Best of Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi Desert and Naadam Festival (MN-02)
This is a magical and in-depth 15-day tour of Mongolia which will introduce travellers to the very best that this beguiling country has to offer. Combining modern and historical traditions we will explore the country’s customs, folklore, history and nature. Over the course of two weeks, you will have a cultural immersion visiting the unusual capital of Ulan Bator and Erdene-Zuu which is home to one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia as well as the country’s very first Buddhist monastery and the fascinating remnants of Karakorum – the former stronghold of Genghis Khan's Mongolian Empire. There will be a large element of nature and wildlife on this tour too. We will explore the fascinating national parks of Terelj and Hustain Nuruu, the rolling and magical sand dunes of Khongor and the South Gobi.We will also experience a truly remarkable opening ceremony of the Naadam and enjoy festival unique sporting events, Naadam gala dinner and a folk concert in the evening. This is a tour unlike any other!
Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and a driver. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Trip to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a multi-hued and striking natural rock formation. Overnight in a traditional ger camp.
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
Today we will head to Tsagaan Suvarga, a fascinating white lime stone cliff. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 4. Yol Valley
A thrilling drive to Yoliin Am Park for hiking and a chance to photograph the breathtaking landscape. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
We drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes, in the evening observe a stunning sunset. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 6. Bayanzag
We will focus on the amazing Flaming Cliffs and the saxaul trees of the Gobi, we'll have a chance to ride on a camel too. Overnight stay in a ger.
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
Our mission today is to visit the ruins of once great Ongi Monastery. Spend the night in a ger camp.
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
Drive out to Karakorum - the magnificent capital of the Great Mongol Empire, visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today is less about exploring and more about relaxing in beautiful Mongolian nature. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Spring
Enjoy this day at your leisure as we take a break from driving. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 11. Lake Ugii
Today we drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province - one of the best places for bird watching. Spend the night in a ger camp.
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Breakfast at the camp. Drive to Ulan Bator and transfer to the hotel.
Day 13. Naadam Festival
Today we will attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival and have a gala dinner. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 14. Hustain Nuruu National Park – Ulan Bator
We rise early today to drive to Hui Doloon Hudag for the horse-racing event of the Naadam. Drive back to the hotel in Ulan Bator.
Day 15. Ulan Bator
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Tour Inclusions
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International flights
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Accommodation
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Guided tours & cultural programme
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Full-board meals
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Ground transportation
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Airport & railway transfers
-
Visa fees
Not included
Quick Facts
- Season: Summer
- Days: 15
- Group Size: 2-10
- Tour Grade:
Included in the Tour Price
International flights
Our advertised package price is based on economy flights from / to London. If you depart from a regional airport in the UK or another country, there might be additional surcharges for international airfares. Upon booking a tour you will be offered various flight options. Please note, the package price depends on the availability of flight tickets and will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant. The airfare is not guaranteed unless ticketed. We advise to book sooner than later as the airfare may go up closer to your departure date, especially during high seasons.
Our advertised package price is based on economy flights from / to London. If you depart from a regional airport in the UK or another country, there might be additional surcharges for international airfares. Upon booking a tour you will be offered various flight options. Please note, the package price depends on the availability of flight tickets and will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant. The airfare is not guaranteed unless ticketed. We advise to book sooner than later as the airfare may go up closer to your departure date, especially during high seasons.
Accommodation
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
All accommodation at your destination is included in the holiday price. Hotel category - according to the package type selected.
Guided tours & cultural programme
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
All tours with entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included in the holiday price. There will be an English-speaking guide on all tours. Please note, we can arrange guides speaking other languages upon request. Please let us know your preferences.
Full-board meals
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Depending on the itinerary you may be served a packed lunch on your tour. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day. Service begins with dinner on the day of arrival and ends with breakfast on the day of departure. Depending on the itinerary you may be served a packed lunch on your tour. Please advise us if you have any special dietary requirements.
Ground transportation
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
All domestic transportation at your destination is included as per the itinerary. In the countryside we use chauffeur driven 4WD jeeps and in the city areas – minivans or coaches. All vehicles have air-conditioning system.
Airport & railway transfers
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
All airport and railway transfers as per itinerary are included in the tour price. We will also provide airport transfers if you arrange your own arrival / departure flights regardless of the time of the flight, you will need to let us know your flight details. We operate all transfers 24 hours a day.
Visa fees
Standard visa processing for UK residents is included in the tour price. Upon your booking we email detailed guidance notes how to complete the visa forms. All application packs are checked by our visa department before submission to the relevant consulates. If you are based overseas we will email all required paperwork for you to apply for the visas in the local consulate. Please read more about required visas in the tour description or our country guides on this websites.
Standard visa processing for UK residents is included in the tour price. Upon your booking we email detailed guidance notes how to complete the visa forms. All application packs are checked by our visa department before submission to the relevant consulates. If you are based overseas we will email all required paperwork for you to apply for the visas in the local consulate. Please read more about required visas in the tour description or our country guides on this websites.
Not included
Personal travel insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Personal travel insurance is not included in the holiday price. It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. You can arrange your personal travel insurance on our website.
Optional excursions and services
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
Optional excursions and services not listed in the itinerary. Please let us know if you wish to book any additional excursions.
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Yol Valley - the Valley of the Eagles
The valley is named after the Lammergeier - bearded vulture - which is called Yol in Mongolian. Its name is often translated to Valley of the Vultures or Valley of the Eagles, or simply Yol Valley. It is located within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and spans an area of 70 km. It is a deep and narrow gorge, following the canyon through to the end, leads to a beautiful wide valley which is very rich in rare plants. There is a small natural museum at the entrance of the national park.
Flaming Cliffs - dinosaur fossils
The Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag (saxaul tree forest of the Gobi), is a region of the Gobi desert where important dinosaur fossil finds have been made. The name was given by the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who visited the site in 1920. The area is most famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs as well as complete dinosaur skeletons. The rocks exudes a glowing orange colour, hence the nickname. The area is a mixture of rocks, red sand, saxaul shrubs offering awesome views under sunlight as well as at dawn.
Erdene Zuu - the first Buddhist monastery
Erdene Zuu was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. It is located adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorum - once the capital of the Mongol empire. The remains of the city of Karakorum were destroyed by the Manchurians who had helped to build the monastery in the 16th century. Planners had attempted to create a surrounding wall that resembled a Tibetan Buddhist rosary featuring 108 stupas. Today Erdene Zuu remains an active Buddhist monastery as well as a museum that is open to tourists. Erden Zuu is part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khongor Els - singing dunes
Singing Dunes also known as Khongor Els are the largest sand dunes in Mongolia reaching a height of up to 800 meter and stretching over 180 km (112 miles). The dunes are part of Three Beauties of Gobi National Park. The sound produced from the masses of sand moving in the wind can be heard from far away, hence the name. Depending on the day time and sun light the dunes change their colour, from yellow to silver. The Khongoryn River flows along the sand dunes offering valuable drinking water for the local wildlife as well as giving birth to oases. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the top of the dunes.
Naadam Festival � cultural heritage of humanity
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Tsenkher - natural hot springs
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