Mongolia
Trip Overview
As esoteric as a destination can be, the immensely striking Mongolia is a litmus test for a true explorer. Mongolia promises to reveal brilliant panoramas that more than amply justify the popular adage used to describe this fascinating country – Land of Blue Skies. Vast, secluded and thus far untouched by the mores of rampant commercialization – Mongolia is a landlocked nation located in the midst of China and Russia. With an extremely low density of population, it offers endless vistas that are accompanied by an emptiness that possesses an enduring quality for the soul-searching adventurer. One of the last few places on the planet where the nomadic way of life is still very much prevalent, Mongolia is an absolutely distinctive experience. We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to live through this experience with a self-drive or chauffeur driven Mongolia road trip in a 4×4 SUV.
About the trip
Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Trip Cost
INR 425000 Per Person (EMI Option available)
Excluding 5% GST Per Person (EMI Option Available)
Trip style
Solo / Family / Couple / Friends
Landscapes
Desert, Mountains
Activities
Desert Safari, Glamping, Road Trip, Star Gazing
Upcoming Dates
Download
Brochure
Route Map
Itinerary
Ulaanbaatar
You will arrive in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to a warm welcome from your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Ulaanbaatar, also known as Ulan Bator or simply just UB is located on the banks of the Tuul River and is surrounded by mountains covered with lush pine forests in the north and verdant steppes in the south. Sunlit and peaceful, the city of Ulaanbaatar is a city of rapidly shifting contrasts where the urban way of life coexists in perfect harmony with the traditional. It is one of those cities where the past and the present are still living side by side. You will have a free evening to stroll around and enjoy the surroundings of this beautiful city.
Ulaanbaatar
Today, as a part of our Mongolia customized holiday package, you will enjoy a city sightseeing tour and have opportunities to do some souvenir shopping. Pass through Genghis Khan Square, visit the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, and learn about the nation’s history and culture at the National Museum of Mongolia. Each year between 10th and 16th July, you can witness the popular traditional festival celebrated by the Mongols, namely Naadam. Locals partake in three main “manly” competitions; archery, wrestling, and horseback racing as part of festivities which are believed to have originated with the rise of the Great Mongolian Empire, and predominantly served as the crux of Genghis Khan’s strategy to ensure his warriors stayed fit and in peak physical condition. Continue exploring the city at your own pace as you soak in this beautiful and historically rich city.
Drive to Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
Today, you will leave Ulaanbaatar and the hit the road to start exploring the Mongolian country. This scintillating morning will see you proceeding towards the incomparable sights of the Gobi Desert – the ancient homeland of the dinosaurs, one of the highlights of your Mongolia custom tours. A good 5-6 hours journey and you will arrive at Ikh Gazriin Chuluu. Situated in Dundgovi province, approximately 300 km off Ulaanbaatar, Ikh Gazriin Chuluu is a government-protected region that comprises of stunning rocky outcrops enclosed by dry grassland and semi-desert steppe. It is home to a spectacular variety of flora and fauna, including the rare argali wild sheep. You get to camp through the night here in traditional ger [a felt yurt] style tents, with a fabulous dinner and bonfire planned, to be held in the company of the overlooking granite rock formations.
Drive to Dalanzadgad
It is time to head deep into the wonderfully daunting Gobi Desert and arrive in Dalanzadgad town after nearly 4 hours on the road. Continuing ahead for about an hour, you will reach the mesmerizing Yol Valley, one of the highlights of your Mongolia custom tour package. This slim, steep gorge is huddled in the lap of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan mountain range. Having hiked through the valley and the gorgeous U-shaped canyon, you will move towards the Gobi Nomad Lodge in the afternoon. It’s from here that you will be transferred to the nearby Flaming Cliffs, accompanied by a research expert to the site where dinosaur eggs were first discovered. You will return to the lodge, after covering nearly 280 km for a scrumptious dinner and an engrossing lecture by an eminent researcher about the latest developments and key findings in the realm of paleontology within the region.
Drive to Khongoryn Els
As the sun rises on the fifth day of your journey, you will find yourself heading towards the mighty Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes via the Khaalga Pass, one of the high points of your personalized itineraries in Mongolia. Extending along a distance of approximately 965 sq. km, while reaching the maximum height of 300 metres in some places, Khongoryn Els are also known by the title of Duut Mankhan or Singing Dunes owing to the distinguishing sound they make when the sand is moved by the wind. After 3 to 4 hours of travelling along these lofty sand sculptures which change colours as the day progresses, you will arrive at your ger camp located right alongside this wonder of nature for some well-deserved nourishment and rest.
Khongoryn Els next camp site
You will continue your tour of the remarkable Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes via the Uujim Passage to finally arrive at another ger camp. In the afternoon, you will travel from the camp towards the nearest located sand dune and get to explore its’ surrounding regions on foot. Here you will also get an opportunity to familiarize yourself with local customs and experience first-hand the famed warmth and hospitality of resident Mongolians, by meeting and spending some time with a camel herdsman’s family. Also, make sure you avail the once-in-a-lifetime chance of riding a double-humped Bactrian camel through the striking sandscape, before returning to the camp later in the afternoon for dinner and some much-needed rest.
Drive to Ongiin Monastery
On the seventh day of your road trip, you will travel northwards across the mountains to cross over into the plains, with a stop at Bulgan Sum for refuelling before heading to the nearby Flaming Cliffs. This time you will get to scout this spellbinding prehistoric site with a researcher from the Mongolian Academy of Science, whose expertise is sure to answer all your questions regarding the past and the ongoing digs in the region, a curated travel experience to get you the most out of this unique trip in Mongolia. Post lunch, you will continue your journey towards the Ongiin Monastery. The curve in the Ongiin River here marks the remains of two ruined monasteries, which together accommodated about 28 temples in their heyday before being destroyed in the communist surge of the 1930s.
Drive to Kharkhorin
This glorious morning arrives with the promise of a splendid day full of adventures as you continue northwards to the legendary city of Kharkhorin via a dirt road (this entails nearly 5 to 6 hours of travelling). Upon reaching the ger camp, a local expert will join you for a gripping lecture on the Erdene-zuu Monastery, which is widely accepted to be the earliest surviving Buddhist hermitage in Mongolia, and the archaeological survey of ancient ruins of the Kharkhorin city. Genghis Khan founded this antique city in 1220 in the upper valley of the Orkhon River which is presently a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It also served as the capital of Mongolia in the 13th century under Genghis Khan’s son, Ogedei Khan.
Drive to Erdene-Zuu Monastery
On the last day of your Mongolian tour, you will explore the stunning Erdene-zuu Monastery. Fenced by the ruins of erstwhile Kharkhorin’s epic walls with 108 stupas, Erdene-zuu was built in the latter half of 1500s. On your journey back to Ulaanbaatar from the monastery, you can make a stop at the Hustai National Park, which was designated as a Specially Protected Area by the country’s government in the year 1993. This will be your last day of travelling on Mongolian roads, as you reach the private ger camp which will host you overnight. Specially curated cultural acts await you in the evening; these will comprise performances by Mongolian throat singers, folk dances, an opportunity to capture a likeness of the imposing Saker Falcon, along with a thrilling wrestling match.
Drive to Ulaanbaatar – Departure
You are back in buzzing Ulaanbaatar. After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home. Rugged, enormous, and historic, Mongolia will have surprised you in the most wonderful of ways. It may seem like an acquired taste at first, but one visit to this country – full of some of the warmest people you will ever meet – will ensure you fly back home with some truly exceptional memories. When you return home after this Mongolia trip, don’t be surprised if you and the people around you fall in love with a new-found, cheerful side of you!
Gallery
ASIA
Testimonials
A collection of stories and experiences of the Adventures Overland travellers from around the world which portray the exact moments we strive to live for.
Useful information
Trip Inclusions
Accommodation In Hotels And Camps On Twin Sharing Basis Meal – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private Airport Transfers
Chauffeur driven vehicles
Fuel And Parking Fees
English speaking Guide Visa Assistance
Sightseeing And Entrance Fee As Per The Itinerary
Entry fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Trip Exclusions
Any flight tickets
Alcoholic beverages
Personal Expenditure
Early check-in
Tips Travel Insurance
Any Cost Arising Out of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Ill Health, Vehicle Breakdown, Land Blocks, Bad Weather Etc.
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion section
5% GST
5% TCS
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
Download
Brochure
Enquire Now
SUGGESTED trips
get in gear to explore the world differently
Jordan Expedition
8 Nights | 9 Days20 Mar 2023 – 28 Mar 2023
29 April 2023 – 7 May 2023
28 Oct 2023 – 5 Nov 2023
FEATURED IN
COLLABORATORS
The AO promise
100% Safety
Safety is paramount. We ensure that you are safe and secure across all terrains.
Anything but basic
If it’s not extraordinary, we either won’t do it or we’ll find a way to make it so.
Sustainability
It’s impossible not to love and care for the land with these amazing adventures.
Receive adventure in your inbox
