Highlights of Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan-Bator - Gobi - Karakorum - Hustai (MN-03)

Mighty Mongolia is huge and this exciting 10-day tour explores the best of it in a short period of time. Bringing together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia travellers will experience a wealth of different activities and sights. Over the course of one and a half weeks, you will visit the busy capital of Ulan-Bator, Erdene-Zuu - 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. Nature is in the foreground of this tour too. Along the way we will meet horses, camels and explore the fascinating Terelj national park with its outstanding views and wildlife. Another highlight is the 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. Join us on this short Mongolia exploration tour.
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from £1,995 per person, 10 days



Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and driver. Transfer to a hotel in Ulan Bator. (D).
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Today we will head to Baga Gazriin Chuluu - a unique rock formation which changes colur depending on the time of day. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
Visit ruins of Sum Khukh Bird Temple and Tsagaan Suvarga - a fascinating white lime stone cliff. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 4. Yol Valley
Drive to the Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park and visit the Yol Valley. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
We will drive to the remote Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes. A climb up to the sand dunes will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 6. Bayanzag
Drive to the world famous Flaming Cliffs or Bayanzag (Saxaul tree forest of the Gobi). Explore the site of the first paleontological findings. Enjoy a short camel ride. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
After breakfast we will drive north to visit the ruins of the once great Ongi Monastery. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
Today we drive to Karakorum - the striking 13th century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery. Overnight stay in a ger camp.
Day 9. Ulan Bator
After breakfast drive back to Ulan Bator. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 10. Ulan Bator
Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport.
Click here to view detailed day-by-day itinerary of this tour

Quick Facts
  • Season: Summer
  • Days: 10
  • Group Size: 3-15
  • Tour Grade:   Moderate

Day 1. Ulan Bator
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and driver. Transfer to a hotel in Ulan Bator. (D).
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Early morning we will head to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a unique rock formation which changes colur depending on the time of day. We will also visit the ruins of an ancient temple and explore the area – this sets the scene as we have an early insight into Mongolia’s stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
After breakfast visit ruins of Sum Khukh Bird Temple. Continue driving to Tsagaan Suvarga a fascinating white lime stone cliff which resembles a stupa. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 4. Yol Valley
Drive further south. Arrive at the Three Beauties of the Gobi National Park, here we will spend the day on an excursion to the spectacular Yol Valley where we will hike and enjoy the stunning photographic opportunities. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast we will drive to the remote Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes – the vibrations of shifting sands make natural, magical music. A climb up to the sand dunes will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. In the evening, we will observe a spectacular sunset, please prepare your cameras! Lunch, dinner, and overnight in a ger camp. Driving distance – 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 6. Bayanzag
Drive to the world famous Flaming Cliffs or BayanZag (Saxaul tree forest of the Gobi). Explore the site of the first paleontological findings in Mongolia by following in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews. A highlight of this day is our chance to spend time with a nomadic camel breeding family and experience the true hospitality of the Mongolian nomads. Enjoy a short camel ride. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
After breakfast we will drive north to visit the ruins of the once great Ongi Monastery. We will also visit the local restored temple and enjoy a walk in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
After breakfast we drive to Karakorum, the striking 13th century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which was the first and largest monastery in all of Mongolia. Tour the monastery and visit several temples, all with excellent examples of mesmerizing Buddhist Thangka paintings dating back from the 16th century. Visit the special and little-known Karakorum Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 9. Ulan Bator
After breakfast drive back to Ulan Bator. Picnic lunch. Overnight stay in a hotel. Driving distance - 380 km (235 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 10. Ulan Bator.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B).


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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