Gobi desert & western Mongolia
Overview
The tour is based to explore Mongolia remote locations such as western most part of the country as well as the South and Western Mongolia and visit nomadic families, and experience their way of living. This is truly adventurous expedition that requires patience and passion. Each day you will reach a long distance by driving through mountain unpaved roads. Please be ready for any weather conditions and unplanned troubles that might happen during such a long journey. So here I have created a tour plan that starts from central Mongolia and goes all the way to south and western back to Ulaanbaatar.
What to Expect in GOBI DESERT TOUR
It’s been many years since Gobi desert in Mongolia became one of the top touristic destinations in the world. Its iconic nature formations, dinosaur fossils, wildlife, and animals are always making admire people who visit. Especially in Mongolia, different lifestyle makes this outdoor adventure in the Gobi desert unforgettable. Gobi desert features with its two-humped camels and sand dunes. The location of the Gobi desert is south of Mongolia to the north of China. Gobi desert is covering 1.29 million square km. The Gobi has one of the world’s most extreme climates, both seasonally and daily. Summer months bring temperatures of up to +50 C whilst in the winter months, temperatures can drop to below -40 C. The elevations of the Gobi’s basin range from roughly 288-1 524m above sea level.
What to Expect in Western Mongolia Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Western Mongolia is full of adventure and unique experiences. On this journey, you’ll embark on an extraordinary horseback riding and trekking adventure through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, located in the heart of Western Mongolia. Ride like true Mongolian nomads across vast valleys and majestic mountains, and visit friendly Kazakh families to experience their warm hospitality. You’ll have the chance to meet different ethnic groups, learn about their daily lifestyles, and gain a deeper understanding of their ancient traditions and cultures that have been preserved for centuries. One of the highlights of this trip is the rare opportunity to witness traditional eagle hunting amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Altai Mountains. Visit the home of a golden eagle hunter and discover the centuries-old art of hunting with trained eagles a living tradition proudly passed down through generations. Throughout your adventure, you’ll stay in traditional yurts (gers) and take part in daily nomadic life milking cows, making dairy products, and sharing meals with local families. This journey offers not only incredible natural beauty but also a deep cultural connection and authentic Mongolian experiences you’ll never forget. Throughout the tour, an English-speaking guide, driver, will accompany you, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience. This is a brief itinerary and I highly recommend you have couple extra days in case something goes wrong. This tour is ideal for those seeking an authentic travel experience far from the crowds.
Additional Tour Options:
Other tours can be added to this itinerary to enhance your experience. For example, the Naadam Festival is already included here, but you can also customize your journey by adding special activities such as the Eagle Festival, trekking adventures, horse riding excursions,Mongolian Reindeer People Tsaatan or authentic eagle hunting experiences.
Tour itinerary
Day 1 Today you will drive towards
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Meet your guide at the airport and drive to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) is 400 meters long cliff that was formed around 1 0 million years ago when it was covered by a sea. Tsagaan Suvarga, a unique rock formation in Ulziit Soum of Dundgobi Province. Overnight in a ger camp (470 km, 7 hours).
Day 2 Later you will drive to Yoliin Am canyon that named after the endangered bearded vulture that lives there. Yoliin Am is an oasis in the Gobi desert, and it is part of the large national park. This protected area is home to regional plants and rear animals. Overnight in a ger camp (270 km, 4 hours).
Day 3 Continue your Gobi Desert Tour to “Khongoriin else” sand dunes. These are really impressive sand dunes reaching a height of 800 meters, 20 km wide and about 100 km long, of course, they are always moving and changing. They are also known as the “singing dunes” as when it is windy the grains of sand rub each other making a unique sound.
Day 4 Bayanzag Locally known as Baynzag “rich in saxaul shrubs”, named for the tree-like shrubs. Like Joshua trees of Mongolia. It named as a flaming cliff by paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who arrived in 1922 to excavate the area. The beauty of the surrounding landscape is a good reason to visit. This is the area where was one of the first discovered dinosaur fossils. 320 km
Day 5 Drive Kharakhorum is an ancient capital of the Mongol empire during the Ogedei Khan. After 40 years Khubilai Khan moved the capital to Khanbalikh which is now known as Beijing. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery 300km
Day 6 Kharakhorum nadaam faestival.
Naadam festival . Naadam showcases the 3 Manly Sports of Mongolia including wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It is a 2 day event with traditional dress, food, and sports. Opening ceremony is on the 10th with 2 days of wrestling, multiple horse races, and an archery event. The Naadam horse race is about 30 km long with dozens of contestants. Admission is free with local foods and crafts sold at the stadium. Consuming large amounts of airag (fermented mare’s milk), huushur (fried bread stuffed with meat), and aaruul (dried milk curds) are as important to Naadam as watching the events. The stadium is 2 km west of the center of the city. Horse race is away from the stadium.
Day 7 Drive to The Tsenkher hot spring is one of the most famous hot springs in Mongolia. Many domestic and foreign tourists choose to spend their summer vacation, mending their body and health here. The hot spring is located in the Hangay Mountain region, 25km southwest of Tsenkher soum, Arkhangai province. The region is popular with its extinct volcanoes and hot springs.
Day 8 Drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake After breakfast, we will drive to Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, also known as the Great White Lake, located in Arkhangai Province. The route passes through beautiful volcanic landscapes and green valleys. On the way, we’ll stop at the Khorgo Volcano, an extinct volcano with a breathtaking crater view. Upon arrival, enjoy walking along the lake shore, birdwatching, and taking photos of the stunning scenery. In the evening, relax at the lakeside ger camp and watch the sunset over the crystal-clear lake.
Day 9 Drive to Khyargas Lake Today we continue our journey westward to Khyargas Lake, one of Mongolia’s largest saltwater lakes located in Uvs Province. The drive offers magnificent views of open steppe, desert plains, and mountain ranges. On arrival, we’ll explore the Khyargas National Park, home to unique rock formations and rare bird species. Spend the evening relaxing at the lake, swimming, or enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Enjoy the lakeside view and birdwatching. Overnight in a ger camp near Khyargas
Day 10 Drive to Bayan-Ölgii Today we drive to Bayan-Ölgii, the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province (approximately 410 km, 4-5 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey through beautiful mountain ranges, wide valleys, and open steppe landscapes. We will make short stops along the way for photos and rest. Arrive in Ulgii town and, if we have time, visit the local museum or explore the local market
Day 1 1: Drive to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park . Today we start our journey to the magnificent Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, one of the most breathtaking destinations in Western Mongolia. The drive covers about 200 km, taking approximately 6-7 hours through stunning mountain landscapes and river valleys. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of snowcapped peaks and crystal-clear rivers. Upon arrival, set up camp in the beautiful White River Valley (Tsagaan Gol), located next to Tuvan nomadic families, where you can experience their traditional lifestyle and hospitality. If time allows, take a short walk around the valley to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 12 Early morning after breakfast your horse guide will bring you horses, so you start horse riding from that gate towards base camp of Tavan Bogd mountains. After 17km of horse riding you will reach 20km long Potanin Glacier which is surrounded with Five holly peaks of Mongolia. You will have best view to glacier and even you can walk on it. You will camp just next to that glacier! (17km)
Day 13 After breakfast your guide will guide you to 5th highest peak of Mongolia Malchin peak which is more than 4000 meters high from the sea level. you can easily be on the top of that peak where you will have full view to Russia and completely snow capped white mountains of Kazakhstan’s and Chinese Altai.( 1 5km) Distance: 7-8 hour.
Day 14 Start horse trekking back to the same gate of Altai Tavan Bogd national park. Same day Start driving to Eagle hunter family . On your way stop to see “Dear Stones” (rocks with face of human) or Bal-Bals and Mongolian Tuvan throat singer and start driving to Eagle Hunter’s family. ( If the Tuvan throat singer is at home) Meet Eagle Hunter and meet his fantastic bird. Chat with Eagle Hunter ask for any questions that you want to .
Day 15 drive back to Ulgii . Arrive in Ulgii. Have hot shower at your Hotel room. Dinner at one of local restaurant.
Day 16 Departure from Bayan ulgii , khovd province After breakfast, fly back to Ulaanbaatar with unforgettable memories…
You are able to request
All our tours are flexible according to your wishes.
We offer exciting group tours! Would you like to join us for more fun and enjoy attractive prices? Why choose a group tour? Because it’s a fantastic way to share unforgettable experiences, explore new destinations together, and save on costs. Gather your friends or family, and let’s make your adventure even more special
Please do not hesitate to ask if you will have any questions about Mongolia or about tours in Mongolia, so we will be very happy to help!
Some Pictures from Our Tours
Here are some pictures from our tours featuring our wonderful travelers exploring Mongolia from the vast Gobi Desert and the ancient city of Kharkhorin to the breathtaking mountains of Bayan-Ulgii. You’ll also see joyful moments from the colorful Naadam Festival, where everyone enjoys Mongolia’s rich traditions and warm hospitality.
Comments from Our Travelers Who Chose This Tour
We are happy to share some comments from our travelers who chose this tour. Many of them enjoyed discovering Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes, from the Gobi Desert to Bayan Ulgii and Kharkhorin, and experiencing the colorful Naadam Festival.
Our travelers often say that joining our tour was an unforgettable adventure with warm hospitality, professional guides, and authentic moments with local nomadic families. Their experiences and kind words inspire us to make every trip special…
Please click the link below to read our reviews.
See what our travelers say about their unforgettable experiences with us in Western Mongolia — from the stunning Gobi Desert to the breathtaking Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g680706-d26872212-Reviews-Western_Mongolia_tour-Olgiy_Bayan_Olgii_Province.html
If you are curious about more of our tours, please visit our tour page to discover other exciting adventures across Mongolia. Explore breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, and unforgettable experiences waiting for you!