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!
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from $3,445 per person, 15 days



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.
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 a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the capital. (D).
Day 2. Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Early morning will see your adventure begin with a trip to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a multi-hued and striking natural rock formation. Nearby, we will also visit the ruins of an ancient temple and explore the area as well as enjoying a picnic lunch out in the wilds. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional and romantic ger camp. Driving distance – 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 3. Tsagaan Suvarga
After breakfast today we will head to Tsagaan Suvarga, a fascinating white lime stone cliff which resembles a traditional Buddhist Stupa. Given that we are far from civilisation, we will enjoy an al-fresco picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 4. Yol Valley
Today it is a long – but thrilling – drive to Yoliin Am National Park for hiking and an opportunity to photograph the stunning surrounding landscape. Picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon hiking or relaxing in the natural setting. Return to the camp for overnight stay. Driving distance – 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 5. Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast today we will drive to the wild and beautiful Khongor Sand Dunes known as the Singing Dunes (the vibrations of shifting sand make a sound like singing). We will enjoy a picnic lunch, outside, nomadic style. We will climb up to the sand dunes and be rewarded with a huge, panoramic view. In the evening we will observe a stunning sunset, please prepare your camera for this spectacle. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 6. Bayanzag
Today, we will focus on the amazing Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) and the saxaul trees of the Gobi. We will explore the site of the first paleontological discoveries made in Mongolia by Roy Chapman Andrews. We will also learn all about those wonderful hump-backed creatures, the camel, with a nomadic camel breeding family. We will also experience the hospitality of the Mongolian nomads. There will be the chance to ride on a camel too to complete the experience. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 7. Ongi Monastery
Today, we travel north. Our mission is to visit the ruins of once great Ongi Monastery and to visit a local restored temple and as well as to enjoy a gentle walk in the surrounding area. Have dinner and spend the night in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 8. Karakorum - Erdene-Zuu Monastery
After breakfast we will drive out to Karakorum, which in the 13th century was the magnificent capital of the Great Mongol Empire. Here, we will have the chance to visit the Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. We will tour the monastery and visit several temples in which hang several stunning examples of Buddhist Thangka paintings dating back to the 16thcentury. Visit the Karakorum Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 9. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today is less about exploring and more about relaxing in beautiful Mongolian nature. We will drive to the Tsenkher hot spring and spend the day relaxing in the natural spa. For those who fancy it, there is the chance to walk in the surrounding forest too. Bring your swimwear. Optional massage and beauty services are available. Enjoy the spa again after dinner for a full chill-out experience. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. Driving distance – 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 10. Tsenkher Hot Spring
Enjoy this day at your leisure as we take a break from driving. You can spa, walk, sleep, read, upload pictures and generally reminisce about your adventure so far. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp. (B/L/D).
Day 11. Lake Ugii
Today we drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province. This is one of the best places for bird watching in Mongolia. Spend the night in a ger camp. Driving distance – 240 km (150 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 12. Lake Ugii
Breakfast at the camp. Drive to Ulan Bator and transfer to the hotel. Driving distance - 350 km (220 miles). (B/L/D).
Day 13. Naadam Festival
Today will prove to be a truly remarkable experience as today we will attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. Not only that, we will enjoy a Naadam Gala Dinner and a Folk Concert in the evening. The highlight of the Mongolian festival calendar, the Naadam Festival dates back several centuries and takes place each year on July 11-13. Originally a assessment of a nomad’s abilities, it requires power, endurance and precise marksmanship as well as a host of horse skills. Understandably given the role of the horse in Mongolia, much significance is placed on the horse races. Herdsmen arrive from hundreds of miles to join in – as well as those from cities and towns. Amazingly, the races are staged on the vast steppe itself which covers almost 20 miles. This is a hugely popular tour and we highly recommend booking early. Overnight stay in a hotel. (B/L/D).
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 Festival. This is our chance to watch these magnificent horses race and take some incredible photographs. The atmosphere is electric. Keeping with the equine theme, afterwards we will drive deep into the National Park in search for the Przewalski horses (takhi), the grandfather of all horses in the world. If you have binoculars, bring them. Here we will also view a short documentary and visit the museum. Drive back to the hotel in Ulan Bator. Driving distance – 130 km (80 miles) one way. (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. (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.

 

Peninsula Palace *****

Category: De Luxe 5* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Wangfujing, Goldfish Lane, 8

Peninsula Palace The Peninsula Palace Hotel Beijing is located within main shopping areas of Wangfujing and Dongdan in the heart of Beijing. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the popular scenic spots such as Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Museum of Chinese History.

Opened in 1989, the hotel has an imposing, traditional Chinese architectural-style exterior, integrated with the ultimate in luxurious, modern hotel amenities and facilities.

There are 525 guest rooms, which have been refurbished to the most luxurious standard based on the Peninsula's tradition of comfort, interwoven with subtle Chinese influences. The newly designed guest rooms and suites feature hardwood floors covered with carpet, a 42” plasma television, high-speed broadband Internet access, silent fax machine and The Peninsula signature technology - a bedside electronic panel that controls all lighting and audio-visual equipment in the room, as well as a special control panel by the door displaying outside temperature and humidity levels.

The hotel has a lounge, restaurants, fitness centre, sauna, spa, indoor pool, prestigious shopping Arcade with 50 exclusive designer boutiques.

Peninsula Palace Peninsula Palace Peninsula Palace Peninsula Palace



Howard Johnson Paragon ****

Category: Business 4* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Jianguomen Avenue, 18

Howard Johnson Paragon The hotel is located in the city centre, next to the famous shopping mall - Henderson Centre, a 10-minute walk to the famous Tian Namen Square, Summer Palace and just across the street to the Beijing Railway Station.

There are 280 rooms equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer, cable/satellite TV, coffee/tea maker, Internet access, iron and ironing board.

The hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, baby sitting on request, beauty salon, fitness centre, free parking, game room, ironing/laundry services, business centre, meeting /conference rooms, non-smoking rooms and rooms for the disabled.

Howard Johnson Paragon Howard Johnson Paragon Howard Johnson Paragon Howard Johnson Paragon



Red Wall ***

Category: Tourist 3* hotel
Address: China, Beijing, Sha Tan North Street, 31

Red Wall The hotel is located in the centre of Beijing and within 5 minutes walk to its major attractions: Forbidden City, traditional Chinese folk house (Hutong and Siheyuan), Wangfujing shopping street, Red Building of Beijing University, including relics of the city wall of Beijing.

The hotel has a total of 200 rooms including standard rooms, deluxe standard rooms, executive suite rooms equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, telephone, safety box, iron and ironing board and mini-bar.

There is a gym, sauna, massage, beauty salon, restaurant, coffee bar and meeting room. The restaurant offers Chinese and Western cuisines including Chinese imperial cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and Guangdong cuisine.

Red Wall Red Wall Red Wall Red Wall



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