

Travel Tips

  • Bring warm clothes for the night – even in summer it can be cold
  • Good place for families, solo travelers, or small groups
  • There is mobile signal and sometimes internet

Бичлэг

Байршил

Duut Resort – Tsenkher Hot Spring

Duut Resort – Tsenkher Hot Spring
Duut Resort – Tsenkher Hot Spring
+20

Duut Resort is a cozy hot spring resort located in the Tsenkher Valley, Arkhangai Province. Known for its natural mineral-rich springs, it’s a popular retreat for travelers seeking relaxation in a tranquil natural setting.

General Information

  • Location: Tsenkher Valley, Arkhangai Province
  • Altitude: approx. 1,850 m
  • Type: Natural hot spring resort
  • Seasons: Open from spring to autumn

Highlights

  • Outdoor and indoor mineral hot pools
  • Wooden cabins and modern ger accommodations
  • Surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests

Facilities

  • Hot spring baths, showers, and toilets
  • On-site restaurant with local cuisine
  • Massage and hiking options available

Travel Tips

  • Bring swimwear and slip-on shoes
  • Early mornings and evenings offer the best experience
  • About 40–50 minutes from Tsetserleg by car

Video

Location

Gobi Mirage Lodge - Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

Gobi Mirage Lodge - Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Gobi Mirage Lodge - Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
+14

Located in the vast plains of the Gobi Desert, Gobi Mirage Lodge offers a peaceful and comfortable retreat in one of Mongolia's most iconic natural landscapes. Surrounded by wide-open spaces and blue skies, the lodge provides a perfect base to explore the nearby sand dunes, rocky formations, and wildlife of the South Gobi region.

General Information

  • Type: Tourist ger camp lodge
  • Location: South Gobi, near Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
  • Accommodation: Traditional gers with beds, electricity, and simple amenities
  • Facilities: Restaurant, shower block, solar-powered lighting

What to See Nearby

  • Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
  • Saxaul forest and desert wildlife
  • Sunrise and sunset over the steppe

Food and Drink

  • Serves Mongolian and international dishes
  • Indoor dining area
  • Vegetarian options available on request

Travel Tips

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection
  • Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable
  • Evenings can be cool, bring warm clothes

Video


Location

Khanbogd tourist camp - Yoliin Am Canyon

Khanbogd tourist camp - Yoliin Am Canyon
Khanbogd tourist camp - Yoliin Am Canyon
+13

Located in the South Gobi near Yoliin Am Canyon, Khan Bogd Camp offers a peaceful and comfortable place to rest after exploring the surrounding valleys and mountains. Surrounded by dramatic desert scenery, it provides an ideal base for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

General Information

  • Type: Tourist ger camp
  • Location: South Gobi, near Yoliin Am Canyon
  • Accommodation: Traditional gers with beds, lighting, and simple furnishings
  • Facilities: Restaurant, shared shower area, eco-friendly dry toilets

What to See Nearby

  • Yoliin Am Canyon
  • Dungenee Canyon
  • Gobi desert wildlife and steppe scenery

Meals and Service

  • Serves Mongolian and simple international dishes
  • Indoor dining area
  • Friendly local staff

Travel Tips

  • Bring sun protection and layers for the evening chill
  • Wi-Fi may be limited
  • Solar power is used for lighting

Video


Location

Secret of Ongi Camp

Secret of Ongi Camp
Secret of Ongi Camp
+14

Located near the ruins of the historic Ongi Monastery, Secret of Ongi is a peaceful ger camp surrounded by the wide Ongi River valley and desert landscape. The camp offers traditional gers, a spacious restaurant, and beautiful views of the steppe. It is an ideal stop between Central Mongolia and the Gobi.

  • Located in the Ongi valley near Ongi Monastery
  • Traditional Mongolian gers with shared facilities
  • Restaurant serving traditional and international meals
  • Hot shower and electricity available
  • Beautiful sunrise and sunset views
  • A calm and relaxing atmosphere after a long day of travel

Location

Nomadic Family Stay Experience

Nomadic Family Stay Experience
Nomadic Family Stay Experience
+14

When travelers stay with a nomadic family, they enjoy a unique and immersive accommodation experience. Guests are hosted in individual gers (traditional yurts), each suitable for up to 4 people and equipped with beds, chairs, and tables. The agency provides shower facilities and a dry toilet, ensuring a comfortable yet authentic stay.

What to Experience

  • Meals with the family: Dine together in the main ger, enjoying traditional Mongolian food.
  • Cultural exchange: Learn about nomadic customs, heritage, and lifestyle.
  • Hands-on participation: Help with daily chores like:
    • Milking cows
    • Preparing dairy products (e.g. aaruul, airag)
    • Collecting firewood
  • Outdoor exploration: Go horseback riding and explore the surrounding landscapes.

Why It’s Special

This stay offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s a deep cultural exchange that allows guests to witness and take part in Mongolia’s living traditions. The connection with nature, the simplicity of daily life, and the warm hospitality make it a truly memorable part of any journey.

Nomadic Family Stay Experience Gobi

Nomadic Family Stay Experience Gobi
Nomadic Family Stay Experience Gobi
+7

When travelers stay with a nomadic family in the Gobi Desert, they experience the unique way of life shaped by arid landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. Guests sleep in individual gers (yurts), each accommodating up to 4 people, furnished with beds, tables, and chairs. The agency provides shower access and a dry eco-toilet, ensuring a balance of comfort and authenticity.

What to Experience

  • Shared meals: Eat traditional dishes with the host family in the main ger.
  • Cultural exchange: Discover Gobi nomadic customs, desert survival knowledge, and daily routines.
  • Daily activities: Join in hands-on tasks like:
    • Herding camels and goats
    • Making traditional dairy products such as aaruul and urum
    • Chopping and collecting wood from the dry steppe
  • Desert adventures: Ride a camel through the dunes and hike around rocky canyons.

Why It’s Special

A stay with a Gobi nomadic family is more than just accommodation—it’s an insight into how people thrive in one of the world’s harshest environments. The connection to land, resourceful living, and heartfelt hospitality offer a profound, eye-opening experience that becomes a highlight of any journey through Mongolia’s south.

Attraction
Erdene Khamba Monastery
Erdene Khamba Monastery
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Gandantegchilen Monastery
Gandantegchilen Monastery
Kharkhorin Museum
Kharkhorin Museum
National museum of history
National museum of history
Ongi Monastery
Ongi Monastery
Tovkhon Monastery
Tovkhon Monastery
Tumen Ekh National Song and Dance Ensemble
Tumen Ekh National Song and Dance Ensemble
Activity
Camel riding
Camel riding
Horse riding in Mongolia
Horse riding in Mongolia
Destination
Arvaikheer city
Arvaikheer city
Rocky formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu
Rocky formations of Baga Gazariin Chuluu
Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Chinggis Khan International Airport
Chinggis Khan International Airport
Chinggis Khan Square
Chinggis Khan Square
Dalanzadgad city
Dalanzadgad city
Dungenee Canyon
Dungenee Canyon
Kharkhorin city - Ancient capital of Mongolia
Kharkhorin city - Ancient capital of Mongolia
Khavtsgait Petroglyphs - Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park<
Khavtsgait Petroglyphs - Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park<
Khogno Khan National Park
Khogno Khan National Park
Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Waterfall
Orkhon Waterfall
Khongor Sand Dunes
Khongor Sand Dunes
Tsagaan Suvarga
Tsagaan Suvarga
Tsenkher Hot Spring
Tsenkher Hot Spring
Ulaanbaatar city
Ulaanbaatar city
Yoliin am Canyon
Yoliin am Canyon
Restaurants & meals
Khorkhog – Mongolian Barbecue
Khorkhog – Mongolian Barbecue
Map
15 days
1,590 $per person
Difficulty:
1/5
Comfort:
4/5
Your travel manager
Nyambayar
Your local agent, tailor-made tour specialist and small group travel in Mongolia
+976 95092212info@steppe-mongolia.com
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