The Ultimate Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan Bator - Terelj - Gobi Desert - Karakorum - Hustai (MN-01)

This exciting 15-day tour brings together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia via its customs, folklores, history and nature. Over the course of two weeks, you will visit the unique capital Ulan Bator, 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. As well as enjoying the main sights, we will also explore the fascinating national parks of Terelj and Hustai Nuruu with their outstanding views and wildlife, the rolling and eerie sand dunes of Khongor and the South Gobi. The tour will also call at the legendary ‘Flaming Cliffs’ where fossils and dinosaur eggs were discovered. If it is wild adventure that you seek, join us on this exciting Mongolia exploration tour.
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from £2,695 per person, 15 days



Day 1. Ulan Bator
Transfer to your hotel in Ulan Bator.
Day 2. Terelj National Park
Visit the stunning Terelj National Park and a local nomadic family. Return to the hotel in Ulan Bator.
Day 3. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Drive to an otherworldly formation of rocky mountains and the remains ruins of an ancient temple. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 4. Tsagaan Suvarga
Drive to the ruins of Sum Khukh Bird Temple and the Tsagaan Suvarga. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 5. Yol Valley
Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park - the Yol Valley. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 6. Khongor Sand Dunes
Drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes - the Singing Dunes. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 7. Bayanzag
Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag (saxaul tree forest of the Gobi). Enjoy a short camel ride. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 8. Ongi Monastery
Visit the ruins of the once mighty Ongi Monastery. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 9. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
Drive to Karakorum, the 13th century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today, it is all about relaxing, Mongolian style! We travel to the Tsenkher hot springs. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 11. Tsenkher Hot Spring
This is a relaxation day. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Journey to Lake Ugii in Mongolia’s Arkhangai province. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 13. Hustain Nuruu National Park
Drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park and search for Przewalski horses. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 14. Hustain Nuruu National Park – Ulan Bator
Return to Ulan Bator and transfer to your hotel.
Day 15. Ulan Bator.
Transfer to the airport.
Click here to view detailed day-by-day itinerary of this tour

Quick Facts
  • Season: Summer
  • Days: 15
  • Group Size: 2-10
  • Tour Grade:   Moderate

Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Ulan Bator. (D).
Day 2. Terelj National Park
After breakfast, our first adventure in Mongolia will see us drive to the stunning Terelj National Park, 80km northeast of Ulan Bator. Here, we will spend the day absorbing the magnificent alpine scenery. There are great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and horse riding in a truly wild and photogenic setting. We will explore the unique formation of Turtle Rock and after lunch at the camp we will hike up to the striking Aryabal monastery. Afterwards we will immerse ourselves in Mongolian culture when we visit a local nomadic family and find out about their traditional way of life. They will show us how they live, and will demonstrate how important dairy farming is. Return to the hotel in Ulan Bator. Driving distance – 80 km (50 miles). (B/L/D)
Day 3. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
We will set off early morning to begin our journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, an otherworldly formation of rocky mountains comprised of granite that glows red at sunset and sunrise. We will also visit the remains ruins of an ancient temple and explore the area by foot before taking a rest with a picnic lunch. Dinner will be at our ger camp where we will overnight. Driving distance – 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 4. Tsagaan Suvarga
After breakfast we will visit the ruins of Sum Khukh Bird Temple. Afterwards we will continue to the Tsagaan Suvarga, a remote and striking white lime stone cliff that remarkably looks like a Buddhist stupa. We will picnic at a scenic spot and take in the scenery. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 5. Yol Valley
On day five we continue on our adventure by driving further south. After arriving at the Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park, we will spend the day exploring the area, including the beautifully remote Yol Valley where we will hike and make the most of the stunning photographic opportunities available here. We will have lunch and dinner at our ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 6. Khongor Sand Dunes
This day is sure to be one of the most exciting of the whole itinerary. After a quick but tasty breakfast we will drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, also known as the Singing Dunes. After a stirring climb up to these magical dunes we will be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic view. In the evening we will make the most of the spectacular sunset, this is a time to make sure your cameras are prepared! Lunch, dinner and overnight in a ger camp. Driving distance – 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 7. Bayanzag
More natural wonder awaits us today as we drive to the world famous Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag (saxaul tree forest of the Gobi). Here, we will follow in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews who made key early paleontological discoveries in Mongolia. We will visit those iconic symbols of the desert - camels - and meet a nomadic camel breeding family to experience the legendary hospitality of the Mongolian nomads. We will hop on a camel for a short ride. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 8. Ongi Monastery
Today, we drive north to visit the ruins of the once mighty Ongi Monastery. We will visit a local restored temple and enjoy a walk in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 9. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
This morning we will drive to Karakorum, the 13th century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Once we’ve arrived we will travel to the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which was not only the first but the largest monastery in all of Mongolia. Here, we can visit several temples and witness well-preserved and very special examples of Buddhist Thangka painting dating back from the 16th century. Visit the little-visited and unique Karakorum Museum which has many fine examples of ancient relics. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today, it is all about relaxing, Mongolian style! We travel to the Tsenkher hot spring where we will spend the day relaxing in its natural spa and walking in the surrounding forest. This is your chance to relax and swim so please do not forget to pack your swimming kit. If you feel like really chilling-out there are optional massage and beauty services available here too. Enjoy the spa again after dinner. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 11. Tsenkher Hot Spring
This is a relaxation day when you can take a break from the long drives and digest all the amazing things you’ve seen so far. Most travellers like to take advantage of the spa and wander in the natural setting. Optional treks are available. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D).
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Today we journey to Lake Ugii in Mongolia’s Arkhangai province. We will camp here, on the shore of Lake Ugii, where you will discover a plethora of water birds. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 240 km (150 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 13. Hustain Nuruu National Park
After breakfast today we take to the road again to drive to Hustain Nuruu National Park. Here, we will search for Przewalski horses (takhi), who are believed to be the grandfather of all the horses in the world. If you have binoculars, bring them to view the outstanding nature here in detail. Watch a short documentary and visit the museum. Overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 270 km (169 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 14. Hustain Nuruu National Park – Ulan Bator
Breakfast at the camp. Drive to Ulan Bator and transfer to your hotel. Driving distance – 120 km (75 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 15. Ulan Bator.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home


Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.

 

Park Hotel 4*
Address: Park Hotel, Lhagvasuren street-32, 4th Khoroo, Bayanzurkh, Ulan Bator, Mongolia
Telephone: +976 7015 9900

DESCRIPTION
Park hotel is a newly opened 4* hotel in Ulan Bator, located in the south – eastern part of the Mongolian capital, about 8 kilometres from the central train station and 19 kilometres from the international airport.

Park hotel has 52 rooms, including comfortable and spacious standard twin, king, superior rooms and deluxe junior suites. All rooms are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, 32’ LCD television, high speed internet access, mini bar, hairdryer. Deluxe junior suite has a bar and extra bathroom for guests.

Park hotel offers 24 hour room service, luggage storage, spa and fitness facilities, currency exchange and business centre services. There is also park restaurant, tequila lounge and a coffee shop. Visa and Master card are accepted.

PHOTOGALLERY


Typical Mongolian Ger
In the countryside your accommodation will be in a typical ger camp located in scenic areas. Every couple or a single traveller are allocated a private ger unless you are willing to share with other travellers. All ger camps are very similar in their set –up, facilities and services.

A “ger” or a yurt is a traditional, portable dwelling structure used by Mongolian nomads in the countryside, it is their link with the past, future and spiritual world. The central pillar – the smoke hole on the top of the tent is directly directed to cosmic axis and represents highway for spirits as according to Mongolian traditions, the universe is full of invisible spirits and humans have to develop good relationship with them, win them over and not to offend them.

Ger camps we use on our tours are slightly modified for Western travellers, however they do offer a genuinely authentic experience and most of them are situated in picturesque areas. The gers are made of a wooden frame that is covered with felt. Inside they are generally brightly painted and feature two or four single beds, a small table, stools, a lamp, electricity sockets and a stove for heating. You can ask a member of staff to start the fire in your ger at a specified time to make it warm, for example early in the morning before you get up.

Toilet and shower facilities are outside in a separate block, they are basic but are kept very clean. There is both hot and cold water available. Restaurants and bars are located in separate blocks or quite often in larger gers.

Staying in a typical ger really adds to your travelling experience.






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