Golden Gobi and Kharkhorin Tour Mongolia

11 days from $1860

​Discover must-visit places in Mongolia, the Gobi Desert, and Orkhon Valley If you travel to Mongolia. This classic Mongolia tour offers you to enjoy the natural view that is changing dramatically: from the golden dunes of Gobi to the open green valleys dotted with wildflowers, through vast steppes, a great waterfall, and a charming lake. Visit Khustai National Park which covers the steppe and forest mountain area, home to abundant wildlife such as Takhi, Przewalski's wild horses, hundreds of species of birds. You will explore not only wildlife and natural beauties but also experience Mongolia’s culture with visits to a hospitable nomad settlement, active Buddhist monasteries, and other important historical sites.

Highlights

  •  Legendary Orkhon Valley
  •  The ancient capital of the Mongol Empire - Kharkhorin
  •  Erdene Zuu Monastery
  •  Khongor Sand Dune
  •  Yol Valley- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Key Info

Physical level: Easy Physical level: Easy
Overlanding & Discovering Overlanding & Discovering

Tour Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Transfer to the hotel. Unpack and rest in the hotel. Short city tour with Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which represents Mongolian Culture starting from Stone Age to the 21st century and Buddhism, and Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chingis Khaan Square). (L/D)

in the hotel

Day 2.

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park

Flight to Dalanzagdad town, the central town of Southgobi province. Drive to Yoliin Am or Yol valley known as Vulture valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain (28km) - this sunless canyon located in the middle of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park has a particular beauty with narrow paths broadening in places between rocks, while buzzards and eagles wheel and glide in the blue skies above. The cliffs of the canyon block the sunlight from the rivers below so that they remain frozen until the end of June. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 3.

Khongor Sand Dunes

Drive to Khongor sand dunes (195km) - the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. Dunes of Khongor is known as the «Singing dunes» and rise from the plain reaching a height of 80m and extending for about 180km long. The spectacular dunes are bordered by lush green vegetation supported by a small river Khongoriin gol. Hiking and sliding through the sand dunes. Visit camel breeding family and experience short camel riding. (B/L/D)

in the camp 1 hour

Day 4.

Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs

Drive towards Bayanzag (140 km) - the classic desert of rock, red sands, scrub, sun, and unbelievable emptiness has become known to the world as "Cemetery of Dinosaurs”. The red sandstone cliffs and canyons of Bayanzag are where the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews first discovered fossil beds of dinosaur bones and first-ever recorded dinosaur eggs in 1922 - discoveries which made world headlines. The best time for photographing is before sunset when the cliffs look like flames. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 5.

Mysterious Ongi Monastery

Head to the north towards Orkhon Waterfall. Overnight stop in Middle Gobi province, at the Ongi monastery ruins, a small mountainous area with the sites of remains of ruined old monasteries. Once the monastery has served as a midway point for Buddhist pilgrimages going to holy Tibet. After dinner walk to the ruins of the monastery and enjoy the sunset. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 6.

Orkhon Waterfall

We will reach the Orkhon waterfall or known as Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. Formed by volcanic eruptions about 20.000 years ago, the waterfall cascades from a height of 20m. It is a scenic, tranquil spot and surrounding nature is undisturbed, as such there are opportunities for good walking and riding in the area. (B/L/D)

in the camp 2 hours

Day 7.

Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin

Drive to Kharkhorin (130 km) – ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire built by king Ugudei in 1235. The city was strategically located at the crossroads of traditional routes, creating a staging post for migrating nomads and merchants’ caravans. Foreign envoys and prominent clerics traveled to this city for an audience with the king of the Mongol Empire. Far after when the Khubilai Khaan (King) moved the capital to Beijing in 1264, Kharkhorin was raised to the ground by Manchu soldiers. However, the bricks and stones from the ruins of this ancient city were used to build the Erdene Zuu Monastery nearby. Visit Erdene Zuu monastery and Karakorum Museum in Kharkhorin and local market for interesting souvenirs and artworks. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 8.

Walking along the Ugii Lake

Head to Ugii Lake. The road is smoothly paved, and for the last 90 km, we drive on a dirt road, which leads to the lake. Ugii Lake is a wonderful place to have to relax after long driving. The lake has an abundant birdlife of more than 150 bird species. Bird watching, fishing is parts of the available entertainment. We will visit a local family, exploring their nomadic lifestyle and livestock farming. (B/L/D)

in the camp

Day 9.

Discover Khustai National Park

Drive to Khustai national park /190 km/ to see a wild horse- takhi, widely known as “Przewalski horse”. Those are the only wild horse to survive in modern times. The species were returned to Mongolia from world zoos and reserves within Hustai National Park, which is 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar in 1992. Khustain Nuruu has good vegetation, springs, birch forest, and rocks which are suitable for many wild animals including 46 species of mammals and 172 species of birds. (B/L/D)

in the camp 1-3 hours

Day 10.

Back to Ulaanbaatar

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, where the last king of Mongolia lived and now turned into a museum. Option to go shopping for souvenirs and other Mongolian natural products. Amazing cultural performance - national folk and dance concert in the evening. (B/L/D)

in the hotel

Day 11.

Departure

Transfer to Chingis Khaan International Airport or Train station and depart Mongolia. (B)

Prices & Inclusions

Prices & Inclusions
Group size Price/Per person
2 PAX 2650$
3-4 pax 2350$
5-8 PAX 2200$
9-12 PAX 1995$
13-15 PAX 1860$

Includes

Accommodation: Hotel****,* ger camp
Guiding and interpreting service
Full board meals
Transport: 4x4 vehicle or minivan
Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
Museums and cultural performance
Camel riding
Horseback riding /optional/

Not Includes

International airfare 
Personal equipment
Optional activity cost 
Excess baggage charges
Single room supplement 
Alcoholic drinks 
Travel Insurance
The extra cost for photography in museums
Tip for a tour guide, driver, etc

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews
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